Travel Canada's capital cities: Quebec City, Que.

Whether you're planning a family road trip or a weekend staycation, check out our list of things to do in Canada's capital cities.

Favourite indoor activity: Méga Parc des Galeries de la Capitale is North America’s second largest indoor amusement park with 20 attractions, including a rollercoaster and skating rink. mega-parc.com

Favourite outdoor activity: Baie de Beauport is a sandy beach only five minutes from downtown where you can canoe, kayak, sailboard, play beach volleyball and even go on excursions on the St. Lawrence in an inflatable Zodiac boat. baiedebeauport.com

Best-kept secret: About 40 miles from Quebec City lies La Vallée mega parc des galeries de la Capitale Secrète where you’re invited to hunt for gnomes in a magical enchanted forest. Games are in French only, but are explained in English. valleesecrete.com

Great place to eat: Benjo Inc. is a magical, 25,000-square foot toy store with an on-site restaurant at kids height. Or eat Italian at Spag & tini Le Resto! benjo.ca; spagettini.ca

Great place to stay: The Hôtel Loews Le Concorde is a four-star, four-diamond hotel with an awardwinning restaurant. loewshotels.com

Worth the drive: Only a 20-minute drive from the city, Village Vacances Valcartier is a waterpark with 35 waterslides, two theme rivers and a huge wave pool. valcartier.com

Diana Ballon is a Toronto-based freelance writer who loves to travel with her husband and two kid

Originally published in ParentsCanada, July 2012