The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming and hopefully the sun will continue to shine. Spring keeps peeking out of the clouds and trying to make its debut. We may still need to bundle up to spend an afternoon outside but this month, we’ve got plenty of excuses to leave the house. Here are my top 10 things to do with kids in Montreal May 2019.

First Fridays – May 3

The food trucks are back at the Olympic Stadium for the kick-off edition of the 2019 season. Bring your appetites, and lots of cash, to savour culinary delights from over 40 local food trucks. Pack a picnic blanket and let the kids get their sillies out, ice cream in hand, at this super family-friendly event.

4:00pm-11:00pm, Esplanade Parc Olympique

GlolMTL – May 4

A day devoted to women and girls with inspirational speakers to inspire and empower ladies of all ages. Key takeaways from the day will be learning to love yourself, with a focus on mental wellness, self-esteem and self worth. The event is intended for girls 13+.

$19/Students, $39/Adults, 9:00am-4:00pm, Place Bonaventure

Cycle Swap – May 5

Have the kids been riding around the block on bikes that seem a tad too small? This is a great event to buy, donate or sell a used bike, with proceeds benefiting the MUHC. Bikes should be brought in between 8:30am and noon and after an inspection and price setting, they’ll be up for sale between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Pedal Heads will be on site to entertain the kids and the Winneburger food truck will be serving up burgers and more.

Lower Canada College, 4090 Royal Ave.

Mount Royal Clean Up – May 5

The perfect way to welcome spring is by heading outdoors and helping to make Mother Nature even more beautiful. Volunteers at this first-come, first-served event will focus on the zero waste movement by collecting trash and then sorting it. A snack will be served and the afternoon will include animation. Registration is from 8:45am to 9:15am. Get there early to claim your spot!

9:30am-3:00pm, Mount Royal Chalet

U-Pick Tulips – May 17 – June 3

Why buy mom or gramma a bouquet of tulips when you can pick your very own at one of Montreal’s most instagrammable locations this spring? Tulips of every colour are in full bloom at this Laval nursery and visitors are welcome every day of the week.

$6-$10/admission per person plus 12 tulips for $10 or 30 tulips for $20, 1270 Rue Principale, Laval

La Ronde Season Opening – May 11

The ultimate indication that summer isn’t too far off. The amusement park opens for the season! To kick off the first day, season passes will be available at a huge discount of 60% to 80% off. If you’re planning on visiting more than two or three times this season, it’s definitely worth it!

10:30am-8:00pm, Parc Jean Drapeau

Mother’s Day – May 12

When breakfast in bed arrives at 6am, followed by homemade gifts and a bouquet of flowers, we’ll feel all warm and fuzzy. But then when the fatigue sets in we realize all we really want is a day at the spa. So go ahead and book your own mom’s day pampering at Bota-Bota or Strom Spa.

Fishing Festival – May 18-20

The Centre de la Nature lake will be filled with trout for this special event where families can learn to fish (without a permit). There will also be games and horticulture workshops at the greenhouse nearby.

Free, 8:00am-3:00pm, Centre de la Nature

Montreal Model Train Expo – May 25-26

If you’ve got a train lover at home make the trip to Dorval for this annual event. Over 40 model railroads will be on display to form one of the largest expos in Canada. Vendors will also be on-site to sell books, videos and, of course, trains.

$10/Adults, $8/Kids, $30/Family, 10:00am-5:00pm, Dorval Arena

Montreal Museums Day – May 26

Time to plan a Sunday of art and culture as 25+ museums open their doors for free to the public. The day’s programming includes many special events. Just a few of the family-friendly options include solar viewing at the Redpath Museum and a gramophone concert at the Musée des Ondes Emile Berliner. As always, there will be free shuttles from various metro stations.

Free, Hours vary by museum