Montreal or activities to do with the small set if, like me, you live here...

One of the best guide books I  ever found was this one which not only gave us all the touristy things to do around London, but also things you would do with your kids if you lived in London (although, according to some people who live there, nobody who lives in London has any money to do anything in London...). Anyway, this post isn't about London (soon, soon, i promise) but rather about different activities to do with the little ones if you're in Montreal (or if you live in Montreal) and you don't want something so touristy (maybe a topic of a future post).

The Snowdon Theatre opened its doors in 1937 and showed everything ranging from X-rated movies to Charlie Chaplin films and unfortunately closed its doors in 1982. Although its days as a film house are a little before my time, I've always marveled at the Art-Deco style of the building and learned that it's now home to a gymnastics school called Flex-Art who offer recreational and competitive gymnastics program for kids 4 to 18. I'm thinking of maybe singning E up when she's old enough seeing her fascination with swinging upside-down. They also host birthday parties for kids 4 and up.

If you're not in Montreal long enough to sign up for one of their programs, CEPSUM (the sports facilities of the University of Montreal) also have great sports and swimming programs for kids as old as 2 1/2 and up and you can sign up for a course or go to one of their drop-in times (birthday parties are also done here). You could also go take a look at the home of the 1967 Summer Olympic games and take advantage of their great pool and other facilities. Downtown, there's a great little recreation centre which has an open gym for parents and kids form 10am to noon on Saturday mornings. They also organize swimming classes at a nearby indoor pool where I take E which also has lots of free swim time.

If sports are not really your thing, or your child's, The Redpath Museum at McGill University organizes Sunday Tours an Discovery workshops for kids and families. Topics range from mermaids to mummies, dinosaurs to seahorses, to volcanoes and everything else you can imagine. You can sign up for all of the workshops (they alternate form week to week between english and french) or only 1 for $7.00 (no fee for accompanying parents). It's seems like a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon this fall. I'm thinking of taking E to a few myself.

Artistically, there's the KOSA academy where kids 4 and up can learn more about all kinds of drumming techniques, there's the Place des Arts which has its Junior programs consisting of theater, puppet shows, music and ballet all geared to little ones and there are the concerts given by Jeunesses Musicales Canada. Also, every last wednesday of the month, the McCord Museum hosts free activities for parents and tots and themes vary according to the exhibits.

If you do plan on visiting, it's a great city with lots to offer to families with kids, or if you  live here, make sure to take a look at I SPY Montreal and Montreal Families which are both real treasure chests of ideas for families.