This charming coastal city on the west coast of France is a wonderful place for a beach getaway, playful outdoor activities, and breathtaking hikes. This means you’ll have no problem finding things to do for the whole family in La Rochelle.
The city is one of the best places to visit in Southwest France, from exploring unique fish at Aquarium La Rochelle to watching an exciting Puy du Fou show nearby. Even though it is so old, it still has plenty to do among the towering medieval towers and swaying boats along the harbor.
Pssstt… Here’s a little secret to make your family getaway even smoother: Use the La Rochelle Ocean Pass for an all-in-one pass to over 50 attractions and public transport.
Best Kids’ Attractions in La Rochelle and the most kid-friendly day trips
Dive into the exciting adventures that await your family in this delightful French seaside city.
1. Aquarium La Rochelle
This family-owned aquarium is a magical underwater wonderland near the Floating Harbour. Discover over 12,000 Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and Mediterranean sea creatures with fascinating exhibitions like the ‘Gallery of Lights,’ tropical forest, and marine turtles.
Younger kids will enjoy the interactive ‘Children’s Voyage’ with an underwater cave, games, a magic carpet, and more. Finally, end the day with lunch at the on-site Brasserie Là-Haut on the second floor, where you can enjoy homemade French cuisine.
See all the info and tickets here.
2. Catamaran Cruise
What’s a better way to get to know a coastal city than to hang out at the harbour and sail on the seas? This relaxing 2.5-hour sunset catamaran cruise along the La Rochelle coastline is the perfect way to unwind and soak in the breathtaking sights of the Old Port with the kids.
Softly float past local landscapes and historical buildings like the Richelieu Tower and the harbor of Les Minimes under the changing horizon. Cruises run come rain or shine, so pack a picnic basket and enjoy a serene and unforgettable end to a magical day in this seaside city.
3. Cycle in Ile de Ré
Ile de Ré is an island so flat that it’s sometimes compared to a crêpe, making it an ideal holiday destination with kids in Ile de Ré for avid cyclists. In fact, with over 62 miles (100 km) of safe biking routes, bicycles are the primary mode of transport here for many.
There are plenty of places to cycle around here, from the cobbled village streets and beaches to pine woods, each allowing you to explore the island at your own speed. Kids will love exploring these manageable but fun routes that even their little legs can muster without a problem.
If you don’t want the hassle of organizing the trip yourself, there’s a company that offers guided bike tours from La Rochelle to Ile de Ré – see details here.
4. Have a Beach Day
La Rochelle has three lovely beaches, each offering a different vibe for a family day out.
Plage des Minimes is the largest—great for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. There’s even a volleyball court during summer.
Plage de la Concurrence, right near the city center, is perfect for a seaside picnic with a view.
If you’re after something quieter, Plage Chef de Baie is a bit more tucked away and has a laid-back feel, with places to grab a bite nearby.
5. Animals at the Park
The Charles-Edouard Beltrémieux Animal Park is a green oasis spanning about four hectares, perfect for inquisitive little minds that love nature. The best part? The wooded park, filled with over 360 animals, is free to enter for all ages.
Take your time walking through and playing a game of ‘I spy’, looking for animals fawning about like peacocks, parakeets, Jersey cows, and goats. For extra fun, kiddies can have a pony or horse carriage ride for only €3.00 year-round.
6. Futuroscope
Futuroscope is an amusement and water park near Poitiers, about an hour and a half away from La Rochelle. It requires more planning, but the trip is worth it, with over 40 attractions, three shows, and a rollercoaster restaurant where the food arrives on a rail system to you.
The park is excellent for all age groups — even grown-ups! Visit the Gyrotour for a ride that will take your breath away, or enter the future with the many VR experiences.
Tip: Get a 1-day ticket here for only €46.00.
7. Puy du Fou – One of Europe’s Best Theme Parks
If you’re up for a bit of a road trip (about 2 hours from La Rochelle), Puy du Fou is absolutely worth it. This isn’t your typical theme park—there are no roller coasters, but instead, you’ll be transported through time with epic shows, jaw-dropping stunts, and cinematic special effects. Think Roman gladiators, Viking raids, medieval knights, and musketeers—brought to life on massive outdoor stages.
The night shows are the real showstoppers, with drones, fire, water effects, and 3D projections that leave both kids and adults wide-eyed. With over 20 different performances, themed villages, and interactive activities, one day just isn’t enough—many families opt for two.
It’s incredibly popular, so book your tickets well in advance (especially for the night shows!).
👉 Skip the lines and get your Puy du Fou 1-Day and 2-Day Tickets here!
8. Discover La Rochelle through a game – Terra Aventura
Need something to burn off that extra bit of energy from the kids? Download Terra Aventura, a free app that helps you embark on a thrilling adventure to 400 treasure hunt trails in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Kids (and parents) will have to solve puzzles and riddles, where they’ll meet quirky characters who will teach them about local history and heritage. Experiences include villages, scenic trails, and some secret spots.
9. Parasailing Adventure for Families
Ready to add a little thrill to your holiday? Parasailing in La Rochelle is an unforgettable way to see the coastline from a whole new angle. From the safety of a harness, you and your kids (ages 5 and up) can gently rise above the sea and enjoy panoramic views of the Old Port, Île de Ré, and the Atlantic horizon.
It’s a smooth and calm ride—not as scary as it looks—making it great even for first-timers. The activity is supervised by certified instructors, and everyone leaves with big smiles (and sometimes happy squeals!).
Flights take off directly from a boat and last around 10 minutes in the air—just enough to feel the freedom of flying without tiring out little adventurers.
👉 Book your parasailing experience here
10. Walking & Other Tours
Not sure what to do in La Rochelle, France, to keep you entertained during a warm day? Take a free educational walking tour at the Old Port of the city’s top spots like the Big Clock Tower, the Two Mills Gate, and the tree-lined Le Mail.
Take this walking tour of La Rochelle and learn about the city and the gastronomy scene that makes it tick. Eat the region’s specialities before washing them down with a sip of the famous Pineau De Charentes — an aperitif synonymous with La Rochelle.
11. Musée des Automates
The Musée des Automates in La Rochelle is a beloved treasure trove of over 300 enchanting mechanical dolls and life-size figures perfect for kids and adults alike. Upon entering, you’re set on a magical journey through time like the bustling Montmartre street of a bygone era.
Families can look forward to miniature transport models, interactive displays, and captivating scenes.
Note: The museum is currently closed as it undergoes exciting transformations. Keep an eye out for updates!
12. Château des énigmes
If your little marauders crave bold adventures, daring obstacle courses, clever puzzles, and all things pirates, they’ll adore Château des énigmes. This captivating 10-hectare pirate playground has everything for immersive play alongside the park’s mascot, Willy the Pirate.
Visitors can explore the castle’s underground passages, navigate twisting mazes, and play pirate-themed games. For those adventurers who don’t want the fun to end, stay in one of the five tree houses nestled among the branches for an unforgettable experience.
See how much fun it is for yourself below:
13. Castle Panloy
Castle Panloy is less than an hour’s drive from La Rochelle along the banks of the Charente River. The charming 18th-century castle invites families to step back in time and explore the rich history with authentic period furniture and artworks.
Although intriguing, this might not excite the kids as much as the castle’s game course, which includes a treasure hunt, nature trail, and big quiz. Kids will delight in the treasure hunt, where they’re tasked with finding Anatole the donkey’s carrots for him. As a reward, they’ll be able to feed them to him themselves.
14. Marais Poitevin
Often dubbed “Green Venice”, Marais Poitevin is a large wetland filled with canals, a 20-minute drive from La Rochelle. Kids will love exploring the marshes and drifting atop these canals in an enchanted boat ride.
Don’t miss the Maraiscope projection, which retraces the history of the Marais Poitevin for an educational twist. You may also catch a few temporary and usual exhibitions if you’re lucky.
Good news: These canals typically cost around €8.00 per adult and teenager and 4.50 per child, but are entirely free with your La Rochelle Ocean Pass.
15. See Animals in Royan – Zoo de La Palmyre or Planet Exotica
Just over an hour’s drive from La Rochelle, the seaside town of Royan is home to two very different animal parks—each great for a day trip with the kids.
Zoo de La Palmyre is one of the most famous zoos in France, with over 1,600 animals, including lions, giraffes, flamingos, and even polar bears. Set in a pine forest, the zoo is perfect for a full day of exploration, with animal shows, baby animals, and wide shaded paths. It’s educational, exciting, and best for families who want to dive deep into the world of wildlife.
Planet Exotica is a bit more playful and varied. It mixes reptiles, a mini-farm, and even a dinosaur park with botanical gardens and pedal boats. Kids can feed goats, walk among life-sized dinos, and wander through exotic gardens. It’s ideal for younger kids or a shorter, more hands-on adventure.
Whichever you choose, it’s a fun way to mix nature, play, and discovery—plus, it’s a great excuse to visit the lovely Royan coast.
Where to Stay with Kids in La Rochelle
After a long day of sightseeing, nothing is better than plopping onto freshly cleaned linen in an air-conditioned room. That is why these La Rochelle family accommodations are excellent choices.
Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel La Rochelle ($$$) — This picturesque and modern hotel sits on the side of La Rochelle’s Vieux Port, allowing you to have breathtaking views from every corner. The hotel also has on-site activities to entertain everyone, like bike rentals and walking tours. Babysitting and childcare services are also available. Check availability and prices.
Hotel La Monnaie Art & Spa ($$$) — This 17th-century building is set near the Vieux Port, a stone’s throw away from various markets and cafés. While the building is old, the fixtures and rooms are ultra luxurious and modern. On-site, you’ll find activities like cycling, canoeing, and walking tours for the whole family. Check availability and prices.
Hôtel Eco La Rochelle Centre les Minimes (mid-range) – Just a short distance from Vieux Port and a stone’s throw from Minimes Beach, you’ll find this contemporary-style hotel perfect for families. Check availability and prices.
Read Next: Best day trips from La Rochelle, France
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group
Save this post for later!
