Bordeaux With Kids

Although Bordeaux may not be the most obvious destination choice for families, there is still plenty to keep them occupied for a few days!  You can easily fly into the airport from the UK or it’s only a 5 1/2 train journey from London via the Eurostar.

Miroir d’eau

This has to be the kids favourite thing to do whilst in Bordeaux, particularly on a sweltering hot summers day!  The shallow pool of water is frequented by locals and tourists alike, with both children and adults splashing in the cool water, with many shoes left sitting around the edge of the pool.

Every 15 minutes or so the water drains away and then little jets spray cool mist up over the area.  It makes the area rather magical and the kids loved running through the mist.  Us adults also enjoyed a little relief from the heat too!

Kids Art Workshop

If you head over to the Institut Bernard Magrez you will find a list of events, those titled with Atelier Enfants are children’s workshops, which are often held at weekends throughout the year.  If your child is interested in art then it may be fun to book a place and let them get creative on their trip.

Workshops are usually for children aged 5 and over, past workshops have included looking over famous artists work before children create their own works of art using the materials provided.  Workshops are usually around 10 Euro’s per child and last for an hour and a half.

CAP Sciences

This is Bordeaux’s science museum, which children will adore!  There are changing exhibitions throughout the year, so check the website to see the current exhibition.

Kids aged 8-12 can don lab coats and join a science workshop on Wednesdays and Satruday’s at 2.30pm, check this link for dates and booking workshop tickets.  Younger children can take part in a culinary workshop that helps them see the science of food or take part in changing workshops, currently it’s a body workshop where children aged 3-6 can have fun with mirrors.

Check out all the events and exhibitions here, they appear to change frequently, so keep an eye on the dates you are visiting!

Road Train City Tour

If you only have a day in the city, then this is a great way to quickly see all the sites before heading off to visit museums or let the kids run off some steam at the Miroir d’eau.  Book your tickets at the tourist information, then head over to the little train by the square, there is a small park and a carousel during the summer where the kids can play before or after the road train.

When you get on the train you will have the headphones in front of you, simply choose your language and wait for the tour to start.  Bordeaux is a beautiful city and you will certainly see some beautiful sights.

Natural History Museum

Beside the public gardens is the Natural History Museum of Bordeaux.   A perfect museum for children to explore the natural history of the area, with plenty of interactive and digital sections that will keep everyone interested.  There are both permanent exhibitions as well as temporary exhibitions that will change several times throughout the year.  Check out the website for more information on the current exhibitions and opening times.

There is also the toddler museum downstairs that is especially for those children aged 6 and under, perfect to get out the heat or to entertain the kids on a wet afternoon.

Puppet Show at the Parc Bordelais

Throughout the year at Parc Bordelais there are old fashioned puppet shows.  Shows are 20 minutes long and at 4pm and/or 5pm every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and every day throughout the school holidays, weather permitting.  Check the website for more information on exact times and a phone number to check whether the show will be going ahead on any particular day.

The puppet show is beside the House of Guards at Parc Bordelais and should be easy to find.  You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the park, which has children’s play areas, animals and little train and cars to ride on.

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