Spring Break is coming soon! From March 4 to 12, it's time to multiply the pleasures of winter, try a new activity or get moving with your family. What to do in Quebec City and the surrounding area? Here are ten activities that are sure to entertain young and old alike.
Learn to skate and boot in Duchesnay
A popular place for families, the Duchesnay Tourist Station offers several winter activities. Thanks to its new rental equipment, you can introduce the little ones to “skate-boots”, designed to glide across the rink without freezing their toes.
Want to try cross-country skiing? With your family, you can easily take trail no. 1 and discover all the beauty of this territory located 30 minutes from Quebec.
In addition to being admitted free to national parks, youth 17 and under have free access to cross-country ski trails when accompanied by an adult. Equipment is even loaned to them free of charge!
Solve puzzles at the Ice Hotel
A visit to the Hôtel de Glace in Valcartier is a winter classic. To keep the kids entertained, take part in the new Défi-Évasion enigmatic trail. This is a great way to explore the interior of this ephemeral architectural work with the kids! During your visit, don't forget to stop at the play area (with the slide!).
Marvel at an enchanted journey
Spring break is an opportunity to put the kids to bed a little later. It is also the time to discover the immersive multimedia trail Onhwa' Lumina , which has been attracting crowds since last fall. In the evening, the walk in the forest will transport you to a magical world telling the story of the Huron-Wendat nation.
Sliding on inner tubes
There is no shortage of sliding centres in the region! But did you know that a new one has been added this winter? Avoid the crowds and long lines by going to the Centre récréotouristique des Hautes Terres in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval. Its inner tube slides are specially adapted for families. A well-kept secret!
Skating in good weather or bad weather
The region is full of outdoor skating rinks that are accessible free of charge (or at a low price). Among our favourites, we like to skate at Lac-Beauport , on the Plains of Abraham ring , at Pointe-aux-Lièvres Park and on the Place Jean-Béliveau trail .
The weather is not good? We're going skating at the Intact Insurance Ice Center (free access for Quebec residents upon reservation) or at the Mégaparc skating rink (my daughter's favorite!).
Tinkering at the Jesuit Mill
The Moulin des Jésuites de Charlesbourg offers a varied program for budding artists. Every day, a creative workshop is in the spotlight. Candle making, stained glass, artisanal bread or dream catchers: which creative workshop will interest your child? Note that you must purchase a ticket to participate in the workshop.
Meet the Aquarium's new residents
The Aquarium du Québec is always popular during the spring break. There are many reasons to go there: there are more than 300! That's actually the number of animal species found there. Among them, three new residents await us: arctic foxes from the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien. During the spring break, special workshops, story time, a sugar shack and skill games are also offered (included with the admission ticket).
Experimenting with the visual arts at Manif d'art
The Manif d'art biennial takes place in different locations in Quebec City, showcasing different artistic works. People go to Espace 400 e to visit the central exhibition and, above all, to develop their artistic sense. Every day of the spring break, children can participate in a craft workshop at a low price ($5 per child).
Conquering Ancient Egypt
Just before the Time of the Pharaohs exhibition closes on March 12, the Musée de la civilisation invites families during the spring break to discover the treasures of ancient Egypt and immerse themselves in its fascinating world through a pharaonic program. Every day, workshops, special activities and entertainment are added to the visit of the exhibitions.
Psst! If you haven't seen this exhibit, go see it! My kids found it fascinating.
Spend your energy in recreational centers
Are your kids jumping all over the house? Take them to one of the area's recreation centres. Where to go? Bounce to ISaute , have fun at RécréOFUN , ride the rides at Mégaparc or even birdie in the dark at Bar laitier minigolf Fluo s'amuse , which recently installed a second fluorescent course. Not to mention the cinema, climbing centres and public swimming pools that allow you to move indoors, no matter the weather.
A word of advice: these places are often busy during spring break. It is best to book in advance.
A mom tip: since these are paid outings, I offer them as a reward.
**
Psst! Don't feel like running around town? No worries. Spring break is also meant to relax. Take advantage of it to avoid overloading your schedule, to improvise and to keep some "white time", that is, moments to do nothing or that are not planned.
Little ones need to rest and even get bored sometimes. Watching a movie in their pajamas, playing outside, going to the library and drinking hot chocolate: these are what can make for a fun day.
Because it's spring break after all!
*Cover photo: Sliding areas are set up and accessible free of charge on the Plains of Abraham.
