The top things to do in Lille with kids
With a Eurostar discount to burn after our trip to Paris, I’d been torn between a short break in Brussels and looking at what there was to do in Lille with kids.
If you’re thinking that Belgium has the edge with frites, waffles and chocolate (and moules for me), this part of northern France is close enough that I wouldn’t go short of those in Lille either – for more foodie reasons to drool over a potential visit, the Lone Gourmet is distinctly tempting.
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For places to stay, there are some great options on AirBNB and for family-friendly places to eat, I came across these recommendations of where to eat in Lille with kids. But along with the famous Christmas market, perfect for children, these are the top eight things to do in Lille for kids year-round.
The Zoo
In centre of the Bois de la Citadelle, there are 70 different species in this little zoo, including rhino and zebras and (my personal favourite) lemurs and (Minnie’s favourite) parrots and monkeys. While it’s mostly smaller animals, this also sounds perfect for toddlers and younger children who’ll love seeing the red panda and meerkats.
And as entry is only 4 euros for adults, and two for kids aged over five, it won’t break the bank either. There are limited opening hours outside peak season, so it’s worth checking before you visit – and the zoo is closed on Tuesdays too.
It’s around a 20-minute walk from Lille’s old town (or slightly more if you’re visiting Lille with a toddler!)
Cita Parc
Also within the Citadelle park, this amusement park replaced Parc Les Poussins, with 8,000 square metres of space to explore including lots of rides and attractions including ones if you’re visiting Lille with toddlers.
Younger ones can ride the forest train or there are gentle animal-themed rides, as well as water rides and rollercoasters to discover at Cita Parc.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Lille, the park itself is open to wander around but for Cita Parc, you’ll need tickets, available online or on the day.
Single tickets cost 2,50 Euros or you can buy packs, as well as an unlimited day pass for 15 Euros (only available at the site and valid for that day).
Opening times vary during the year – outside peak season, it’s open on Wednesdays and weekends, as well as school holidays.
If you’re looking for traditional French carousels – definitely one for any list of Lille children’s activities, I think – there’s often one in the main square to enjoy, along with a ferris wheel in winter.
The Natural History Museum
Sometimes it feels like every city of any size has a natural history museum, but who cares when they’re always a hit with children.
With huge sperm whale and blue whale skeletons, there’s plenty to get older kids thinking about the environment with now extinct wolves from the Pas de Calais and polar bears.
There are also dinosaur fossils, insects, and temporary exhibitions to discover as well as activities for kids – children up to 12 are free, while it’s less than four euros for adults (or five when special exhibitions are running).
Palais des Beaux-Arts
The largest museum in France outside Paris, you can borrow tablets (bring ID) with games and information aimed at kids aged six to 12 as you tour the museum.
There’s also an app and separate video tour, plus you can check out the highlights before you visit. As well as the art, there’s are sometimes temporary exhibitions, previous ones have been created in collaboration with the Louvre and British Museum.
Entry to the Palais des Beaux-Arts costs 7 Euros for adults, free for under-12s and after 4.30pm each day.
Puppet theatre
In the Jardin Vauban, there’s a traditional marionette theatre which has performances from April to October. Outside those times, you can still wander past the grotto and waterfall, with twisty little fairytale paths – the gardens are now a historic monument.
It’s just across the river from the Citadelle park which is lovely at any time of year in Lille for children.
See the city highlights
Although I’m normally something of a fan of open-top bus tours to get your bearings in a city, I’ve tended to do fewer with a wriggly toddler – and Lille is compact enough to explore on foot, even with a buggy.
But if you fancy seeing all the sites of Lille with children in under an hour, this is the way to do it.
Have sweet treats
Honestly, while museums and amusement parks are fantastic, if you’re visiting Lille with toddlers, the chance to have a gauffre (waffle) or Flemish gingerbread is potentially the highlight of the trip. Meert was one of France’s first patisseries, opening in 1761, so it’s practically a history lesson, plus you get to see Lille’s old town.
But Aux Merveilleux de Fred is another top spot for a sweet treat, with meringues and brioche on the menus as well as the marvellous ‘merveilleux’ creations themselves – whipped cream and meringue sprinkled with chocolate (or other toppings).
Lille is France’s fourth biggest city, so you won’t be short of choice for places to eat with kids – as you’re in northern France, the emphasis everywhere is on hearty filling food, which means stews like Carbonnade Flamande, cheese (including raclette) and chips with everything.
And while I can’t imagine my daughter eating this, Le Welsh is the dish to have in Lille – like a supercharged Welsh rarebit, with beersoaked bread, ham and masses of melted cheese all baked together.
Buy souvenirs
Again, I wouldn’t usually add shopping to a list of things to do in Lille with family, but Le Petit Souk might persuade me to make an exception.
A shop packed with things you never knew you wanted but suddenly desperately desire, it could backfire slightly if you’re travelling on a budget with a tempting toy collection, enormously stylish kids’ clothes and some rather fabulous homewares.
*First published 2014, updated 2020*
THINGS TO DO IN LILLE WITH KIDS: PIN FOR LATER
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I really must go to France – and soon! I keep seeing these wonderful places like Lille and Provence. The first thing on our list – eating the waffles or maybe three!
Definitely, it’s so close, it’s actually easier than visiting bits of the UK (well the Lille end) but it just seems further. Worth travelling for proper waffles though 🙂 And Provence is gorgeous, another place overdue a revisit.
Lille is a lovely place, and has a fantastic hostel, perfect for family visits too! (Thing is I can’t remember its name, how hopeless is that!) I’ve been to Meert and the Christmas market both of which are great. Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutFrance
Thanks Phoebe, that’s useful to know – I always forget about hostels for family trips, but they’re such a good idea with private rooms etc. I do love Christmas markets too.
Ok you got me at ‘have waffles’! But I also love the mechanical creativity that’s celebrated in France which is possibly evident at Parc Les Poussins, they somehow have a way of making machines magical which I haven’t seen elsewhere.
#citytripping
Waffles are never a bad start – and you’re right about some of the magical machines which France specialises in.
We stayed in Lille briefly for a night a few years ago, before catching a train to Nice. It would have been good to explore a bit further as I had no idea about some of its sights such as the zoo and park.
#citytripping
A good excuse to go back! Although I wouldn’t say no to a return to Nice either 🙂
Lille is one of the most underrated French cities! Thanks for showing off how it can actually be the best of Belgium and France combined and there really are tons of things to do. I am back into #citytripping and couldn’t be happier! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
I definitely agree – I think even with the Eurostar, it’s still a bit overlooked. And welcome back to #citytripping! Thanks for linking.
Lots of reasons here to visit Lille Cathy – thanks! I just love how close some of these great cities in France and Belgium actually are to me in London – very doable in a weekend. #citytripping
They really are – I keep thinking I should make more of that.
I don’t have kids, but I would still follow most of your your suggestions while visiting Lille. 🙂
#citytripping
Thanks! They should definitely work for other ages too.
That’s a fun list of family friendly activities in Lille, Cathy, especially the puppet theatre! Thanks for sharing this at #CityTripping.
Thanks – and thanks for linking.
We have a Eurostar away weekend in the autumn, Lille on the list of destinations now!
Glad I’ve tempted you!
My kids and I would love to visit Meert. History and cakes all in one, what’s not to like? Lille is a French city I’d love to visit particularly as it’s so easy to get to.
Absolutely – especially when it’s a relatively short trip… The cakes are waiting 🙂
waffles;) it seems like a great city:)
Waffles! 🙂
Normally I find myself exploring a new city on food but I like your idea of taking an open air city bus tour if you have limited time or have kids who can’t walk long distance. I’ve done it a couple times and on a nice day when the sun is out, sitting on the top can be so enjoyable! #citytripping
I do think they can be a great way to get your bearings – and perfect when the sun shines.
we visited Lille at the end of January a few years ago and loved that all of the Christmas decorations were still up – makes sense with the fair that we saw too. Crepes and waffles are a must! #citytripping
That must have been lovely – still Christmassy to brighten up January but without the crowds.
Looks like there is a lot to do there for kids! I think the Christmas festival looks amazing! I’d love to visit then! #citytripping
I think that would be a great time of year to see Lille.
Ah perfect timing. I am just about to book in a little stop in Lille in Autumn. Getting cabin fever 🙂
Perfect! Will look forward to reading about your stay…
How charming! I’ve only ever changed trains in Lille….
I think that’s the same for a lot of people – but worth getting off if you can!
I’ve never thought of Lille before for a short break but it sounds great. A list like this is always really helpful when you’re all out of ideas yourself. #citytripping
It’s one of those cities which does get overlooked, I think, but it’s hard to beat a nice direct Eurostar for a quick weekend away.
Nice choices! I think the natural history museum and waffles would go down best with my kids. Good luck with choosing your destination!
Thanks! Yes, animals and yummy treats it an unmissable combination 🙂
Lille’s architecture and way of life is very close to it’s sibling’s (Belgium). As far as I know, it is not the city that is most preferred by families in France or outside of it, but it sure has some good distractions for the children. Palais des beaux arts is an amazing destination for every generation!
Thank you for sharing your sejour ativities!
Thanks – and yes, a lot more similarities in northern France to Belgium than somewhere like south-west France. A country I never tire of though.
As a Lilloise and mother of three, the Gare St Sauveur, Lille Neige, bicycle taxis, canal boat trips, Parc Mosaic, and the house of General de Gaulle are also musts for minis. The Opera also has open house for kids once a year and the Nuit de musée is a lot night night at local museums, both are great.
Thank you! That’s so useful to get some tips from someone who knows the city so well.