Some tips to make your visit enjoyable:
- Make it a game! During the tour, play “seek and find” by spotting objects or shapes.
- Let them express themselves freely and share their emotions.
- Let your creativity run wild! When they get home, give them recycled materials, paint and pencils so they can put on paper what they saw and appreciated.
- Don't stretch the sauce! Are the kids tired and restless? Take a break outside or make a short visit.
With my daughter Romy, this summer, at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
1. The playful world of COZIC
The new exhibition not to be missed at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is "COZIC. À vous de jouer" . This first museum retrospective of this artist duo who left their mark on contemporary Quebec art offers playful and colorful works that constantly question the concept of a work of art.
The best thing for children: you can touch, smell and interact with some of the works. The exhibition is on display until January 5, 2020.
Did you know? You can get strollers for free at the information desk. In addition, many toilets have changing tables. And the changing rooms are always free.
photo: Annie Lafrance
2. The fascinating world of poisons
This is an exhibition that completely lit up my 9 year old son!
Always bold, the Musée de la civilisation de Québec presents an exhibition entirely dedicated to the vast and fascinating world of poisons. Entitled "Venenum, a poisoned world" , it covers more than 400 objects, including many living or stuffed animals.
How to make poison attractive and interest children in this subject? As soon as the visitor enters the exhibition, he or she is immersed in a universe that is both mysterious and complex, thus offering a unique immersive experience. On view until March 8, 2020.
Photo: Marie-Josée Marcotte, Icon Agency
3. Become a firefighter
The dream of many little boys, the profession of firefighter is well explained and praised in the brand new exhibition "Firefighters of Quebec: 250 years of courage" , presented at the Museum of Civilization. The best part: access to this short exhibition is free for all.
4. Let us salute the First Nations
Ensuring the preservation of its heritage, the Huron-Wendat Museum acts as a popularizer and gateway to the various historical sites of Wendake. Don't miss entering the traditional longhouse (my children's favorite!), visiting the splendid hotel and walking towards the Kabir-Kouba waterfall.
5. The Academy of Young Ladies
In the heart of Old Quebec, the Ursulines Cultural Center invites the public to discover the site of the first school for girls in North America and learn more about the life of this religious community, whose role in education has been essential in Quebec for nearly 400 years. To discover: the permanent exhibition "L'Académie des demoiselles" immerses itself in the daily life of the boarders of the Ursulines of Quebec in the 19th century.
Also, starting November 22, a new interactive exhibition “It’s by playing that we become great” will present for the first time the Ursulines’ amazing collection of toys and games, dating from the 18th to the 20th century. To see, touch and play!
The exhibition "The Academy of Young Ladies". Photos: Annie Lafrance
6. The art of stained glass at Villa Bagatelle
I always enjoy visiting the Villa Bagatelle. The wooden floors of this ancestral home, which creak under our feet, give another dimension to the visit. This fall, the exhibition "Stained Glass, Art of Light" invites you to discover this art where the magic of light and glass takes place. It is presented until December 15, 2019.
Did you know? Admission to Villa Bagatelle is always free. After your visit, take the opportunity to take a walk in the Bois-de-Coulonge park. A great way to stretch your little ones' legs!
7. Quebec seen from above
The Capital Observatory offers a magnificent 360-degree view of Quebec City. It is in fact the highest viewpoint of the city! It is the perfect place to play “Look and Find” with the kids! But we also go there to discover the Horizons Trail , which retraces fragments of the city’s history, in a quiz game at child height.
8. Science is cool!
A place for popularizing science and heritage located in Vieux-Cap-Rouge, the Maison Léon-Provancher offers several educational activities for young people aged 5 to 12. Various activities are intended for families.
9. Impressive archaeological excavations
Are your children interested in archaeology? Head to the îlot des Palais. This exceptional historical and archaeological site has been the subject of excavations for over thirty years. Under authentic 18th-century vaults,the exhibition L'îlot des Palais: Révélations tells the story of New France in the heart of Quebec City. The best part: children can visit the exhibitions in a fun way with the Rallye de l'intendant.
10. The Job Box
This is a museum entirely dedicated to children! La Boite aux métiers is a place of entertainment that invites little ones to slip into the shoes of a police officer, an animal handler, a mechanic, a cook or the job that makes them dream. The best part: it's a museum where children can play, touch, run and move!
Games that stimulate creativity!
Are your children coming back from the museum with their heads full of ideas? Here are some games and favorite products available from Charlotte et Charlie that will amuse budding artists.
This creative set from Janod is perfect for awakening their artistic sense. They will be able to create colorful mosaic pictures themselves. From 4 years old.
A classic revisited! This two-sided wooden easel will allow your children to paint, write or draw at the same time.
We love Moulin Roty's story lamps ! Each flashlight projects images onto the wall, inviting young and old to tell a story... or to invent one!
A haven for children, the Babilles et Babioles teepees - a great company from Quebec! - have been popular for a few years at Charlotte et Charlie. And with good reason! In addition to being a high-quality decorative element, they offer children a space reserved for them.
*Cover photo: credit Stéphane Bourgeois for the Museum of Civilization
