Bordeaux proves to be a playground for all generations, ages and interests. But it proves again and again to be a wonderland for the toughest of critics – kids! Discover a various of Bordeaux family activities to choose from, with ideas such as cultural immersion at the submarine base turned interactive art installation, or a refreshing break at the Miroir d’Eau (water mirror) where the kids can run around and parents rest their feet. This guide provides the practical keys to transforming your spring or summer stay into a seamless adventure filled with lasting memories for the whole family!
- Green havens and cooling water spots for sunny afternoons
Picnics and playgrounds in Jardin Public or Parc Bordelais
Splashing around at the Miroir d’Eau and local swimming areas
Cycling the Garonne quays with the whole crew
- Interactive museums and animal farms which spark curiosity
Digital art and science experiments at Cap Sciences
Meeting farm animals at the Ferme des Iris
History and nature at the Bordeaux Museum
- Day trips and urban trails for adventurous families
Urban treasure hunts and cruises on the Garonne
Climbing the Dune du Pilat and exploring Arcachon
Kid-friendly wine tours
How to handle logistics and dining with young kids?
Green havens and cooling water spots for sunny afternoons
Picnics and playgrounds in Jardin Public or Parc Bordelais
The Jardin Public feels like a step back in time, but with all the modern comforts a famil needs. Kids flock to the traditional Guignol Guérin puppet shows, can explore the duck pond, carousel and two different playgrounds for both little and big kids alike. The botanical garden entrance nearby offers a quiet, educational escape, with plenty of shade to rest, have a snack or read a book.
Parc Bordelais is the city’s largest green lung. Children love riding the Petit Train through the woods, Go-karting or grabbing something cool to drink from the nearby cafe/bar with a terrace facing a small lake. You can also spot farm animals wandering in dedicated enclosures, and check out Parc Bordelais’ brand new playground, made for bigger kids, and some smaller more easily accessible alternatives for little ones.
These parks are the ultimate spots for a lazy family picnic. Plenty of trees for natural shade, and grassy grounds to spread out and relax, kick a ball around or share some local treats.
- Puppet show schedules in Jardin Public – 17h during summer holidays. 17h Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday the rest of the year (weather permitting)
- The Petit Train route in Parc Bordelais – Circuits through the main park pathways and is available throughout most of the year
Splashing around at the Miroir d’Eau and local swimming areas
The Miroir d’Eau is a total magnet for families, especially on a hot day. It alternates between a giantwater mirror and a refreshing mist. It is most definitely the best way to cool down for free, especially if you’ve been walking around and rest your feet.
Bordeaux Lac beach is just a quick tram ride away from the center, for those which don’t have transport or do’t feel like trekking it out to the coast. It offers a supervisedarea for swimming or wading, and feels like a mini seaside escape within the city.
Also, keep a look out for misting stations around Bordeaux. They pop up around the city center to fight the summer heat!
Cycling the Garonne quays with the whole crew
The quays are flat, wide, and perfectly paved. This makes them ideal for strollers and young kids on bikes. You won’t have to worry about steep hills here!
Renting wheels is incredibly simple. Use the city’s V3 bike-share system or hit up shops along the river.
Make sure to stop at the skate park on the left bank, it’s a fantastic spot for kids to watch local teens perform impressive tricks, and there’s even a small playground next door.
Grab a local ice cream or cool drink, and enjoy the river breeze for a perfect afternoon break from the sun. Bikes are one of the best ways to get around Bordeaux, and the kids love it too!
Interactive museums and animal farms which spark curiosity
When the sun gets too heavy, or if a sudden rainshower hits, the city’s indoor spots offer more than just shelter, they offer entertainment too!
Digital art and science experiments at Cap Sciences
Cap Sciences sits right by the river at Hangar 20. It features hands-on workshops tailored for various age groups, from toddlers to teenagers. Experimentation is the main goal, but they’re plenty of fun also.
Don’t miss the Bassins des Lumières nearby. This former submarine base hosts massive digital art shows and installations. The immersive projections usually wows the kids with their scale and vibrant colors, and gets them curious about art and culture.
Check the schedule online before heading out. Some specific workshops require booking in advance, especially during school holidays. It helps avoid disappointment at the entrance.
Meeting farm animals at the Ferme des Iris
Head to Lormont for the Ferme des Iris. This free municipal farm lets kids see donkeys, goats, and rabbits. It is a peaceful, natural setting located in the Parc du Château des Iris.
The view of the city from this hillside spot is great, and it offers a nice break from the urban noise of the center. The paths are generally easy to walk for little ones and there’s plenty of grass for them to roll around, relax and share a picnic too.
Make sure you pack some water. There aren’t many shops right inside the farm area itself, so it helps to be prepared.
History and nature at the Bordeaux Museum
The Bordeaux Museum is located in the Jardin Public grounds. Recently renovated, it includes a special ‘Musée des tout-petits‘ section. This area is specifically designed for children under six years old with interactive screens and audio devices help explain local wildlife, and more. It’s not a dusty old museum anymore, with new and improved exhibits and ideal for inquisitive minds and nature lovers. ‘Tous les bébés‘ exhibition is particularly popular.
Visit the Cité du Vin too. They offer a discovery tour designed for families. It makes the world of wine culture accessible even for those who aren’t tasting the product, with a lot of sensory activities for both children and adults.
Tthe audio guides are great, they even have specific channels for children in English to keep them engaged throughout the visit.
Day trips and urban trails for adventurous families
If your kids have energy to burn, it might be time to look beyond the city quays, and do something a little different.
Urban treasure hunts and cruises on the Garonne
Download the Tèrra Aventura app, it’s a free geocaching game which turns any boring walk into a real treasure hunt. Participants are rewarded with a free badge at the finish line, in a special hiding place as part of the game.
Try hopping on the Bat3 river shuttle. It costs the same as a tram ticket and is the cheapest boat tour in town with a great view of the city. You can get off at Lormont or Les Hangars. These stops are perfect for exploring different neighborhoods from both the left and right bank. A fun and thrilling way to get around with kids, especially if you have bikesor prams to bring along with you.
Climbing the Dune du Pilat and exploring Arcachon
Arcachon is only a train away from the center, and then it’s just a bus directly to the Dune du Pilat. It’s the tallest sand dune in Europe! Kids love rolling down it, and playing in what is easily the biggest sandpit they have ever seen.
The view from the top is incredible. You can see the ocean and the forest, and there’s plenty of room to sit down and enjoy the view. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, but there are also a few kiosks near the dune, where you can eat and drink.
Check out which train times suit you best. The TER trains run frequently from Saint-Jean station throughout the year.
Kid-friendly wine tours
Wine tours aren’t just for adults in Bordeaux. Some estates like Château Saint-Ahon have playgrounds, and offer grape juice for the kids.
Château Bardins offer workshops, and teach kids about the local nature and the vineyard’s ecosystem.
It’s a great way to see the vines, whilst parents get to taste wine, and the kids stay entertained.
Bordeaux Wine Trails offers a myriad of family friendly tours in Bordeaux. Slots fill up fast in summer, so book your visit early whilst you still can!
How to handle logistics and dining with young kids?
Planning the fun is one thing, but managing the daily grind of transport and food is where the real stress lies for mmost families.
Maximizing the Bordeaux City Pass for family savings
The Bordeaux City Pass is a smart move. It covers all public transport, and it also gives you free entry to most museums. This includes the Cité du Vin before noon.
Buy the Junior version for kids. It’s significantly cheaper than the adult one. It saves you from fumbling with ticket machines every time, and you can buy it online. Just pick it up at the tourist office when you arrive.
It includes a guided tour, so why not choose the small city train for an easy city overview.
Always check the validity of your pass. It starts from the first time you use it.
- Unlimited TBM transport
- Free entry to 15+ museums
- Cité du Vin access
- Guided city tour included
Navigating trams and finding kid-friendly restaurants
The TBM tram network is very stroller-friendly. Most stations have level boarding, but avoid rush hours as best you can. The cars get very crowded around 5 PM with commuters coming home from work, school etc.
Look for guinguettes along the river. These outdoor cafes are very casual, and kids can run around while you wait for your food.
Try the Halles de Bacalan. It’s a modern food hall. Everyone can pick a different dish, as there’s lots of variety, even for picky eaters!
Most restaurants have high chairs. Just ask the staff.
Dinner starts late. Many places only open their kitchens at 7 PM.
Bordeaux offers the perfect blend of sunny parks, interactive museums, and refreshing river escapes. Book your stay now to enjoy these family activities in Bordeaux before the peak summer crowds arrive.
It’s not easy always easy to travel as a family, and we want to make sure everyone has a truly memorable and stress-free time in Bordeaux. If you have any questions or requests for your ideal family friendly experience in Bordeaux, don’t hesitate to contact us.
We hope to see you soon!
