Quebec City with Kids: European Charm and Family Fun

Quebec City, perched above the St. Lawrence River, feels like stepping into Europe without leaving North America. Its historic core, Old Québec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that doubles as an open‑air museum, with stone ramparts, cobbled streets and pedestrian lanes. Many streets in the Petit‑Champlain district and around the fortifications close to vehicles on summer weekends, making it especially safe for families to wander. On the riverfront Dufferin Terrace, you can enjoy ice cream while watching sailboats and free street performances; guided tours of the Château Frontenac share stories of famous guests, and in winter kids ride the century‑old toboggan run near the terrace (quebec-cite.com).

What to know

• Old Québec is compact and walkable.  The walled city is an “open‑air museum” where strolling through narrow lanes and climbing the ramparts is part of the experience (quebec-cite.com). Families should wear comfortable shoes and be ready for hills and stairs.

• Language and currency.  French is the main language, but visitor‑facing staff typically speak English; learning a few French phrases adds to the fun. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Weather awareness.  Summers are warm and busy, while winters can be cold with snow and ice. Dress in layers and plan indoor activities (museums, Aquarium du Québec) for bad‑weather days.

What to do

• Village Vacances Valcartier.  This four‑season resort north of the city has a huge outdoor waterpark with 35 waterslides, 100 splash‑pad toys, two adventure rivers and a wave pool; winter brings snow‑tubing and an indoor waterpark, and families can even tour the on‑site Hôtel de Glace, the only ice hotel in the Americas.

• Aquarium du Québec.  Home to about 10,000 marine animals—from fish and seals to polar bears—it offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, a treasure hunt, an interactive trail, a ropes course for kids aged 6–12, concerts and seasonal events like Halloween or a summer splash pad.

• Explore Old Québec.  Wander the narrow streets of the Petit‑Champlain district and climb the fortifications that encircle the old town. Stroll along Dufferin Terrace for river views, street performers and a taste of local pastries. In winter, ride the wooden toboggan slide next to the terrace.

• Visit the Citadelle and changing of the guard.  The star‑shaped Citadelle hosts a Regimental Band performance in summer. Older children may enjoy the museum and the ceremonial changing of the guard.

Where to stay

• Hilton Québec – convenient and fun.  Located just steps from Old Québec’s attractions, the Hilton gives kids wristbands during busy seasons such as summer, spring break and the Winter Carnival; the bands unlock surprises around the hotel, a games room and an arcade. Suites with kitchenettes offer extra space, and the year‑round heated outdoor pool is a hit with children and adults.

• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – historic grandeur.  Staying in this iconic hotel is like living in a castle. Families can join treasure hunts and rallies or meet fairytale princesses; the hotel feels especially magical when decorated for the holidays in November and December.

• L’Hôtel Québec – resort‑style fun.  This tropical‑themed hotel outside the city has a playground, a water park, an indoor pool and activities such as foam‑sword fighting and fantasy makeup workshops, delivering big family fun.

• Hôtel et Suites Le Dauphin Québec – splash pads and playground.  Near the Galeries de la Capitale’s Mega Parc, this hotel features a heated indoor pool with a splash pad, an outdoor playground and available cots for little ones.

• Le Bonne Entente – upscale with babysitting.  This hotel offers an entertainment room stocked with video games, a home theatre and board games. Parents can enjoy a peaceful dinner thanks to the on‑site babysitting service, and the hotel provides equipment like changing mats and bottle warmers.

• Hotel Must – near the airport.  Perfect for families flying in, it has its own amusement centre, arcade and water slide.

Finding deals

Quebec City’s tourism office lists special offers and packages from hotels in and around Old Québec. They recommend staying multiple nights at the same property and choosing less busy dates to secure the best rates. It’s also worth checking their packages and activity discounts page for bundled savings on attractions and accommodations. Visiting in shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) usually means lower prices and smaller crowds. Families willing to stay outside the walled city—such as in Sainte‑Foy—can find cheaper accommodation while still being a 15‑minute drive from Old Québec and attractions like the aquarium and shopping malls (familytravelmagazine.com).

Final tip

Mix history and play. Balance time wandering the cobblestone lanes and exploring forts with high‑energy attractions like waterparks and aquariums. Quebec City’s blend of European ambience and kid‑friendly activities makes it an unforgettable destination for families.