The bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren are strong and precious. They contribute to the development of young children, who in turn encourage older children to remain active.
As school ends and little ones are about to take a break from daycare, grandparents come to the rescue to babysit the kids!
The presence of grandparents is reassuring and calming for the child. In addition to being caring, they are also an authority figure who is sometimes more permissive: so, let's go for an outing with the grandparents! Where to go? Here are some ideas for outings in Quebec that will bring the generations closer together.
Having fun at the museum
Visiting a museum is one of grandma's favorite outings. It's a place where you learn and can take your time. However, you need to choose the exhibition according to the child's age and interests, if you don't want them to get bored or improvise a race track.
Our suggestion: Head to the Musée de la civilisation! There you will discover the new youth space called “Ma Maison” . Designed for little ones aged 3 to 8, this house is filled with treasures in every room. The program includes craft workshops, story time and interactive games. The best part is that children can touch everything!
Photo credit: Icône agency
Take an interest in gardening
Grandma has a passion for gardening and horticulture? Offer her a visit to Mosaïcultures with her grandchildren. For the first time in Quebec City, the spectacular outdoor exhibition will be presented from June 24 to October 10, 2022 on the enchanting site of Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, whose historical past will be highlighted.
Nearly 200 works will be grouped into 20 majestic paintings and created from 6 million plants. Impressive, isn't it?
This is a great activity to introduce children to plants and gardening. And why not encourage them to get their hands dirty and garden at home when they get home?
See an immersive exhibition
Immersive exhibitions fascinate young and old alike. Grandparents will be delighted to introduce their grandchildren to Claude Monet’s fabulous paintings, in a completely revisited version.
Forget the canvases hanging on the wall: the youngest will be captivated by the multimedia projections that immerse the spectators in the secret garden of the famous impressionist painter. An extraordinary experience where all the senses will be awakened.
The Imagine Monet exhibition is presented from June 10 to September 5, 2022, at the new cruise terminal at Pier 30 in the Old Port of Quebec (near the silos).
Marveling at Butterflies
Butterflies have the power to amaze children. Because sometimes a simple spark is enough to create magic in a child's eyes.
This is what the world of Bfly advocates, as it will be installing its butterfly aviary for a second summer in Quebec City . This time, it is at the Galeries de la Capitale that the Quebec company will spread its wings starting July 8 .
This is a great outing to do with grandparents, even those with reduced mobility. The new route has been designed to be accessible and easy to accommodate wheelchairs, or even strollers!
Passing on a passion
Grandparents all have a passion. For some, it's fishing, for others it's music, dancing, pétanque, bowling or even mini-golf. Often having more time (and patience!) than parents, they are well placed to introduce their grandchildren to a new activity and thus pass on their passion.
Our suggestion: A game of mini-golf that is out of the ordinary! Rain or shine, the indoor mini-golf Fluo s'amuse , located in Lebourgneuf, guarantees us a moment of laughter and fun. The amusement center has just inaugurated a second course which, like the first, is experienced in the dark, lit by neon lights.
Psst! This activity is also popular with pre-teens and teens who want to spend some quality time with their grandparents.
Go to the library
Many grandparents are bookworms. A visit to the library is therefore a great activity, which will be both calm and enriching. They can take advantage of it to read to the youngest and thus enjoy a moment of complicity.
Our suggestion: We go to the Jean-Baptiste-Duberger library which presents until July 6, 2022 the exhibition " 60 years of Boule and Bill " . This exhibition will make you relive the adventures of the two famous sidekicks on 15 panels of 60 boards. Many themes are addressed: the universality of childhood, family, relationships with the world, starting with pets. Admission is free.
Skating at the Ice Center
Is Grandpa athletic? Suggest an outing to the Intact Insurance Ice Centre . This activity is particularly popular with young people (and not so young) on hot summer days. Access to the indoor, refrigerated ice rink is free for Quebec City residents (according to the public skating schedule).
Skates, helmets and supports for toddlers can be rented on site.
Psst! After the activity, stop at the Sainte-Foy Public Market, which is right next door, to do some shopping or enjoy an ice cream.
Cook a recipe
Grandma is the queen of the kitchen! She will be able to share her best cookie recipes with her grandchildren, who always love to get their hands dirty.
Our suggestion: Just before cooking, go shopping at the Grand Marché de Québec to get the kids interested in local products and new flavors. Kids will also enjoy stretching their legs on Place Jean-Béliveau and in the play structures.
Pictured: Avery Row Ruffle Aprons, available in store
The essentials for going out with grandma and grandpa
Ready for a day with the grandparents? Before you leave the house, make sure you have all the baby essentials in your diaper bag : blanket, pacifier, wipes, diapers, change of clothes, etc.
A weekend at the grandparents? Kids will love bringing their own suitcase or backpack, like the one in this photo from the brand Josie Joan's . They can put their clothes and personal items in it. This little ritual will definitely help make the experience more enjoyable.
For an outing of a few hours, don't forget to have a bottle of water and a snack on hand.
Finally, for an outdoor activity, a hat and sunscreen are essential.
Have a good outing!
