The grey month has arrived where the mornings are dark and the afternoons are even darker. Fall trees have lost their leaves and winter isn’t quite here yet. It’s time to hunker down and get ready for a new, cold season. Cue the violins. Or you could make the best of it and discover November in Montreal with these fun family activity ideas!

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Workshops – Weekends

The museum is offering children’s activities for two different age groups. My top picks include a portrait workshop for 6-12 year olds, inspired by artist Kehine Wiley, that takes place on both Saturday and Sunday from 1-2:30pm. For the younger set of 2-5 year olds, they can make their own personalized megaphone made out of paper. Don’t worry, they don’t actually work 🙂 Two times are available on both weekend days from 10:15-11am or 11:15am-12pm.

1380 Sherbrooke St. W. $2/person, Reservations required

Illumi – now until January

This magical light show in Laval is back with 25 million lights illuminating 19 different universes. If you have a dinosaur lover like me, this is the place to go for a thrilling evening of fun. You can either walk through the light display or drive through. Saturday nights are reserved for walkers and reservations are always required.

2805 du Souvenir, Rates vary by guest type: $41.75/driver, $31.75/adult, $19.75/kids

JRC Toys Holiday Sale – November 3 – December 24

The ultimate, and my favourite, toy sale of the year! With looming shortages of toys and holiday gifts, this is the place to stock up on name brand toys, games and art supplies. It’s also great for loot bags and sticker books, the ultimate toddler travel distraction. Gifts are re-stocked weekly so go back often!

5589 Royalmount

Montreal Alouettes Family Day – November 13

A football game for the whole family. The game starts at 1pm and children’s tickets are just $5. The Als will be playing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Reduced price tickets are located in the NAYA Family Zone which is located in sections Y2 and Z2.

Percival Molson Memorial Stadium

Family Friendly Pop Up Shop – November 14

Support local businesses by shopping for the holidays early. Local mom-run brands will be on site for all of your gifting needs. Vendors include: Show Off, Raw Sugar, Color Street, Fyzz Bath Creations, Little Mix, Tupperware, Neora, One Rock Creations, Oh Baby Baby, Petitsori, Hey Sugar Cookies, DTS Candle & Co., Little Box of Treasures and more! I’ll also be there sharing my love for Purium and handing out some samples.

H4L Danse, 87B Brunswick Blvd. 12pm-4pm

Superdogs the Musical – November 28 – December 19

Theatre is back at the Segal Centre and this one is a pleaser for the entire family. Live dogs will be on stage for this musical that will feature agility stunts and so much more. Make sure your kids are comfy with dogs before buying tickets. Numerous matinees and 4pm shows are available on weekends.

Segal Centre, $30/kids, $67/adults

Movie Releases!

What’s better to do than curl up with some popcorn and watch a movie. And if you’re not quite comfy visiting a theatre just yet some of these can be streamed from home.

November 10: Clifford the Big Red Dog

November 19: Ghostbusters Afterlife

November 24: Disney Encanto