Museums are treasures of cultural heritage and invite you to embark on a journey through time and space to discover works of art, artifacts and fascinating exhibits. And as much as they are tributes to the past, museums are also proudly anchored in the present, offering fun activities that will appeal to the young... and the young at heart! Thanks to their long history, many members of the QRSTA* are experts in offering families rich museum experiences. Here are a few options to consider for your next family outings!

In Montreal

Musée des Hospitalières

In addition to showcasing the history of healthcare and health sciences in the metropolis, the Musée des Hospitalières invites you to have fun in the museum with activities about the medical world! In The Doctor’s Kit, a seeking game, you’ll help Dr. Boyer find his instruments while browsing the collection of medical objects. If you’re more interested in the work of apothecaries – the ancestors of pharmacists – the Fascinating Apothecary activity will plunge your family into a world of mystery, vintage remedies... and medicine jars that are over 200 years old!

When: Activities are accessible at all times during opening hours, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays).
Good to know: Get the free activity sheets at the museum’s front desk!

Maison Saint-Gabriel

Is your family passionate about history? The From the Cellar to the Attic guided tour at Maison Saint-Gabriel will reveal the secrets of daily life in New France at the heart of this attraction, which is the oldest example of rural architecture in town. Accompanied by a guide in period costume, your clan will step back in time to see what rural life was like from the 17th to the 20th century. Through the various rooms, you’ll explore the history of the Filles du Roy (or King’s Wards) and experience an authentic immersion thanks to objects from yesteryear that are sure to surprise younger generations!

When: Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. (in English); and at 4 p.m. (with audioguide). See the full schedule on the website.
Good to know: The collection includes almost 20,000 objects! Furniture, works of art, clothing, objects of communication... so much to discover!

Château Dufresne

Château Dufresne draws inspiration from its impressive architecture to offer activities for the whole family! You can play detective by listening to the conversations of the luminaries to find clues and solve five investigations. Your youngsters will also have the chance to explore the Château in search of the fantastic animals and beasts hidden in the astonishing interior decor. Their sense of observation will then be put to the test during a game where they’ll have to find the mistakes and differences in the Château’s most beautiful fireplaces. Or how about getting your hands dirty and helping the governesses prepare a gourmet feast?

When: Activities are offered at all times during opening hours, from Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Good to know: The Château is accessible to strollers and people with reduced mobility. It is equipped with an access ramp and an elevator, and a wheelchair is available free of charge to visitors.

In Trois-Rivières

Musée des Ursulines de Trois-Rivières

This year, the Musée des Ursulines de Trois-Rivières is offering a program of scientific activities to celebrate Spring Break (details available in French only). La science au musée invites families to discover the Nuns, Teachers AND… Scientists! exhibition through a fun game book, while enjoying mini-scientific demonstrations and festive crafts (with popcorn to boot!), while Vive la science invites youngsters to experiment on their own by creating an electric battery, digging into the world of plants and learning all sorts of interesting facts about anatomy. The Science en folie show promises bubbling potions and spectacular smoke effects!

When: Various dates: La science au musée (March 2 to 10); Vive la science (March 4, 5, 7 and 8); Science en folie (March 6).
Good to know: You must reserve your spot for each activity online.

In and around Québec City

Cuivres d’art Albert Gilles

Cuivres d’art Albert Gilles is more than just a museum! It’s the story of a family and the art of repoussé copper – a skill that has been handed down from generation to generation for over 90 years. You and your kids are sure to enjoy discovering the story of this craftsman and his descendants through various exhibits. Then, try your hand at this rare technique during a copper workshop where both parents and kids can create their own artwork. The shop is also brimming with beautiful copper creations, from bookmarks for bookworms to jewelry that will delight Mom and Grandma!

When: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until April (the workshop is open at all times during opening hours).
Good to know: Pope Pius XII, the owners of Chrysler and General Motors, and even Walt Disney were customers of the Gilles family!

Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines

There’s no shortage of family activities at the Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines! Dialogue, observation and discovery are combined to create original experiences that are both fun and educational. The special Spring Break calendar promises to be an eye-opener! With activities that include a puppet show set in the days of New France, a creative activity combining newspapers and secret codes and even a larger-than-life game of snakes and ladders, it truly is a kid’s paradise!

When: Spring Break activities will be offered from March 2 to 10, 2024.
Good to know: Keep the game theme going by visiting the We grow up by playing exhibit!

Monastère des Augustines

Looking for a captivating adventure in Old Québec City? Designed especially for children ages 6 to 12 and their parents, Voyage au cœur du Monastère (Journey to the Heart of the Monastery, webpage available in French only) is a stimulating self-guided tour that brilliantly blends the playful with the educational, thanks to a seeking game that leads you on an exploration of the Augustine Monastery Museum while taking on fun challenges! At the same time, you’ll discover the rich heritage of the Augustines, inspiring women whose history spans almost 400 years. An entertaining and instructive experience for the whole family!

When: The activity is offered at all times during the museum’s opening hours, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Good to know: You can buy your tickets online before your visit, or pick them up at the entrance!

*The Quebec Religious and Spiritual Tourism Association (QRSTA) is proud to contribute to the development and promotion of Quebec’s RICH and DIVERSE religious and spiritual tourism and heritage.