29 Jan
In Brittany with children

Activities for children in Brittany

Brittany is awash with fabulous things to do for all the family. If you want something more than just swimming in an azure sea, or running around on the beach, then take a look at these activities for children in Brittany.

In Brittany with children

Zoos and Wildlife Parks

Children and animals go hand in hand, so how about visiting a zoo, wildlife park or even an aquarium in Brittany? From bats to sharks there is something for everyone.

The zoo at Bourbansais, Pleugueneuc, not only has lions, tigers, panthers and parrots, but some strange creatures, including anteaters, meerkats, and wallabies.

At Kernascléden, the Maison de la Chauve-souris (Bats Discovery Centre) is entirely dedicated to these creatures of the night.

Aquariums

If the underwater world fascinates you and your family, then a visit to one of the many aquariums in Brittany could be put on the itinerary. In Saint-Malo, the Grand Aquarium features sea life under the ocean waves. You’ll be surrounded by sharks, giant turtles and an assortment of dazzling fish in the underwater viewing tunnel. You can also get the feeling of diving to the bottom of the ocean in the Nautibus. There are more than 6,000 underwater species, some of which you are allowed to touch. (But not the sharks!)

A more scientific-based approach to sea life can be found at Océanopolis in Brest. Three themed exhibition centres are each devoted to a different ecosystem: polar, tropical and temperate. Information is constantly being updated by France’s top scientists, many of whom have connections and work with this centre.

Back to the coast

The whole family can paddle kayaks to the Etoc Islands to see natural beauty and also catch a glimpse of the local grey seals. The centre is situated at Plage de la Greve, Banche.

If your child is 12 or over, they can try their hand, or more precisely their feet and balance at the very latest sea sport, called Stand up Paddle, or SUP for short. Basically you are standing on a snow board type platform, and propelled along by a paddle, it’s like walking on the water.  This can be found at Slash Paradise, Cleder

Into the Forest

Younger children love adventure trails and riddles to solve, especially if it includes fairies, elves and druids. Just add a forest for an action-packed and memorable experience. Children aged four and over can follow the gnomes and pixies adventure trail. Those who are seven and over can take part in the Laser Quest to conquer fantasy lands. The whole place is full of mysterious forest dwellers, who set quizzes and riddles to solve. The fun family adventure park of Celt Adventure, Penvins forest, Sarzeau, includes a network of mazes, treetop trails and even boat races.