A family holiday
Orleans Metropole
Orleans gives you every reason to discover it… and to come back! Boat or mini-train rides, nature breaks, treasure hunts, a stopover on Ile Charlemagne, old-fashioned games in the châteaux…
Discover our selection of family activities in Orleans !
A nature break
In parks and gardens
Located in Orleans and only 20 minutes by tram from Orleans Bridge, the Parc Floral de La Source owes its name to the river that rises there. There are plenty of play areas to keep young and old entertained. You’ll also find a mini-golf course and rosalia for hire. For something a little more unusual, there’s an authentic little train on rails to take you around the park and discover it in a different way.
Practical info :
Avenue du Parc Floral, 45100 Orléans
Until 24 September 2023, from 10am to 7pm
Prefer to stay in the city centre? Head to Parc Pasteur for a trip back in time!
Discover the little Wichita train, a must-see in the park in summer!
Due to technical problems, the launch of the little train in Parc Pasteur has been postponed.
A ride on the little train
Orleans also has its own little tourist train, and children love it…
Come on board and let us tell you all about the history of the city !
Riddles and tours
At the FRAC
The FRAC is offering guided family tours (booking required) where two teams can compete to take over the world. Your mission: solve riddles and roll dice to cover a map of the world. During the school holidays, there are also workshops for children on the artists and architects on display. Admission is free, so don’t miss out!
Practical info :
88 rue du Colombier, 45000 Orléans
Wednesday to Sunday: 2pm – 7pm
At Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts regularly offers creative art workshops for children, art courses during the school holidays, mini-workshops for 4-6 year olds based around a work of art, virtual escapades for 7-10 year olds… A different programme all year round !
Practical info :
1 rue Fernand Rabier, 45000 Orléans
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 6pm (Friday until 8pm)
Sunday: 1pm to 6pm
Walks to share
On foot or by boat
Treat yourself to a family boat trip along the Loire! Take a 30 minutes cruise on the Loire near the quays of Orleans aboard a “toue sablière” and enjoy a truly special experience! The little ones will love sailing on the water, while the older ones will discover the Loire through its history and natural heritage.
If you’re keen to discover Orleans from a different angle, check out Les Témoins d’Orleans! Like a treasure hunt, rediscover the history and anecdotes of each site!
Practical info :
23 Place du Martroi, 45000 Orléans
Bookings at the Tourist Office – 02 38 24 05 05
Playing and having fun
On Île Charlemagne
Île Charlemagne and its leisure centre with beach are open every day from 12.15pm to 6.45pm until 29 August. It’s a great place for the whole family to relax. As well as a very pleasant stretch of water, the site includes a vast children’s playground and a number of specialised activity areas: beach volleyball, basketball, handball, mini-football, baseball, volleyball, table tennis, pétanque, paintball, accrobranche, etc.
Practical info :
Levée de la Chevauchée 45650 Saint-Jean-le-Blanc
Follow Etienne in the footsteps of Jeanne d’Arc !
Etienne lives in Orleans and knows every nook and cranny of the city! Follow in his footsteps to discover the story of Joan of Arc, an important figure in Orleans, and find the clues to decode Joan’s mystery message.
Printable booklet available free of charge from Orléans Métropole Tourist Office.
Life-size games
In the castles of the Loiret
Come and play castle life with your family at Château de la Ferté Saint-Aubin, a 17th-century private residence. Just 20 minutes by car from Orléans city centre, this Loire château is a must-see for children. Inside, the castle’s 15 rooms are filled with old-fashioned games. Outside, a 40-hectare park awaits you. Chess, mini-golf, poisons course, life-size goose game, picnic in the park… Enough to keep you busy for a whole afternoon!
Practical info :
2-4 rue du Général Leclerc, 45240 La Ferté Saint-Aubin
May and June: Weekends and public holidays from 2pm to 6pm.
July and August: Every day from 11am to 6pm.
Become a part of history at the Château de Meung-sur-Loire! Teach your children to shoot with bows and arrows, make your own castle souvenirs and sample all sorts of pies, doughnuts and other dishes that history has to offer in the castle’s large kitchen! Continue your visit to Meung-sur-Loire with a stroll through the Jardins de Roquelin.
Practical info :
16, Place du Martroi, 45130 Meung-sur-Loire
May and June: 10am to 6pm
July and August: 10am to 7pm
For a trip to the Sologne or Orleans forest, head to the Domaine du Ciran or the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères for a refreshing break!
More interested in indoor activities with your children? Check out our article on how to make the most of Orléans Métropole!