Having fun with children in the Tarn

A holiday filled with laughter and excitement, that's what we're offering you... The Tarn is full of so many treasures that it's hard to choose!

Animals to thrill the youngest, leisure centers to have fun, activities to live beautiful experiences and natural spaces to recharge your batteries with the family... We don't even know where to start. Without being exhaustive, here are a few ideas for having fun in the Tarn, for children of all ages.

Academy of Miniatures Museum

Our journey begins in the heart of the Tarn, in the Albigeois, in the Madeleine district of Albi. And we start very young... At the Musée Académie des Miniatures, the universe of the place revolves around the childhood memories of its creator. A fun and surprising point of view on scenes of daily life in bourgeois houses of the 19^th century. Workshops and stories for children are regularly scheduled.

Walk through the squares and gardens of the city of Albi

Fancy a little stretching? Rochegude Park, Castelnau Park, Renaudié Park, Van Gogh Square, the National Garden or the Merville Garden… All the parks and gardens to explore in Albi are listed on the city's website.

And to finish in style, " l'Échappée Verte ", next to the episcopal city and in the heart of the city, offers a breath of fresh air in the heart of nature. On the banks of the Tarn, you follow the GR36 for 4 km. All practical information is available on the Albi-tourisme website.

Atlantis Aquatic Space

After sport, comfort! In Albi, this space offers activities for the whole family : indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, giant slides for adults and a play area for children. All practical information is available on their website.

Avalats nautical base

Another setting, another atmosphere. For a more sporty activity to do with children from 7 years old. Lo Capial offers you a canoe-kayak descent, just next to Albi, in Saint-Juéry.

Photo: Saint-Juéry Source: Szeder Laszlo CC BY-SA

Bellevue Animal Farm

We're heading to the 3 Valleys, to Salles-sur-Cérou, for a day on the farm. In addition to the animal park and its unusual species, the site gives you access to a swimming pool, a playground and a restaurant.

Sugar and Chocolate Museum

To follow, we take a walk to Cordes-sur-ciel, the favorite village of the French in 2014. You will find the Museum of Sugar and Chocolate there. An exciting and fun visit awaits you. Upon reservation, you can also attend a demonstration. Ready to succumb to temptation? A tasting is offered to round off this great time to share among gourmets.

Via ferrata

In an exceptional setting, the Malamort via ferrata can be done independently and is accessible to everyone, as long as you are 1.40m tall. Find all the technical information on the website.

Gaillac miniature train

Near Toulouse, Gaillac promises you a beautiful walk with its religious heritage, its natural history museum, and more original its miniature train club. A beautiful miniature network is to be admired in its smallest details.

Photo: Gaillac

Archeosite

In Montans, the Archéosite is a journey through time to the Gallo-Roman era. Exhibitions, activities and workshops will allow the whole family to better understand this site renowned for its production of sealed ceramics. More information on their website.

Martels Gardens

In what is known as the Cornucopia of the Tarn, nature is lush. The Jardins des Martels are an idyllic example. Stroll through its bucolic paths, through its exotic greenhouses, to its bamboo labyrinth. It's tempting, isn't it?

Currently, reservation is required on their website.

While there, take the opportunity to visit the pretty hilltop village of Giroussens, known for its contemporary ceramists.

Photo: The Martels Gardens

Tourist railway

Fancy a ride on a miniature train ? In Saint-Lieux-les-Lavaur, climb aboard an old locomotive on the Tarn tourist railway line to discover a part of the region's industrial history.

Mazamet: Leisure centers and Wood and Toy House

In Mazamet, you will find two free leisure centers. There is something for everyone. The one in Bonnecombe gives you access to a playground, picnic area and a fitness trail. The other is 8 km from Mazamet, around the Montagnès lake. In addition to supervised swimming in the summer and the beach, you can hike on the GR7 and tour the lake on small trails.

The Maison du Bois et du Jouet will teach you everything you need to know about creating wooden toys. It is a very fun space, with more than 40 games available.

Photo: Mazamet

Lake Laouzas

In Nages, swimming is supervised in the summer in the artificial lake of Laouzas. For the little ones, there is also a paddling pool. A heated swimming pool is also at your disposal. Volleyball, basketball, pétanque court, fitness trail, ping-pong table, leisure activities are varied. For more information, visit the tourist office website.

Photo: Lac de Laouzas Source: Fagairolles 34 CC BY-SA

Aquamonts

In Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy, on the edge of the forest, the Aquamonts leisure center offers an adventure park, a water park and a wellness center.

Nearby, you can also go hiking or play sports with your family...

Planetarium

In Montredon-Labessonnié, Le Planète Tarn reveals the mysteries of the universe : observation of the sun, evenings on the legends of the sky, hikes under the stars, creative workshops.

Nearby, don't miss the Three Valleys Zoological Park.

The YC Waterfun Park

In Monclar-de-Quercy, between the two rivers, it's time to have fun at the Waterfun Parc YC leisure center and enjoy their gigantic inflatable modules.

If you want to do something else, try the Aquaval Leisure Complex in Lautrec.

Photo: Waterfun Parc YC

Discovery Cape

In Cagnac-les-Mines, in the heart of a natural area, you can enjoy free access every day to a maximum of sports activities : bowling, mini golf, mountain bike trails, sand sports fields, pétanque, ping-pong, kindergarten with mini-kart, trampoline and inflatable games, water games (pedal boats, paddleboards, pentaglisse, etc.).

We hope we've given you some great ideas for making the most of your family stay in the Tarn-Aveyron region. The order chosen isn't linked to the interest of each site, but rather a large discovery loop in the Tarn region, around Albi.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Tarn Aveyron Guide.