Sure, kids like markets. But they like parks better.

The best public market in Montreal for kids is Marché Maisonneuve, in the heart of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. It’s not in the trendiest area of town and it’s not the “foodiest” market there is, but it’s got everything you need, plus a super children’s park.

Let’s face it, kids are more interested in getting down and dirty in a playground than scrutinizing fresh produce and finding Grey Poupon. So let them! Parc Ovila Pelletier has great equipment for both toddlers and age four to seven, as well as a basketball court.

This is a spiderweb that spins around.

Marché Maisonneuve has a smaller food-shopping area than other markets, but it offers the opportunity for a relaxed, keeping-everyone-happy morning or afternoon, where parents can pick up some food, perhaps get a coffee or other treats at Première Moisson bakery before or after the kids play. The Première Moisson here has a lots of seating and high chairs, plus a large, covered patio area. There is a changing table in the women’s bathroom of the main market.

See? These families know where it’s at.

Good to know: Is someone in your family in need of an inexpensive tricycle, child or adult bike? Just across the street from the park is SOS Vélo, an organization that repairs, repaints and sells secondhand bikes. If you need to unload an old bicycle, this is a great place to recycle it.

Address: 4445 Ontario St. E, between Pie-IX and Viau. View map
Hours: Mon to Wed. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs. and Fri. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking: Free on-site parking lot; meter parking on surrounding streets
Website: http//www.marchemaisonneuve.com/