105 fun family activities to do in Quebec

From Montreal's museums to whale watching on the North Coast, here are more than a hundred outings families rate highly, organized by region so you can plan around wherever you're headed. Deux par Deux, the clothing store for kids, put this list together region by region:

Before you head out the door, it's worth checking that everyone is dressed for the day ahead: browse our kids' clothing collections for girls, boys, and babies before you go.

Montreal

Mtlfiredude, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Planetarium

The planetarium is a family activity in Montreal that is ideal if you want to learn more about the cosmos. The shows are captivating and have a lot to teach about stars, planets and space.

• Age: The shows are designed for children ages 7 and up
• Google rating: 4.3 stars for 917 reviews (as of May 12^th, 2023)

1. La Ronde

La Ronde is the second largest amusement park in Canada. It will definitely please adrenaline junkies, but the whole family is sure to find something to love too.

• Age: perfect for the whole family
• Google rating: 4.0 stars for 15,624 reviews (as of May 12^th, 2023)

Laval

Funtropolis

8. Funtropolis

Funtropolis is an entertainment center in Laval, where families can enjoy play structures on multiple levels, ball pits, arcade games and so much more. At Funtropolis, there is something for everyone!

• Age: ideal for kids of all ages
• Google rating: 4.3 stars for 2,207 reviews (as of May 12^th, 2023)

8. Maeva Surf

Maeva Surf is a place that will allow you to enjoy surfing… inside! Experts and beginners alike, everyone will find an activity to enjoy.

• Age: for children 6 years and older
• Google rating: 4.8 stars for 265 reviews (as of May 12^th, 2023)

8. Children’s Museum

The Children’s museum is specially designed to present the world of adults to kids in an exciting and fun way. Firetrucks, veterinary clinic, construction sites and many more attractions are waiting for you and your family in this activity in Laval.

• Age: Made for kids from 2 to 8 years
• Google rating: 4.3 stars for 1,414 reviews (as of May 12^th, 2023)

Lanaudière

PDC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

15. Arbraska in Rawdon

With 7 parks all around the province of Quebec including one in Rawdon, Arbraska is the best place for outdoor adventures. No matter if you prefer a simple hike in nature or a tree top adventure, Arbraska has everything you need!

• Age: The park offers activities for children of all ages
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 696 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

15. Ouareau Forest Regional Park

In Matawinie Regional County, The Forêt Ouareau Regional Park is a place that is loaded with activities. You can even stay for a night of camping or in a refuge that was designed for a remarkable stay.

• Age: activities for the whole family
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 1,145 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

The Laurentians

Josyan Pierson, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

21. Exotarium (A Reptile Farm)

Come and discover this reptile farm in Saint-Eustache. It is one of the best places in Quebec to discover a wide variety of rare animals and learn more about the reptile realm.

• Age: ideal for children of all ages
• Google rating: 3.9 stars for 300 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

21. Le Village du Père Noël (Santa’s Village)

With over 65 years of activity, the Village du Père Noël (Santa’s Village) has always stood out as the ideal destination for little ones to experience a magical time. You can visit this village every summer in Val-David.

• Age: Activities are mainly designed for children from 2 to 8 years 
• Google rating: 4.4 stars for 1,287 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

Things to Do in Quebec City With Kids

Image by Maxime Vibert-Ward from Pixabay

When people think of family activities in Quebec, Quebec City is often the first destination that comes to mind, and for good reason. As one of the oldest cities in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec offers families a rare mix of European charm and Canadian history, all within a compact, walkable core. Whether you have a full week or just a few hours to spare, Quebec City with kids is easy to plan around, since so many attractions sit within walking distance of one another in the Haute-Ville and Lower Town.

28. Quebec Aquarium

The Quebec aquarium is a space where you will find over 10,000 animals, including fish, sea mammals and amphibians. It is the perfect place to learn while having fun.

• Age: perfect for people of all ages
• Google rating: 4.3 stars for 11,163 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

28. La Vallée Secrète (The Secret Valley)

Close to Quebec City, in Saint-Raymond, you will find the gnome forest. This secret valley offers several treasure hunts for the joy and amusement of little ones and not so little ones alike.

• Age: Offers activities for children of all ages
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 433 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

28. Valcartier Vacation Village

The Valcartier Vacation Village is the most popular water park in Quebec. Moreover, in winter, it turns into the largest winter game center in America. No matter the weather, it is an excellent choice for a family activity in Quebec.

• Age: perfect for children over 5 years of age and teenagers
• Google rating: 4.5 stars for 10,188 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

28. Montmorency Falls Park

Higher than Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls is one of the most impressive natural sights near Quebec City. A cable car and suspension bridge take families to the top of the falls, where great views stretch out below. The park also has a zipline and via ferrata for older children and teens looking for something new.

28. The Mega Parc in Galeries de la Capitale

Located inside the Galeries de la Capitale shopping center, the Méga Parc is an indoor amusement park with rides, an ice rink, and mini-golf, a fun place to spend a rainy or freezing afternoon with the whole family.

28. Domaine de Maizeret

A peaceful riverside park offering outdoor activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, and shaded walking paths in summer.

28. Canyon Sainte-Anne

Another great outdoor destination near Quebec City, with suspension bridges over a dramatic gorge that make for an unforgettable short hike.

Exploring Old Quebec: A Walking Tour Through History

No list of family activities in Quebec City would be complete without a walking tour of Old Quebec itself. Start at the iconic Chateau Frontenac, the castle-like hotel that has become the symbol of the city, then stroll along the Dufferin Terrace for some of the best views over the river. From there, families can wander down into the Lower Town through the Breakneck Stairs, browsing the shops and cafés of Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America.

In summer, the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec come alive with street performers, outdoor cafés, and festival crowds. The city hosts several events throughout the year, and since Quebec City is in the French-speaking part of Canada, it's also a fun way to introduce children to a bit of French, even if most attractions and staff can easily switch to English for visitors.

History buffs will want to set aside a few hours for the Plains of Abraham, the historic battlefield turned park where families can pack a picnic, rent bikes, or simply let children run around the wide-open green space. Nearby, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, including its striking Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, offers free admission for visitors 25 and under, along with a dedicated Discovery Zone where younger children can explore art through play. For a deeper look at local history and culture, the Musée de la civilisation in the Lower Town is another excellent museum, with hands-on exhibits designed to keep even the youngest visitors engaged.

Planning a Quebec City Family Vacation

For families planning a Quebec City family vacation, the good news is that most major attractions are close enough together to explore on foot, though a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a comfortable option for anyone traveling with toddlers or who'd rather not walk the hills of Old Quebec all day. If you're driving in from elsewhere in the province, keep in mind that prices are listed in Canadian dollars, and parking can be tight in the old city, so most visitors find it's easier to park in a parking lot just outside the walls and walk in from there.

A Quebec City family vacation is also a good reason to try something new together: renting bikes along the boardwalk, taking a short ferry across the St. Lawrence River to Lévis for skyline views, or hopping on a quick day trip to Ile d'Orléans, where children can pick berries at a local farm and families can sample maple products straight from the source. People of all ages tend to fall for Quebec City's mix of history and small-town charm, and it's easy to see why so many families return year after year.

Quebec City Family Activities in Summer and Winter

Summer is peak season for family activities in Quebec City. Outdoor activities like biking along the boardwalk, kayaking near the marina, or picnicking on the Plains of Abraham fill the calendar from June through August. Street festivals pop up almost every weekend, and families can catch free outdoor concerts, fireworks over the river, and market days in the Old Port. It's also prime time for a walking tour with a local guide, since the weather is warm enough to explore every corner of the Haute-Ville and Lower Town without rushing.

Winter transforms the city into a snowy postcard, and it's one of the best times for family activities in Quebec City. The Quebec Winter Carnival, held every February, is one of the world's largest winter festivals and a must for families, with ice sculptures, night parades, and a giant snow mascot greeting children throughout Old Quebec. Just outside downtown, Village Vacances Valcartier turns into North America's largest winter playground, with snow-tubing runs and a snow-rafting hill that thrill children of every age. For something truly unique, the Ice Hotel near Valcartier lets families tour rooms carved entirely from ice and snow, then warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate. Montmorency Falls is just as spectacular frozen as it is in summer, when the mist forms a giant ice cone at the base that ice climbers scale throughout the season, and back in the old city, the Méga Parc remains a reliable indoor option if temperatures drop too low for outdoor play with children.

Family Hotels in Quebec City

When it comes to family hotels in Quebec City, options range from the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (a fun place to stay at least once, with great views over the river and rooms large enough for families with young children) to more budget-friendly chain hotels just outside the walls, where a short bus ride or a 15-minute walk brings you right into Old Quebec. Many of these hotels include a pool, which is a nice bonus when traveling with children, and most list rates in Canadian dollars with taxes included. If you're driving, ask about hotel parking, since a private parking lot can save you the hassle of hunting for street parking in the old city.

Quebec City with Toddlers and Teens

Quebec City with kids of any age is refreshingly manageable, since the compact old town means toddlers in strollers and independent teenagers can cover the same ground without anyone getting worn out. For toddlers, Benjo, a beloved local toy store on rue Saint-Joseph, is worth a stop: it has a small train that circles the store and enough hands-on toys to entertain children for a good half hour while parents browse. Teens, meanwhile, tend to gravitate toward the shops of Petit-Champlain, the ramparts walking path around Old Quebec, or a climb up to the Citadelle for skyline views.

Whichever age group you're traveling with, Quebec City with kids works because there's always a museum, a park, or a quiet café nearby to regroup. Families with a mix of toddlers and teens often split the day: younger children nap or play in a park while older siblings explore a museum or wander through the shops on their own for an hour.

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Central Quebec

Emmanuel Huybrechts from Laval, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

35. Joual Vair Farm

Located in Bécancour, the Joual Vair farm is the perfect place for equestrian tourism in Quebec. It offers several activities that will bring out the cowboy (or cowgirl) in you!

• Age: minimum age for hikes is 10 years
• Google rating: 4.8 stars for 109 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

35. Village Québécois d’Antan (historical reenactment site)

Close to Drummondville, come and discover an authentic Quebecer cultural experience. This is an outing that will allow you to discover what it was like to live in a Quebec village in the 19 th century.

• Age: perfect for people of all ages
• Google rating: 4.2 stars for 2,549 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

Montérégie

Exporail, le musée ferroviaire canadien

40. Exporail (the Canadian Railway Museum)

Located in Saint-Constant, Exporail is the largest Railway Museum in Canada. For children (and adults) who are passionate about trains, there simply is no better place to find out more about the wonderful world of trains.

• Age: for train lovers of all ages
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 2,133 reviews  (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

40. Théâtre de la Dame de Cœur (theater)

For a truly unique experience, the Théâtre de la Dame de Cœur offers outdoor shows with giant puppets. You can immerse yourself in this magical experience in the municipality of Upton.

• Age: shows for every age group

Mauricie

Fralambert, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chaudière-Appalaches

Creator: Mineralogical and Mining Museum

57. Minéro (Mineralogical and Mining Museum)

The Thetford Mines museum has a lot to teach about the mining world. It is the ideal place to find out more about this industry, which has forged the history of several municipalities, including Thetford Mines.

• Age: perfect for children of all ages
• Google rating: 4.5 stars for 213 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

57. Beauceron Village

In Saint-Prosper, you will find the Beauceron Village, where you will see a dozen historical buildings. On top of discovering Quebec history, there are thematic themes, which are adapted to the season in which you visit.

• Age: perfect for children of all ages
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 31 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

Charlevoix

Maritime Museum of Charlevoix

Bas-St-Laurent (Lower Saint-Lawrence)

nz_willowherb, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

68. Fort Ingall

68. Station exploratoire du Saint-Laurent (Exploration Center)

69. Rimouski Regional Museum

    et Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historical Site

70. Riki Bloc - Escalade

71. Hell’s Gate Canyon

Saguenay

NASA WorldWind, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

73. Blueberry Cycling Path

The Blueberry Cycling Path ( Véloroute des bleuets ) is a path that crosses close to 15 municipalities and surrounds the Lac-Saint-Jean. It is the ideal destination for families who love getting on their bikes and exploring together.

• Age: ideal for teens and adults
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 5,237 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

73. Saint-Félicien Zoo

The Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo focuses first and foremost on preserving the boreal forest. It is a place where you and your family can discover over 80 different species of animals. It is definitely a must-see family activity!

• Age: perfect for all ages
• Google rating: 4.6 stars for 176 reviews (as of May 12 ^th , 2023)

73. Val-Jalbert Authentic “Company Town” of the 1920s

74. Cap Jaseux Adventure Park

75. Parc de la caverne “Trou de la fée” (Cave Park)

76. Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park

77. Fjord Cruises

Outaouais

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

80. Canadian Museum of Nature (just across the river in Ottawa, Ontario)

81. Canadian Children’s museum

80. Calypso (just across the river in Limoges, Ontario)

81. Omega Park

82. Amphibus Lady Dive Tours

83. L’Éco-Odyssée

Eastern Townships

ChristianT, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

86. Granby Zoo

87. Lune de Miel Honey and Bee Interpretation Center

88. Bromont Water Park

89. Nature and Science Museum

90. ASTROlab Mont-Mégantic National Park

91. Foresta Lumina

Gaspésie

Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

92. Exploramer

93. Mont Lyall Agate Mine

94. Excursions in the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park

95. Gaspésie Bioparc

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Cité de l’Or

96. Refuge Pageau

97. Cité de l’Or

Magdalen Islands

Marc-Lautenbacher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

98. Aerosport Quebec Adventures

99. Istorlet Nautical Center

100. Sea Excursions

101. La crinière au vent (Equestrian Center)

North Coast (Côte Nord)

Luca Galuzzi (Lucag), CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

102. Quebec by the Sea Maritime Discovery Center

103. Godbout Bird of Prey Interpretation Center

104. Whale Cruises

105. Sea Mammals Interpretation Centre

To fully enjoy your family outings in Quebec, Deux par Deux has everything you need when it comes to clothing for kids and babies. Whether you need outerwear for a day at Montmorency Falls, swimwear for the water parks, or everyday essentials for girls, boys, and babies, shop our latest trends in children’s clothing and have everything delivered to your home quickly!

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