Frugal families on vacation | The Press

In order to reduce the cost of family vacations, The Press has spotted free activities for you all over Quebec to try this summer. Discover our suggestions every two weeks.

Centre-du-Québec: ninja apprentices

Quite a challenge awaits budding ninjas at Grandes-Coulées Regional Park. To traverse the 18 tree climbing modules made of wood and rope found there, they will have to use the strength of their legs and arms in addition to appealing to their sense of balance. Do your children still have energy after successfully completing this course intended for ages 6 and up? This sector of the park offers 10 km of forest trails with a slight drop. On the way, young and old can admire the birds, spot mushrooms and contemplate the Black River.

Grandes-Coulées Regional Park, Old Forest sector, 2, route du Plé, Plessisville

Capitale-Nationale: at the museum as at home

The first Sunday of July is fast approaching. And whoever says first Sunday of the month says free access to a host of museums all over the province. Among the participating institutions is the Musée de la civilisation, in Quebec. We take advantage of this day free of charge to visit the exhibition My house, specially created for children from 3 to 8 years old. From the kitchen to the living room via the bathroom, the little ones will be able to let their imagination run wild in a place where collectibles rub shoulders with gigantic furniture and secret passages. Are your children teenagers? Discover the museum’s other exhibitions, including the most recent, One of a kindwhich addresses gender identity.

Museum of Civilization, 85 Dalhousie Street, Quebec

Free access on the first Sunday of the month for residents of the province

Charlevoix: everyone at the beach!

Is there a more summer activity than a day at the beach? On vacation in Charlevoix, stop at Baie-Saint-Paul beach to picnic, build sand castles or create mud sculptures at low tide. The less cautious will probably dare to swim, but it is important to check the tide schedule first. Nearby, a footpath leads to an observation tower 10 meters high, an ideal stop to admire the beauty of the landscape. Do you want to spend a second day at the beach? Discover that of Saint-Irénée, a municipality located about thirty minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul.

Baie-Saint-Paul Beach, 210 Sainte-Anne Street, Baie-Saint-Paul

Saint-Irénée beach, 15, route du Fleuve, Saint-Irénée

Montreal: Fireworks Shows

A not-to-be-missed event of Montreal summers, the International Loto-Québec Fireworks Festival will once again light up the city’s skies next Thursday. To admire this impressive pyrotechnic competition that takes place above Île Sainte-Hélène for free, there are many options. In addition to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, you can stay at the Village au Pied-du-Courant or in various places in Old Montreal. The Mount Royal belvedere is also an interesting option. On the other side of the river, Parc Marie-Victorin in Longueuil is very popular. If you access these sites by car, however, parking fees are to be expected.

The International Loto-Québec Fireworks, Thursdays from June 29 to August 10 and Sunday July 30