Montreal Summer Festivals for Kids and 1,300 Free Outdoor Shows

Turn your family vacation into something to laugh about in Montreal, Quebec, Canada this summer. From July 3rd to July 26th 2009, join the annual Just for Laughs festival with hosts Martin Short, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, David Alan Grier, Aisha Tyler, and John Cleese. This comedy festival is the largest of its kind and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Kids can check out the Just for Laughs Museum for special activities including puppet shows, clown workshops, and treasure hunts.

Adults can watch stand-up routines, comedy workshops, and performances by world-renown comedians. Gala tickets and special performances can run from CDN$40 on up -- keep in mind that the Canadian Dollar is trading below par with the US Dollar which means a 15% savings -- but there are also 1,300 free outdoors shows in Montreal's Quartier Latin with urban street theater, stand-up comedy, and more. For additional information about the Just for Laughs Festival, call 888/244-3155.

If you miss out on the Just for Laughs Festival, or are just trying to stick to a budget, try a special event for kids 12-years and younger. Le Fete de enfants de Montreal kicks off from August 14th to the 16th at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Hundreds of free activities include child-friendly performances, inflatable toys, fireworks,  vendors, and outdoor fun. Two dollar train rides are also available with proceeds benefiting The Fondation d'une Ville pour ses enfants - Montreal.

This special kid-friendly event is inspired by India's own Children's Day. It's celebrated annually on the anniversary of the birth of Nehru, a famed prime minister of India and friend of Gandhi. Nehru wanted to honor children as the future of India. Montreal followed suit and began offering children their own special day since 1999. Except for train rides, activities are free and accessible to everyone.

For downtown proximity to the festivals and area attractions, stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Centre-Ville in downtown Montreal along Rue Sherbrooke just .8 mile from city center. Rates start at CDN$177 for a room with two Queen beds (or approximately $150 USD). Amenities include king and queen sized beds, high speed Internet, available cribs, spacious rooms, black-out drapes, city views, cable, pool, jacuzzi, parking, and buffet breakfast. Group rates are also available for those heading out on an international family reunion. The Hilton Garden Inn Montreal's downtown location is also within walking distance to McGill University, Place des Arts Theater, and shops on Saint Catherine Street with restaurants, boutiques, book stores, and children's shops. The bilingual hotel staff can arrange sight-seeing tours, local transportation, and advice on the best spots for kids.

For deeper discounts, pick up a Montreal Attractions Passport for a 15% discount on the Just for Laughs festival with a free mascot toy. Receive discounted tickets to kid-friendly attractions including the Planetarium, Botanical Garden and Insectarium, summer festivals, shopping, and restaurants. Passports run CDN$19.95 and are good for 1 adult and 2 children. Policies on children's ages vary per vendor. Visit CityPassports.com for more information.