Winter is a magical time to explore Quebec with your family! From skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snow forts, this season offers endless opportunities for fun. In this guide, we’ll cover the must-do family activities around Quebec, share advice on choosing the right winter gear, and offer a few tips for making your winter outings safe and enjoyable. Get ready to plan an unforgettable season of snow-filled adventures with your family!
Fun things to do in Quebec with your kids!
1. Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding
No Quebec winter is complete without trying out the slopes. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are classic winter sports that families can enjoy together, even with young children. Many resorts across Quebec offer lessons for kids and beginners, making them accessible for all skill levels. To ensure a fun experience, it's essential to equip kids with the right gear, such as warm jackets, gloves, and helmets.
Tips for Family Skiing:
- Age Suitability: Kids as young as three or four can begin skiing with guidance.
- Gear Checklist: Ski boots, helmets, warm clothing, and snacks.
- Best Spots: Quebec City is renowned for family-friendly ski resorts, with popular destinations like Mont-Sainte-Anne offering slopes for all levels. Exploring Quebec City with kids can also include sledding or simply admiring the mountain views.
Whether you're near a large resort or a small local slope, skiing is one of the top things to do in Quebec with your kids and a fantastic way to get active as a family. Not only will you create lasting memories, but you’ll also enjoy the added benefits of physical activity in the fresh, crisp winter air.
2. Cross-Country Skiing
For those looking to explore at a slower pace, cross-country skiing offers a great way to enjoy Quebec's stunning winter landscape while getting some exercise. Unlike alpine skiing, cross-country skiing requires less gear and is often more affordable. Many trails are free to access, making it one of the best fun activities for your kids.
Tips for a Great Cross-Country Experience:
- Age Suitability: Great for kids aged five and up.
- Essential Gear: Lightweight ski equipment and layers of clothing to stay warm.
- Family-Friendly Trails: Places like Plains of Abraham in Quebec City offer scenic and family-friendly trails that kids and adults will love.
This is one of the ideal family activities that allows everyone to learn at their own pace, enjoy beautiful trails, and make the most of a snowy day together.
3. Snowshoeing Adventure
Snowshoeing is an increasingly popular way for families to explore snowy trails without the need for intense physical skill. This activity is fantastic for young children, as they can walk alongside their parents without much difficulty. Plus, Quebec has numerous trails dedicated to snowshoeing, making it easy to find fun things to do in Quebec for families who love nature.
Tips for Snowshoeing with Kids:
- Ideal Age: Perfect for kids aged four and older.
- Basic Gear: Snowshoes, warm clothing, and plenty of snacks.
- Best Locations: Mont-Tremblant offers beautiful snowshoeing trails for families. Exploring Quebec City with kids? Head to Jacques-Cartier National Park for an immersive winter experience.
Not only is snowshoeing one of the best things to do in Quebec with kids for connecting with nature, but it also provides a gentle workout, making it one of the best family activities for all ages.
4. Ice Skating and Hockey
Ice skating is a winter classic that’s both exhilarating and accessible to all ages. Quebec has countless outdoor rinks where families can skate for free or for a small fee. For those with a competitive edge, why not start a friendly game of hockey? It’s one of the most fun family activities that also improves kids’ balance and coordination.
Tips for Skating with the Family:
- Age Range: Great for all ages, from toddlers to teens.
- Gear Checklist: Skates, helmets, gloves, and warm layers.
- Top Locations: Quebec City has beautiful outdoor rinks, including the historic Place d’Youville near the Old Town, a must-see for anyone visiting Quebec City with the kids.
Skating is one of the classic things to do in Quebec with your kids, offering families a fun way to stay active during the winter and experience the lively outdoor rink atmosphere Quebec is known for.
5. Sledding
Looking for a free activity the kids will love near you? Sledding is a classic winter favorite! Quebec is full of great sledding spots that are easy to get to and perfect for families. With exciting hills and plenty of room to play, it’s a fun way to spend time together and enjoy the snowy season.
Tips for Sledding with Young Children:
- Best Ages: Suitable for toddlers and older children.
- Gear Needed: Sleds, helmets for young children, and warm clothing.
- Popular Hills: The Plains of Abraham offers scenic, family-friendly sledding spots that are safe for children of all ages.
Sledding is not only a fun family activity but also a great way to introduce kids to the joys of winter. It’s simple, and thrilling, and allows families to enjoy the beauty of Quebec’s parks and hills together.
6. Snowball Fight and Fort Building
A classic snowball fight or building a snow fort is a timeless family activity that requires no special equipment, only a love for adventure and play. These activities are perfect for younger children and can be done anywhere there’s snow. Plus, they’re great for helping kids develop teamwork and creativity.
Tips for Fun and Safe Snow Play:
- Age Range: Ideal for kids three and up.
- What to Bring: Waterproof gloves, hats, and durable snowsuits to stay warm and dry.
- Locations: Local parks or your backyard can be the perfect setting for snow play.
So, if you’re searching for the best free activities for kids near you, snow play is a wonderful choice. It’s a simple, fun family activity that lets you spend quality time together while creating lasting memories in the snow.
7. Fat Biking
Fat biking has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. With large, stable tires designed for snow, fat biking allows families to explore snowy trails in a new and exciting way. It’s a thrilling option for families looking for fun things to do in Quebec and is available at many parks and outdoor centers.
Tips for Fat Biking:
- Age Suitability: Suitable for kids aged 8 and above.
- Gear: Fat bikes, helmets, and warm athletic clothing.
- Where to Go: Mont-Sainte-Anne and Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier are fantastic places to try fat biking with kids.
Fat biking is a fantastic way to explore Quebec’s winter wonderland on wheels. It’s an active and adventurous option for families looking to try something a bit different from traditional winter sports.
Experience Winter Magic with Junior Kids
Winter is more than just cold days — it’s a season full of excitement, rosy cheeks, and the thrill of outdoor play. At Junior Kids, we’re here to make sure kids can dive into every snowy adventure wrapped in warmth and comfort. Our winter essentials are crafted to keep little ones cozy, no matter how chilly it gets. From snowsuits that feel like a warm hug to waterproof jackets that stand up to all-day play, every piece combines quality, comfort, and a touch of winter magic.
Our collections are made for families who love seeing kids embrace the season with fun family activities — with the warmth that doesn’t weigh them down, soft, breathable fabrics, and easy, flexible fits. Whether they’re building the biggest snow fort, sledding down hills, or taking in the beauty of a winter wonderland, our outfits are there for every memory they make. With Junior Kids, winter becomes a season to explore, laugh, and soak up all the magic it has to offer.
FAQs
1. What are some free activities for kids near me if we’re new to winter sports?
If your family is new to winter sports, there are plenty of free activities for kids near you that make it easy to enjoy the season without needing a lot of special gear. Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to start — all you need are snowshoes, which many places rent affordably. It’s perfect for kids who want to explore the snowy trails without the high-speed thrills of skiing. Another simple option is visiting a public skating rink where kids can practice gliding on ice, which is fun even if they’re just starting. And for the littlest ones, sometimes the best adventures are right at home — building snow forts or having a playful snowball fight in the backyard brings out lots of smiles without any equipment. These free activities for kids are a great way to ease into winter fun while keeping things budget-friendly.
2. Are there any fun family activities in Quebec City that we can enjoy indoors?
Yes, Quebec City has some fantastic fun family activities that are perfect for cold winter days when staying warm indoors feels just right. The Musée de la Civilisation is a big hit with kids, offering interactive exhibits that make learning about history and science genuinely enjoyable. Libraries and community centers also often host family-friendly events, like storytime sessions and craft workshops, which can be a cozy and creative way to spend the day together. If your family enjoys movies, you’ll also find IMAX screenings that turn any outing into an adventure. For something a bit more active, local indoor swimming pools are open all winter, so you can splash around and pretend it’s summer. These indoor fun family activities let you experience the best of Quebec City without needing to face the freezing temperatures outside.
3. What are some safe and fun things to do in Quebec with kids during a snowstorm?
When the snow is coming down hard, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Quebec with kids that keep everyone entertained and cozy. A local indoor swimming pool or aquatic center can be a great escape — kids love the play areas and slides, and the warm water is a nice break from winter’s chill. Quebec also has wonderful museums and science centers where kids can learn and explore hands-on exhibits that spark their curiosity. Libraries are another good option, often offering a warm, quiet spot to read or join a family-friendly event like a movie or craft time. With these fun things to do in Quebec indoors, you can create memorable, storm-proof family moments without ever needing to brave the snowy weather.
4. How can we enjoy Quebec City with kids if we’re on a budget?
Quebec City has tons of ways to explore its winter charm with kids, even if you’re on a budget. Parks like Plains of Abraham offer free sledding spots where the whole family can enjoy the thrill of racing down snowy hills. Skating at local rinks is another affordable option, and there’s something magical about gliding on ice in the middle of Quebec City. For a bit of history, take a winter stroll through Old Quebec — the streets themselves feel like stepping into a storybook, with beautiful architecture and cozy cafes to warm up in. Many museums offer discounted days, and sometimes kids get in free, making it easy to enjoy Quebec City with kids without spending much. Exploring this city doesn’t have to break the bank; it’s about finding those little moments of winter magic that don’t cost a thing.
5. What family activities can we enjoy in Quebec that include learning opportunities?
For families who love learning together, Quebec offers some fantastic family activities that make education fun. The Musée de la Civilisation has hands-on exhibits where kids can dive into history, science, and art, with plenty to keep them curious and engaged. If marine life fascinates your family, the Aquarium du Québec is home to an amazing variety of creatures, including some native to Canada’s waters — it’s always a favorite for kids. For a historical twist, a guided tour of Old Quebec gives everyone an insight into the area’s architecture and centuries-old heritage. And nature-loving families can enjoy winter tours at places like Jacques-Cartier National Park, where kids can learn about local wildlife and snowy ecosystems. With these family activities, you’ll be creating memories and learning together in ways that are both fun and meaningful.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t last forever, but the memories you create with your family this season will. Whether you’re sledding, skiing, or exploring all the fun family activities Quebec has to offer, each adventure is a moment to cherish. So make the most of Quebec’s winter wonderland, and let every day be a new chapter in your family’s story of fun, laughter, and togetherness!