When the last bell rings to mark the end of the school year, kids all over Québec scream in celebration. The summer is a great time for them to relax, enjoy the nice weather and decompress after 10 long months of learning. Of course, if you are a parent, you might not have the same reaction as your kids. Unlike them, you probably don’t have two-months vacation and finding creative and enjoyable summer family activities can sometimes be quite difficult. You rack your brain to find something the whole family will enjoy but, of course, you also want to keep these activities affordable. If you need some inspiration, take a look at our list below and get each family member to choose their favourite activity. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than having a fun afternoon or a weekend getaway with your family to create unforgettable memories!
Enjoy Trying One or All of These 13 Summer Family Activities
1. La Ronde
This amusement park located on Saint Helen’s Island (between the Island of Montreal and the South Shore) is the only amusement park in the vicinity of Montreal. Whether you want family-friendly rides for your young kids or thrill-seeking ones for your tweens, the whole family will enjoy a day at La Ronde (even you)! There are numerous food options for everyone and if you go on a Saturday during the summertime, stay the evening for an incredible view of the fireworks show. Plan your visit in advance to benefit from multiple reductions. For example, PowSki members can save up on one-day tickets, Silver and Gold season passes and for fireworks tickets.
2. Oasis Surf
Have your kids always wanted to go to Hawaii or California to try surfing? You can finally bring them surfing...kind of! You and your family can practice your wave carving and balance with the incredible indoor wave centre Oasis Surf in Brossard. Kids as young as 4 years old and first-time surfers can try the 2 feet beginner wave but the whole family will want to try this incredible experience. They have tons of varied packages for families and groups and the good news is that PowSki members save money on family packages. This is the perfect activity to do on a rainy afternoon. We promise your kids will think you’re the coolest parents ever.
3. MTL Zipline
Are your children little daredevils? If yes, this is one of the perfect summer family activities for them. Spend a day in Old Montreal to teach them all about the city’s history, enjoy the various sites, have a bite to eat and then head to the MTL Zipline for some guaranteed fun. Although this activity lasts only about one minute, you get to have a gorgeous view of the port of Montreal and get an adrenaline rush all at the same time. They are open quite late (until 9 p.m.) and stay open later when there are fireworks so you can enjoy this activity in the morning, afternoon or evening. If you need more information, check out our website.
4. Hudson Music Festival
Music lovers, rejoice! Heading out to the Hudson Music Festival in...you guessed it, Hudson, is a great family activity to try this summer! This festival announces tons of fun for the whole family. They keep their lineup secret until just before the start of the festival but expect all kinds of music: jazz, blues, rock, hip-hop, folk and pop. Grab a picnic and head to one of the grassy areas to immerse your kids in beautiful Canadian music. With the backdrop of the Lake of Two Mountains and the city’s New England style, this festival will transport you to a whole new world. Find out how you can save on your admission tickets.
5. Sugarloaf Bike Park
This is for sports fans who enjoy spending the day outside in nature. Located in the Maine, the Sugarloaf Bike Park is a paradise for novice and expert mountain bikers. You can rent a bike so you don’t have to lug your bikes when travelling. They have 10 runs: one beginner trail, four intermediate trails and five expert ones. Scared this trip to Maine will cost you an arm and a leg? Think again! We’ve got great ways for you to save on this unforgettable trip.
6. DodgeBow (Archery Games)
Are your kids obsessed with medieval times or Robin Hood? Get them to practice their archery skills (in a safe and fun environment) with DodgeBow. DodgeBow is, of course, a play on words of Dodgeball and bows. Get your kids to invite some friends and their parents for an ultimate parents vs kids game. All you need are running shoes, sporty clothes and a thirst to win. Located in Saint-Henri, this is a perfect activity for rainy afternoons during your summer vacation.
7. NERF Hero
Another indoor battle game, NERF Hero is owned by the same group as DodgeBow (and is located next door). Kids, teens, and adults will have a blast running around with their foam-based weaponry that won’t hurt even the most sensitive of skins. Make teams and try to win the battle. This is the perfect place for your child’s birthday party or for your annual summer family reunion party. Like DodgeBow, it is best to book your NERF Hero experience in advance.
8. New World Rafting
It’s hot out and you don’t have a pool? No problem! Get soaked and have the best time with your family with a trip down the Rouge River. Whitewater rafting is exciting, safe and an experience of a lifetime. They have a family package that will suit your needs and budget (especially when you check out our amazing offer), making this an adventure your family will never forget. New World Rafting is only one hour away from Montreal but if you want to make a weekend out of it, they have camping sites, tents-cabins, a pool, two hot tubs, a volleyball court, bars, walking trails, live music, etc so you’ll never get bored. After this weekend holiday, your whole family will feel refreshed and relaxed.
9. Mission Liberté
If you are a fan of the Mont Tremblant region, Mission Liberté is the place for you. Perfect for cold and rainy summer afternoons, this place will make you and your family get better communication and observation skills. The goal of this indoor adventure is to solve a mystery before you run out of time. They have different rooms with various difficulty levels (from 1-10) and themes. From pirate ship themed rooms to spaceships ones, you have 15 minutes or one hour to solve your mystery, or else...If you’re interested in saving on your online booking, check out the PowSki website.
10. Mission Laser
If you and your family loved your experience at Mission Liberté, you’ll also really enjoy Mission Laser. Located only 5 minutes away by foot from Mission Liberté, this is a totally different kind of adventure. Here, you’ll be in a glow in the dark tag arena with high-tech equipment. If you have kids that love video games, get them off the couch by bringing them to Mission Laser for the laser battle of their dreams. Again, PowSki members can take advantage of a 10% discount when tickets are bought online.
11. Daycation
Do you love the Vermont region? If yes, Smugglers’ Notch is the perfect place for the best summer family activities. With the daycation tickets, your Smugglers’ Notch holiday will be a great success. They have heated pools, water slides, hot tubs, hiking and walking trails, mini golf, mountain biking, etc. It’s raining? No problem! The indoor FunZone 2.0 will keep your kids entertained for hours. Your kids will love the abundance of activities especially curated for them. They will never want to leave! You’ll also have a great time because you’ll have saved tons on the tickets with your PowSki membership!
12. Pump House at Jay Peak
The Jay Peak Resort is a great weekend getaway idea for you and your family since it is quite close to the Montreal area but you still feel like you’re a million miles away. If you stay at the Jay Peak Resort, you have to spend at least one afternoon at the Pump House. This indoor waterpark is the perfect place to relax or recharge after a family hike. From their flowriding wave (a mix of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding) to the Lazy River tube ride, your kids will have a blast all weekend long! This is the perfect activity for rainy afternoons or for when it’s too hot to do anything outside. The best part? PowSki members get great discounts!
13. Mountain biking at Burke
If your kids love mountain biking and Burke, Vermont is closer than Maine for you, then it’s time you and your family explore this region for your next mountain biking experience. The Kingdom Trails are the perfect backdrop for your family mountain biking adventure. The staff at the Welcome Centre will help you pick the right trails for your rider level. Not only will the whole family get a great day of exercise but you will also get to see some of the most beautiful views of the region! A win-win situation.
With all these family activity ideas, you and your family will never get bored this summer. Enjoy spending quality time with your kids and have a great summer!
