Resolutely forward-looking, Bordeaux is one of France's most beautiful "big city" destinations. Travelling with children? Good news! You'll be able to visit the city, its must-sees and more, with activities designed with families in mind. Best of all, some of these activities are free. So the grown-ups can visit and the little ones can have fun! From the most amazing museums to parks, treasure hunts and boat trips, discover the 15 best activities to do with children in Bordeaux.
1. What to do with children in Bordeaux The Sciences and Nature Museum
Discover the animal world in an original way with your family, at the Sciences et Nature Museum in Bordeaux. In addition to the animals and minerals on display, interactive activities are offered for children, adding an extra touch of interest to the visit. The permanent exhibition is regularly complemented by temporary exhibits, so that families can rediscover this magical place again and again.
2. The Musée de l'Illusion, top things to do with children in Bordeaux
Go from surprise to surprise at the Musée de l'Illusion, sure to turn the brains of young and old alike! Numerous optical illusions are on display, each with a scientific (but accessible to all!) explanation from the staff. Get ready to be amazed by this unusual, amusing and offbeat museum, which will make you see life differently, by booking your admission ticket right here.
3. Admire the Miroir d'eau, a must-see in Bordeaux
Great news! One of the must-do activities in Bordeaux is totally free: the Miroir d'Eau! Make your way to Place de la Bourse to witness an astonishing spectacle. The surface shimmers boldly, charmingly reflecting the surrounding buildings and the blue sky. In summer, children can cool off on this immense expanse of water, whose beauty is even more breathtaking at nightfall.
The water mirror is open all year round, from 10am to 10pm. It alternates between the famous mirror and fog effects.
4. Activities to do with children at the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a city reinvented and focused on innovative activities. The Cité du Vin is an excellent example of this, and part of it is child-friendly. Activities are offered for the youngest visitors, who can smell, observe and learn. The "Juniors" trail, from age 7 upwards, offers fun themed areas around the vine and the winemaking profession.
Good to know: admission is free for children under 6, and tastings include alcohol-free options for everyone to enjoy!
Buy my ticket to the Cité du Vin
5. What to do in Darwin with children, Bordeaux's most unusual place?
A visit to the Darwin ecosystem is the perfect addition to a 2-day weekend in Bordeaux with children. On the city's right bank , in the heart of an old disused barracks, concept stores share the space with an indoor skatepark, a chocolate factory and a host of family-friendly events. The place is as unusual as it gets, and is sure to please young and old alike.
6. Family fun at Bordeaux's Jardin Public
It's great to take a family stroll through the Jardin Public de Bordeaux, watching swans and ducks evolve peacefully on the water... But this well-known garden doesn't stop at a simple stroll. For children, there's an old-fashioned merry-go-round and play areas. Its highlight is certainly the Guignol Guérin theater, which offers sessions at 4pm and 5pm. The "Va, Petit Mousse" also offers a fun, low-cost activity to do with children in Bordeaux: a pleasant ride on an electric boat.
7. Cap Sciences, the outing for curious little ones in Bordeaux
Discover the world and its mysteries with the whole family at Cap Sciences, Bordeaux's playful discovery center. Here, you can learn all about the universe, the Earth, its inhabitants and science... while having fun! And you won't just be watching. Children will be delighted to test, experiment and touch. You'll come away with a wealth of fascinating information and a smile on your face!
Good to know: this fun center regularly offers special events (cabinet of curiosities, archaeology and more, depending on current programming). Keep your eyes peeled when visiting Bordeaux with your kids.
8. Cycling along the quays of Bordeaux with children
There's nothing like a bike ride to visit Bordeaux with kids! Much more fun (and less tiring) than walking, cycling is a popular alternative for young and old alike. The banks of the Garonne are particularly well-suited to this type of outing, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic. During this pleasant ride, you can admire the beautiful architecture of Bordeaux at your leisure, stopping to relax by the water's edge. Numerous bike rental companies are at your disposal to help you complete this enjoyable outing.
You can also book a guided bike tour of the city.
Did you enjoy it? Why not explore the vineyards of Bordeaux by bike? Here's a great opportunity to discover the region's winegrowing heritage, while enjoying the beautiful surrounding countryside.
9. Activities to do with children at Parc Bordelais
Just like at the Jardin Public, children have fun at the Parc Bordelais! Part of the park is dedicated to farm animals, allowing children to meet peacocks, goats, donkeys and sheep. There's also a puppet show for young audiences. This moment of relaxation in the heart of the city ends with a ride on the little train, or even a ride on the pretty carousel. A veritable green lung for Bordeaux, this park is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering a gentle interlude between two visits to the city itself.
10. Visit Bordeaux with children and admire street art
You'll already have the opportunity to admire street art by well-known artists, such as Jeff Soto, in Darwin. But this street art doesn't stop there, it can be found all over Bordeaux. The Chartrons district is a particularly good place to admire it, but it's not the only one! Keep your eyes peeled... The city has a few surprises in store for you, as you stroll through its streets and neighborhoods, adding an artistic touch to your family's visit to Bordeaux.
Smart tip : you can take advantage of our partner's rates and book a guided tour on this theme right here!
11. Discover art with the whole family at Bassins des Lumières
Visiting a museum is all very well, but if it's one of the most unusual museums in France, kids will love it! Better still, they'll be delighted to discover paintings by well-known artists in an innovative way at Bassins des Lumières. This digital art center uses video projectors to project world-famous works onto walls and floors. You'll find yourself literally "in the work". Striking, original, modern, interactive: a real "coup de cœur" that you can book in just a few clicks in just a few clicks here !
12. A boat trip on the Garonne with your family
Here's an ideal activity to do in Bordeaux in summer, to enjoy the gentle breeze as the boat splits the water of the Garonne. Embark on a cruise along the Garonne, which you can book here, and admire the city without tiring out your children's legs. There's nothing to do but enjoy and admire! Guides comment on every important part of Bordeaux, so you can combine pleasure and culture. Several formulas are available, lasting from one to two hours - the perfect timing to keep the young ones entertained.
13. Family activities at the Maison Ecocitoyenne
Learning what you can do for the planet becomes fun at Bordeaux's Maison Ecocitoyenne. There's no moralizing here, just educational and fun workshops to awaken responsibility in everyone in an interesting way. This is an enjoyable outing to do with children in Bordeaux, skilfully combining educational and family outings.
14. Visit Bordeaux on a treasure hunt
Visiting a city is usually synonymous for a child with "sore legs, too long and no interest". Unless you add a pinch of suspense ! There are many ways to visit Bordeaux with your family without boring them: outdoor escape games, treasure hunts, treasure hunts, etc. There are plenty of options for different age groups. This way, parents can visit this beautiful city, while children discover it while having fun with this team escape game on the theme of magic, for example. It's a win-win situation!
15. Must-see museums in Bordeaux with kids
While the Musée de l'Illusion is one of the must-see museums to visit with children in Bordeaux, it's not the only one! The Musée des Beaux-Arts, for example, is likely to bore them. Other interesting museums to discover with the family include:
- The Mer Marine museum: dedicated to navigation and epic expeditions, with collections including life-size models and ships, as well as interactive displays.
- The Natural History Museum: discovering animals from all over the world, many of them little-known, is a delight for children.
- The Musée d'Ethnographie: with its exhibitions of objects from around the world, this museum awakens children's curiosity, while introducing them to other cultures in a fascinating way.
So many ways to have fun and learn as a family!
Good to know: the City Pass, available in Junior and Adult versions, gives you access to 15 of the city's museums, plus many other benefits and discounts.
What free activities can I do with my children in Bordeaux?
The city's various parks are, of course, free, offering plenty of activities for children:
- Le Jardin Public,
- Parc Bordelais,
- Parc Bourran,
- Parc Rivière.
La Plage du Lac also offers a pleasant place to spend the day in Bordeaux. Swimming is supervised and there are plenty of activities on offer. It's also possible to stroll along the banks of Bordeaux or in the surrounding forest by bike, an activity often appreciated by children, and totally free of charge.
One of Bordeaux's must-see attractions is also 100% free of charge: the miroir d'eau, which will delight young and old alike! Finally, a stroll through the Darwin district can be free if you don't buy anything, just for the pleasure of discovering an unusual part of Bordeaux. There are so many free things to do in Bordeaux, you're in for a treat!
What activities can I do with children aged 3 to 5 in Bordeaux?
Visiting a city with young children can be difficult, but not impossible! In between two classic visits, take your child to the Piscine du Grand Parcwith its small pool and paddling pool. Once again, the Plage du Lac is a great outing for young children. The beach is supervised, so they can enjoy a leisurely swim, even if parents must remain vigilant.
Cap Sciences also has exhibitions specially designed for children aged 3 to 6. The same goes for the Sciences et Nature museum, which has a special area on the first floor for children under 6. In the category of fun family outings in Bordeaux, the Musée de l'Illusion is also suitable for all, even young children. Optical effects are explained, and will amuse even the youngest visitors.
Bordeaux is one of France's most livable cities, with a perfect blend of amenities, leisure activities and exciting discoveries. It's also a perfect destination for a vacation in France with children, with no risk of getting bored. After a day of sightseeing, take advantage of the Gironde's fine weather to admire the city's splendor from one of Bordeaux's rooftops, offering a refreshing stopover full of charm. So, you've had your fill of the city? Don't hesitate to get out and explore the surrounding area. The Bordeaux Pessac Zoo is a favorite with children! Finally, set course for Terra Aventura, which offers families seven itineraries to discover the Bordeaux metropolis in "treasure hunt" mode.
Enjoy this article? See also our article What to do in Rome with your family and children? Top 15 activities and What to do with children in Naples? Top 10 activities.
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