Things to do in Quebec City with kids: 12 ideas all year round
Planning a weekend or a vacation in Quebec City with the kids? The capital is one of the best family destinations in the province: everything is close together, several activities are free, and there is as much to do in winter as in summer. Here are our 12 ideas, grouped by season.
In short: for a first visit, combine Montmorency Falls, the Old Quebec funicular and the Aquarium. In winter, add a free skating rink and the Dufferin Terrace toboggan run.
All year round
1. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
A waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, 15 minutes from Old Quebec. Ride the cable car, cross the suspension bridge over the water, and let the brave try the zipline. The cable car saves you the 487-step staircase with toddlers.
- 5300, boulevard Sainte-Anne, Quebec City
- See the listing
2. Aquarium du Québec
About 10,000 marine animals, including polar bears and seals, with a treasure hunt for kids. Plan half a day; it is easy with a stroller.
- 1675, avenue des Hôtels, Quebec City
- See the listing
3. Old Quebec Funicular
The little inclined railway links Dufferin Terrace to the Petit-Champlain district. Kids love it, and it saves you the Breakneck Stairs. Cash only.
- 16, rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City
- See the listing
4. Quebec–Lévis Ferry
The cheapest mini-cruise in town: the ferry leaves every 20 to 30 minutes in the daytime, all year, with a superb view of the Château Frontenac. In winter you cross through the ice.
- Lévis ferry terminal, 6001, rue Laurier
- See the listing
5. Jean Castor – Maple Syrup Museum
A small indoor museum on rue Saint-Jean where animated beavers tell how syrup is made. Perfect for a break during a stroll in Old Quebec.
- 1143, rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City
- See the listing
6. Village Vacances Valcartier
25 minutes from downtown: more than 35 snow slides in winter, a big outdoor water park in summer, and Bora Parc, an indoor water park open all year.
- 2280, boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
- See the listing
In winter
7. Place D'Youville skating rink
The refrigerated rink at the foot of the fortifications, free, with skate rental, from mid-November to mid-March.
- 995, place D'Youville, Quebec City
- See the listing
8. Au 1884 – Dufferin Terrace toboggan run
A century-old tradition: ride a toboggan down an icy wooden track with the river and the Château Frontenac as a backdrop. Toboggans are provided.
- Dufferin Terrace, Quebec City
- See the listing
9. Pointe-aux-Lièvres winter sports site
A lit 1.5 km ice ring and a sledding hill, both free, on the Saint-Charles River. Strollers are allowed on the ice.
- 25, rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres, Quebec City
- See the listing
10. Domaine de Maizerets
A lit ice ring and easy snowshoe and cross-country ski trails in winter; picnics, mazes and an observation tower in summer. Free access to the grounds.
- 2000, boulevard Montmorency, Quebec City
- See the listing
Around Quebec City
11. Jacques-Cartier National Park
30 minutes away: river tubing or mini-rafts in summer, sledding and snowshoeing in winter. Access is free for ages 17 and under.
- 103, chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
- See the listing
12. Le Relais des Pins
An Île d'Orléans sugar shack serving the traditional meal and taffy on snow all year. A sugar shack treat for kids even in summer.
- 2013, chemin Royal, Sainte-Famille-de-l'Île-d'Orléans
- See the listing
Mark your calendar
- Quebec City German Christmas Market, November 19 to December 23, 2026, free admission. See the event
- Quebec Winter Carnival, February 5 to 14, 2027. See the event
Frequently asked questions
What can you do for free in Quebec City with kids?
The Place D'Youville and Plains of Abraham rinks, Pointe-aux-Lièvres (skating and sledding), Domaine de Maizerets and the German Christmas Market are free. The Quebec–Lévis ferry costs little.
What to do in Quebec City on a rainy day?
The Aquarium du Québec (partly indoors), the Jean Castor museum and Valcartier's Bora Parc, an indoor water park open year-round.
How many days do you need in Quebec City with kids?
Two or three days let you see Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls and the Aquarium without rushing. Add a day for Valcartier or Jacques-Cartier park.
Information checked on October 12, 2026. Prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
