Things to Do in Laval with Kids: A Complete Family Guide
Laval Is an Underrated Family Destination
Montrealers often overlook Laval, but Quebec's third-largest city is actually one of the best family destinations in the province. With easier parking, less traffic, and a concentration of family-friendly attractions, Laval deserves a spot on every family's activity rotation. Here are the highlights.
Must-Visit Attractions
Cosmodome is a space science centre that combines interactive exhibitions, a planetarium, and immersive space camp experiences. The permanent exhibits let kids experience simulated space missions, learn about the solar system through hands-on displays, and see real space artifacts. Their Space Camp programs (day and overnight options) are legendary — kids train like astronauts for 1-5 days.
Exhibition admission is about $14 for adults, $10 for children. Space Camp day programs start around $50. The gift shop is surprisingly good for science-loving kids. Plan at least 2-3 hours for the exhibitions. Located right off Highway 15, parking is free.
Centre de la Nature de Laval is a 50-hectare park in the heart of the city. In summer: splash pads, playgrounds, mini-farm, pedal boats, and wide open green spaces. In winter: ice skating, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing. Best of all, park entry is free — you only pay for specific activities like pedal boats ($12-15/hour) or animal farm entry ($3-5 per person).
The park hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year including a popular pumpkin festival in October and holiday light displays in December. Bring a picnic and plan to spend half a day. The paths are stroller-friendly.
SkyVenture (now called iFLY Laval) is an indoor skydiving wind tunnel that lets kids aged 4+ experience the sensation of freefall in a safe, controlled environment. A trained instructor is in the tunnel with each flyer. It's an unforgettable experience that kids talk about for weeks.
Packages start around $70 for two flights. The flights themselves are short (about 60 seconds each), but the preparation, gear-up, and flight time add up to about 90 minutes total. It's pricey for the actual air time, but the experience is genuinely unique. Book online for the best rates.
Shopping and Entertainment
Zone 15 is a massive entertainment centre with go-karts, bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, and an arcade. It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire rainy Saturday. Individual activities are priced separately ($8-15 each) or you can buy combo packages.
Centropolis is Laval's entertainment district with restaurants, cinemas, and seasonal outdoor events. The summer outdoor movie nights are free and family-friendly. Café RICARDO and Les Enfants Terribles are both located here for family dining.
Where to Eat in Laval with Kids
- Café RICARDO — Celebrity chef Ricardo Larrivée's restaurant with quality food and a family-welcoming atmosphere
- Les Enfants Terribles — French bistro that embraces families
- Scores — Classic rotisserie chicken that kids love, with multiple Laval locations
- iSaute + nearby restaurants — Combine a trampoline session with lunch at one of the many restaurants near the Autoroute 440 area
Practical Tips
- Drive — Laval is car-oriented; most attractions have free parking
- Combine attractions — The Cosmodome, Centre de la Nature, and iSaute are all within 15 minutes of each other
- Check for combo deals — Some attractions offer bundled tickets
- Visit on weekdays if possible — Laval attractions are noticeably less crowded Monday through Friday
Explore family activities in Laval on FamiliQC.
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