Cap Sciences should be your first stop for any trip to Bordeaux with kids, especially if you want them to get active and learn a little about science at the same time. We enjoyed the Gladiateur exhibit where you got to join gladiator school and learn what it was like to train and work as one of these feared fighters. The kids (and adults) also enjoyed the body and sport exhibit where you got to be a professional athete and show off your skills in VR.

Highlighting products from the Gironde region, Casa Gaïa offered delicious food that was both simple and perfect. The kids in our group enjoyed the wood-fired pizza and colorful plates with falafel and roasted vegetables. Start the meal with one of their creative cocktails before you head to the comprehensive wine list.

There’s nothing quite like this immersive art experience that takes place inside a massive former submarine base that’s pretty impressive on its own. Featuring rotating digital art exhibits, the Les Bassins des Lumières is currently exhibiting Venise, La Sérénissime, where you can imagine yourself in the city of Venice with all of its architecture and religious art. Kids will love walking around and viewing the immersive art and imagining the days when submarines used to be built here.

When your little crew has done enough walking for the day, head to the tourist office where you can hop aboard the white electric train for a 45-minute tour of the city with commentary.

Here you can book time for some “urban sliding,” a.k.a. boogie boarding and surfing with instruction. The teens and tweens in our group especially loved this activity. Those who wish to observe can enjoy the large seating area that includes a bar serving snacks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.

Super close to the Cité du Vin, you’ll find this huge food hall that offers everything from cappuccinos to tapas to artisanal ice cream sandwiches. We snagged some spots at the counter and easily found something that everyone wanted to eat. If you walk through the whole property, you might even find the pinball machines that are the perfect kid distraction so you can enjoy your sangria at a slow pace.

This lovely garden is a great spot to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy some sandwiches in the sun. There’s even a small playground for the kiddies and a terrace with food/drinks for purchase.

Families will love visiting the Muséum Bordeaux Sciences et Nature. There was an exhibit that was full of taxidermied animals and skeletons, and one that showed all the creatures that make their homes on the nearby Aquitane coast. Little ones will love the special exhibit that’s designed just for them—Tous les bébés.

Summer evenings when the sun doesn’t go down until after 10 p.m. are made for visits to this water feature that’s right across from the Place de la Bourse. You’ll find kids and adults splashing in the water and enjoying the views of the Garonne River. Right down the street are a number of gelato shops (go for the apricot if they have it!).

The teens in our crew are always looking for a bargain and this spot in Bordeaux did not disappoint. It only takes cash so come prepared.

All you really have to do is look for the massive column that sticks out above the Bordeaux skyline to find this gothic beauty. Visitors are welcome inside to check out the stained glass windows and to marvel at how they could have built such an amazing building so long ago. On the weekends you’ll find a market on the plaza just outside.