One of the best family activities in the fall is hiking at Le Massif de Charlevoix, an unforgettable experience to admire the colourful scenery and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Beyond this option, several other fall activities are also worth exploring.
In this guide, we present the 8 best activities to enjoy with your family this fall, their advantages, and why they appeal to both kids and adults alike.
1. Hiking at Le Massif (Charlevoix)
Le Massif de Charlevoix, located about 1 hour from Quebec City, offers more than 20 kilometres well-marked hiking trails, free to explore. Fall is a magical time to explore them: the contrast between the vibrant forest colours and the breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River creates a truly unique setting.
Whether for a short family stroll or a longer hike, there’s something for everyone. You can even combine the hiking experience at Le Massif with a gondola ride to admire the landscape and the vibrant colours from another angle, a favourite for kids.
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This activity is perfect for families wanting to stay active and enjoy the outdoors without spending too much. Easy trails like La Promenade (3 km, about 1h30) are all-terrain stroller- and child-friendly, while trails such as Le Forestier or Le Lugeron provide more challenges for seasoned hikers.
Spectacular viewpoints like the Le Buton lookout or refuges overlooking Île-aux-Coudres make the outing even more memorable. It’s a wonderful way to spark children’s love for nature and hiking while creating colourful family memories.
Lodging Options at Le Massif
To extend the unique experience, Le Massif offers several lodging options on-mountain and nearby. Among the accommodations in Charlevoix, you’ll find modern chalets, spacious apartment-style condos, perfect for families of all sizes.
For a more immersive experience, some families opt to combine hiking with an overnight stay in a refuge close to the trails, ideal for a mini adventure.
2. Visit Old Quebec
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec is an open-air museum that charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, fortifications, and European-style buildings.
In the fall, the bright colours transform the district into an even more enchanting backdrop, ideal for family walks. From Dufferin Terrace, with its stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Château Frontenac, to lively squares, the experience blends culture, history, and breathtaking visuals.
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Families seeking cultural discoveries: Kids and adults alike marvel at the ramparts, historic buildings, and stories told during guided tours.
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Outdoor lovers: The district is easily explored on foot, and fall colours add a unique charm to walks.
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Those who prefer travelling off-season: Fall draws fewer tourists than summer days, making the site more peaceful to visit.
3. Apple Picking at Ferme Genest (Quebec)
Located in Saint-Nicolas, just minutes from Quebec City, Ferme Genest is a popular fall destination for apple picking. The orchard offers a wide variety of cultivars, from McIntosh to Honeycrisp, Cortland, and Spartan.
But the experience goes beyond the orchards: the farm features a petting zoo, kids’ play areas, tractor rides, and a gourmet shop where you can savour apple doughnuts, jams, and fresh juices.
The outing quickly becomes an educational and fun activity: kids learn about food origins, parents enjoy fresh air, and the whole family indulges in delicious treats. Known for its warm welcome and well-organized facilities, Ferme Genest is easily accessible and family-friendly.
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Apple picking at Ferme Genest is ideal for:
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Families with children: thanks to varied activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
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Local product lovers: who will leave with bags full of crisp apples and homemade goodies.
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Multi-generational groups: since everyone finds something to enjoy, from harvesting and playing to savouring treats.
It’s a classic Quebec fall activity combining outdoor fun, learning, and gourmet pleasures.
4. Horseback Riding at Ferme du Centaure (Abitibi-Témiscamingue)
Located in Laverlochère, at the heart of Témiscamingue, Ferme du Centaure is the region’s only Équi-Qualité-certified riding school. In a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, visitors are welcomed by Orphée, the passionate founder, and a small community of animals that reassure even the youngest riders.
The introductory horseback riding activity covers the basics: approaching and preparing the horse, learning to mount, and guiding your horse safely. Thanks to the indoor arena and surrounding forest trails, the activity can be enjoyed year-round.
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Perfect for families seeking an authentic and enriching experience, where kids and parents alike can discover the equestrian world together. Children meet calm, reassuring ponies like Charlotte, while parents enjoy tailored classes.
It’s also a great option for nature lovers wanting a close connection with animals while soaking in the fall scenery. Whether as a first riding experience, a way to spark curiosity, or simply a gentle family adventure, Ferme du Centaure blends learning, fun, and nature.
5. Visit the Quebec Aquarium
The Quebec Aquarium is a must for families in the fall. With over 10,000 marine animals and about 300 species, it amazes kids and adults alike. You’ll encounter polar bears, seals, jellyfish, seahorses, and countless fish and invertebrates.
Immersive exhibits such as the Awesome Ocean tunnel, touch pools with starfish and sea urchins, and freshwater and saltwater pavilions allow visitors to learn while having fun.
Families can also enjoy outdoor areas with northern animals, play structures, and great views of the St. Lawrence River. Open year-round, the aquarium is especially appealing in fall’s cooler weather thanks to its warm indoor spaces.
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Ideal for families with children of all ages: wonder at animals, interactive learning zones, and playtime in outdoor areas.
It’s also an excellent rainy-day or chilly-weather option, as much of the visit is indoors. Nature, science, and marine-life enthusiasts will especially appreciate it.
6. Treetop Adventure at Arbraska (Rigaud, Rawdon, Val-des-Monts, Mont-Saint-Grégoire)
Looking for a dose of adrenaline and outdoor fun this fall? Arbraska’s treetop adventure invites you to climb, jump, and glide from tree to tree through aerial courses accessible from age 5.
Expect suspended bridges, zip lines, nets, and walkways, all supervised by attentive guides. Each site, whether Rigaud, Rawdon, Val-des-Monts, or Mont-Saint-Grégoire, offers unique circuits, from kid-friendly courses to extreme challenges for thrill-seekers.
The fiery fall colours make the forest an even more spectacular playground.
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Perfect for active families combining adventure and nature. Kids build confidence and overcome fears, while parents take on the challenge beside them.
Younger children will love the Tree Village or continuous lifeline courses, while teens and adults can test giant zip lines or advanced circuits.
It’s an unforgettable family moment to breathe in the fresh air and leave with high-flying memories.
7. Picnic at Domaine Maizerets (Quebec City)
Located just minutes from downtown Quebec City, Domaine Maizerets is a 27-hectare urban park blending heritage and nature. It features vast green spaces, an arboretum, peaceful ponds with ducks and birds, a historic house, and even a hedge maze.
In the fall, the site is particularly enchanting: trees glow in warm hues, and golden reflections dance on the water, creating a perfect family picnic setting.
Picnic tables are available on-site, and access is free. Families can also enjoy walking or cycling trails, playgrounds, the water garden, and the arboretum.
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Families wanting a simple, accessible nature escape without leaving the city. It’s the perfect place for a casual meal, teaching kids about biodiversity, and enjoying a colourful autumn stroll.
Those who love blending relaxation, heritage, and nature observation will especially enjoy it.
8. Cycling on the Véloroute des Bleuets (Lac Saint-Jean)
The Véloroute des Bleuets spans more than 250 km of bike paths circling Lac Saint-Jean, crossing 15 municipalities and the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh. Well-marked, safe, and free, it combines stunning landscapes, welcoming villages, and blueberry-themed gourmet stops , the region’s emblematic berry.
In the fall, the circuit takes on new charm: fiery forests, golden shores, and crisp air make for a unique ride. Along the way, families can explore attractions like Pointe-Taillon National Park with its sandy beaches, the Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien, and the historic village of Val-Jalbert.
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Perfect for active families combining sport, discovery, and nature. Parents with young children will appreciate shorter, easy sections, while families with sporty teens can tackle the full loop in stages.
Outdoor and culture lovers will enjoy the museums, microbreweries, and gourmet stops along the way. In fall, the colours make the journey even more magical.
Why Do Family Activities in the Fall?
A Unique Season with Stunning Scenery
Fall is truly a magical season for family outings. Landscapes transform into breathtaking displays. Maples, birches, and beeches shift from deep green to fiery reds, golds, and ambers, creating perfect backdrops for walks, photos, and picnics on rustling leaf carpets. Crisp air makes hikes more pleasant than in summer, while lakes take on a soft evening glow, ideal for relaxing by the water.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Fall activities are a great way to grow closer and create unforgettable memories. Ideas include:
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Organizing an outdoor games day for all ages
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Planning a family apple- or pumpkin-picking outing
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Preparing and sharing a fall picnic in a park
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Creating a photo album of outdoor moments during the season
Passing on Traditions
Fall is full of family traditions, making it the perfect time to share them with kids and strengthen their sense of belonging. Tell the story behind each tradition, where it comes from, why your family celebrates it, and the values it represents.
Involve children by letting them plan activities, choose recipes, decorate, or make cards. This gives them an active role while teaching skills like cooking, crafting, and planning.
Adjust rituals by age: sensory activities for toddlers (smelling spices, touching leaves), and more responsibility for older kids (making a family recipe, telling a story).
After each activity, take time to reflect on impressions, memories, and ideas for evolving the tradition. This strengthens family bonds while welcoming new influences in line with its spirit.
Enjoy Fall Family Activities at Le Massif!
Looking for the perfect place for fall family fun? Le Massif de Charlevoix offers an exceptional playground with breathtaking landscapes. With activities ranging from hiking and gondola rides to mountain biking, it’s the ideal spot to create unforgettable family memories in a four-season resort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Family Activities
When Is the Best Time to See Colours in Quebec?
We recommend visiting between mid-September and mid-October to admire the most beautiful hues. Elevation and weather greatly influence this natural spectacle. For a perfect getaway, plan at least a 3-day stay in Charlevoix to explore the trails and capture unforgettable family memories.
How to Dress Kids for a Day Outdoors?
Dress children in layers to handle changing weather. Pack a waterproof jacket, lined pants, and hiking boots. Always bring spare clothes in case they get wet during their fall adventures.
How to Make the Most of a Weekend in the Region?
Mix short hikes with cultural discoveries. Book your lodging and activities in advance to avoid disappointment. Leave time for family relaxation. Choose less busy times to fully enjoy autumn magic away from the crowds.