Ideas for the whole family
Outings & activities for kids in La Rochelle
In La Rochelle, we love sharing, discovering, strolling, and learning… and with kids, everything becomes an adventure! Whether you live here or are just visiting, whether it’s to fill a Wednesday afternoon, get some fresh air on the weekend, or enjoy the holidays, here are our best family-friendly ideas. Activities for every age, taste, and budget: from free discoveries to great deals and unforgettable shared moments.
Learning while having fun
Dive into La Rochelle’s museums
La Rochelle’s museums are perfect for children too, with interactive tours, creative workshops, and even birthday party packages.
• The Natural History Museum offers workshops about animals and plants. Labeled “Môm’Art,” it makes exhibitions accessible to kids of all ages.
• At the Museum of the New World, grab an activity bag at reception – a family space awaits with board games and creative activities.
• The Maritime Museum takes kids aboard the France 1 ship for a sailor’s treasure hunt (ages 7-12), with games and hands-on activities.
ℹ️ Free entry for children under 18 and for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
La Rochelle: the nature side
Nature walks, animals & birds
La Rochelle is perfect for family walks and fresh air!
- Meet local animals at Charruyer Park, near the Concurrence beach: Poitou donkeys, goats, peacocks, Marans chickens, and Vendée sheep delight curious little visitors. Check out local farms too, like Fief du Guigne Chèvre in Vérines or L’Autruche de Laurette in Marsilly.
- Head to nature reserves like Marais de Tasdon, Pampin, Yves, or the Bay of Aiguillon to spot birds and wildlife. The LPO (a French NGO for the protection of birds) offers free outings to learn to recognize herons, sandpipers, and more.
The ocean for kids
Learn, observe & protect
Here, the ocean is both playground and classroom.
- Dive into marine life at La Rochelle Aquarium and discover species from our coasts… and faraway seas!
- Want to know more about the space between land and sea ? L’École de la Mer offers low-tide walks to explore algae, shellfish, and tiny sea creatures – plus tips for safe shore fishing.
- Join “Épuise ton déchet” workshops with Écho-Mer to combine eco-action and fun!
La Rochelle by the sea
Experience the call of the ocean as a family!
- Sail to Fort Boyard! Hop on a cruise from La Rochelle to approach France’s most famous fortress – sure to amaze young explorers and spark nostalgia in grown-ups.
- Build sandcastles at the Beach of Les Minimes or Concurrence, skip pebbles at L’Houmeau, or enjoy the coastline from Chef de Baie to Châtelaillon-Plage all year round.
- Budding sailors ? Enroll the kids in sailing courses – maybe the next Isabelle Autissier or Yannick Bestaven is among them !
Move, jump & play
Let off steam
La Rochelle and its surroundings are packed with playgrounds and adventures.
- Cycle along the Vélodyssée coastal route or explore the Rompsay Canal by bike, on foot, or even by canoe.
- Go swimming at one of three pools (included in La Rochelle Océan Pass):
- Municipal Pool of La Rochelle
- Palmilud in Périgny (great fun year-round)
- Châtelaillon Aquatic Center (toboggans & paddling pools)
- Thrill-seekers can try treetop courses at Vertigo Parc (Lagord), climbing & caving at The Peak (Angoulins), or indoor bouldering at Cabanes Urbaines (La Rochelle).
Family festivals & events
With kids around La Rochelle
- Spring highlight: Châtelaillon Kite Festival in April – free, colorful skies, giant kites, acrobatics, and kids’ workshops !
- Summer: street arts take over La Rochelle’s squares and markets with circus shows, puppets, music, and fanfares.
Tips for happy family outings
- Bring reusable water bottles – refill points are marked on maps.
- Try the ferry and sea bus: a must in La Rochelle, fun for kids and practical for parents.
- Planning multiple visits? La Rochelle Océan Pass saves money and includes transport!
- In La Rochelle, every outing becomes an adventure – ready to try them all?