Bordeaux’s best children’s activities
Going out with children is not always easy, so to make life easier for parents and keep both young and old happy during your stay in Bordeaux, here are the top outings to do with your children. Come on, families! Psst, good news: the Bordeaux City Pass now has a Junior pass for 6 to 17 year-olds, and most of our activities are free with this little magic card.
For children who love animals: Museum of Science and Natural History
This recently renovated Natural History Museum houses a collection of more than one million species! In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum offers many temporary exhibitions. Children who are passionate about animals and minerals will not be disappointed! Interactive devices and a multimedia show make for a fun trip around the museum. For younger children, the “Toddlers Museum" provides entertainment for little ones who can’t read or write. A changing table, sanitary facilities and child sized furniture make this space practical as well!
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HOW TO GET THERE
- Adresse : 5 Place Bardineau, 33000 Bordeaux
La cité du vin with the kids?
Although the theme of this museum is aimed more at adults, children won't be bored, as they'll discover the cultures and civilizations of wine in a fun way. A virtual visit companion in the form of an app will be given to you on arrival. This tool enables real-time interaction and an optimal experience adapted to the age of visitors. Juniors (aged eight and over) can follow a specially-designed itinerary, with a few playful breaks. A number of experiments involving all five senses will entertain young and old alike. Once the family visit is over, head up to the 8ᵉ floor to admire one of the finest views of Bordeaux from the belvedere!
HOW TO GET THERE
- Address: 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux (see on map)
Exotic family getaway at Bordeaux Pessac Zoo
Children and animals always go hand in hand, so if you want to be sure to please your little ones, head for the Pessac Zoo, where you can admire twenty different species (giraffes, zebras, ostriches, white tigers, elks, red pandas, Asian otters...) and even take part in activities such as entering the lemur maze, entering the aviary or taking part in the care and feeding of the animals. And to extend the experience into the wee hours of the morning, you can even spend the night at the Zoo, for a thrill and a change of scenery guaranteed!
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HOW TO GET THERE
- Address : 3 Chemin du Transvaal, 33600 Pessac
Outing for curious children: Cap Sciences
Here is where curious minds come to meet! This centre makes scientific information accessible to children thanks to playful and interactive exhibitions. To better understand the world in which we live, to understand scientific phenomena such as the weather, to explore the mysteries of the human body... Here, children can find answers to the many questions they might ask themselves along the interactive routes and activities. At Cap Sciences, kids manipulate, play and awaken their five senses in order to come out even smarter!
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how to get there ?
- Address : Hangar 20, Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux (See on the map)
The Museum of Illusion puts our senses to the test
Recently opened in Bordeaux, this new-style museum plunges us into the incredible world of illusions! Trompes l'œil, holograms, mirror games, puzzles, optical illusions... One thing's for sure, you'll lose all your bearings here. Each piece is accompanied by a rational, scientific explanation, enabling us to learn a little more about the extraordinary powers of our senses, their perception and the way our brains work.
Don't forget to bring your phone or camera, as you're sure to want to immortalize a few sequences!
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HOW TO GET THERE
- Address : 4 rue Bonnaffé, 33300 Bordeaux
Darwin: the must-see site
Head to the right bank and the Bastide district to see what the fuss is about at one of the most visited sites in Bordeaux. On the site of what was formerly an abandoned barracks today you can find an indoor skatepark that has a surface area of over 2500m², urban frescos, a coworking space, a bookshop, a surf shop, concept stores, a craft beer brewery, a chocolate factory/shop, a coffee roaster and a kids-friendly restaurant where children are welcomed with open arms! Darwin regularly hosts events: concerts, themed evenings, exhibitions, film projections, sports competitions… There’s plenty going on there, and everyone’s welcome !
how to get there
- Address : 87 Quai des Queyries, Bordeaux, 33100 (See on the map)
An immersive experience at Bassins des Lumières
For several seasons now, the submarine base, a center of contemporary creation, has been home to the Bassins de Lumières exhibitions, which are a real eye-opener for all visitors, whether they're just passing through or live in Bordeaux. This emblematic 13,000m² site offers a veritable visual and aural experience. In this XXL space that once housed submarines during the Second World War, budding artists and art lovers alike will enjoy an extraordinary experience that will awaken all their senses.
Good to know: strollers welcome, baby carrier hire on site and free for children under five.
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HOW TO GET THERE
- Address: 8 Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux (see on map)
A must-see with the kids: the Water Mirror
Michel Corajoud is a landscaper. He designed a water mirror (miroir d’eau) so that the reflection of Bordeaux’s beautiful Place de la Bourse would be projected on a thin expanse of water. Every 10 minutes, the reflection fades to make way for an ephemeral fog. This space has become a real attraction especially on hot days! Children like to dive into the fog and play in the water. After a cool break at the water mirror, take your children to enjoy some of Bordeaux’s finest ice cream at the "Maison du Glacier" in St Pierre's Square.
how to get there
- Address : Place de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux (See on the map)
The eco-citizen house welcomes young environmentalists
Located at the foot of the Pont de Pierre, this house, open to all, offers an educational approach to sharing knowledge and best practices in terms of ecology and citizenship. Far from moralising and alarmist about the planet's future, it highlights positive initiatives and innovative solutions for sustainable development, accessible to all generations. Regular events and workshops are offered: exhibitions, conferences, workshops, walks... To take part, simply consult their online agenda.
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maisoneco.bordeaux-metropole.fr
HOW TO GET THERE
- Address : Quai Richelieu, 33000 Bordeaux
Stroll, have fun and take in some culture at the Jardin Public
In Bordeaux city centre lies this veritable oasis of greenery, home to play areas for children, a library, Bordeaux’s Natural History Museum, a jetty for boarding the ‘Va Petit Mousse’ boat, as well as the Guignol Guerin puppet show.
Parents and children can observe the ducks and swans, or they can head to the botanical gardens, featuring vegetation from around the world. It’s an ideal spot when the sun is out for a picnic, before taking a nap in the shade of a Mexican cedar or a giant sequoia… it’s no surprise that the Jardin Public has been listed as a “Remarkable Garden of France” (Jardin Remarquable de France) !
how to get there
- Address : Cr de Verdun, 33000 Bordeaux (See on the map)
Park for active children: Bordeaux park
The largest green space in the city, this 28-acre park is the perfect place to walk around with the kids! They can enjoy the playground, a small train, electric cars, a carousel, and even attend a puppet show. Afterwards, head to the park’s grassy area for a snack before meeting the local animals: donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys and peacocks live here in their own designated area. And when your children look up, they’re sure to see a squirrel jumping from branch to branch!
how to get there ?
- Address : Rue du Bocage, 33000 Bordeaux (See on the map)
Chateau life at the Bardins, Citran and Saint-Ahon estates
Visiting a wine estate with the whole family is child's play thanks to the creativity of a number of estates who have devised a whole program of activities to interest children in the world of wine. Châteaux Bardins, Citran and Saint-Ahon have each, in their own way, developed fun workshops such as treasure hunts, creative arts, play areas, guided tours with a storyteller and peacocks, and of course, grape juice tasting!
All great ideas to keep the kids entertained and parents happy during the visit and tasting.
LEARN MORE
chateaubardins.fr
www.citran.com
www.saintahon.com
HOW TO GET THERE
- Château Bardins address: Chem. de la Matole, 33140 Cadaujac
- Address château Citran: 30 Citran, 33480 Avensan
- Address château Saint Ahon: 57 Rue de St Ahon, 33290 Blanquefort
© Claude Clin
Ride along the river on a skateboard, bike, roller skates or electric scooter
The Bordeaux waterfront is a bona fide playground for kids looking for something to do with their wheels. On a skateboard, a bike or an electric scooter, between the Pont de Pierre and the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas (the two main pedestrian bridges in Bordeaux), you can ride on this long cycling track.
On one side you have the Garonne river and on the other you have Bordeaux’s historical heritage: from 18th-century facades to more modern constructions like the Cité du Vin. Whether you walk, run or ride, take this well-known route that locals refer to simply as “the two bridges”.
A fun trip full of discovery with Tèrra Aventura
Looking for ways to inject a bit of fun into your outings with the kids? With the app Tèrra Aventura in your pocket, discover the gems of Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s heritage as you head on a family treasure hunt. This activity, generally called ‘Geocaching’, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. A number of different routes have been developed in Lormont, Gradignan, Cenon, Floirac – with one soon to come in Pessac –, each with a different theme and varying levels of difficulty in order to ensure that beginners and veterans alike are catered for. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve a series of puzzles to eventually find the treasure !
Explore Bordeaux via its street art
Why not explore Bordeaux with your children through its street art? With a guide, on foot or by bike, discover the urban side of the Gironde capital. From wall to wall, neighbourhood to neighbourhood, prepare to be amazed by what you see, taking in architectural marvels and little-known facades from Bordeaux’s heritage. When you stop at Darwin, you can gaze at art made by international graffiti artists such as Jeff Soto, Laurence Vallières and Bordalo. Several different street art tours are available, each with its own anecdotes and unusual stories.
© Pascal Faure
Cross the Garonne with the Bat3, enjoy a picnic and a walk over the hills along the GR walking route
For the price of a tram ticket, you can step aboard the Bat3 boat to begin this bucolic trip, thirty minutes from the centre of Bordeaux. The walk over the right bank hills, between Lormont and Floirac, is particularly appreciated by families for its many panoramic views; all you have to do is follow the red and white markings of the ‘GR Métropolitain’ walking route. Depending on your stamina and/or the age of your children, you can spend either an hour or a whole day walking. There’s no need for hiking equipment, but bring refreshments, a hat and a picnic. The lake at Le Parc de l’Ermitage is a great spot, with its turquoise shimmer and the sound of frogs. A note of caution: this route is difficult with a pushchair.
The smart thing to do: get a Bordeaux CityPass
The Bordeaux CityPass is essential if you want to make the most of your stay in Bordeaux! The JUNIOR City Pass for 6-17 year-olds has the same advantages as the adult version.
Included :
- The Cité du Vin (before midday)
- The Bassins des Lumières
- Unlimited use of public transport (tram, bus, shuttle boat)
- 15 museums and monuments
- 1 city tour of your choice (depending on availability)
