Last month I’ve noticed that more and more people are scrolling through my article “Six things to do with kids in Bordeaux over spring break“ in search of new ideas for the upcoming school break. So I decided that it’s time to do some research and give you a new article to help you make the most of the upcoming fall break. So for those of you who want their kids to have new and exciting experiences or for those just trying to survive the vacances de la toussaint, this articles is for you. From circus to coding, painting and climbing, here’s the list of ideas for things to do with your kids on school break.
Circus School of Bordeaux
Let your kids become acrobats in a circus for a week! The Circus school of Bordeaux offers discovery programs for all ages during the upcoming school break. There are five programs for different ages ranging from 3 year-old to kids older than 11. In the first group (ages 4-5 yo) kids have to be accompanied by one of the parents. According to your kids’ age they can learn things like juggling, improvisation, acrobatics and more. If you missed this vacation, don’t worry, l’ecole de cirque offers many different programs on all school breaks. Click here for more information about days and prices of the different programs.
For reservations: by phone 05 56 43 17 18 or by email info@ecolecirquebordeaux.com
When: Different dates for different programs (check out the link above)
Where: Centre Culturel des Arts du Cirque, 286 boulevard Alfred Daney, 33300 BORDEAUX
Paint in the Fine arts museum
If your kids are into arts or you would like them to discover their artistic side you can take them painting in one of the best museums of Bordeaux- Musee des beaux arts de Bordeaux. There are plenty of nice art workshops for kids (starting from 3 years old) for the price of only 5 euros, on both school breaks and during the school year.
Check out the full list of workshops here. To reserve your spot call 05 56 10 25 25.
When: Different dates from October 22 to October 31, depending on the workshop.
Where: 20 Cours d’Albret, 33000 Bordeaux
Turn them into little coding geeks
Magic makers, the great programming school for kids is a fantastic opportunity to let your little girls and boys explore the world of coding. During the first week of the fall vacation, the school will offer several programs according to your kids age – from robots and minecraft for the little ones to creating games and star wars workshops for older kids. This is a popular place so reserve your place as soon as possible- click here and here for more info and registration. They have two centers in the Bordeaux area so if you live quite far from the center of Bordeaux, the other center is in Latresne. Also, if you missed out the registration and there’s no more space available, remember that many of the courses and workshop run during the school year as well.
When: October 22-26
Where: Centre Magic Makers, 60 cours de la Martinique 33000 Bordeaux AND AEROCAMPUS Aquitaine 1, route de Cénac 33360 Latresne
Discover the nature around Bordeaux with la Foret d’art Contemporain
You don’t really have to spend money to enjoy this fall break with your kids (except on therapy). If weather permits, this could be a good opportunity to discover the area around Bordeaux. Don’t forget that we are living just a few km from the largest maritime-pine forest in Europe in -Foret des Landes de Gascogne. One of the best ways to discover this massive forest is by following the map of la foret d’art contemporain. This is an extraordinary project that aims to promote contemporary art by placing it in different spots in the forest. Around 20 different pieces of art were placed in all parts of the forest, usually close to one of the smaller towns, to allow you to discover the more rural parts of Gironde. Follow the map of the project – here.
Dance Capoeira
When you see Capoeira circles on the street, do you ever wish you could know the moves and be part of that circle? Well maybe your kids can teach you after they participate in the Capoeira course offered by Dojo La Fleche during the first week of school break. The course that will take place on October 23-26 will include elements of movement, music, songs and acrobatics. For more info click here.
When: October 23-26
Where:21 Rue Ulysse Despaux, Bordeaux
Space month in Merignac
The city of Mérignac is currently hosting a whole month of space discovery with workshops, exhibitions, conferences, parties and more. Many of the events are scheduled to take place on weekends but an activity you can enjoy during the weekdays of les vacances de la toussaint is the “Dessine-moi l’Espace”. Médiathèque de Mérignac invites your children to a week of creativity. From Tuesday to Saturday, during the month of October, your kids can come and take inspiration from the books of the library to draw planets, rockets, aliens, stars and more. Awards will be given to the most imaginative paintings. For details about this activity and all the other events of Space month click here.
When: October 1-31, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 13:00-19:00, Wednesday 10:00-19:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Where: Médiathèque de Mérignac, 19, place Charles-de-Gaulle, Mérignac
Foire aux Plaisirs
What kid doesn’t appreciate a big wheel or bumper cars? For a cool day out just take them to the Bordeaux fair at Place des Quinconces starting from October 12. Amusements rides are obviously only part of the fun, you will also find plenty of side stall games and stands with donuts, crèpes, barbes à papa and many other guilty pleasures. The fair is open daily from 14:00, you are not required to pay any entry fee, only for some of the attractions. See more info about the fair here.
When: October 12 – November 4
Where: Place des Quinconces , 33000 Bordeaux
Let them climb some walls
Climb Up, a climbing center of more than 2000m2, was opened in June 2018 in the Décathlon village in Mérignac. The center includes a huge climbing surface with walls rising to 15 meters, more than 200 different tracks and 60 lines of rope. There’s also a dedicated blocs zone for kids (over 3 years old) allowing them to climb in a secured space. On school break they offer 2 climbing courses of half days for kids – one for 6-8 year old and the other for 9-15 year old – check out more details here.
When: Monday to Friday on school break
Where: Décathlon Village – Domaine de Pélus, 17 avenue Pythagore – 33 700 Mérignac
Discover the Idea box workshops at the Marché des Douves
Have you ever noticed the beautiful hangar with the red bricks just in front of the Capucins Market? Marché des Douves, previously the city market, is today a house to different associations, with plenty of activities and workshops for kids. Every Wednesday and Thursday three different workshops are taking place at the old market: a music workshop, mini film creation and a coding course. You can register to one or several of the activities on the spot or by phone 05 35 38 16 06. For more info click here.
When: Wednesday and Thursday – 14:00 to 17:30
Where: 4 Rue des Douves, 33800 Bordeaux
Let them become Ninja kidz
Last but not least, don’t forget to pass by The Temple Bordeaux which hosts a variety of activities for all ages. Gym Kidz is a bilingual Gymnastics program starting at 18 months old! One of their biggest success is the Ninja Kidz course which is a mix of Gymnastics & Martial Arts. The will stay open during the vacation so check them out. All courses are 200€ per year! and drop-ins are 10€ per class. Check out their facebook page for more info.
Where: 3 Quai de Brazza Bordeaux, 33100
Now, with this list in your hands you are ready to survive the school break (les vacances de la toussaint) and even enjoy it a bit :). If you have other ideas or other places that offer special activities during the vacation, please share them in the comments.
If you didn’t find anything interesting in this list, you can always take some ideas from my “What to do with kids when it’s raining in Bordeaux” or discover a new place for a picnic with my guide to the best picnic places in Bordeaux.
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