10 gorgeous things to do in the Loire Valley with kids

Last updated on June 24, 2025

The Loire Valley isn’t just a place for grown-up, fancy wine holidays – it’s also brilliant for kids. For us it was one of those holy grail family vacations that we and kids enjoyed in equal measure.

From visiting family-friendly chateaux where the furniture is made of LEGO, to cycling along the river and sleeping in a cave hotel or lakeside cabin, the region is filled with fairytale moments for all ages.

Things to do in the Loire Valley with kids

1. Go on a family bike ride along the Loire à Vélo

The Loire à Vélo is ideal for family bike rides, with wide, mostly flat paths that wind through beautiful countryside and riverside towns. We did a loop from Amboise, stopping at a guinguette, a lovely restaurant (L’Esperluette at Lussault), and the Aquarium de Touraine along the way. It’s a gorgeous way to spend a day together outdoors.

The loop from Amboise to the aquarium took us about 45 minutes each way. We hired bikes from Loire Bike at 8 rue de Verdun in Amboise. Our 7-year-old rode a kids’ bike and I took our 5-year-old on a tag-along with an electric bike, which was lots of fun!

2. Visit the fairytale châteaux

The châteaux of the Loire Valley look like they’re straight out of the pages of a fairytale –our seven-year-old said they reminded him of the Beauxbatons Academy from Harry Potter!

Many are beautifully preserved and have family-friendly activities, plus expansive gardens perfect for running around.

Our favourite was Château de Cheverny, where you’ll find LEGO recreations of the château’s furniture. This was especially useful for keeping the kids engaged with a game of ‘spot the LEGO’ while touring the chateau. Plus, there’s also a fun Tintin exhibition because the chateau was the inspiration for one of the homes in the popular stories.

Château de Chambord is also a great option. It’s the most iconic of the Loire’s chateaus, and even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth a visit just to see it from the outside. You don’t have to pay to walk around the exterior. Château de Chambord also has seasonal horse and bird of prey shows that help bring the medieval setting to life. The horse shows even feature knights jousting, which some kids will love.

We also enjoyed Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home, which has interactive models of his inventions and a lovely garden trail. We all loved seeing how the artists lived (it felt a bit like the 16th-century version of an artist’s loft apartment!).

3. Visit the Aquarium de Touraine

The Aquarium de Touraine, just outside Amboise, is the largest freshwater aquarium in France. With over 2,500 animals, 300 species, and 70 aquariums, it’s packed with all sorts of marine life, including freshwater and saltwater species. Our kids loved the axolotls the most, plus it was fun seeing the sharks being fed!

It’s all indoors, so perfect for a rainy day or a break from the sun, and it’s compact enough to enjoy without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We visited during our bike ride along the Loire à Vélo from Amboise, which was an ideal motivating factor for encouraging the kids to cycle!

4. Explore the Troglodyte sites

For a different slice of history, head to the troglodyte sites, where you can see how the people who built the châteaux lived. We loved the Goupillères troglodyte site, which also doubles as a farm. The hobbit-like houses carved into the tufa rock were a hit with the kids.

It’s a great way to bring the past to life and makes a nice contrast to the grandeur of the castles. Plus, it’s outdoorsy and low-key – ideal for young kids who love to roam and explore.

5. Do a treasure hunt in Orléans

Sightseeing in cities isn’t always easy with little ones, but Orléans has created a clever interactive treasure hunt around the city that turns walking into a game. You can pick up an activity booklet from the main tourist office, which sends kids off on a trail around the city to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and learn fun facts along the way.

Our 5- and 7-year-olds loved it and it gave them a clear focus while we strolled through Orléans’ beautiful streets.

The hunt includes major sights like the Joan of Arc statue, the old town, and the cathedral.

6. Visit the Floral Park in Orléans

While in Orléans, be sure to visit the Parc Floral de la Source – a beautiful botanical park with play areas, animals, and even flamingos! It’s the perfect place to relax and let the kids run free. There’s even a little train you can ride through the park.

We spent a lovely afternoon here, enjoying a picnic by the lake, and could easily have stayed longer – there’s so much for kids to enjoy.

7. Spend the evening at a guinguette

There’s no better way to spend a summer evening in the Loire than at a guinguette – casual, open-air bars and eateries, often set along the riverside, with live music, great food, and plenty of space for the kids to run around.

We loved ending our days this way, sipping local wine or craft beer while the kids played nearby. The vibe is relaxed and the food normally casual (think wood-fired pizzas, crêpes, grilled fish),

Some even have games, dance floors, or performances, and they often stay open late into the evening. It’s a family-friendly way to enjoy the Loire’s culture and atmosphere – excellent dining without the pressure.

8. Do a wine (and grape juice!) tasting

Just because you’re travelling with kids doesn’t mean you have to skip the wine tasting. We had a lovely experience at Domaine Paget in Azay le Rideau, where we enjoyed a proper tasting while the kids got their own grape juice and games to play. What a treat!

9. Stay in a troglodyte hotel

Make your trip even more memorable by sleeping in a cave! We stayed at Troglododo, a cave hotel near Azay-le-Rideau, with stunning views and a peaceful forest setting.

The rooms are built into the rock, with curved stone walls, arched doorways, and cosy furnishings that make you feel like you’re in a hobbit house. It’s quirky and fun but also comfortable – ours had a large bed, ensuite bathroom, living area, and even a little terrace to enjoy the view.

The owners were warm and welcoming, and it felt like a little adventure tucked away in nature. There’s a lovely pool with forest views too. Check the latest prices and book now.

10. Camp by the lake

One of our favourite stays on the trip was at Huttopia Lac de Rillé, a lakeside glamping site that ticks all the boxes for a family adventure. We’re already big fans of the Huttopia brand and this one was our favourite yet. The location is stunning – right by the water, surrounded by forest – and the accommodation is stylish but laid-back, with wooden cabins and safari tents that feel immersed in nature.

There’s plenty for kids to do: kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, playgrounds, and even a little kids’ club in high season. Ours were in heaven with so much outdoor freedom.

For parents, it’s peaceful and well-organised, with a lakeside café and plenty of spots to relax. There’s even a forest spa with hot tub and saunas.

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