What to do at the weekend with children?
Keeping your children entertained at the weekend is not always an easy task. Lodgis is here to help with some fun family days out that will keep your little ones busy and allow you to discover Paris…
Château de Chantilly
Just 50km north of Paris, the château de Chantilly is a great place to take the kids. It houses an impressive collection of art and antique books, making it the second largest collection in France after the Louvre. Once you have toured the château, be sure to explore the beautiful gardens and lakes. There are lots of activities available for children, including a maze, a mini train ride across the grounds, a playground and kangaroo enclosure!
Address: 60500 Chantilly
How to get there: take the train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (25mins)
Opening times: Open all year around except January, from 10am-6pm
Prices: €17 for adults, €10 for children (aged 3-17)
France Miniature
What better way to get to know France than by a trip to France Miniature! The park is full of miniature models of iconic French places which allows you to explore the whole country like never before. Saint Tropez, Mont Saint Michel and even the Alps… you can see it all! All the regions of France are represented with 2000 miniature models. There is also a selection of other attractions and mini rides to keep the children entertained including giant swings, climbing walls and boat rides.
Address: Boulevard André Malraux, 78990 Élancourt
How to get there: take the train from Montparnasse or La Defense to La Verrière, then bus 410, 411, or 412 to France Miniature
Opening times: April – November, 10am-5pm
Prices: €22 for adults, €15 for children (aged 4-14)
La Mer de sable
La Mer de sable is a theme park located just 45 mins from Paris. There are three different worlds to explore: the jungle, the Wild West and the Mexican desert, giving your children the chance to become cowboys/girls or jungle explorers for the day! There are of lots of attractions and rides to enjoy, as well as a farm, rope bridges, water rides, pony rides and shows to watch. The park is primarily aimed at children under 14.
Address: 60950 Ermenonville
How to get there: take the shuttle bus from Porte Maillot (boulevard de Gouvion Saint Cyr – en face du Méridien)
Opening times: April – November, 10:30 – 19:00 with late night openings in summer
Prices: €26.50 for adults, €21 for children (aged 3-11)
Château de Vincennes
The château de Vincennes is another interesting castle to explore. It’s just outside the periphery and you get there by metro, RER or by bus. There are lots of places to discover including the dungeons, towers, draw bridges, chapel and more. Make sure you download the app for more information. The chateau is right next to the Bois de Vincennes, which is also worth seeing. There are lots of activities and places to visit here including the Parc floral and the Paris Zoological Park (Vincennes Zoo), so your children will be entertained for hours!
Address: Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes
How to get there: Metro line 1 to Chateau de Vincennes
Opening times: Open all year round from 10:00-17:00, with extended hours during the summer
Prices: €9 or free for under 26s
