The snow is gone (finally), the flowers are blooming and Montreal’s culture and events are back in full swing. It’s time to give our kids experiences they’ve been missing out on the past 2 years. Like theatre and shows, while keeping healthy doses of all the outdoor fun we’ve come to learn to enjoy. Here’s my roundup of the Montreal family activities May 2022 has to offer.

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea – April 30-May 1

Geordie Theatre is bringing Kai Cheng Thom’s book to life in this play for kids ages 7+. The show will be playing for 2 days at both 1pm and 4pm for the public (before school presentations) at the Centaur Theatre.

Adults $35, 13-17 $17.50, under 12 $15

SOS Labyrinthe – Reopening April 30

Old Montreal’s 2km indoor maze is reopening with fun obstacles and traps along the way. During the month of May, reservations are no long required and the maze will only be open on weekends and holidays.

Family of 4 $65.50

Vélocité Festival – May 4-8

The first edition of this bike festival will be taking place at Parc Jean Drapeau and is family friendly. On the 7th and 8th, free activities will include repair workshops, bike exhibitors, and entertainment like a BMX show. Of course, biking is on the menu with access to the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

Free but registration is required

Giant Chessboards – May 4-29

The giant chessboards are back for the month of May at Quartier des Spectacles. Always a good excuse to head downtown, plan to visit Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm.

Free

Fun Show Amusement – May 5-29

This travelling amusement park is back for the spring season at various parking lots across Montreal. With tons of rides, games, inflatables and more, this is a great opportunity to have some local fun outdoors. From May 5-15, the fair will be at Carrefour Angrignon, from May 19-29 at Place Vertu and from May 19-29 at the IGA Laval in Chomedey.

Free entry, bracelets $35 and coupons for rides sold on site

Astrofest – May 7

The planetarium will be hosting a day of free activities in celebration of astronomy. From arts & crafts to information booths, workshops, music at more. It all begins at 11am with a visit from a Canadian Space Agency astronaut – David Saint-Jacques – at 7pm. Into the evening, there will be live music and night sky gazing with a telescope.

Reservations required for astronaut event

Kooza – May 13-August 14

Cirque du Soleil is making its return to Montreal with Kooza, which will be taking place under the big top in the Old Port. Some of the show highlights include a double high wire, skeleton dance, wheel of death and a hula hoop entertainer. Matinée and 4pm shows are available on the weekends.

$65-$311/ticket

Queen of Tides – May 14

The Centaur’s Children’s Series is back with this play that will take place outside at 11am on the front steps of the theatre. This marionette show features a queen, a captain, a pirate and a crab. Kids can hang around after the show for a lesson on how to marionettes work.

Bach Before Bedtime – May 15

This month’s theme is An Acrobatic Adventure, where circus arts and classical music will come together for the perfect show for kids 7 and under. The show will take place at the Gesu Theatre with two showings at 10:30am and 4pm.

$15

U-Pick Tulips – Mid May (opening date TBC)

The perfect photo opportunity and hand-picked gifting opportunity is back with 3 locations. Pick your own tulips in Laval, Boucherville and now, Old Montreal. Admission varies by location and does not include the price of tulips.

$7-$20 admission