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LAST UPDATED: 28 March 2024

Fancy discovering Alsace with kids? With its picturesque landscapes, rich heritage, and culinary traditions, this region is the ideal playground for memorable adventures.

Whether you’re a fan of history, art, thrill-seekers, or just in search of peaceful outdoor moments, Alsace welcomes you with open arms.

In this article, I offer 7 ideas to explore this magnificent region in all its facets, guaranteeing unforgettable memories for both young and old.

So, pack your bags and follow the guide through a vibrant and welcoming Alsace!

Why Visit Alsace with Kids?

I must admit, choosing Alsace for a family holiday is like opening a box of chocolates: there’s something for everyone, and you’re never disappointed!

For all tastes!

First, there are the landscapes. It’s the perfect setting for outdoor adventures between the endless vineyards, the flower-filled small villages, and the deep forests of the Vosges.

Grand Ballon in the Vosges © French Moments
Grand Ballon in the Vosges

And then, let’s talk about culture and history. Mighty castles, interactive museums, and history-laden cities like Strasbourg and Colmar will fascinate curious minds of all ages.

Strasbourg - Rue de Rohan © French Moments
Rue de Rohan, Strasbourg

I also find that Alsace embodies conviviality around the table that brings people together. The local markets, winstubs (Alsatian bistros), and famous bakeries offer flavours that please little gourmets and more demanding palates alike.

Souvenirs from Alsace - Kugelhopf © French Moments
Kugelhopf from Alsace

What I particularly appreciate is the human scale of Alsace. Everything is accessible, allowing for various pleasures without long journeys: one day at the top of the mountains, the next in a medieval city or a renowned European theme park.

Tramway of Mulhouse © French Moments
Tramway of Mulhouse

Finally, experiencing Alsace with kids means living unique events. The Christmas markets offer a magical atmosphere with magical lights and mulled wine and gingerbread scents. But Alsace is also about music festivals, traditional celebrations, and activities dedicated to children throughout the year.

Obernai Christmas Market © French Moments
Obernai Christmas Market

In summary, Alsace is rich in discoveries and shared moments, making it a top destination for a family vacation. So, ready for the adventure?

7 Ideas for Families in Alsace

Alsace, a patchwork of landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is an exceptional playground for families.

But beyond the first impressions, this region hides treasures of varied activities, promising unforgettable adventures for all.

From the thrill of the heights of medieval castles to the tranquillity of swimming lakes and the laughter of theme parks, Alsace is a mosaic of experiences to be shared.

In the following paragraphs, I reveal 7 great ideas for exploring Alsace with kids.

Whether you’re eager for cultural discoveries, marvelled by nature, or simply looking for shared moments of relaxation, you’ll find your happiness.

So, let me guide you through this selection designed to enrich your family bonds while having fun.

1. Castles and Historical Sites

When I think of Alsace, I see towers proudly reaching towards the sky, walls that have withstood time, and stories of yesteryear that seem to whisper through the stones.

Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle © French Moments
Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle

Visiting castles and historical sites in Alsace is like diving into a life-sized history book.

These places are not just witnesses of the past; they are gateways to legends, heroic battles, courtly loves, and court intrigues. Every stone, every tower, and every room has its own story to tell, making these visits a rich experience in discoveries for both children and adults.

The castle of Kaysersberg seen from the vineyard © French Moments
The Schlossberg, Kaysersberg

But that’s not all. These historical sites often offer breathtaking panoramas of the Alsatian countryside, with its vineyards, forests, and picturesque villages. They also host numerous family animations: historical reenactments, theatrical visits, educational workshops… All activities that make history alive and fascinating.

In short, including castles and historical sites in your Alsace getaway offers your family an adventure that is both educational and fun. Everyone can experience the greatness of a region with an exceptional heritage.

Kids & Families in Alsace: 4 Castles to Visit

Fleckenstein: Nestled in the northern Vosges, Fleckenstein Castle offers a fascinating dive into the medieval past of Alsace. Its impressive ruins narrate centuries of history.

Haut-Kœnigsbourg: Overlooking the Alsace plain, Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle is a majestic witness of the Middle Ages, carefully restored to offer visitors a genuine journey through time. 👉 BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS!

Hohlandsbourg: Perched on a rocky spur, Hohlandsbourg Castle offers a panoramic view of the Alsace plain and a captivating glimpse into the life of knights.

Saint-Ulrich: Saint-Ulrich Castle, one of the three castles dominating Ribeauvillé, charms with its romantic appearance and ruins that whisper the legends of Alsatian nobles. Free access.

2. Museums

Alsace is that region where museums know how to captivate both the young and the old. They transform into spaces of adventure and play, where learning becomes synonymous with pleasure.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Strasbourg © French Moments
Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Strasbourg

Interactive exhibitions invite children to touch, play, and experiment while adults marvel at masterpieces or rediscover fascinating episodes of local and global history.

What I particularly love is the ability of Alsatian museums to take us on a journey through time and space. One day, you find yourself immersed in the heart of the Middle Ages. The next is exploring the universe of ancient toys, and why not, the day after, get introduced to contemporary art or be surprised by the secrets of science?

Cité du Train, Mulhouse © French Moments
Cité du Train, Mulhouse

Museums in Alsace are not just exhibition spaces but vibrant spaces that invite curiosity, exchange and wonder. Add to this creative workshops, family-friendly guided tours, and special events, and you get the perfect recipe for enriching and fun days.

In summary, exploring the museums of Alsace as a family is to let yourself be guided by curiosity, enrich yourself through contact with culture, and share moments of discovery and complicity. A true intellectual and sensory adventure awaits you!

Kids & Families in Alsace: 5 Museum Ideas to Visit

Cité du Train: The Cité du Train in Mulhouse invites you on a captivating journey through the railway history of France, with an impressive collection of locomotives and carriages that have marked their era. 👉 BUY THE MULHOUSE CITY PASS!

Écomusée d’Alsace: At the Écomusée d’Alsace, between Colmar and Mulhouse, dive into the rural past of the region by exploring a reconstructed Alsatian village, where traditions and ancestral know-how come to life. 👉 BUY THE MULHOUSE CITY PASS!

Toy Museum: The Toy Museum in Colmar delights both young and old with its fascinating collection of ancient and modern toys, a true celebration of childhood through the ages.

Musée Electropolis: The Musée Electropolis in Mulhouse lights the history of electricity in an interactive and playful manner, revealing the mysteries and innovations that have electrified the world. 👉 BUY THE MULHOUSE CITY PASS!

Mulhouse Zoo: Nestled in a magnificent botanical park, the Mulhouse Zoo offers an astonishing encounter with global fauna and is deeply committed to conservation and biodiversity education. 👉 BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS!

3. Theme Parks

Ah, theme parks! Just the idea already brings a smile to my face. In Alsace, these temples of entertainment are a must-visit for families searching for thrills, laughter, and unforgettable shared moments. I picture myself with my loved ones, navigating through dizzying roller coasters, fairy-tale worlds populated with colourful characters, and refreshing water attractions. There’s something magical, isn’t there, about seeing the eyes of both children (and adults!) light up with joy and excitement?

Europa-Park in Germany © Ice Boy Tell - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Europa-Park in Germany © Ice Boy Tell – licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Theme parks in Alsace promise a day out of time, where every attraction becomes an adventure to share. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone finds something to enjoy: thrills for the brave, tales and legends for the dreamers, and even play areas dedicated to the little ones.

In short, visiting a theme park during your stay in Alsace is to choose wonder, sharing, and above all, a lot of fun. Prepare to experience pure joy, where everyday life gives way to adventure and carefreeness.

Parc du Petit Prince © Thomas Bresson - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Parc du Petit Prince © Thomas Bresson – licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Kids & Families in Alsace: 4 Theme Park Ideas

Cigoland: Located near Sélestat, Cigoland combines a theme park and a zoo. It offers family activities focused on discovering the white stork and Alsatian heritage in a playful and educational setting.

Didiland: In Morsbronn-les-Bains, families enjoy rides and varied attractions, perfect for children seeking adventures and magical moments. 👉 BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS!

Europa Park: Located in Rust, Germany, close to the French border, Europa Park is one of the largest theme parks in Europe. It offers thematic worlds based on different European countries for an unforgettable experience full of thrills and discoveries. 👉 BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS!

Parc du Petit Prince: Inspired by the work of Saint-Exupéry, the Parc du Petit Prince in Ungersheim is the world’s first aerial park. It invites visitors on a poetic journey through attractions and shows based on the famous tale. 👉 BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS!

4. Outdoor Activities

Imagine, as a family, pedalling leisurely along the vineyards, sailing on a peaceful lake, or venturing on hiking trails that wind through the forests and mountains of the Vosges.

Summer Toboggans in Col de la Schlucht © French Moments
Summer Toboggans in Col de la Schlucht

What I love about outdoor activities in Alsace is this sense of freedom. Whether you’re a fan of cycling, hiking, canoeing, or even more unusual sports like tree climbing, there’s always a new adventure to experience. And what joy it is to share these moments with loved ones, between laughter, joint efforts, and contemplative pauses in front of breathtaking landscapes!

Beyond the playful and sporty aspects, these activities are an opportunity to strengthen family bonds. They allow everyone to face challenges together, help each other, and share moments of complicity away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Biking near Thann © French Moments
Biking near Thann

In summary, indulging in outdoor activities in Alsace is to choose adventure, discovery, and sharing. It’s an invitation to explore together, on foot, by bike, or on water, the natural wonders of a region rich in colours and emotions. So, are you ready to lace up your trainers and embark on the adventure?

Kids & Families in Alsace: 3 Activity Ideas

Treetop Adventure Park at Ballon d’Alsace: The Ballon d’Alsace Adventure treetop park is in the High Vosges and offers 11 different courses and a 900m return zip line suitable for both young and old. 👉 BUY YOUR ONLINE TICKETS!

Train Thur Doller Alsace: This historic tourist railway offers rides on historic steam or diesel trains over a 13.65 km section between Cernay-Saint-André and Sentheim on the former Cernay to Sewen line.

Summer Toboggans in the Vosges: Several summer toboggans (or rail toboggans) are available: Markstein, Schnepfenried, Col de la Schlucht, and Col du Calvaire…

5. Walking and Hiking

Going on a family hike in Alsace means choosing an outdoor adventure and sharing the joy of discovery and self-improvement while immersing oneself in a generous and varied nature.

Hiking in the Vosges © French Moments
Hiking in the Vosges near Kaysersberg

I find the diversity of landscapes Alsace offers to hikers of all levels magnificent. From gentle vineyard hills to mysterious forest trails in the Vosges and mountain lakes where the sky is mirrored, each hike promises new impressions and memorable memories.

What’s great about hiking is that it’s accessible to everyone. No matter your age or physical condition, there’s always a path waiting for you. Routes specially designed for families offer playful stops, points for observing fauna and flora, and even educational trails to learn while having fun.

Hiking in Alsace also means experiencing unique moments of family bonding. Stopping for a picnic by a stream, encouraging the little ones to reach the next summit, sharing the wonder of a sunset from a vantage point… all simple pleasures that strengthen bonds.

Alsatian Jura © French Moments
In the Alsatian Jura

And then, there’s that incredible feeling of fulfilment when, after a day’s walk, you sit down to admire the view, aware of the journey together. I believe this is the absolute highlight of hiking in Alsace: it reminds us how precious it is to take the time, reconnect with what’s essential, and share moments of pure beauty with loved ones.

In summary, exploring Alsace through its hiking trails is to offer your family a rewarding adventure filled with natural beauty and shared moments of joy. Ready to lace up your walking shoes and embark on the adventure?

Kids & Families in Alsace: 4 Walking Ideas in the Vosges

Ballon d’Alsace: This emblematic summit of the Vosges offers exceptional panoramas and many outdoor activities, from summer hiking to winter skiing, ideal for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Donon: A summit rich in history and mystery, but also a popular hiking spot that peaks at 1,009 meters, offering spectacular views at its summit and fascinating archaeological remains.

Grand Ballon: The highest point of the Vosges (1,424 m) offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, and sometimes even the Alps, a must-visit for hikers looking to combine physical effort with visual amazement.

Hohneck: The third-highest summit of the Vosges stands out for its wild and varied landscapes. It offers stunning viewpoints over the surrounding ridges and valleys, as well as rich fauna and flora, perfect for hiking and nature observation.

6. Cultural Events

Alsace, with its kaleidoscope of cultural events, is a true crossroads of encounters and sharing. Participating in these events as a family means immersing oneself in a world where music, art, history, and traditions merge to offer unique and unforgettable experiences.

Alsatian costume © French Moments
Alsatian costume in Kaysersberg

What I adore is how these events bring people together. Whether it’s the enchanting Christmas markets, with their twinkling lights and aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread filling the air, outdoor music festivals that resonate with hearts of all generations, or traditional festivals celebrating local heritage with parades in period costumes, dances, and tastings of regional specialities, each event is an invitation to friendliness and joy.

Cultural events in Alsace are also an excellent opportunity for children to learn and discover. They help sensitize the youngest to the richness of cultures, the importance of traditions, and the value of heritage, all in a festive and playful atmosphere.

Mulhouse Carnival (Fasnacht) © French Moments
Mulhouse Carnival (Fasnacht)

In summary, cultural events in Alsace offer privileged moments to come together, marvel, and share. They are the beating heart of the region, a generous and welcoming heart, ready to envelop each family in a warm embrace of festivities and traditions.

Kids & Families in Alsace: 5 Event Ideas to Discover

Christmas Markets: A must-visit in December, the Christmas markets in Alsace are world-renowned for their fairy-tale atmosphere. They offer decorated stalls, twinkling lights, and local culinary specialities, immersing visitors and families in the festive season’s ambience.

Carnival of Mulhouse: The Fasnacht of Mulhouse brings the city to life with colourful parades, impressive floats, and music bands, inviting young and old to join the celebration in a joyful and friendly atmosphere.

Corso Fleuri: The Corso Fleuri of Sélestat celebrates the beauty of flowers each summer through a parade of beautifully decorated floats, a dazzling spectacle that delights spectators with its colours and scents.

Fête des Ménétriers: The Pfifferdaj in Ribeauvillé is the oldest medieval festival in Alsace, where musicians, jugglers, and merchants in period costumes revive the traditions of the Middle Ages.

Transhumance: The Transhumance Festivals in the Vosges mark the return of the mountain herds with traditional processions, artisanal skill demonstrations, and festivities celebrating the rural heritage and pastoral traditions.

7. Swimming Spots

Alsace, despite being far from the sea, is home to little aquatic paradises where families can cool off, play, and relax during hot summer days. This is a surprising aspect of the region, a well-kept secret that turns the absence of a coastline into a multitude of opportunities to enjoy water in all its forms.

Beaches in Alsace © French Moments
Beaches in Alsace 😂

What I particularly appreciate is the diversity of these swimming spots. From mountain lakes to managed bodies of water and outdoor pools equipped with slides and water games, there are options for all tastes and ages. Each site offers a unique setting for swimming, diving, or simply paddling in the water while enjoying an exceptional panorama of the surrounding nature.

Swimming spots in Alsace also provide relaxing and convivial family moments. Between swims, you can stretch out on the beach or grass, picnic, play volleyball or frisbee, and let the children build sandcastles or embark on new friendships.

Lacs de la Doller - Doller Lakes in the Vosges © French Moments
The Alfed and Sewen Lakes in the Doller Valley

But these aquatic spaces are not just leisure spots but also places where safety is taken seriously, with monitored areas and lifeguards ensuring everyone’s well-being. This allows everyone to relax and enjoy the day, knowing they are in a safe and welcoming environment.

👉 Read my article for more information on the 14 finest beaches in Alsace and the 10 best outdoor pools.

The Final Word

So there we have it; we’ve journeyed together through the wonders of Alsace with these 7 ideas for family activities. From historical immersion to the thrills of theme parks, the serenity of natural landscapes, and the freshness of swimming spots, Alsace reveals itself as a multifaceted destination, promising unforgettable moments for both young and old.

Families in Alsace © French Moments
Enjoying family time in Kaysersberg

This journey through Alsace is a sketch of all this magnificent region offers. Every visitor will find their own path, their own favourites, and their own adventures to share. And have you explored any of these places? Do you have any Alsace experiences to share or recommendations for making? Your opinion matters a lot, and I would be delighted to read your stories and advice in the comments.

Feel free to share this article on social media. Who knows? Your next getaway to Alsace could inspire other families to discover this region that is full of charm and surprises. Let’s spread good ideas together and share our most beautiful Alsatian experiences. Alsace with the family means even more joy and discovery in living together. See you soon for new adventures!

About the Author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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