Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault

Things to do for families: 5 kid-friendly museums to visit

Want to dive into a world where the past meets the present? Museums are of course guardians of history, but also places that are rich with interactive activities and captivating discoveries for all ages. From collections of fascinating artifacts to playful exhibits and stories about interesting characters, these cultural venues promise an outing that is both educational and fun. Here are five museums to add to your “must visit” list!

01 Discover the experience
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Discover the experience

Take on family-friendly challenges at the Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines
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The Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines, a cultural centre in Old Québec showcasing the exceptional heritage of the Ursuline nuns, invites you to explore its permanent exhibition highlighting the invaluable contribution of these dedicated women to the development of modern schooling and the advancement of women’s status in Quebec. Spread across six rooms, the exhibition features nearly 600 artifacts and archival documents, including a 19th-century Copernican planetarium, a foundational document bearing the seal of King Louis XIII and much more.

Turn your visit into an adventure with the challenge La grande enquête: potins et racontars (available in French only), an escape-room-inspired experience that lets you explore archival documents and collection objects through puzzles and clues.

Learn about the history of hospitals in Montreal at the Musée des Hospitalières
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The Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal looks back at the foundation of the metropolis in a number of ways. First, through the work of Jeanne Mance, a key figure in the city’s history and a woman of action who founded the Hôtel-Dieu in 1645; then, through the evolution of medicine as seen through the mission of the Hospitallers of Saint Joseph. The permanent exhibition, Exploring a hospital heritage, is packed with paintings, sculptures, photographs and intriguing medical instruments that bear witness to this rich past.

And don’t miss the medical-themed, kid-friendly activities, including seek-and-find games, that promise to entertain aspiring young doctors and pharmacists!

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation at the Musée ilnu de Mashteuiatsh
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At the Musée ilnu de Mashteuiatsh (website in French only), get in touch with the unique history and age-old culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the only First Nation based in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. Through interactive exhibits and stimulating activities, the whole family can discover a rich and authentic heritage.

Explore the permanent exhibition and let yourself be guided by the voices of Kukum (grandmother) and Mushum (grandfather). You’ll be invited to follow the rhythm of the seasons while learning about the traditions, skills and deep ties that bind this people to their ancestral territory, Nitassinan.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, theme days and forest tours in the summer.

Create a work of art at Cuivres d’art Albert Gilles
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At Cuivres d’art Albert Gilles in Château-Richer, the story of a family’s passion is told through three fascinating exhibits, accessible free of charge, that look back at a century of craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of a copper mine, discover the story of artisan Albert Gilles and his family and admire some of his most outstanding works of art.

But looking at the art is only part of the fun… the other part is trying it out for yourself! Put on an apron and learn about the art of embossed copper as a family. You’ll get to create your own masterpiece in an interactive workshop that will become a unique and sparkling souvenir!

Explore the history of toys at the Musée des Ursulines de Trois-Rivières
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Located in the heart of downtown Trois-Rivières, the Musée des Ursulines de Trois-Rivières offers a deep dive into the history of the Ursuline nuns, dedicated to educating young girls in the city. Through an impressive collection of artifacts and captivating exhibitions, the museum brings their legacy to life.

Open year-round, the exhibition We grow up by playing invites visitors to explore the Ursulines’ collection of games and toys. Visitors of all ages can step into a playful world from another era and gain a deeper understanding of the role of play in children’s learning and development.

A wide range of activities, many of which are perfect for a family outing, are offered throughout the year. Stay tuned for what’s to come!

Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault
Photo credit: Stéphanie Lim