Learning and education don’t have to be boring – and we can prove it! Visit these 10 educational experiences with your kids and have a blast on the Chemin du Roy (King’s Road).
1. The Marais-Léon-Provancher Nature Reserve
Situated in Neuville, the Marais-Léon-Provancher nature reserve is the ideal place to learn more about local nature. This natural environment protects 125 hectares of flora and fauna. As a prime birdwatching spot, bring your binoculars to observe a wide variety of birds. If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the animals that call these protected areas home: deer, fox, beaver and small mammals.
As you stroll along the many marked trails, your children will have the chance to learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the marsh. Access is free to all, but a donation is greatly appreciated to contribute to conservation.
Address: 151, rue des Îlets, Neuville
2. The Musée POP Museum and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
Visit the Musée POP museum in Trois-Rivières, which showcases popular culture with its many exhibitions available throughout the year. Whether your kids are into games, art, music, Quebec history or anything else, you’re sure to enjoy exploring the various themes.
Are your children over 8? Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, just a few steps from the museum. This 1815 prison operated from 1822 to 1986 and is now an interactive museum. On a guided tour, you’ll learn the (sometimes blood-chilling…) stories of the inmates who served their sentences here. Sound and visual effects, a tour of the dungeons and historical sessions will give you a good understanding of the prison world.
Book your guided tour of the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières and combine it with a visit to the Musée POP museum.
Address: 200, rue Laviolette, Trois-Rivières
3. The Parliament Building
Did you know that Quebec City’s iconic Parliament Building is now open to visitors? A variety of indoor and outdoor activities are offered throughout the year. On site, you can:
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Quebec National Assembly building
- Discover various exhibitions
- Engage in educational activities
- Take part in various activities, such as yoga
- And much more
Your children will no doubt be impressed by the grandiose historic library and seats of the Quebec National Assembly. It’s a great time to introduce them to the world of Quebec politics. Discover the complete program and book your visit.
Address: 1045, rue des Parlementaires, Québec
4. Maison Henry-Stuart
Immerse yourself in the past by visiting the Maison Henry-Stuart historical site with your children. The English garden and interior of the house present an authentic portrait of 20th-century bourgeois life. Through the eyes of William Henry’s wife, Maria Curry, you’ll learn more about the art of living at the time.
Having had few owners, this house has been exceptionally well preserved, including the heritage of Adele Stuart’s estate. You’ll see silver kitchenware, antique furniture, art, and much more. As a bonus, at the end of the tour, enjoy tea time with a piece of lemon cake on the gallery.
Address: 82, rue Grande Allée Ouest, Québec
5. The Fromagerie des Grondines Cheese Shop
The charming village of Grondines and the surrounding area are renowned for gourmet discoveries. Bring your children to discover the world of cheese with a visit to the Fromagerie des Grondines cheese shop. The guided tour will take you to discover:
- Cows in the barn
- The milking parlour
- The production room
- The maturation cellars
During this visit, your children will learn about the cheese-making process, as well as the realities of running a dairy farm. They will have the opportunity to ask all the questions they can think of and become mini-professionals in the field. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to sample local organic cheeses. It’s important to reserve your guided tour beforehand.
Address : 274, 2e Rang Est, Grondines
6. Musée Gilles-Villeneuve Museum
Does your family love F1 or motor racing in general? Visit the Musée Gilles-Villeneuve museum in Berthierville, where the racing champion grew up. The museum features a large collection of items that once belonged to the famous racer: trophies, helmets, racing suits, Grand Prix memorabilia and much more.
On this tour, your children will discover a piece of Quebec history through the career of Gilles Villeneuve. His first racing cars, his competition snowmobiles and his 4X4 are all on display.
Address: 960, avenue Gilles-Villeneuve, Berthierville
7. Boréalis
The paper industry has played a key role in local history, and Boréalis offers a glimpse into this world. During the self-guided tour, discover the evolution of the paper industry as experienced by workers at the Canadian International Paper mill.
The tour takes place inside this former factory, where many technological and environmental challenges have left their mark. From the forest to the mill, become a witness to these transformations. Testimonials, artifacts and interactive challenges await you in this century-old building.
Address: 200, avenue des Draveurs, Trois-Rivières
8. Moulin seigneurial de Pointe-du-Lac Mill
Built in 1765, the Moulin seigneurial de Pointe-du-Lac mill has preserved its authentic charm. Your children will learn a lot about the miller’s profession thanks to the two exhibitions on offer:
- Master Miller: an exhibition revealing the daily life of a miller and the secrets of flour production.
- Wood Flour: an exhibition presenting the adjacent sawmill and the day-to-day reality of woodworkers.
What’s more, if you’re lucky, your visit will include one of the workshops, “Le pain du moulin” (translated as “Bread from the Mill”) and “Le pain d’antan” (“Bread of Yesteryear” in English) , which demonstrate baking in the ancestral outdoor bread oven. These workshops are available by reservation only and your children will be delighted to take part.
Address: 11 930, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Trois-Rivières
9. Musée des Ursulines Museum in Trois-Rivières
Take your children to discover the history of the Ursuline sisters, who founded the first school for young girls and the first hospital in Trois-Rivières. At the Musée des Ursulines museum, you can tour the corridors of the premises that served as a cloister, school, hospital and home for women of faith.
The permanent exhibition highlights 300 years of history through artifacts and archives. Clothing, school equipment, medical tools, religious objects and photographs are all on display. You can also visit the temporary exhibitions and outdoor gardens.
Address: 734, rue des Ursulines, Trois-Rivières
10. Forest Mushrooms of the Mauricie Region
Interested in mycology? Discover the range of activities offered by Champignons forestiers de la Mauricie, also known as La Filière Mauricie. With the help of a mycologist guide, explore the forest in search of edible wild mushrooms. This unique family‑friendly adventure lets you do more than pick mushrooms – it also teaches you to identify, cook and taste them.
Invite your child to take photos during this forest activity, so that he or she can visually remember the edible mushrooms. Giant puffball, late fall oyster, blonde morel or common chanterelle… these mushrooms will no longer be a secret! Reserve your time online.
Whatever your family’s passions or interests, you’re sure to enjoy at least one of these educational activities. Children are like sponges, soaking up information, so it would be a shame to miss a learning opportunity during family outings. As you’ve seen, it’s easy to make these moments fun rather than boring.