If you’re looking for things to do in Quebec City with kids, here are 21 fun things to do!
When it comes to things to do with kids, Quebec City is a great place to explore. With its old-world charm and many different attractions, there’s something for everyone in this historic city.
Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America and is full of history. The old city walls, Château Frontenac and Notre Dame Cathedral are some of the must-see sights in the city. And the Plains of Abraham is a must-see for any history buff – it’s the site of many important battles throughout Quebec’s history.
But there are plenty of fun things to do in Quebec City for kids too! Families can take a ride on the Funicular, explore the Domaine Maizerets or visit the Aquarium.
And of course, no trip to Quebec City would be complete without trying some of the famous poutine!
Top Things to Do in Quebec City with Kids
Here are the top things to do in Quebec City with kids, along with some of our personal favourites.
1. Explore the Old Town
Quebec City’s old town is a great place to start your exploration of the city.
This historic area is home to winding streets, charming shops and restaurants, and beautiful architecture.
It’s reminiscent of a European town, from the cobblestone streets to the many cafes lining the streets.
Browse the local shops or sit and people watch at a cafe and soak up the charm of Old Quebec.
2. Take a Walk through the Old City Walls
The old city walls are one of the most iconic things about Quebec City. They were built in the 17th century to protect the city from invaders, and today they offer a great way to see some of the historic sights.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it’s the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts.
The walled city is one of the only remaining fortified city walls in North America.
3. Stroll through the Petit Champlain Quarter
The Petit Champlain Quarter is one of the most charming areas of Quebec City.
This family friendly pedestrian-only area is full of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to do some shopping or stop for a bite to eat.
Be sure to check out some of the unique outdoor art installations!
Québec City Tourism has a great map of the Petit Champlain Quarter, including where to find the outdoor art installations.
4. See Château Frontenac
Chateau Frontenac is one of the most iconic buildings in Quebec City. This grand hotel is located in the Old Town and overlooks the city from atop a hill.
Stop in for a guided tour, have afternoon tea or stay overnight, either way, it’s worth a visit!
Fun Fact: The Chateau Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world.
For the best spot to photograph this iconic landmark, head to the lower city, just at the corner of rue Notre-Dame and Boulevard Champlain, where Rue Dalhousie turns.
5. Visit the Plains of Abraham
The Plains of Abraham is a large park located in the Old Town.
It’s well known as the site of many important battles throughout Quebec’s history, including the Battle of Quebec in 1759, when the French lost to the British and Canada’s fate was decided.
Today it’s a great place to explore, with fantastic views of the river, plus walking trails and plenty of green space to run around.
6. Explore the Citadelle du Quebec
The Citadelle is a large fort located just outside the Old Town walls.
It was built in the 1800’s as a way to protect the city from invaders and was the largest British fortress in North America.
Today it’s an active military base that is open to the public and is a great place to learn about Quebec’s history.
Take a tour or watch the changing of the guard, which happens daily at 10am.
7. Ride the Funicular
Quebec City is divided between the Upper Town and the Lower Town.
There are steps throughout the city to connect the two areas, or if you don’t feel like doing the steps, take the funicular!
The short ride is a great way to see the city from above and is especially fun for kids.
8. Get Lost in the Domaine Maizerets
Domaine Maizerets is a large park located just outside the Old Town.
It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore nature. There are walking trails, a pond, and a beautiful garden.
The park is also home to a hedge maze, which is exactly what it sounds like: an outdoor garden maze where the “walls” or dividers between passages are made of hedges.
While adults can fit through the passages too, it’s definitely more fun for kids!
If you’re looking for fun things for kids in Quebec City, this will be a highlight!
9. Cool off at the Baie de Beauport
Head outside of downtown Quebec City and cool off at the Baie de Beauport.
With a beautiful sandy beach, and just a five minute drive from downtown Quebec City, it’s a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
In the summer, there’s a lifeguard on duty and a roped off area to swim. Boat rentals are available, or just bring a picnic lunch and relax on the St. Lawrence River.
If you’re visiting Quebec City in the summer, the Baie de Beauport is one of the best spots to go after exploring the Old Town.
10. Walk along Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace is a pedestrian boardwalk that runs along the front of the Chateau Frontenac. It’s a great spot to take a stroll, people watch or grab a bite to eat.
In the summer, you’ll find street performers, cannons for kids to climb on and fantastic views of the St.Lawrence River and Château Frontenac.
This is also where you board the funicular that we mentioned above.
And, this is also where you’ll find one of the best things to do in Quebec City in the winter. From mid-December to mid-March, there’s an iconic, century-old toboggan run, known as Au 1884, where you can ride down the hill on a wood toboggan!
11. Cool off at the City Hall Splash Pad
One of the best things to do in Quebec City for kids in summer is to cool off at the City Hall Splash Pad.
Located in the center of Old Town, in front of the Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, or City Hall, it’s a perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and let the kids run around and play.
In the winter, the Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville is home to the German Christmas Market – a must-see if you’re in Quebec in December!
12. Explore the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain
The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain is a large park on the banks of the St.Lawrence River.
Stroll along the 4.5km boardwalk, climb the observation tower or walk some of the many paths through the forest – some of the trees are over 100 years old!
13. Try some poutine!
If you’re in Quebec, you have to try poutine!
Poutine is a Quebec dish that consists of French fries, gravy and cheese curds.
It might not sound like much, but it’s delicious and definitely something you should try when you’re in Quebec City!
You’ll find poutine on menus all over the city, from fast food restaurants to fine dining establishments.
Indoor Things to Do in Quebec City with Kids on a Rainy Day
14. See the Aquarium du Quebec
The Aquarium du Quebec is located in the Old Town and is one of the best family attractions in Quebec City.
The aquarium has several different exhibits and more than 10,000 marine animals, including walrus and a polar bear, as well as a touch tank where kids can get up close and personal with some of the animals.
In the summer, kids can cool off at the splash pad, with water jets and interactive water cannons.
15. Center Interpretation at Place Royale
Located in the heart of Old Town, Place Royale is the site of the first permanent French settlement in North America.
Today, the square is home to the Center Interpretation, which is a great spot for kids to learn about the history of Quebec City.
There are interactive exhibits as well as a short film about the founding of Quebec City. It’s a great way to spend an hour or so, especially on a rainy day.
16. Canadian Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for more things to do in Quebec City with kids on a rainy day, inside the Musee de Civilization, or Museum of Civilization, you’ll find the Canadian Children’s Museum.
The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Quebec and Canada, with exhibits on everything from the first peoples of Canada to contemporary art.
There are plenty of interactive exhibits where kids have the opportunity to role play, explore cultural exhibits or get hands-on in the Building Works area.
Admission is included in the ticket to the Museum of Civilization.
Things to Do with Kids Near Quebec City
17. Cross the Suspension Bridge at Montmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls is located just outside of Quebec City and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
The falls are 83 meters high, which makes them taller than Niagara Falls!
You can take a cable car to the top of the falls, or hike up the stairs for a great workout. There are also several walking trails in the park.
At the top of the falls is a suspension bridge that crosses over to the other side.
It’s a great spot for photos and to get a different perspective of the falls. (It’s absolutely safe for kids – in fact, it was one of the highlights of the trip for my guys!)
18. Explore Ile d’Orleans
Ile d’Orleans is a small island located in the St. Lawrence River, just a short drive from Quebec City.
Step back in time to rural 18th century Quebec, where you’ll find centuries old villages, farms, churches and homes.
There are plenty farm stands around the island, where you can purchase local produce and sample local products.
You’ll find everything from vineyards to cheesemakers, cider to chocolate. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring!
19. Get Outdoors at Chutes de la Chaudiere
Chutes de la Chaudiere is a beautiful set of waterfalls located just outside of Old Quebec.
It’s a great spot for a picnic or to take a short hike.
The falls are especially pretty in the spring when the snow is melting and the water is rushing.
There’s also a suspension bridge that crosses the river – it’s definitely not for those who are afraid of heights!
20. Visit Wendake
Wendake is the Huron-Wendat First Nations reserve, located just north of Quebec City.
It’s a great spot to learn about the culture and history of the Huron-Wendat people.
Walk through historic Old Wendake, then stop at the Onhoüa Cheteke Long House, a replica of a traditional Wendat longhouse, which is a great way for kids to learn about the history and culture of the Wendat people.
21. Explore Jacques Cartier National Park
A little further from Quebec City, Jacques Cartier National Park is a great spot to get outdoors and explore nature.
There is plenty of opportunities to explore, with over 100km of hiking and biking trails, as well as canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the Jacques Cartier River.
Rent a canoe, kayak or even an inner tube to get out and experience the amazing views of the valley.
In the winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding are popular activities and in the fall, the colours are just spectacular!
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Quebec City
- Parking in and near the Old Town is limited. Parking is available near the hotel palace royal, or there are public lots at Place d’Youville and others nearby.
- The language in Quebec is French. While some people may speak English (especially at restaurants and shops), many at hotels or outside of the main tourist areas will only speak French.
- Quebec City is a popular place to visit, especially in the summer. Book ahead and if you can, visit through the week instead of on the weekends.
Where to Stay in Quebec City with Kids
Quebec is a large city and with that, there are lots of areas of stay. Of course, there is Old Quebec, which is the most convenient for exploring the Old Town but there are also plenty of other areas a short drive away.
In Old Quebec
In the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to rooms and apartments in historic buildings. Accommodations will be more expensive than in other areas outside of the Old Town.
✅ Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec and Chateau Frontenac are two of the best choices for a luxury stay.
✅ Hotel Palace Royal is also an excellent hotel at the edge of Old Quebec, with large rooms, a pool and hot tub and underground parking.
✅ Just outside of the Old Town, Best Western Plus is a good choice, with grand rooms, a pool and it’s only a short 15 minute walk to the Old Town.
In the Beauport area
Close to Montmorency, the area of Beauport has many accommodation options. Reasonably priced and just a short drive from Old Quebec, it’s a great place to spend the night.
✅ Hotel Le Voyageur is an inexpensive option; rooms are clean and some have a divider to make separate bedrooms (which is nice when travelling with kids). There’s also a pool.
**Big bonus is that it’s right beside Domaine de Maizerets!
👉 Check rates for available accommodations in Quebec City
Final Thoughts: Fun Things to Do in Quebec City with Kids
Quebec City is a great destination for families with kids because there are plenty of things to do and see. From exploring the Old Town to getting outdoors in one of the many parks, I hope these suggestions have given you some ideas of what to do in Quebec City with kids.
