10+ Amazing Things to Do in Quebec City With Kids

I’ve always loved visiting Quebec City. When my husband and I visited before we had kids, we were content just walking around the city, shopping, and hanging out at cafes. But with my kids in tow, I wanted to make sure that they had both an educational and an entertaining trip.

Although we were only there for three nights (I’d recommend at least four), we still were able to see and do so many great things. There are so many great things to do in Quebec City with kids.

Disclosure: We were provided complimentary lodging and activities during our stay in Québec City. In addition, the CVB helped us identify what to do with kids in Quebec City. I attended a separate press trip promoting the Festival d’Ete de Quebec.

I’ve also visited many times at my own cost. All opinions are our own. Affiliate links within. Purchasing and/or clicking on some of the links may result in a commission paid to us.

This beautiful city is the only walled city in North America and is one of the oldest cities. In 1985 it was designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Just wandering around the gorgeous and quaint cobblestone streets and looking at the historic buildings is a treat. But there are also so many great things to do in Quebec City with kids.

Here are a few of our favorite Quebec City attractions and activities for families. (Note: We went in the summer when the Quebec City weather was warm and comfortable. There are lots of things to do in Quebec City in the winter months as well – specifically the Quebec City winter carnival, visits to the ice hotel, sipping hot chocolate, ice skating, and enjoying the toboggan slide and ice slides).

Things to Do in Quebec City with Kids: Quebec City Family Attractions

Musee National Des Beaux-Arts du Quebec

We only had the chance to spend a few minutes at the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, and my kids were begging to return. The buildings themselves alone are a reason to visit. When the museum outgrew the original Gérard-Morisset Building, they expanded into the adjacent Charles-Baillairgé Building – a former prison.

Some of the original cells remain, and my kids loved getting a look at the tiny little rooms. The two buildings are joined by a new building – pictured here – which serves as the main entrance. This set of buildings is completely unique and worth visiting, even if you aren’t as interested in the art.

The museum features permanent collections and exhibits and also offers kids’ programming and camps. It sits on National Battlefields Park (also known as the Plains of Abraham).

If you are visiting Quebec with kids, it’s definitely worth a visit. We’d love to return for a longer visit. Expect to spend several hours there if you want to fully explore. It’s a popular place to visit.

The Plains of Abraham (National Battlefields Park)

The highlight of our visit was Abraham’s Bus and the Odyssey experience at the Plains of Abraham. The Odyssey, three different interactive movies, and a series of exhibits bring history to life. My kids were actually fascinated learning about the history of the plains, Quebec City, and Canada. I would highly recommend a visit here – it’s one of the top things to do.

While you are visiting, make sure you also take a ride on Abraham’s Bus, one of the best-rated tourist attractions. This tour through the park is guided by “Abraham”, who infuses his tour with humor and interaction. It’s relatively short too – about 45 minutes – so it kept my kids’ attention. Tours are available in both French and English.

Musee de la Civilisation

Located along the waterfront in the old city (in the lower town), the Musee de la Civilisation offers lots of kid-friendly interactive exhibits. My kids loved playing in the permanent “Game Story Exhibit”, which features video games across the years (they couldn’t believe that the old-looking Commodore 64 was THE computer to have when mommy and daddy were kids).

The Discovery Zone, in the basement, is the most kid-friendly part of the museum. We spent a lot of time in the Earth’s Unveiled Room, where my kids could see firsthand what tornadoes and earthquakes are like. The other area of the Discovery Zone is the Once Upon a Time section – a fun area where kids can play dress up with some very detailed, beautiful costumes.

Guests are required to sign up for a specific time to visit, and we didn’t have enough time to do it. If you are looking for family activities in Quebec City during especially hot or cold weather, this is a good spot to check out. It will take several hours to explore. You can purchase tickets here.

Montmorency Falls

You’ll need a car (or book a bus tour/take a cab) to visit Montmorency Falls, but it’s worth the trip. In my opinion, it’s one of the best Quebec City activities because it’s so unique. The falls, which are taller than Niagara Falls, are gorgeous, and the park is a fun place to visit. You can take a gondola (or walk 460 steps) to the top, and stand right over the top of the falls.

There’s also a restaurant on the top, and starting this year. We spent a while here, and enjoy walking down the stairs, checking out the falls at the various vantage points. It’s only a short drive away – about 10-15 minutes outside of the old city and is a great place to visit with spectacular views.

Benjo

If you are traveling with younger kids, you absolutely cannot miss a trip to Benjo, a large toy store located in the lower part of the old city. It’s an especially great thing to do when it rains.

On the weekends, kids can take a train ride throughout the store. My kids didn’t want to leave – they enjoyed playing with the interactive toys and making their very own stuffed animals.

We chatted with the manager of the store and learned about how Benjo thoughtfully sources all of its toys through three buyers. Boxes are translated into French as necessary. The staff is so friendly and helpful, and there are many different demo and display toys that the kids can play with and interact with (including a fun robot).

If you enter through the main entrance of the store (which is actually in the back by the parking lot), kids can use their very own VIP entrance and pose with a statue of Benjo (a frog). Benjo also offers a fall magic event, with magicians visiting from all over the world. It’s definitely a fun place to visit in Quebec City – your kids will definitely remember it!

Lower City

Families looking for family attractions in Quebec City will definitely want to visit the lower city during your trip. It’s home to many popular shops and restaurants in the city, along with several museums (including the Musee de la Civilisation).

As the name implies, it is located below the main part of the old city, and you can either take the stairs or ride the Funiculaire, an inclined glass elevator that travels up and down between the upper town and lower city (for $4 per person). Of course, I’d recommend walking down and taking the Funiculaire up – it’s a LOT of stairs.

While you are in the lower city, I’d recommend grabbing lunch or dinner. One of the most popular restaurants in the city is Le Cochon Dingue, a restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating. There are other cafes as well, many of which offer outdoor seating in the summer. People-watching can be lots of fun in the city.

Louis-Jolliet Boat Tour

We were in Quebec City over the Fourth of July holiday, and it was pretty hot. So we were happy to take a break from walking around the city to ride on the Louis-Jolliet, a sightseeing boat that travels down the St. Lawrence River.

The guided tour is led by Louis-Jolliet himself (or, rather, a guide dressed to look like him), who speaks both English and French. It lasts about an hour and a half and goes as far as the Montmorency Falls before turning around.

The boat offers a bar along with light fare and a gift shop. I definitely recommend it as a way to see the city from a different perspective and to do something a little different.

Iles d’Orleans

This small island, just off the coast of Quebec City, is a food lovers’ paradise. It features small farms, wineries, cafes, and shops, perfect for anyone looking to get away from the city for a few hours.

There are lots of options of places to stop and visit while you are there, but it’s best to do a little research in advance so you have a specific plan. Bus tours and food tours can also be booked.

For a nice day trip outside of Old Quebec City, you can combine a trip to Montmorency Falls, Iles D’Orleans, and the shrine St. Anne De Beaupré. They aren’t too far from the center of the city but have a very different vibe. If you don’t have a car, you can book a tour.

Festival D’Ete De Quebec

This annual summer festival is an eleven-day musical festival that brings in over one million guests. Each year, the festival brings in international, national, and regional performers on ten different stages and venues. There are kid-friendly areas of the festival, and the whole city is transformed with the various stages and venues for the festival.

If you are planning to see a specific artist, you’ll want to check the festival schedule in advance. You probably won’t be in the city for the whole festival, so you’ll want to make sure your trip coincides with the performance. The biggest artists draw large crowds, and you may want to line up for those so you can get in and grab a good space.

Walk Dufferin Terrace

Dufferin Terrace is a wooden boardwalk located along the edge of the old city above the Saint Lawrence River. It’s one of the best places to walk around because you’ll be able to see great views, including the Fairmont le Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world. In the summer, you can also find street performers along this short walk.

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Quebec City

Hotel Chateau Laurier

 Le Concorde Hotel  – was previously a Loews resort

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac (pricey, but classic)

Hotel Manoir Victoria – located right in the walled city

Hilton Quebec City – a comfortable hotel that is very close to the walled city.

See other hotels and lodging options on the map (affiliate links):

There were lots of other fun things to do in Quebec City that we missed out on. The Aquarium was highly recommended to us – we just didn’t have the time to visit. Another spot that I’d wished we had visited is the Citadel, where they hold a daily changing of the guard at 10 am.

You may also consider doing a walking tour of old Quebec (the area within the city walls) and beyond. Here’s one tour you can book.

Although we were able to see a lot, we missed a lot too – we’ll definitely have to return again soon.

Things to Know About Quebec City Before You Go/Frequently Asked Questions

Originally posted in 2013, updated in 2023.