Blois with children: a family travel guide

Days to share · Source updated on 15 September 2026

In Blois, a family day might begin in front of a dragon, continue inside a castle and end with a snack overlooking the Loire. The hardest part is not finding ideas but choosing those that suit the children’s ages and energy that day.

This guide brings together visits, outdoor breaks and ways to build your programme. Our advice: one major outing a day, a break everyone enjoys and enough freedom to change your mind.

Choose visits around their interests

Maison de la Magie: be surprised

Opposite the royal castle, the Maison de la Magie offers illusions, automata and live performance. The dragon on the façade sets the tone. Inside, go at your own pace: children do not need to understand everything to enjoy observing what seems impossible.

The show is included in the visit, subject to available seats. Check its times on arrival so you can explore the rooms before or afterwards. Opening dates vary with the season; consult the calendar before promising the outing to your children.

Blois Royal Castle: tell history differently

Start in the courtyard, comparing the façades. With younger children, look for a carved animal, staircase or detail they can recognise later. Ask older children which part looks oldest before reading the explanations.

The castle offers family visits and visiting aids. Choose according to the children’s ages and availability that day. Combined tickets can also link several Blois attractions; check their conditions and validity before buying, without feeling obliged to visit everything on the same day.

Plan your visit with our castle guide →

The natural history museum: for curious nature lovers

The Muséum is another option in Blois for children interested in animals and nature. Look at the current exhibition and activities when choosing: something suited to their age can give the visit a clear direction.

Before leaving, check the city’s cultural calendar for opening hours, closures and workshop booking conditions. Plan a manageable visit, followed by a break in the centre.

Maison de la BD: stories in pictures

The Maison de la BD presents exhibitions and activities about comics. Look at the programme with your children before choosing: an exhibition’s subject may interest them more than the promise of a museum.

Workshops and independent visits have different entry conditions. Check recommended ages, registration and times on the bd BOUM website. Bring a notebook if you would like to invent a short story together afterwards.

Fondation du doute: look and talk together

For children who enjoy words, unexpected ideas and questions, the Fondation du doute offers another approach to art. Let everyone choose a work that amuses or intrigues them, then compare impressions. No art-history knowledge is needed.

Check the exhibitions and family activities before going. Let your child’s curiosity about what is on show guide you, rather than deciding on one minimum age for the whole visit.

Get outdoors between visits

Parc des Mées: a green break

With meadows and wetlands, the Parc des Mées offers a change of scenery without another major visit. Choose the walk’s length to suit your group and take time to look at the landscape. It is a good option after a morning indoors.

La Creusille and the Loire banks

On the Vienne side, a walk towards La Creusille lets you look back at Blois from the opposite bank. The walk can be an outing in itself or a short pause after the old town. With little ones, choose a turning point and stay attentive beside the river.

The Évêché gardens and town views

If your group enjoys walking, head uphill to the Évêché gardens for a new viewpoint. Slopes and stairs matter as much as distance: with a pushchair or tired child, leave this stop for another outing or plan an approach avoiding the steps.

Put together a walk through Blois →

Our idea for an unhurried day

• Morning: choose the Maison de la Magie or castle, according to interests and opening times.
• Lunchtime: eat in the centre, then allow a proper break.
• Afternoon: take a short walk towards the Loire or spend time in a park, depending on the weather.
• Late afternoon: return to your holiday home before everyone is exhausted. A game around the table is part of a holiday too.

With several families, agree on one shared visit and leave the rest of the day flexible. Younger children can return to rest while others continue exploring.

What can you do with children in Blois when it rains?

The Maison de la Magie, castle, Muséum, Maison de la BD and Fondation du doute all offer indoor possibilities. Check that they are open that day and that the exhibition or session suits your family. Rain can increase visitor numbers: book activities that require it.

Keep the programme short too. One visit, lunch and a break at your holiday home may be more enjoyable than a string of museums between showers.

What can you do on a smaller budget?

Walks through the centre, views from the riverbanks and breaks in the parks let you discover Blois without buying many tickets. For paid attractions, compare children’s rates and combined offers on official ticket sites. A discount is worthwhile only if you actually wanted to make those visits.

A day at Beauval or Chambord

For Beauval, allow a full day and include the journey from your accommodation. The park recommends two days for a more complete visit. Before leaving, identify everyone’s priorities and the day’s events.

At Chambord, the staircase and terraces can give the visit a theme. Look at family tours and estate activities, then alternate the interiors with an outdoor break when weather permits.

Plan a visit to Beauval → · Organise a day at Chambord →

Details that make your stay easier

• Pushchairs: Blois has sloping streets and many staircases. Check attraction access and prepare a suitable route.
• Meals: book for large groups and ask directly about the equipment or menus you need. A picnic can simplify an outdoor day.
• Your day bag: water, snacks, suitable clothing and a small activity for waiting times.
• The car: decide where to park before arrival, taking account of the walk with children.
• The programme: keep a shorter alternative if weather or tiredness changes your plans.

Free and paid parking in Blois →

Which holiday home should you choose for a family stay?

For four guests, discover Le Nid de Saint-Honoré, with castle views. For several families, La Maison des Chalands sleeps up to thirteen in two complementary apartments. To gather up to fifteen friends and relatives, La Demeure de Chemonton offers five bedrooms in the historic centre. In the countryside, Le Cottage de Chitenay welcomes up to ten guests, with a pool and hot tub. Check sleeping arrangements and access information on each page before choosing.

Compare our holiday homes and book direct → · Homes for groups →

All our travel guides →

Explore our four holiday homes → · Find a stay for your dates →