by Charlotte Mielziner

Created on: September 26, 2009

Montreal's diverse culture and wide range of diversions make keeping the kids active in the winter both fun and educational. So, bundle up the little ones and head out for a great day of stimulating activities.

The Science Center of Montreal: Imagine taking a walking tour with the kids through an enormous human brain. The museum's main space houses a fascinating dome divided into six spaces covering the environment, nature, human body, mind power and more. The kids can take part in hands on experiments and investigate the outer limits of science and technology. The incredible IMAX theatre runs movies continually throughout the day. The museum is located on King Edward Pier in the Old Port and opens at 9:30am daily.

The Botanical Gardens of Montreal has year round activities for children of all ages. The 10 exhibition greenhouses cover a world of foliage in colors and fragrances. Special collections include the largest Chinese garden outside of Asia. Of keen interest is the Insectarium that your kids are bound to declare, "Really cool!" The Gardens are located at 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est and open at 9:00am Tuesday through Sunday.

The Montreal Biodome is housed in a former stadium and displays four separate ecosystems including Tropical, Laurentian, St. Lawrence Marine and the polar ends of the Arctic and Antarctic. Your kids will love the penguin habitat. The Biodome is designed for convenient self guided tours, but pith helmeted nature interpreters are located throughout to answer questions. Hours begin at 9:00am most days.

From early December to early March, the Quays Skating Rink can burn some energy for you and your children. Hours start at 10:00am and daily admission is $5 for adults and $4 for kids 6-12, while children under 6 are free. Skate rental not included.

Ideas closer to home might include checking out kid friendly activities at your local YMCA or public library. You may find public swimming hours at the "Y" to keep active, or story time at the library to stimulate young imaginations. Times, events and nearest locations are available directly from the organizations.

For those impossible Montreal winter days, head to the kitchen and try an at-home cooking class with the kids. Visit the Food Network online and find a listing of kid friendly cooking seminars. Recipes are listed by difficulty and many techniques have video demonstrations. Try quick and easy recipes like confetti cornbread with chili dog nachos. Cooking together can be a great bonding experience and your children will gain self confidence with experience.

These ideas for winter activities barely skim the surface of all that is available for kids. Participating with your children is how fond memories and family tradiitons are formed. Montreal abounds in wholesome, outdoor and indoor recreation the year round. See the websites below for more information.

Botanic Garden: http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/menu.htm

Montreal Biodome: http://www.biodome.qc.ca/

Science Center: www.centredessciencedemontreal.com

The Quays of Old Port: http://www.quaysoftheoldport.com/en/activities

Food Network: www.foodnetwork.com

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