Planning a memorable children’s party takes preparation. Between choosing the activity, managing the budget, the children’s ages and guests with different tastes, parents often feel like they’re juggling ten priorities at once. Good news: in Montreal, the options are plentiful. Here are 9 concrete ideas, with age, price and format information to help you choose without the headache.
Before You Choose: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
- How old are the children? Some activities have strict minimum age requirements. We cover this in each idea below.
- How many children will be there? The format of the activity changes depending on whether you have 6 or 20 guests.
- Are the parents staying? If so, choose a venue with an adult space (bar or restaurant) so everyone is comfortable.
9 Children’s Party Ideas in Montreal
1. Laser Tag: Guaranteed Adrenaline from Age 5
Laser tag is the ultimate party activity for children aged 5 and up. In the arena, kids form teams and face off in a maze of lights and sound effects. Each session lasts 15 minutes, which is perfect for children’s attention spans—short enough to keep the excitement going, long enough to experience something intense. At BoulZeye, the two-storey laser tag arena can accommodate up to 40 players simultaneously.
Minimum age: 5 | Price: from $16/person (before taxes) | Session duration: 15 min
2. Bowling: The Multigenerational Classic from Age 3
Bowling is the ideal activity when the group is mixed in age. Little ones can use the bumper ramp, while older kids compete side by side with parents. BoulZeye’s bowling lanes are equipped with cinema screens, lounge sofas and the Brunswick Sync system, which offers fun mini-games like Angry Birds directly on the lanes.
Minimum age: 3 | Price: from approximately $11.40/person (7 players per lane) | Duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Arcades: Total Freedom for All Ages
The arcade zone is a paradise for children and a relief for parents. Everyone plays at their own pace, doing whatever they enjoy. More than 50 games are available: basketball, mini hockey, motorcycle simulators and ticket games. Rechargeable cards simplify budget management. At BoulZeye, the arcade zone is perfect as a complement to another activity or as a “free zone” while parents eat.
Minimum age: None | Price: Based on credits loaded onto a rechargeable card | Tip: Set a fixed budget per child
4. Escape Room: For Children Who Love Challenges (Ages 9+)
The escape room is perfect for children aged 9 and up who enjoy solving puzzles. In teams of 2 to 6 players, they have 60 minutes to find clues, unlock padlocks and escape before the countdown ends. At least one adult per room is required. BoulZeye’s escape rooms offer four scenarios of varying difficulty, suited to different profiles of children.
Recommended age: 9+ | Maximum 6 players per room | One adult required per room | Duration: approximately 60 minutes | Reservation required
5. The Laser Tag + Bowling Combo: The Winning Formula
For a party that lasts and offers variety, the laser tag + bowling combo is hard to beat. Kids burn off energy in the arena first, then compete on the lanes in a calmer format. It’s also the most popular birthday package at BoulZeye.
Package price: 2 laser tag sessions + 1 bowling game + shoe rental = $35/person | 2 sessions + 2 games = $40/person
6. Cosmic Bowling Night
Cosmic bowling is bowling in party mode: black lights, neon effects and music. Kids love the different atmosphere—and so do the parents. It’s a particularly popular option for evening parties or teen groups. Pair it with a meal at the resto-pub for a complete day or evening.
Ideal for: Ages 8+ | Party atmosphere guaranteed | Check availability for evening sessions
7. The All-Inclusive Birthday Package
For parents who don’t want to manage every detail separately, all-inclusive birthday packages are the answer. They generally include an activity (laser tag or bowling), a private space for eating and a meal. Check out BoulZeye’s birthday packages for details and current pricing.
Benefits: Stress-free planning | Private party space available | Cake allowed (conditions apply)
8. The Sports Party for Active Groups
For children who love to move and hate sitting still, go for a combination of physical activities: laser tag plus active arcade games (simulators and basketball). The free-play format lets each child play at their own pace without waiting too long for their turn. Perfect for sports teams or school groups.
Ideal for: Groups of 10 to 20 active children | Ages 6 and up
9. The Multigenerational Party: When the Grandparents Join the Fun
When the whole family is invited—grandchildren, parents and grandparents—the activity needs to be accessible to everyone. Bowling and arcades are the obvious choices: no physical limitations, a flexible pace and fun for every generation. The on-site resto-pub lets older guests relax comfortably while the children keep playing.
Ideal for: Mixed family groups | Universal accessibility | All ages
Budget Checklist: Don’t Forget a Thing
| Expense | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main activity (laser tag, bowling, escape room) | $11–$35/person | Based on the selected package, before taxes |
| Bowling shoe rental | $3.25/person | Required for bowling |
| Arcades | $10–$20/child | Set a fixed budget per card |
| Food / Snacks | $12–$25/person | Resto-pub menu or meal package |
| Cake | $0–$50 | Allowed under certain conditions (24-hour notice, meals ordered) |
| Decorations | $0–$30 | Optional depending on the venue |
| Transportation / Parking | $0 | Free parking at BoulZeye |
| Buffer for unexpected costs (10%) | — | Always keep a reserve |
5 Practical Tips for Planning
- Book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Weekends fill up quickly, especially from September to June.
- Confirm the ages of all invited children before choosing the activity. A 4-year-old cannot participate in laser tag.
- Let the venue know if you’re bringing a cake. At least 24 hours’ notice is required, and conditions apply (meals must be ordered on-site and additional fees may apply).
- Set an arcade budget per child in advance. Share this amount with parents to avoid unexpected requests during the party.
- Think about the parents. A venue with a bar or restaurant on-site allows accompanying adults to enjoy the celebration too.
Why BoulZeye Is an Ideal Option for a Children’s Party in Montreal
Located in Pointe-aux-Trembles, BoulZeye brings together under one roof all the activities mentioned in this article: a two-storey laser tag arena (ages 5+), 16 bowling lanes (ages 3+), four escape rooms (recommended ages 7+), more than 50 arcade games, a resto-pub with a terrace and a private reception hall that can accommodate up to 100 guests. Free parking and all-inclusive birthday packages make planning easy and stress-free.
