January. A month of new beginnings, resolutions (usually being broken!) and frigid cold temperatures. Back to routine and healthy eating and some of us may think it’s the month for hibernation. These 8 family-friendly activities for kids in Montreal January 2019 will surely get you out of the house to start the year off with tons of fun.

Snowshoe Excursions on Mont Royal – January 4 to March 9

Every Friday and Saturday evening at 6pm, kids 12+ can take part in a guided snowshoe tour of Mont Royal. The 90-minute trip includes a snowshoe rental and a cup of hot chocolate.

$17-$22, Beaver Lake Pavillion

Barbegazi – January 12-13 & 19-20

Barbegazi (definition: frozen beard) is a winter action sports festival where most of the activities are free. Sports include snow skating, electric fat bikes, electric Karting, lumberjack games and more. There will be warming stations and food trucks on site to keep all visitors warm and well-fed.

Free, 12pm-4pm, Winter Village at the Olympic Park

Montreal Auto Show – January 18-27

If your kids love things on wheels this is the place to be this winter. The car show will feature over 500 cars and kids under 6 can visit for free!

$6.50/6-12 year olds, $13.50/13+, Palais des Congres

Fete des Neiges – Weekends January 19 – February 10

This annual family-friendly event is back to make winter with kids that much more fun. Every weekend day there are live shows, ice sculpting demonstrations and 18 ice slides to ride. With the purchase of a sliding pass ($25/family) you’ll get free access to the Biosphere and Stewart Museum. Other activities include an ice ship, axe throwing, dog sledding ($), ninja course, snow shooters and more!

Free, 10am-5pm, Parc Jean Drapeau

Percussion Workshop for Parents & Children – January 19 – February 23

This is a six week program for parents and kids aged 8+ who love music. Led by professional musicians who are also twin brothers, participants will learn different percussion instruments and rhythms from around the world. Instruments will be provided.

$90 for 1 parent and 1 child, $30/additional family member, Saturdays 1:30pm-2:45pm, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Little Witch – January 26

Geordie Theatre is putting on this production along with the Côté Saint Luc Dramatic Society. Geared towards kids ages 4-11, this play is also a fable that will teach children about making big choices.

$5/ticket, must be purchased in advance, 1pm showtime, Harold Greenspon Auditorium

Les Jeux d’Hiver – weekends, January 26 – March 9

Another great event at the Olympic Stadium, this is an outdoor winter fair that features dozens of life-sized games. There will be an outdoor skating rink, snow park with sliding runs (sleds provided) and an indoor chalet with kids activities and hot drinks.

Free, Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-4pm, Olympic Park

Bach Before Bedtime – January 27

Back for the new year, these concerts are designed to get kids loving music and learning about instruments. This edition is called “All Aboard the Circus Train!” Kids can conduct the musicians and play along with percussion instruments. Tickets sell out fast so don’t wait!

$7/child, $12/adult, Tanna Schulich Hall, 10:30am & 4pm