The summer holidays are approaching, and with them comes the big question: how to keep children and young people occupied while offering them unforgettable experiences? Between outdoor games, cultural discoveries and adventures in the great outdoors, Charente and Charente-Maritime are brimming with activities for young and old alike. With their sunny climate and varied landscapes ranging from coastline to forests and green valleys, these two departments are a veritable open-air playground for active and enriching family holidays.
Whether you are looking for fun activities, educational outings or family adventures, there are plenty of options to keep children entertained throughout the summer. From adventure parks and bike rides to seaside excursions and visits to historical sites suitable for young children, Charente-Maritime and Charente offer a wide range of experiences combining fun and discovery.
In this article, we offer an overview of the best ideas for keeping children occupied during the summer holidays in Charentes, so that they can enjoy unforgettable experiences while getting some fresh air.
About nature
Fontdouce Adventure Park
What could be better than a breath of fresh air in the peaceful countryside? Discover Fontdouce Adventure Park and its many activities. Tree climbing, laser tag, treasure hunts 2.0… a wide range of activities are available for you to enjoy in this exceptional location between the two Charentes regions. Set in a charming, unspoilt environment, Fontdouce Adventure Park is sure to delight young and old alike!
The Donkey Farm of Poitou
Discover a protected natural area offering guided tours and activities, but above all, come and meet the long-haired Poitou donkeys just a stone’s throw from the village of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne. An educational activity for children, who will get to meet these adorable animals, as endearing as they are temperamental.
The Stone of Crazannes
If you want to escape for a moment to an unusual setting, then choose the old quarries of Crazannes. The site offers introductory sculpture workshops, stone dyeing workshops and activities for the general public. Hurry and come and explore this historical heritage and exceptional natural wealth, the pride of Charente Maritime.
The Estuary Park
Enjoy a fun and educational experience at the mouth of the Gironde estuary in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and discover this natural, protected area. Treat yourself to some local produce while admiring the exceptional views of the estuary, Cordouan Lighthouse and the Cote de Beauté. Check out the events calendar now!
Everyone into the water!
Grande Praire lake
Enjoy a fun and relaxing space just 5 minutes from Angoulême in Saint-Yrieix sur Charente. The site offers games for children, a picnic area, a refreshment bar, volleyball, football and handball pitches, table tennis, a boules court, a fitness and weight training area… Something to delight young and old alike!
The Jonzac Antilles
Head south to the Charente Maritime department: Jonzac. Here you will find one of the largest indoor water parks in Europe. The perfect place for children and, above all, the ideal place to cool off while keeping the little ones entertained when it rains! With giant slides, wave pools, waterfalls, rivers and water attractions, Les Antilles de Jonzac will provide children with lots of happy memories and a fun time.
The Palmilud Water Park
Come and have fun near La Rochelle with two slides, pools and a paddling pool for little ones. You can also enjoy a moment of relaxation in the two jacuzzis at the Palmilud water park.
La Rochelle Aquarium
Young and old alike, come and explore the underwater world in La Rochelle. Discover the biodiversity of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Tropics. The aquarium offers a tour entitled The Secrets of Colours in the Ocean, an immersive experience that is ideal for children and adults alike!
Set off on an adventure
The Castle of Enigmas
Just 20 minutes from Saintes, Jonzac or Cognac, Le Château des Enigmes offers a range of activities such as a treasure hunt, a three-hour treasure hunt or a tour. There is also a small farm in the park to teach children about nature and respect for animals. And if you’ve always dreamed of spending a night in an unusual place, the site also offers tree houses!
Mysterra Park
Located in Montendre, in the south of Charente Maritime, Mysterra Park offers several labyrinthine trails featuring games, adventures and investigations to be solved in the open air, based on historical, artistic or environmental themes… all you have to do is choose your adventure! There are several levels of difficulty to suit all ages. You will also find fun activities for younger children.
The Caves of Regulus
Would you like to discover an exceptional heritage site just 15 km from Royan? You can, with Les Grottes de Régulus. Discover this site offering guided tours on various themes. Activities are also available. For children, there is the MINIDIK treasure hunt and the famous Rallye de la Cagouille. For families who would like to continue the evening, Nocturnes and Déambulations are organised throughout the season. A guaranteed delight for all ages!
The Little Train of Saint-Trojan
The only railway on the Île d’Oléron since 1963, the P’tit Train de Saint-Trojan will take you on a 12 km round trip to the island’s most unspoilt beaches. You can enjoy refreshments from April to September at the Buffet de la Gare and in summer at the Wagon Bar. The P’tit Train de Saint-Trojan offers musical entertainment in July and August, lasting 2½ hours. An unmissable journey back in time if you are holidaying in Charentes.
Paléosite
Travel back in time to prehistoric times in Saint-Césaire. The Paléosite offers prehistoric activities such as fire lighting, spear throwing and even introductions to archaeology for all ages.
