Blois with Kids: A Family Guide to the Best Activities
By Matt Cuckston, Founder & Travel Technology Expert at TixLayer
Travelling with children is one of the great joys of family life, and the Loire Valley delivers the kind of magic that makes kids genuinely wide-eyed. If you are looking for things to do in Blois and the surrounding region, you have landed in exactly the right place. This part of France has it all: towering Renaissance castles, open countryside, incredible wildlife, and enough chocolate to keep even the pickiest traveller happy. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, there is something here that will capture their imagination.
Here is your family guide to making the most of a trip to this corner of the Loire Valley.
1. Château de Chambord (Ages 5 and Up)
No family trip to the Loire Valley is complete without a visit to Chambord. The sheer scale of this castle stops children in their tracks the moment it comes into view. The famous double-helix staircase, said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, is endlessly fascinating for curious minds. You can book a guided tour of the Château de Chambord to bring the history to life in a way that keeps kids engaged, or grab an entrance ticket to Chambord Castle and explore at your own pace. The surrounding estate is enormous, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a carrier for younger children.
Practical tip: The grounds include wide, flat paths that are pushchair-friendly. Pack a picnic and find a spot near the canal for a proper French lunch break.
2. ZooParc de Beauval (Ages 2 and Up)
One of the finest zoos in Europe, ZooParc de Beauval is an absolute must for families. Home to giant pandas, white tigers, gorillas, and thousands of other animals, it is the kind of place that earns instant approval from children of every age. Younger children will love the tropical greenhouse and the sea lion shows, while older kids tend to gravitate toward the big cats and the nocturnal animal house. Book your entrance ticket for ZooParc de Beauval in advance, especially during school holidays when queues can be long.
Practical tip: The zoo is large, so plan your route using the map at the entrance. There are plenty of cafés and rest areas throughout, making it easy to find a quiet spot if younger children need a break.
3. The Royal Castle of Blois (Ages 6 and Up)
Right in the heart of town, the Royal Castle of Blois is a wonderful introduction to French royal history. The castle tells the story of four different architectural periods, and the variety keeps children interested as they move through each wing. The light and sound show held in the evenings during summer is particularly spectacular and works brilliantly for families with children aged 6 and above. It is also a convenient starting point if you are spending a day exploring the town itself.
Practical tip: The town centre is walkable and relatively compact. There are several bakeries and crêperies nearby, making it easy to grab a snack between sights.
4. Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Loire Valley (Ages 6 and Up)
For a truly unforgettable family experience, a hot air balloon flight over Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Blois is hard to beat. Drifting above the châteaux at sunrise is the kind of memory that stays with children for a lifetime. Most operators welcome children aged 6 and above, and the flights are calm and smooth, making them far less daunting than you might expect. Older children and teenagers in particular tend to find this one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Practical tip: Flights typically take place early in the morning when winds are gentlest. Dress in layers, as it can be cooler at altitude, and bring a camera.
5. Château de Chenonceau (Ages 5 and Up)
Built across the River Cher, Chenonceau is one of the most visually striking castles in France, and children are usually captivated by the idea of a building that spans an actual river. The formal gardens are beautiful and give younger children room to run around after exploring inside. Grab your Chenonceau Castle admission ticket ahead of time to avoid waiting at the entrance. The maze in the gardens is a particular favourite with children aged 5 to 10.
Practical tip: The château has a farm area with animals, which younger children enjoy. Pushchair access is available throughout most of the grounds.
6. Château Royal d'Amboise (Ages 6 and Up)
Perched dramatically above the town of Amboise, this castle offers sweeping views of the Loire River and a fascinating connection to Leonardo da Vinci, whose final home is just a short walk away. The Loire Valley Château Royal d'Amboise entrance ticket gives you access to the royal apartments, the chapel, and the rampart walk. Children with an interest in art and invention often find the Leonardo connection genuinely exciting, and it opens up great conversations about history and creativity.
Practical tip: Combine this with a visit to the Clos Lucé manor, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. The garden features large-scale models of his inventions that children can interact with.
7. Chocolate Factory Tour in Trèbes (Ages 4 and Up)
If you are travelling with children who need a change of pace from castle-hopping, a guided tour of the chocolate factory in Trèbes is a wonderful treat. Watching chocolate being made and then getting to taste it at the end is universally popular, and the tour is engaging enough to hold the attention of children from preschool age upward. It also makes for a lovely rainy-day activity if the weather does not cooperate.
Practical tip: Book ahead as group sizes are often limited. This is a great option for late mornings when younger children are still full of energy but not yet ready for a nap.
8. Cycling Along the Loire à Vélo (Ages 5 and Up)
The Loire à Vélo is one of Europe's most celebrated cycling routes, and the sections around Blois are particularly well-suited to families. The paths are largely flat, well-signposted, and run alongside the river through genuinely beautiful scenery. Many local rental shops offer child seats, tag-alongs, and cargo bikes for younger children. Even a short 10-kilometre stretch gives the whole family a sense of adventure and a proper feel for the Loire countryside.
Practical tip: Pick up a route map from the local tourist office. There are picnic spots and small villages along the way where you can stop for refreshments.
9. Exploring the Old Town on Foot (Ages 3 and Up)
The old town is genuinely enjoyable to explore as a family, with its steep stairways, medieval streets, and colourful shop fronts. Children enjoy the scavenger hunt of spotting the town's famous fox sculptures dotted around the streets. There are several good ice cream shops and crêperies that make excellent pit stops, and the riverside promenade is a calm, open space where younger children can stretch their legs safely.
Practical tip: The old town involves some hills and cobblestones, so a structured carrier is more practical than a pushchair for toddlers in this area specifically.
Final Thoughts
A family trip to the Loire Valley rewards you with the kind of experiences that genuinely bring history, nature, and adventure together in one place. The region is well set up for families, with good facilities, manageable distances between attractions, and enough variety to keep children of all ages engaged throughout the trip. Plan ahead, book tickets where you can, and leave room for the spontaneous moments. Those are usually the ones everyone remembers most.
