Don't forget to look at the art in the metro with your kids - it's part of the culture! (Photo: Wikipedia.com/Gene.arboit)

Montreal's public transit authority is expecting to increase fares in 2010, but that should not stop families from using the bus and metro to get around during the holiday season. Families with children under the age of twelve can save when using public transit for outings on weekends and holidays.

Savings work two ways: first, adults who pay full fare can bring along up to five children free of charge; second, an adult with an Opus card can use the STM web site to print a discount coupon for one of Montreal's many museums or cultural destinations, thanks to the Family Outings program. An Opus card is required to get the discount coupons, and parents will be asked to provide their full name when they request the coupon.

Participating destinations

Museums and other popular destinations offer either a flat discount, or express the discount as a percentage. Museums participating at this time include the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal,  Écomusée du fier monde, the Insectarium and Château Dufresne Museums. Take in an IMAX film at the Montreal Science Centre, go skating at the Atrium, or head out to the opera, all with a family discount. You can even make a personalized teddy bear at Univers Toutou!

Weekends and holidays

Family Outings discounts are in effect every weekend, and also on the STM's designated holidays. Upcoming holidays for 2009 are Christmas and Boxing Day (December 25 and 26.) The schedule of 2010 holiday schedule is not yet published at the time of writing, but expect January 1 and 2 to be treated as holidays, if there are no changes from last year. Other holidays throughout the year are Good Friday and Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, St-Jean Baptiste Day, Labour Day and Thanksgiving.

Catch it while you can!

Take advantage of the STM's Family Outings program over the coming weeks, and catch one of these exhibitions in December:

• Telescope: Passport to the Stars at the Planetarium (-15%) closes December 14, 2009
• Silver Magic at the Maison Saint-Gabriel (-$2) closes December 18, 2009
• eSpace at the McCord Museum (-10%) closes January 10, 2010
• Galileo Live! at the Planetarium (-15%) closes January 10, 2010
• The Longest Night at the Planetarium (-15%) closes December 31, 2009
• Christmas at the Botanical Garden (-15%) from December 4, 2009 to January 3, 2010
• Caillou Discovers Winter at the Biodome (-15%) from December 19, 2009 to February 14, 2010
• Christmas concerts and mass at Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum (-10%) throughout December
• Baobab at La Maison Théâtre (-10%) throughout December

 Note: The STM recommends families check with the destination for location and hours, and to learn of any restrictions on when discount coupons can be used