Europe: Fun activities for kids and families in Nantes

Espace Quilly is an adventure park just outside Nantes, offering a wide range of activities for children and families. Kids can enjoy mini quad biking, karting, and water sports, making it an action-packed day out. The park is well-organized, with safety measures in place for young children. Parents can join in the fun or relax while the kids enjoy the activities. It’s an exciting destination for adventurous children looking to try something new.

Parc de la Gaudinière is a peaceful park with large lawns, wooded areas, and a playground, offering a perfect escape for families with young children. Kids can enjoy the play structures while parents relax under the shade of the trees. The park also has a small pond where children can watch ducks and fish. It’s a quiet and family-friendly space, ideal for a leisurely afternoon of outdoor fun and relaxation in Nantes.

Les Machines de l’Île is one of Nantes’ most unique attractions, blending imagination and engineering. Children will be mesmerized by the giant mechanical animals, especially the massive Elephant that gives rides around the site. The whimsical creations are inspired by the works of Jules Verne, allowing kids to explore a world of giant creatures. The interactive galleries showcase the creative process, making it a fantastic experience for both kids and adults. It’s a great way to spark creativity in young minds.

The Musée de l’Imprimerie is a fascinating museum that teaches children about the history of printing. Kids can watch old printing presses in action and learn about the techniques used to produce books and newspapers. The museum offers hands-on activities where children can try printing for themselves. It’s a small but interactive museum, providing a unique learning experience for children interested in how things are made. The combination of history and creativity makes it an engaging visit.

Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a historic castle that has been converted into an interactive museum, perfect for children. The museum offers multimedia displays and hands-on exhibits that bring the history of Nantes to life. The grounds are free to explore, and kids will enjoy running around the ramparts and playing in the courtyard. The castle’s blend of history and fun activities makes it an excellent destination for families with young children to experience a piece of France’s past.

Île de Versailles is a small, charming island in the heart of Nantes featuring a Japanese garden, perfect for families to explore. The island is full of bridges, ponds, and waterfalls that children will love. Families can also rent boats to explore the surrounding Erdre River. The island’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty offer a calm, enjoyable outing for young children. There’s also a small play area, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic or leisurely stroll.

Located near Les Machines de l’Île, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins is a unique three-level carousel featuring fantastical sea creatures. Children can ride on or inside the creatures, such as giant crabs, fish, and submarines, making it a magical experience for kids. The carousel is part of the larger Machines of the Isle project, so it complements a visit to the mechanical animals. It’s a delightful and creative ride that both children and parents will enjoy.

Trentemoult is a picturesque fishing village just a short ferry ride from Nantes. Families can explore the colorful streets, enjoy the riverside views, and visit the quaint cafes. Kids will love the boat ride across the Loire River, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for a family stroll. The village offers an escape from the city, with its charming, peaceful environment and plenty of outdoor space for children to explore.

Aquatonic Nantes is a family-friendly water park featuring a range of pools, slides, and water activities. The park is designed with young children in mind, offering shallow areas and water play zones perfect for kids under 10. There are also relaxation areas for parents, making it a great destination for family fun. Whether it’s swimming or splashing around in the water playground, children will enjoy hours of aquatic adventure. It’s an ideal spot for a fun and refreshing family day out.

Parc Floral de la Beaujoire is a stunning floral park known for its rose gardens and seasonal flower displays. Children will love exploring the colorful gardens and walking along the paths by the Erdre River. There’s plenty of open space for kids to run and play, as well as quiet spots for a family picnic. The park’s serene atmosphere and beauty make it a lovely place for families to spend a relaxing afternoon in nature.

Located about an hour from Nantes, Pointe-Saint-Gildas is a coastal area offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Families can explore the rocky coastline, visit the lighthouse, or enjoy a day at the nearby beach. The area is perfect for a family picnic or a nature walk, with plenty of space for children to explore and play. Kids will love spotting marine life in the tidal pools and watching boats pass by. It’s a relaxing, scenic escape from the city.

The Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful botanical garden with plenty of green space for children to explore. There are themed gardens, a playground, and fun art installations, including giant animal sculptures. The garden offers seasonal events, including workshops for children, which make it an educational as well as a playful destination. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere are perfect for families to relax while kids enjoy the open space and discover plants and wildlife.

This botanical garden located near the Beaujoire Stadium is a beautiful spot for a family outing. The garden is especially known for its rose collection, with thousands of different species blooming in the summer. Children will enjoy walking through the colorful flower beds and exploring the large lawns. The garden also hosts events and workshops for kids, making it an educational as well as a scenic visit. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot for families to enjoy.

Nantes’ Natural History Museum offers a variety of exhibits that will captivate children. From dinosaur skeletons to a large collection of minerals, kids will enjoy exploring the wonders of the natural world. The museum’s interactive displays make learning fun, and children can participate in workshops and guided tours designed for young audiences. With its mix of science and history, the museum provides an engaging, educational experience for curious children.

The Nantes Enigma Game is an interactive treasure hunt adventure perfect for families with young children. Families are given clues and puzzles to solve as they explore different parts of the city, making it a fun and educational way to see the sights. The game is designed for all ages, with challenges that are easy enough for children to participate in. It’s a fantastic way to engage kids in a city tour while keeping them entertained with puzzles and mysteries.

Le Petit Train is a charming way for families to explore the city. This mini train takes visitors on a guided tour of Nantes, passing by major attractions like the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, and Les Machines de l’Île. Kids will love riding the train while learning about the city’s history. The train ride is both relaxing and informative, offering a great introduction to Nantes for young children and their families.

Parc de Procé is a large, scenic park in Nantes perfect for families looking to relax outdoors. The park offers beautiful gardens, large lawns, and several playgrounds for children. There are also walking trails and a small river where kids can watch ducks and enjoy the natural surroundings. The park is ideal for picnics, and parents can relax while children run and play in the spacious green areas. It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Parc des Chantiers, located near Les Machines de l’Île, is a large park filled with modern art installations, playgrounds, and spaces for children to play. The park is home to the famous “Stork Nest,” a giant climbing structure that kids love. There’s also a skatepark and plenty of grassy areas for picnics. The park’s creative design and proximity to other major attractions make it a great spot for families to relax while visiting Nantes’ more adventurous sights.

Planète Sauvage is a safari park located just outside Nantes, offering an exciting experience for young children. Families can drive through the park and see animals like lions, giraffes, and zebras roaming in large open spaces. There’s also a dolphinarium where kids can watch dolphin shows. The park offers a unique mix of wildlife and marine life experiences, making it an unforgettable day trip for families. It’s perfect for animal-loving kids looking to learn more about exotic creatures.

The Skatepark on Beaulieu Island is a great spot for active kids who love to skateboard, scooter, or ride bikes. The park offers ramps and areas for children of all skill levels, making it a fun place to burn off energy. There are also open spaces nearby for running and playing. Parents can relax by the riverside while kids enjoy the dynamic atmosphere. The park is an ideal destination for families looking for outdoor fun in a lively urban setting.