Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-3 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
The Quartier des spectacles is Montreal's entertainment and cultural district, and the public spaces managed by this partnership are some of the most family-friendly outdoor spots in the city. The area spans several blocks around Place des Arts and features interactive installations, seasonal festivals, and open plazas that kids love to explore.
The star attraction for families is the Place des Festivals fountain. In summer, 235 water jets shoot up from the ground in choreographed patterns, and kids are absolutely welcome to run through them. It's free, it's fun, and it's the kind of spontaneous play that makes a trip memorable. Bring a change of clothes.
Beyond the fountains, the district regularly hosts free outdoor events, light installations, and seasonal activities. Winter brings ice skating and holiday-themed setups. Summer means outdoor film screenings, music, and Luminotherapie light installations that turn the plazas into an art experience after dark.
The area is fully stroller-accessible with wide, flat sidewalks and accessible paths between the plazas. The Place des Arts metro station drops you right in the middle of everything. Several parking garages serve the area if you're driving.
For food, the surrounding streets have everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. Families who want a more extended visit can combine the outdoor spaces with a show at nearby Place des Arts or a visit to the Musee d'art contemporain.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer evenings for light installations and festivals, or winter for ice activities
Wait Times
No wait for outdoor areas. Festival events can draw crowds.
Nearby Food
Dozens of restaurants surround the district including Brasserie T, Cafe Cherrier, and multiple food trucks during festivals. Place des Arts has a food court as well.
Why Kids Love It
In summer, the interactive water fountains and light installations turn the public plazas into a giant playground. Kids can run through the fountain jets and watch the light shows after dark. In winter, there's often an ice rink and holiday installations.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Bring towels and a change of clothes for kids in summer since the fountains are irresistible
- Visit after sunset to see the light installations at their best
- Check the quartierdesspectacles.com event calendar before your visit for free festivals and activities
What to Bring
- Towels and change of clothes in summer
- Sunscreen for daytime visits
- Camera for the light installations
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free to explore the outdoor plazas and installations.
Festival events may have paid components, but most outdoor activities are free.
Tips to Save
- Almost everything in the public spaces is free.
- Focus on the free outdoor events and skip ticketed festival shows unless your kids are really into performing arts.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

