Hauts-de-France is northern France's dynamic region, forged from the historic provinces of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. It is a land of soaring Gothic cathedrals, poignant WWI memorials, vibrant Flemish culture, and a rugged coastline along the Côte d'Opale. Lille, the cosmopolitan capital, anchors a region of surprising contrasts — from the underground citadels of Arras to the vast sandy beaches of Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Nausicaä National Sea Centre (Boulogne-sur-Mer)
Europe's largest sea life centre with sharks, seals, penguins, and ocean exhibits. Boulevard Sainte-Beuve, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer. Open daily 09:30–18:30. Tickets: €24.50 adult / €18 child (3–12) / ~$27 adult / ~$19 child. Book online at nausicaa.fr for 5–10% discount.
Bagatelle Theme Park (Merlimont)
Regional theme park with rides, roller coasters, and a mini-train. Route de Berck, 62155 Merlimont. Open mid-April to September. Tickets: €22 all-day / ~$24 (book online for €18 / ~$19 discount rate at bagatelle.fr).
Louvre-Lens Museum (family visit)
The permanent Galerie du Temps is free and presents 5,000 years of art history in a single chronological gallery. Children's activity packs available at reception. 99 Rue Paul Bert, 62300 Lens. Wed–Mon 10:00–18:00.
Coastal beaches and sand yachting (Le Touquet / Berck)
Wide flat beaches ideal for sand yachting (char à voile), kite flying, and donkey rides. Sand yacht hire at Berck: from €15 / ~$16/hr at École de char à voile, Boulevard Eugène Lenglet, 62600 Berck.
Vimy Ridge (educational visit)
Preserved WWI trenches and shell craters; free Canadian student volunteers as guides. Avenue du Mémorial Canadien, 62580 Vimy. Free entry. Perfect for school-age history visits.
Seal-watching at Le Hourdel (Baie de Somme)
France's largest grey seal colony; accessible on foot from the beach car park at Le Hourdel. Best November–February for pups. Free access; binoculars recommended.
Lille Zoological Garden (Parc de la Citadelle)
Free zoo within Lille's Vauban citadel park. Home to big cats, primates, and farm animals. Avenue du 43e Régiment d'Infanterie, 59000 Lille. Open daily 09:00–17:30. Free admission.
Musée La Piscine (Roubaix) — family visits
Art Deco museum in a former Art Nouveau swimming pool; captivates children with its dramatic interior. Children's quiz sheets available. 23 Rue de l'Espérance, 59100 Roubaix. Tickets: €12 adult / under 18 free.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most brasseries and estaminets welcome families with children; request a chaise haute (highchair) on arrival
Crêperies are universally child-friendly — gaufres (waffles) and crêpes au nutella are safe bets for fussy eaters
Nausicaä has a cafeteria with children's menus (€8 / ~$9); pre-booking at nausicaa.fr includes a lunch option
At Le Touquet, the beachfront cafés all offer simple children's menus (steak haché / nuggets) from €8–€12 / ~$9–$13
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.