6 Places to visit in Montréal South Shore with kids.
Living on the Montréal south shore with kids, especially under 10years old? Finding fun places to visit in Montréal South Shore with kids can sometimes be a challenge. As a mom of two boys under 10, I’ve personally tried and tested quite a few kid-friendly spots on the South Shore — and these five always get a thumbs-up from both the kids and the grown-ups. If you’re looking for enjoyable, affordable, and not-too-far family activities on the Montréal South Shore, you’ve come to the right place. Bonus: most have free parking and are easy day trips from Brossard, Longueuil, or Saint-Hubert.
Top 6 places to visit in Montréal South Shore with kids under 10.
🚂 1. Exporail – The Train Museum in Saint-Constant
Exporail, the train museum in Saint-Constant, is a dream come true for train lovers and a fantastic place to visit on Montréal’s South Shore with kids. Beyond the huge collection of real trains, kids can hop on a mini train or take a ride on a historic tram (check schedules — these run during specific seasons). The site is huge, and there are indoor and outdoor exhibitions. My boys always make a beeline for the huge, steam-powered locomotive at the main entrance—it’s the perfect spot for photos! Around Halloween and Christmas, the museum transforms with fun decorations and themed activities. Be ready for walking.
- Website: Exporail
- Parking: Free
- Picnic: Outdoor picnic area available
📝 Mom tip: Seasonal activities change, so check the calendar before you go. We learned the hard way that the outdoor tram rides are only available on summer weekends. The biggest insider tip? If you buy a day ticket and absolutely love it, you can upgrade to an annual pass at the gift shop on the same day! They will deduct the price you already paid for the day ticket, so you only pay the difference. It’s a great way to commit without the pressure, especially if you plan on visiting often! Weekday mornings are usually less crowded.
🐦 2. Ferme Guyon in Chambly
Your kids can discover butterflies, birds, farm animals, and a mini botanical garden — all under one roof. The butterfly section is surprisingly warm and humid, so be prepared to shed a layer of clothing! They even have seasonal shows with birds (check their site for dates!). Mom tip: The highlight is the petting zoo area, where you can buy special feed for the goats—it turns a simple visit into an exciting interaction. You can even buy local produce or treats after your visit.
- Website: Ferme Guyon
- Parking: Free
📝 Mom tip: You can even buy local produce or treats after your visit. Kids learn about animals and nature while having fun.
🌳 3. Verger Champêtre –in Granby
Verger Champêtre offers walking trails, fruit picking (seasonal), and a unique “animal passport” where kids can meet and feed alpacas, donkeys, goats, and more. The alpaca feeding is a huge hit—just be sure to keep a close eye on the kids, as the alpacas are very enthusiastic eaters! They have a playground near the picnic area. Mom tip: A perfect mix of calm nature and gentle farm fun. The walking trails are stroller-friendly but bring good shoes, as they can get muddy in the early spring! Check fruit-picking seasons before you go!
- Website: Verger Champêtre
- Parking: Free
- Picnic: Yes — picnic areas and even spots under the trees!
📝 Mom tip: A perfect mix of calm nature and gentle farm fun. Check fruit-picking seasons before you go!
🤸 4. Zükari in Sainte-Julie
Zükari in Sainte-Julie is our go-to indoor playground, providing endless fun and being an ideal place to visit in Montréal South Shore with kids on cold or rainy days. Zükari is spacious, clean, and filled with slides, tunnels, ball pits, and more. There’s even a section for toddlers. Parents can relax at the café with a coffee while the kids burn off energy.
- Website: Zükari
- Parking: Free
- Picnic: No, but a snack bar is available
📝 Mom tip: Great for birthday parties and especially useful during the long Quebec winter. Socks required!
🎠 5. Pi-O Amusement Park in Longueuil
Pi-O Amusement Park in Longueuil is a perfect indoor spot for toddlers and young children, adding to the list of great family activities on the Montréal South Shore. Think mini carousel, bumper cars, and even a tiny roller coaster. It’s a compact space, but packed with fun — great for colder days when you want indoor excitement.
- Website: Pi-O
- Parking: Free
- Picnic: No, but food is sold on-site
📝 Mom tip: Perfect for winter weekends. Just make sure to check opening hours before visiting.
🎄 6. Christmas Magic: The Holiday Train & Longueuil Market
If you live on the South Shore, you simply can’t let the holiday season pass without catching some local Christmas magic! For kids who love trains, there’s the annual CP Holiday Train that rolls through our area, usually late November to mid-December. While big sites like Exporail in St-Constant draw massive, overwhelming crowds and traffic, I actually recommend visiting the stop near Châteauguay (Old Malone Highway). It’s significantly less crowded, making it easier for the kids to get closer to the train and enjoy the concert without fighting a huge crowd. Grabbing a hot chocolate and waiting patiently there is part of our annual ritual—it’s just a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
the CP Rail Holiday Train Schedule here : https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain
And for that perfect holiday atmosphere, the Longueuil Christmas Market (Marché de Noël et des Traditions de Longueuil) is a must-visit. We go every year! The atmosphere is genuinely warm, and the Santa Claus there is always so kind and patient—my boys look forward to seeing him annually. My personal food tip? You absolutely have to try the delicious hot dogs with local sausages they sell; they’re the market’s signature treat! Browsing the local crafts and artisanal products is also a blast, making it the perfect spot for finding unique Christmas gifts. These two traditions make the long Québec winter feel a little bit magical.
🚌 Bonus Tip: Skip the Traffic with the Boucherville Navette!
Since we live on the South Shore, getting into Montréal often means battling bridge traffic. Here’s a local secret for a fun, stress-free day trip: The Boucherville Navette (shuttle boat). It runs seasonally (typically mid-May to mid-October) and turns a boring drive into a scenic boat ride—which my kids absolutely love!
For a fun day trip to the Old Port (Downtown), take the N2 route. It’s a fantastic way to avoid the city’s high parking fees. Even better: children 11 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid OPUS transit pass. This instantly transforms a simple commute into a low-cost, memorable family activity. My kids adore the boat ride, making the journey part of the adventure!
Just remember that reservations are highly recommended for all passengers, even for the free riders. Check the RTL or Navark schedule for this season’s operating dates and fares.
✨Final Thoughts
From train rides to feeding alpacas, there’s so much to do on Montréal’s South Shore with kids, without having to drive into the city. These mom-approved places to visit on Montréal’s South Shore with kids are truly kid-loved and great for making weekend memories.
Don’t forget your snacks, water bottles, and maybe an extra change of clothes… just in case 😉
Whether you’re planning a full-day adventure or just a quick morning outing, these top family activities on the South Shore offer a perfect mix of play, learning, and nature. And the best part? They’re all affordable, accessible, and filled with opportunities to create lasting family moments.
If you’ve been to any of these kid-friendly places in Montréal South Shore, let me know in the comments! And if you have a hidden gem to share — I’m always still learning 🌿
