Note: For summer 2025, all national parks (including many historical sites) in Canada are FREE!

Why Quebec City is a Magical Destination for Families

In Quebec, old-world charm meets modern family fun. Plus, the city is walkable, safe, and full of culture both kids and parents can enjoy.

Kids can earn Canadian Junior Ranger badges at national parks.

Travel Tips for Exploring Quebec with Kids

Visiting Quebec City with Toddlers and Babies

Old Quebec City is very walkable, but consider bringing a carrier for babies and toddlers. There are stairs, and many of the sidewalks are very narrow with cobblestones, so I would suggest a narrower stroller with bigger wheels if you choose to bring one.

Restrooms in Quebec City

For locations of public bathrooms in Quebec, see this website.

Parking in Quebec City

There are many parking garages in Quebec City. We easily found a parking space in a garage even though it was a weekend and there was a music festival happening. It was also very reasonably priced—less than $20 for the day!

Visiting National Parks

National parks in Canada offer a program similar to the Junior Rangers in the US. Inquire at National Park sites about the Canadian Junior Ranger program. If your child completes a workbook during their visit to a national park site, they'll receive a dog tag (they call them badges in Canada). Our kids collected quite a few on our trip!

Kids will love the Observe exhibit at Musee de la civilisation. Photo courtesy the museum

Top Things To Do in Quebec City with Kids

1. Musée de la civilisation

This museum’s interactive exhibits focus on both science and cultural history. The Discovery Zone offers activities for children, including an elaborate dress-up experience and a maker's lab. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here.

2. Place des Canotiers

This riverfront square has a splash pad, an art installation, and views of any cruise ships in the port for a fun spot to take a break from walking.

3. Quebec City-Lévis Ferry

Another way to take in great views while cooling off is to ride the ferry across the St. Lawrence River. The ride is 12 minutes each way and only costs a few dollars. Kids under 5 are free.

Rue Saint-Jean is filled with places to eat and plenty of outdoor dining.

4. Quartier Petit Champlain

This cobblestoned pedestrian zone is as cute as can be, and with no cars, it’s easy to wrangle kids while you window shop or stop for a bite. Your kids will love the mural in the picture-perfect square and a frame for a perfect photo op!

5. Old Quebec Funicular

If climbing the “Breakneck Steps” isn’t on your agenda, for a few dollars take the funicular from Petit Champlain (lower town) to Château Frontenac (upper town) and enjoy the view as you ascend.

6. Dufferin Terrace

A boardwalk straight out of a Victorian seaside town, but perched high above the St. Lawrence River gives this promenade a festive feel. Add in street performers, great views, cannons to climb on, and fireworks displays through the summer and you may find yourself coming back to this spot again and again.

7. St-Louis Forts and Chateaux National Historic Site

Hidden beneath the Dufferin Terrace are the archeological remains of the city’s original fort and Governor’s residence. You can peer down the glass domes on the terrace to see them or explore them in person. Kids can even dig for archaeological relics in a designated sandpit.

Kids can dress up and step back in time at the Fortifications of Quebec City.

8. Ramparts and Fortifications of Quebec City

Tour the fortifications of Quebec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to learn about the history of the city. Stroll along the top of the city’s ramparts for great views. Families with older kids might enjoy a two-hour guided tour in English and French. Visiting the St-Jean Gate and the Artillery Park is really fun for younger kids as there are costumes to dress up in and several photo ops. By walking around the rooms in costume, kids can get a real feel for what it was like to be a guard here.

9. City Hall Gardens

Grab a coffee from La Maison Smith Rue des Jardins and sit while the kids enjoy the splash pad in front of City Hall.

10. La Citadelle de Quebec

Can’t get to Buckingham Palace? At this active military base, the changing of the guard ceremony has all the pomp, plus a special guest star, Batisse the goat. You can also take a tour to learn about the history of the 300-year-old fort.

Quebec City's street performers will wow you. 

11. Quebec City Festivals

Quebec City seems to have a continual flow of festivals, many free, that give the city a festive vibe almost any time of year. You might enjoy a comedy festival, a fireworks festival, a  free nightly circus show, and more.

12. Afternoon Tea at Chateau Frontenac

If you’re not staying at Quebec’s most photographed hotel, you can still enjoy the historic setting with a classic afternoon tea.

Great Quebec City Day Trips for Families

13. Jacques-Cartier National Park

About 45 minutes from Quebec City, this park is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in all of Quebec. The spectacular site of the Jacques Cartier River runs 550 meters deep into the plateau. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.

14. Ile d'Orleans

A great day trip just 20 minutes from downtown Quebec, Ile d'Orleans is a stunning island full of food makers and farms. Use the interactive map to pick your own farms, sugar shacks, vineyards, and more to visit. Some of our favorites were Cassis Monna & Filles, which has a lovely patio restaurant with an amazing view, and Confiturerie Tigidou for homemade jam tasting.

15. Aquarium du Quebec

Your family will enjoy strolling through the beautiful grounds of this aquarium and exploring the touch tanks, watching the walrus and penguin shows, and seeing the gorgeous, colorful jellyfish displays.

16. Montmorency Falls

They say getting there is half the fun, and for this spectacular waterfall it is true. Once you arrive at the park (a short drive or taxi ride from the city) you can walk to the base of the falls and then climb the steps to the top, ride a tram, or zip line (yes, really!). At the top, you’ll definitely want to walk out onto the suspension bridge to peer over the top of the falls.

Enjoy a meal of crepes at La Casse-Crepe Breton—the window seat is worth the wait.

Where to Eat with Kids in Quebec City

17. Le Casse-Crepe Breton

Not only did we love this restaurant's name since we had just visited Cape Breton, but we also loved the crepes! We waited for the window seats and we were glad we did. The kids enjoyed the sweet s’mores crepes while the grown-ups indulged in some savory choices. There are also craft beers on tap.

18. La Buche

When is lunch an activity? When the menus are like coloring books, and you can make your own maple sugar taffy on a freezer table after eating “rabbit wings” and shepherd's pie balls! Don't miss this Old Quebec City restaurant.

19. Au Petit Chalet

This warm and inviting restaurant offers fresh and flavorful food as well as a kids menu! Breakfast is their specialty, and there is a patio if you are visiting during nice weather.

20. Ciel Bistro

This restaurant is upscale and a bit more expensive, but it does offer a kids menu. The best part is that it's located on the 26th floor and has a revolving floor, so you can enjoy the spectacular views of Quebec while enjoying your food.

21. Baguette & Chocolat

Who could ask for anything more kid-friendly? This cozy, budget-friendly café offers flatbread pizzas, crepes, waffles, and a wide array of pastries and baked goods.

22. DIY Food Tour Along the Rue Saint-Jean

How convenient is it that you can host your own food tour right along one street? Taste local specialties like maple crepes at Au Petit Coin Breton, poutine at Snack Bar Saint-Jean, hand-dipped ice cream from Chocolats Favoris, and the irresistible kettle corn from Mary’s Popcorn.

We enjoyed our own private pool and splash pad at La Dauphin Hotel.

Top Family Hotels Quebec City

23. Le Dauphin

We LOVED our stay at this hotel, which has plentiful and free parking, is only 10 minutes from the city, offers a shuttle to and from the old city, is budget-friendly, and has free breakfast. A major perk is that you get to reserve the pool with splash pad for an hour, which means you won't have 20 kids splashing you while you swim! Our room was gorgeous, too. Our only complaint is that breakfast was a bit of a madhouse, but we were there on a weekend.

24. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

This exquisitely decorated hotel is located in downtown Quebec and is considered one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It boasts a large pool and gorgeous views of the city. Check out the restaurant, too, for a delicious meal.

25. Hilton Quebec

The Hilton offers stunning views, clean and comfortable rooms, and a beautiful roof deck pool that is heated, so you can swim even during the winter! It's also close to Old Quebec.

26. L'Hotel Quebec

This hotel is located outside the city, but it has a pool that feels like a tropical paradise with an indoor water park! It also offers live entertainment in the evenings by the pool. And your whole family will love the tropical décor of the rooms.

27. Hotel de Glace

As the only ice hotel in North America, staying here will truly be a one-of-a-kind experience—your family can spend a night in a hotel room made entirely of ice! Located only a few minutes from Quebec, the hotel is open from January to March each year. You can also take a day tour of the hotel if you don’t stay there.

FAQs About Traveling to Quebec City with Kids

Q: Is Quebec City walkable with kids?

A: Yes! Old Quebec is extremely walkable. However, if you're visiting Quebec City with toddlers or babies, consider bringing carriers, as there are uneven cobblestones and stairs.

Q: What’s the best time to visit Quebec City with kids?

A: Quebec City is a great place to visit all year long. Summer offers festivals and walking tours, while winter brings holiday markets and snow activities. But if you want fewer crowds, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit.

Q: Do I need to speak French to visit Quebec City with my family?

A: Definitely not! While French is the first language in Quebec City, most people in tourist areas speak English, and signs are often written in both English and French.

Q: Are there indoor attractions in case of bad weather?

A: As you'll see above, yes! You can visit the Aquarium du Quebec, the Musée de la civilisation, many cozy cafés with kid-friendly menus, and more.

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This post was originally written in 2019 by Anna Fader. It has been updated for 2025.