Get ready for a huge weekend in Montreal! With Nuit Blanche happening Saturday night and the FIFEM film festival running, there is something for everyone. Don't miss the Lynx breakfast at the Ecomuseum or the Nuit Blanche celebrations downtown.
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Free Family Programming at Pointe-à-Callière
Pointe-à-Callière
Free Sherlock Holmes-themed investigation challenges outside the history museum on Saturday.
Nuit Blanche à Montréal
Various (Quartier des Spectacles focus)
Stay out late for all-night cultural events downtown on Saturday.
First Steps in Nature: Snowshoeing Introduction
Parcours Gouin
A free, structured snowshoeing activity specifically for 3- to 5-year-olds on Saturday morning.
· February 28
14: The city comes alive all night long with hundreds of exclusive cultural activities, including art, poetry, dance, and games. Check out the main outdoor site in the Quartier des Spectacles.This is the massive all-night street festival happening exclusively on Saturday night.
: This 29th edition of the inspiring film festival showcases an international panorama of films made for children and youth. Be sure to check schedules for specific screening times beyond the one noted screening.It’s the start of this major children's film festival, making it a perfect indoor activity this weekend.
BREAKFAST WITH THE LYNXES : Get up close and personal with the Ecomuseum's lynxes! This 2-hour activity includes a presentation and helping to prepare and serve breakfast to Orion and Pandora.It's a unique, early-morning behind-the-scenes experience available only on Saturday.
: Head out for a guided winter hike to learn forest secrets, identify edible plants, and try basic fire-starting techniques. A great way to connect with winter nature.It’s an engaging, hands-on outdoor learning experience happening only on Saturday.
FREE : Gather around an outdoor fire to listen to nature tales, complete with marshmallows for everyone. A perfect, cozy Saturday afternoon activity.It’s a free outdoor storytelling event happening Saturday only, complete with a tasty treat.
FIRST STEPS IN NATURE: SNOWSHOEING INTRODUCTIONFREE : Bring your little ones (3-5) for a beginner snowshoeing session at Parcours Gouin to explore tracks in the park. Essential winter fun for preschoolers!It’s a perfect, specific outing for the under-5 crowd on Saturday morning.
FREE : Kids aged 6 to 10 can don snowshoes to complete a winter rally, learning how animals survive the cold. This is a great interactive way to explore the park on Saturday.It's a free, structured, science-y nature activity geared toward elementary school kids on Saturday.
: A great, simple storytime event at the Pierrefonds library on Saturday morning. Perfect for a quick, cozy outing.It's one of the very few non-March-Break specific library events listed for Saturday.
: Witness an urban snowboarding competition transforming the Olympic Park into a unique environment. This will be a high-energy spectator event on Saturday.It's a one-off, high-adrenaline outdoor spectacle happening Saturday.
: Cheer on the Habs in a home game against the Capitals at the Bell Centre. A classic Montreal family outing if your kids love hockey.It’s a specific, major sports event happening Saturday night.
FREE FAMILY PROGRAMMING AT POINTE-À-CALLIÈREFREE : Pointe-à-Callière transforms its exterior spaces into an investigation ground with challenges worthy of Sherlock Holmes. Free fun happening Saturday (and into next week).It's free, outdoors, family-focused, and happening on Saturday as part of March Break activities.
: The only outdoor zoo on the island, featuring native Quebec animals. They are open all weekend during the March Break period.It's confirmed open and operational for the weekend, offering a great daytime nature option.
FREE : This urban hill near the Quartier des Spectacles has 6 snow tracks for sledding, snow scootering, and snow skating. Rentals are free on-site!It’s a free, central, high-energy activity available this weekend.
FREE : This massive festival lights up the city with art, gastronomy, and light installations. Saturday is part of the festival's main run, often peaking with Nuit Blanche activities.It’s a signature Montreal cultural event happening all weekend, with many free outdoor components perfect for families.
· March 1
3WORLD AQUATICS DIVING CUP : The final day of this international diving competition takes place Sunday at the Olympic Pool. Watch elite athletes from around the world compete.It's the final day (Sunday) of a major international sporting event happening this weekend.
: The museum is hosting special activities all week during March Break, making it a fantastic destination for a Sunday afternoon indoors.It's the first day of the March Break programming noted at this major museum.
: This play follows two young soldiers guarding a vital water reserve in a near-future conflict over Canada's fresh water. This is one of the last days for this show tailored for older kids.It's the final day (Sunday) for this specific performance running until March 1st.
Also On· anytime this weekend
8: Take an easy, 3km hike on Mount Royal to learn how to observe and identify the forty bird species that stay in the area during the cold season.It's a specific guided nature walk happening Saturday afternoon for older kids and teens.
: Attend a sensory story time session at the Intercultural Library on Saturday morning. These are usually very engaging for younger kids.It's a sensory-focused event, which often means it's well-suited for the youngest audiences.
FREE : Try out those huge-tired bikes that glide over snow for free at Parcours Gouin this Sunday. Equipment loan is free, making this a great Sunday outdoor option.It's a free, fun, and unique winter activity happening Sunday.
FREE : An event listed for Sunday morning at 9:00 AM. While details are scarce, free events listed on Eventbrite are usually great family finds.It's a specific, free event slot available on Sunday morning from the Eventbrite listings.
FREE : A free child's party event at the acrobatic gymnastics club happening Sunday afternoon. Great for kids who need to burn off energy.It's a free, active event listed for Sunday afternoon.
: Enjoy skating at this fantastic outdoor rink which often features lighting, music, and performances throughout the day.It’s a classic Montreal winter activity available all weekend downtown.
: Wander through this interactive, illuminated art exhibit in the Quartier des Spectacles. Great for a family stroll, especially near the Nuit Blanche festivities.It's an interactive light exhibit running until March 8th, perfect for a Saturday evening stroll.
: Take the kids to Saint-Constant to explore massive locomotives and authentic wagons. This special March Break programming runs all weekend.It's special programming running all weekend for March Break, focusing on trains which appeal widely to kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Montreal this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 01) offers free activities including the Tales Around the Fire gathering, free entry to the Sherlock Holmes investigation grounds at Pointe-à-Callière on Saturday, the free Fatbike loan on Sunday, and the Kids Club event Sunday morning.
Are there any family events specifically for Saturday, February 28th?
Yes! Saturday is packed: Nuit Blanche, the start of the FIFEM film festival, the Lynx Breakfast at the Ecomuseum, snowshoeing intros at Parcours Gouin, and the Red Bull Heavy Metal competition at the Olympic Park.
What is happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday is the last day for the 'Attention, Coup de Feu!' play (ages 12-17), the end of the World Aquatics Diving Cup, and the final day for the McCord Stewart Museum's March Break activities.
