11 Top Things To Do In Bordeaux With Kids

Travelling with children requires more planning than solo travellers hoping to vacation or backpack around the world. Luckily, Bordeaux is a family-friendly city, and there are tons of awesome activities that will make everyone in the family happy and keep them entertained while visiting Bordeaux.

1. The Miroir d'Eau

The Miroir d’Eau is one of the highest praised attractions in Bordeaux. This reflecting mirror facing the beautiful Place de la Bourse sprinkles water every 15 minutes. Let young kids (and the young at heart) walk through it to enjoy a fun way to break from the summer days’ heat.

Miroir d’Eau, Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, France

Little boy playing in Bordeaux’s Water Mirror | © Eo Naya/Shutterstock

2. Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez

Art Gallery, Museum

The Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, a fabulous institute dedicated to the finest contemporary art is the ideal place to stimulate children’s creativity. Sign them up for a workshop running every Sunday at 3 pm where they will be asked to produce artworks based on the institute’s current exhibition. This workshop is not only open to children but adults too, and it offers a great opportunity to have a wonderful time as a family.

3. Jardin Public

The Jardin Public is an amazing place for a relaxing time right in the center of the city. Enjoy spending the whole day there picnicking and walking around. Feed the ducks splashing in the garden’s lake and kids can spend some time riding on the carousel.

Jardin Public, Cours de Verdun, Bordeaux, France

Public Garden of Bordeaux | © Choupi33/Shutterstock

5. Cap Sciences

Building

Keep children’s desire to learn alive while on holiday by stopping in at the Cap Sciences building in Bordeaux’s Bacalan neighbourhood. The people in charge of this concrete-made building dedicated to science made a real effort to curate tremendous exhibits that will for stir children’s curiosity to learn more.

Cap Sciences, Hangar 20, Quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux, France, +33 05 56 01 07 07

Cap Sciences Bordeaux | © Pierre Baudier/Wikimedia Commons

6. Maison Écocitoyenne

Being on a vacation allows people to slow down, but it also provides the free time to learn more about important issues such as environmental sustainability. The Maison Ecocitoyenne located on the docks organizes free exhibitions, workshops, and meetings with professionals of sustainable development. There is a table inside the center with a touchscreen to help visitors learn their carbon impact and learn how to preserve the planet.

Maison Écocitoyenne, Quai Richelieu, Bordeaux, France, +33 05 24 57 65 20

Maison Ecocitoyenne in Bordeaux | © Jennifer Migan

7. Zoo de Pessac

Park, Zoo

Spend some time a little bit away from the city center and with Zoo de Bordeaux-Pessac’s wildlife. Be amazed by the diversity of species and don’t miss the animals’ snack time, which is the perfect moment to ask the very helpful and kind staff questions about the zoo’s residents.

Zoo de Bordeaux-Pessac, 3 Rue du Transvaal, Pessac, +33 05 57 89 28 10

Into the zoo | © Kassey Downard/Unsplash

Brunch and fun on the Garonne’s right bank

Start off the day on a right note with a large breakfast at Darwin Eco-système. Sit in one of the comfy sofas and have an amazing brunch in a unique environment. After that, cross the road and head to the less frequented but just as nice Parc aux Angéliques or Jardin Botanique.

Darwin Eco-système, 87 Quai des Queyries, Bordeaux, France, +33 05 56 77 52 06

Parc aux Angéliques, Quai des Queyries, Bordeaux, France

Jardin Botanique, Esplanade Linné, Bordeaux, France

8. Les Ateliers Little (We Love Little—Bordeaux)

Les Ateliers Little is a bilingual nursery that provides musical games, cooking, yoga classes, and a calm space for the whole family to relax in. With many locations around Bordeaux, Les Ateliers Little is an excellent solution for families needing a place to leave their children for a couple of hours.

Les Ateliers Little, 118 Rue Camille Godard, Bordeaux, France, +33 05 47 50 03 65

9. Arkose Bordeaux

Arkose Bordeaux is a large and atypical venue dedicated to climbing and was purposely designed for families. Even those travelling with a young child can spend some time there as they even have made walls accessible for babies. They also offer yoga and Pilates classes. It is a very nice option in case of rain, and it is open every day until midnight.

Arkose, Galerie Tatry, 170 Cours du Médoc, Bordeaux, France, +33 05 56 80 57 46

Climbing is a great activity for everyone | © Roya Ann Miller/Unsplash

Ride the city together

There are many places to discover in the city, and Bordeaux is a heaven for bike riders. Plan a bike excursion for a day to see what the city has to offer. Many bike shops are around town to accommodate everyone for an affordable price.

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