So you’ve made it to your campsite in Hauts-de-France. Now what? Check out these 10 Best Things to Do in the Hauts-de-France Region with Kids that will make camping in France amazing fun for the whole family.
Camping in France with the whole family offers so many benefits for everyone! You will all connect to nature and each other, the fresh air will recharge your mind and body.
If you’ve decided to camp in Hauts-de-France region, we can help!
10 Best Things to Do in the Hauts-de-France Region with Kids
Read on for our top 10 picks for the best things to do in the Hauts-de-France Region with Kids.
Camping in France Near Arras
If you are travelling in the Arras areas there are lots of fun things to do with kids. Here are some suggestions.
1. Cite Nature
Housed in a former miners’ lamp factory, Cite Nature is now a cultural and scientific center devoted to food and agriculture, nature and health.
On the ground floor of Cite Nature, you’ll find three permanent exhibitions: nature, food, and history. Kids aged from 3+ will enjoy age-appropriate activities and hands-on learning, check their website to find out about events or shows scheduled for that day.
Outside, you will be amazed by the stunning thematic gardens. Events and shows are regularly organized, and upstairs, the mezzanines host temporary exhibitions.
2. Le Beffroi d’Arras (Belfry of Arras)
The Belfry of Arras is a historic Gothic clock tower. It is open to the public for incredible panoramic city views. This bell tower was classified as part of the world inheritance of humanity by UNESCO and is worth the trip.
As part of the admission cost, you will get a tour of the Belfry and a tour of the caves beneath the city. Your young explorers will enjoy both.
Kids will burn some energy as they take a narrow flight of stairs up and down to the top of the belfry. The whole family will love seeing the gothic gargoyles and other interesting statues on the building and in the surrounding buildings.
This is a fun and worthwhile day trip. Have lunch in the grand place and stroll around the world-famous squares in Arras called La Grand Place and Place de Heroes.
3. Discover Local History
No matter where you visit in France, you are sure to find a host of historic buildings and sites that will have history come to life!
Arras is no exception. Just 10 km north of Arras, you can visit the impressive 110 meters tall Vimy Ridge Memorial. The Memorial stands on Hill 145, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
If your family loves museums, head on over to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum 1917. There is lots to see and discover here for kids of all ages.
For example, take in the massive Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in the world. It is also the most important reminder of the Battle of Passchendaele from 1917.
Both young and old will get an insight into how life must have been on and around the battlefields. The many interactive elements throughout the entire museum collection ensure that children become acquainted with this piece of history in an interesting way.
The highlight of this attraction might be the Dugout Experience. You will sit in a reconstruction of German and British trenches, and replicas of their original shelters. The Great War will come alive for the whole family with these day trips
Where to Camp Near Arras
Camping La Kilienne campsite in Pas de Calais is located at a convenient distance from the Somme, The North, and The Pas de Calais.
There is a lot of fun camping activities the whole family will enjoy such as swimming in the pool, going fishing, playing a round of mini golf, and enjoying the daily animations.
The on-site bar/restaurant, pizzeria and takeaway options make meal times a breeze when you are relaxing at your campsite. Nature hikes are just 4km away from the campsite.
Camping in France Near Saint Quentin
Saint Quentin is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. It is officially listed as a ‘town of art and history’. Here are a few of the best attractions in the area.
4. Les Plages de Saint Quentin
The Parc de Saint-Quentin is on an island that gives your family a fun-filled day from sunrise and well past dusk.
You can relax by the beach or by the pool. After lunch, you might want to take your bikes on the lovely bike path in the area and get to see the local flora and fauna of the region.
On Monday nights, enjoy an outdoor movie on the grass. Bring a sweater and a picnic blanket or camp chairs and enjoy the show. Feel free to purchase refreshments at the concession stand.
If you visit the park on Tuesdays, stay late and enjoy an evening of outdoor theatre for just $5 per car.
5. Chemin de fer Touristique du Vermandois
Enjoy a great trip on a real steam train through the beautiful countryside on the Chemin de Fer.
Take the Saint-Quentin omnibus to Origny Sainte Benoite, from the Somme valley to the Oise valley.
You will travel in third class cars with wooden seats and platforms that will bring you closer to nature and allow you to discover the charm of the departmental railways of yesteryear.
6. Royal Kids Play Place
Royal Kids Saint Quentin is a great indoor play place for those rainy days of camping. Kids can climb, slide, run and build to their hearts contents.
Enjoy a large 1,400m space at the Royal Kids! They will be delighted by the toboggan run, giant slides, football field, motorbikes, ball pits and more.
Let your kids have fun while you enjoy foosball, billiards, access to the internet and a spot of coffee.
7. Butterfly Museum
Nestled in the heart of Espace Saint-Jacques, the Butterfly Museum unveils the secrets of the world of insects. Rich with an incredible collection dating back more than a century, it regularly enriches new specimens.
The whole family will be thrilled by walking through a paradise of magnificent butterflies. Sit still and one may just perch on your nose or arm.
This is a fun, interactive attraction for families. Kids will be able to observe the natural world using magnifying glasses, puzzles, and models. They will enjoy the digital table and video screens for a truly playful and colorful visit.
Where to Camp Saint Quentin
Camping du Vivier aux Carpes is situated in lovely Picardy. It is just 2 hours from Calais and 90 minutes from Lille and Paris.
Choose from big pitches, chalets or mobile homes located at the edge of the water. On-site outdoor playground and indoor games room mean the kids will always have something to do.
This campsite allows pets so go ahead and bring Fluffy on your family fun adventure.
What to See in France near Rouen
Rouen is a city on the River Seine in the north of France. It is the capital of the region of Normandy. With picturesque ports, music festivals and a load of history, Rouen is a great place to spend some time on your holiday.
Here are a few of our top picks for attractions in the area.
8. Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is a must-see destination when you are camping in hauts-de-France. Located just South of the city, this garden is an ideal place for family walks. It works to conserve plant species from the 5 continents.
Get ready to redefine your idea of the word “garden”. This 85,000 m garden is a dream come true. All year long you can enjoy local painters standing at their easels along the paths.
If you have strollers, fear not, this site is fully accessible. It features a playground for the youngsters, a bowling pitch, picnic tables, a ping pong table and more!
You must stop by the kiosk to enjoy some music, a carousel, beautiful statues, aviaries with parakeets, parrots, Chinese quails, golden pheasants and other amazing birds.
In the spring, enjoy the irises or the glycines with gourmet grapes, the camellias, the rhododendrons.In summer, the roses explode in a whirlwind of multicolours. Autumn unfolds the golden chrysanthemums and gorgeous purple leaves. In winter, the greenhouse tropical flowers will perfume the air.
9. Rue du Gros Horloge
The pedestrian Rue du Gros Horloge is one of the most picturesque sites of historic Rouen. Enjoy the old cobblestones and lovely 15-17 Century half-timbered houses.
This area is lively and bustling thanks to countless shops.
The clock is like nothing you’ve seen before. At 2.5 metres in diameter, this clock will impress you, without a doubt. The two faces of the clock display 24 rays of the sun against a blue starred sky.
The intricate clock completes a full rotation in 29 days. Take a picture and then enjoy the museum houses, the clockmaker’s workshop, the bells, the weights, the machinery and the dome of the bell tower.
The various exhibition rooms are related to the building and the history of Rouen. A climb to the upper terrace offers a fine panoramic view of the city’s roofs and the Rouen Cathedral in the distance.
10. River cruise on the Seine
Of course, we can’t mention camping in hauts-de-france without putting a trip on the Seine on the list.
Cruise boats, water excursions, or speedboats are some of the best ways to discover the Seine Valley. Alternatively, take the “bac,” which allows visitors to cross from one side of the Seine to the other.
Where to Camp Near Rouen
Camping de la Foret is situated in a lovely forest in Normandy in between one of the Seine’s loops. It is a central spot to visit the Valley of the Seine, the Route des Abbeys or Rouen.
You will enjoy 7 pools including a kids pool, a covered pool, and a heated pool. Choose from tents, mobile homes, or yurts. On-site you can enjoy a snack bar, takeaway, a bakery, restaurant, and bar. Sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking are very nearby!
Book your campsite in the Hauts-de-France Region
Why not take a look at the many great campsites in France that Campsited have to offer, book your perfect campsite, and plan the best things to do in the Hauts-de-France Region with kids to get the most out of your holiday.
