Top 10 things to do in Calais & the Opal Coast with kids, France.
Northern France and the area between Calais and Boulogne known as the Opal Coast is sometimes overlooked. But most definitely shouldn’t be for families looking for a great break.
With around 50 ferries a day between Dover and Calais it couldn’t be easier.
Following our trip around Calais and northern France, we have put together a top 10 things to do in Calais with kids and the Opal Coast too. A mix of culture and fun.
And check out our Rainy day activities labelled below too.
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Table of Contents
1. Nausicaa Aquarium, Boulogne (Top 10 things to do in Calais with kids)
Nausicaa Aquarium is a wonderful trip out for kids of all ages (and adults too).
With a real focus on conservation the aquarium is really imaginatively arranged. Some of our favourites were watching the sharks and the large selection of jellyfish and also the turtles.
There’s a great on site cafe and plenty here to keep families entertained for a few hours.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Read our full review of Nausicaa here.
Rainy day activity
2. Museum of the Atlantic Wall (Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique)
Set inside a German bunker, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall is set up to look exactly as it would have on D-Day.
This bunker held out for three days under British attack until the armoured door was finally blown up using explosives and the Germans surrendered.
There are six floors, all set up exactly as they would have looked in 1944. These include the medical bay, ammunitions store and radio operations room.
There’s an amazing 360 degree view from the observation post at the top.
This is a great insight in to war time France.
Find out more here.
Rainy day activity
3. Spend time on the beaches of the Opal Coast
This part of coastline is filled with beautiful beaches from long, sandy stretches with candy striped beach huts at Hardelot through to beautiful coves at Audreselles.
Spending time along the beaches here is the perfect way to pass a sunny morning and afternoon.
There’s some wonderful rockpooling to be found on this part of the coast too.
4. Second World War Museum (Musee de la Guerre)
Another former Nazi war bunker the Musee fe la Garre is the perfect place to get kids interested in history. It gives some amazing insights in to the Second World War.
This former command post which was built in 1941 is filled with interactive displays and objects from the war throughout its 20 rooms.
The building itself is interesting, having escaped much of the wartime bombings thanks to being camouflaged under the trees.
With an English audio guide this is a great place to engage kids with an interest in history.
Rainy day activity
5. Cité Europe, Coquelles (Things to do in Calais with kids, France)
A great stop off, no matter what the weather, is Cité Europe near the Channel Tunnel terminal at Coquelles.
Packed full of 120 shops this is the perfect place to stop off and stock up with everything from the French classics of wine and cheese to bits the kids will love like hot chocolate and lavender flavoured sweets.
There’s not just shops here either, there’s also 15 restaurants and a 12 screen cinema.
Find out more here
Rainy day activity
6. Playground at Parc St Pierre, Calais
Right in the centre of Calais, Parc St Pierre is a wonderful piece of tranquility amongst the hustle and bustle.
With some beautiful walks and plenty of space for little ones to burn off energy it’s a great place to contrast against the museums and cafes of the area.
There is also a lovely playground here which children will enjoy.
7. Walk the city walls in Boulogne old town
Boulogne old town is so picturesque. It feels like you have stepped back in time.
You can walk around the 13th century ramparts and city walls and soak up the atmosphere.
Kids will love seeing the original turrets and old gates that are so evocative. It’s also a great place to hire bikes and cycle around.
8. The Musée 39-45, Ambleteuse
The Musée 39-45 is captivating for kids. Focussing on issues such as rationing and what life was like in occupied France.
The children loved looking at the mock up Parisian boutique which had been commandeered by the Germans to sell only Nazi uniform.
Find out more here.
Rainy day activity
9. Royal Kids, Calais
More than a soft play centre, Royal Kids has so much going on.
There’s a huge play area, fun go-karts to race and a large ball pit.
This is a really great place for kids up to 12 years old to run about and really play.
Rainy day activity
Find out more here
10. Try out French food (Things to do in Calais with kids)
The Opal Coast is a fantastic place to get kids interested in French food from all the fresh seafood available to amazing herbs and veggies.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a great town for really affordable restaurants, particularly in terms of its fish, many of which will tailor food for the kids too.
With towns bustling with patisseries for macarons and fresh loaves and some great artisanal chocolate and drinks being produced locally it’s the perfect area for trying something new.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our run down of the top things to do in Calais with kids and in the surrounding area. Check out our feature on a family trip to northern France for more from this beautiful region.
The best northern France family holidays
