Are you spending the holidays with your family in Quebec City? Wrap up the kids warmly and head out to explore the heart of Quebec City, which is transformed into a veritable Christmas village. It's the perfect time to spend quality time with your family outdoors, to explore the region's tourist attractions and, above all, to have fun.
Here is a list of activities that will please young and old alike.
Discover Kaleidoscopes
A stroll in Old Quebec? Time for the Kaleidoscopes Festival ! The multidisciplinary event is back this year, from December 27 to 31, on the same sites as the German Christmas Market, to prolong the festive atmosphere with its varied shows for young and old.
Admission is free.
Visit the Quebec Aquarium
Polar bears will be the undisputed stars of the Holidays at the Aquarium du Québec . Until January 5, several events and activities, including the reading of a story, will allow you to learn more about this fascinating animal. During your visit, spot the elves hiding on the site: they are more inconvenient than the bears!
There is an entrance fee.
Ice climbing
Climbing a giant bear, riding an electric three-ski or having fun in the giant ball pool: these are three fun activities that will be offered by Gougoune & Doudoune . The event is produced by the Carnaval de Québec and takes place on the docks of Espace 400, in the Port of Québec.
Access is free and activities are chargeable.
Psst! Take the bus! A free winter shuttle will connect Place D'Youville, Place de Paris and the quays of Espace 400.
Jump into the inflatable games at Peps-ô-Fêtes
From December 28 to 30, Université Laval's PEPS becomes LePeps-ô-Fêtes ! Transformed into a huge playground, the indoor stadium will host nearly 25 inflatable games, in addition to mini-golf, climbing, trampoline, mini-basketball, the interactive Lü game, and the motor development course for toddlers. The arena will welcome you for family skating.
There is an entrance fee.
Introducing children to cross-country skiing
Accessible and popular, cross-country skiing is an ideal sport for families. Several sites in Quebec offer free access and low-cost equipment rental. To introduce children to the sport, the Base de plein air Ste-Foy is ideal with its low elevation gain. While the Base de plein air La Découverte (my daughter's favorite!) promises a long descent after climbing the summit.
Slide aplenty
Inner tube sliding is probably the children's favorite winter activity. To hurtle down the snowy slopes on an inner tube, head to Village Vacances Valcartier . More than 35 slides await you: are you ready to launch yourself from the top of the Himalayas, to whirl in the Tornado or to experience the thrills of Everest? The opening is scheduled for December 20.
There is an entrance fee.
Learning at the Museum
The holiday break can also be an opportunity to learn and enrich yourself. That's good news: both the Musée de la civilisation and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec have planned special programming for families with concerts, workshops and even yoga-pyjamas!
There is an entrance fee.
More...
4 places to skate
La Discoglace: a festive ice rink
Starting December 20, discover the Discoglace du Port de Québec, a brand new, bright and lively outdoor skating rink. Skate under festive lighting to the sound of rhythmic music that will change according to the evening's themes.
Access is free.
On the refrigerated skating rink in Victoria Park
Quebec City’s first refrigerated skating rink will soon be open! Located in Victoria Park (behind the Canac Stadium), it will be ready to welcome skaters just before Christmas.
Access is free.
On an Olympic ring
The weather is not good? Let's go skating at the Intact Insurance Ice Centre, and accumulate laps of the Olympic oval. The programming has been enhanced for the holidays, including the screening of a classic film during the free skate.
Access is free for residents of Quebec City (by reservation).
Around the rides
A sure bet that will definitely please children is the Patinarium at the Mega Park of the Galeries de la Capitale. Perfect for a half-day of shopping and rides!
Access is subject to a charge.
2 shows
To offer as a gift or to treat yourself as a moment to share with the children (and why not with the grandparents!), here are two shows that are out of the ordinary.
This is the case of the musical The Addams Family , with its deliciously gloomy universe that certainly contrasts with the magic of Christmas. The troupe is stopping at the Salle Albert-Rousseau until January 5.
Make way for the circus! Once again this year, Le Diamant invites families to have fun with the show ACTION!, presented from December 19 to 29. Its zany and endearing characters promise to make children's hearts laugh out loud. A special rate is offered to those under 20.
I wish you Happy Holidays!
Blog post written by Annie Lafrance
Main photo credit: Stéphanie Savoie
