Quebec Day with Kids: What Fun Things to Do (and What to Skip!) this June 24th
June 24th marks a beloved celebration in la belle province: La Fête nationale du Québec, also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
It’s a day of music, parades, picnics, and pure Quebecois pride. Whether you’re in Montréal, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, or heading out to a rural festival a few hours away, there’s magic in the air for families… if you know where to go (and what to avoid with little ones!).
Let’s explore how to make the most of it with your kids—without the meltdowns, crowds, or chaos. 🎉
✅ What TO DO With Kids
🌞 1. Check Out Family-Friendly Daytime Events
Many towns and cities offer kid-focused programming in the morning or early afternoon before the bigger crowds roll in. Look for:
- Puppet shows
- Bubble zones
- Face painting
- Kids’ concerts
- Mini parades
👉 In Montréal, head to Parc Maisonneuve where family activities usually start around 10 AM. Laval, Longueuil, and Repentigny often host great options too!
🧺 2. Plan a Picnic in a Local Park
Pack sandwiches, maple cookies, and juice boxes and head to your favourite local park. Some parks have live folk music or storytime sessions in the afternoon. Add a small blue-and-white flag or two for festive flair!
Pro tip: Let your kids decorate your picnic blanket or cooler with mini fleur-de-lis drawings the day before.
🚗 3. Make a Mini Road Trip to a Smaller Town
Sometimes the best family experiences are outside the city. Drive 1–2 hours to places like:
- Rawdon – known for nature and waterfalls, often hosts family-friendly shows.
- Saint-Sauveur – charming and walkable with music events that are kid-safe.
- Drummondville – hosts traditional Quebecois music, crafts, and storytelling.
These towns often have fewer crowds and more community warmth. And bonus: it’s a great way to show your kids more of Quebec’s history and pride.
🎨 4. Do Crafts and Storytime at Home
If crowds aren’t your thing, bring the celebration inside. You can:
- Create blue-and-white paper lanterns
- Watch animated clips about Quebec history
- Make maple taffy on crushed ice
- Learn a few Quebecois expressions together (e.g., “c’est l’fun!”)
Turn it into a gentle, cozy way to teach culture and tradition.
❌ What NOT To Do With Kids
🕺 1. Avoid Late-Night Concerts and Crowds
Yes, the big Saint-Jean parties are legendary. But after 8 PM, many events become crowded and rowdy. Loud music, alcohol, and tired toddlers don’t mix well. Even in family zones, it’s often better to celebrate early and head home.
🎆 2. Skip the Fireworks (Unless You’re Far Away)
As magical as fireworks are, many kids under 6 find them overwhelming and scary—especially after a long day. If your child is sensitive to loud sounds or overtired, it’s okay to skip them or watch from a distance (like your car or a quiet street nearby).
🥵 3. Be Prepared for the Heat
Late June can be hot and humid. If you’re spending the day outdoors:
- Bring hats, sunscreen, and frozen water bottles.
- Take breaks in shaded areas.
- Have a change of clothes in case of spills or mud.
Comfort = happiness (for everyone).
💙 A Day to Celebrate Connection
Whether you’re waving a Quebec flag in a lively town square or sharing maple treats in your backyard, **Fête nationale is about celebrating connection—**to history, to culture, and to each other.
Involving your kids in this celebration, even in small ways, builds pride, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. And it creates memories that stick—no fireworks required.
Bonne Saint-Jean à toutes les familles du Québec!
Wherever you go, take lots of photos, sing a little, and don’t forget the sunscreen. ☀️
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