Québec City is easy with children: it’s safe, compact and full of things that feel like an adventure — cannons, castles, waterfalls and snow. Here’s what works for little kids, big kids and everyone in between.
Meet the polar bears at the Aquarium du Québec
Run by Sépaq, the Aquarium du Québec has polar bears, walruses and seals plus thousands of fish, on a big site above the river. Plan half a day.
Spend a day at Village Vacances Valcartier
About 25 minutes north of downtown, Valcartier is a water park in summer and a snow-tubing park in winter. Either way, it’s the day the kids will talk about.
Cross the bridge over Montmorency Falls
The cable car, the suspension bridge right over the 83-metre falls and the stairs down the cliff make this a family favourite. Older kids can try the zipline in summer.
Watch the guard at the Citadelle
A real working fort with cannons and soldiers. In summer, the changing of the guard is a morning ceremony complete with the regimental goat mascot, Batisse.
Run around the Plains of Abraham
Open lawns, playgrounds and picnic spots in summer; sledding and snowshoeing in winter. It’s the best place to let kids burn off energy between museums.
Ride the funicular to Petit-Champlain
The short, steep funicular ride is a hit with small children. At the bottom, Petit-Champlain’s narrow street and shop windows are made for slow wandering.
Visit the Musée de la civilisation
Hands-on exhibitions and a dedicated space for young visitors make this the best rainy-day museum for families.
Pick strawberries or apples on Île d’Orléans
Strawberry season is late June into July; apples come in September and October. Finish with ice cream at a farm stand.
Winter extras
The Au 1884 toboggan slide, Bonhomme at Carnaval, skating at Place D’Youville and a tour of the Hôtel de Glace — see our guide to Québec City winter activities.
Tips for families
- Old Québec is hilly and partly cobbled — a carrier is easier than a stroller for small children.
- Pick a hotel with a pool and parking. For a rainy day, the Galeries de la Capitale mall has an indoor amusement park. See our where to stay in Québec City picks.
- Keep one day per trip outdoors and out of town — the falls, the island or Valcartier.
Plan the rest
Start with our Québec City bucket list, borrow our weekend plan, or explore the hidden gems in Québec City. Every stop is on our activity map.
Frequently asked questions
Is Québec City good for kids?
Yes. It is safe, compact and full of family attractions — the Aquarium, Montmorency Falls, the Citadelle, Valcartier and plenty of open space on the Plains of Abraham.
Is Old Québec stroller-friendly?
Partly. The streets are hilly and some are cobbled, and the upper and lower towns are linked by stairs. The funicular takes strollers, but a carrier is easier for small children.
What can kids do in Québec City in winter?
Snow-tubing at Valcartier, the toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace, skating at Place D’Youville, sledding on the Plains of Abraham and Carnaval in February.
What is there to do with kids in Québec City when it rains?
The Aquarium du Québec’s indoor pavilions, the Musée de la civilisation and the indoor amusement park at Galeries de la Capitale.
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