The Best Family Vacations are Happening in Québec City

As soon as the warm season begins, street performers bring life to the streets and public squares, including Dufferin Terrace. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a family visit to Old Québec.

Immersive multimedia experiences are always popular with children, and Onhwa’ Lumina in Wendake is no exception. Once night falls, the 1.2-kilometre forest trail comes alive with light, sound, and video projections, offering a magical journey through the heart of the woods. It is a moving celebration of life and the values of the Wendat Nation.

For a truly spectacular evening, head to the Grands Feux Loto-Québec fireworks along the river, held every Tuesday and Thursday night in August.

History lessons come to life before children’s eyes at the Citadelle of Québec, the Plains of Abraham Museum, the Îlot des Palais, the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, and the Huron-Wendat Museum.

The Immersion Québec experience brings key historical events back to life through virtual reality, while the Horizons interpretive journey at the Observatoire de la Capitale is perfectly suited for families.

The Québec City region stands out for its exceptional natural environment, and one of its true gems, Jacques-Cartier National Park, offers free access for all children aged 17 and under. You can take the opportunity to go down the river on a mini-raft or inner tube—activities open to everyone and suitable for children aged five and up. A great adventure ahead!

Stand-up paddleboarding is very popular, but did you know it’s also a great activity for family outings? Little ones can sit on a parent’s board and enjoy the gentle movement on the water, while older children can paddle and steer their own board. Less than 20 minutes from downtown, the tandem boards at Canots Légaré are ideal for beginners. You can even rent boards that accommodate 4 to 6 paddlers—perfect for group fun!

Teens looking for thrills will be delighted by the zipline at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency or the Air Canyon at Canyon Sainte-Anne. Good news: the latter now features a brand-new family zone filled with playful challenges, specially designed for younger visitors.

When the temperature rises, nothing beats a refreshing outing to delight both kids and adults. Village Vacances Valcartier remains a must-visit, with its spectacular water slides and child-friendly areas. Closer to downtown, Station de la Plage offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere, while Baie de Beauport lets visitors enjoy the sand, water games, and even introductory water sports.

Kids will love the water play area at Place des Canotiers, while the Cale du Port de Québec is perfect for parents looking to unwind: as children splash in the shallow water, adults can enjoy a drink on a terrace overlooking the harbour.

No one can predict the weather, but Québec offers a wide range of indoor activities that make it easy to forget any rainy-day blues.

Méga Parc at Galeries de la Capitale features 18 attractions that will delight the whole family.

You could also dive into the world of the Aquarium du Québec and discover the new immersive Louphoque experience, a captivating space offering a playful, sensory take on the marine world with unique perspectives.

Finally, Bora Parc brings together more than 14 waterslides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, creating a year-round summer vibe.

With their hands-on, interactive approach, the youth exhibitions at the Musée de la civilisation are also a must for families.