Le Parc des Mini-Chateaux

This is quite an extraordinary site. Exact replicas of the Loire’s castles, Chateaux and manor houses are laid out among trees, along a route stretching for 1.5 kilometres. There are over 2,000 bonsai trees and shrubs, interactive games and entertainment are also provided. If you are short of time, it is a great way to see all the chateaux in just half a day.

Loire Valley Aquarium

A ten minute drive from the Parc des Mini Chateaux on the Amboise to Tours road, it is described as one of Europe’s best fresh water aquariums. Alongside learning about the array of wildlife that inhabits the Loire River, there are also tanks with rare tropical fish, turtles, alligators, piranhas and sharks.

Tepacap Activity Centre  

Situated southeast of Le Mans this great activity centre is open in the French school holidays. The centre provides entertainment for all ages and is set amongst the forest, with different obstacles and equipment. Contact the tourist board for information and opening times.

Futuroscope

Situated just off the A10 motorway between Tours and Poitiers, this huge state of the art theme park is a superb place to head for with the whole family. The park is home to an array of attractions and shows of varied themes. Theme rides include ‘The Race for Atlantis’ and ‘Digital Soldier’ alongside a great selection of films, including 3D and in a 360 degree cinema. The film, Adrenaline Rush, uses footage from the extreme adventures experienced by skydivers and base-jumpers. It is displayed using a 'Fish eye' lens, increasing the size of the picture to 900 m² . There are also a multitude of colourful, international and themed shows such as Brazil: Carnival Country, Reflections of Uranie, Aquatic Melodies and Great Illusions. Alongside all the exciting rides and superb shows there is a two-acre site of ‘Children’s world’, which is full of games, play areas, water and musical activity areas. The park also has a multitude of eateries, restaurants, shops and boutiques.

Steam Train

You can also take the children on an exciting ride around the lake of Rillé on a most beautiful steam train.

Reserve de Beaumarchais

This conservation and breeding centre also boasts a safari train to tour the game park. Animals at the park include ostrich, bison, deer, wild boar and kangaroos. The park can be found in Autreche, please contact the tourist board for further information.

Beauval Zooparc

There are over 4000 animals in a 22-hectare park of outstanding natural beauty. The Zooparc houses the largest animal collection in France set in surroundings as similar to their natural environment as possible. The park can be found in Saint-Aignan, contact the tourist board for additional information and opening times.

Zoo

Situated in Doue-la-Fontaine, this zoo is in the fascinating surroundings of the troglodyte caves and its beautiful surrounding countryside. There are underground galleries and waterfalls, giraffes, pandas and lions amongst numerous other animals that reside in this harmonious site.

Lulu Parc

Situated on the banks of the Loire in Rochecorbon, this park is a full 3 hectares of games, water rides and activities. With ‘soft mountains’, bumper-cars, remote controlled boats, aquatic and track toboggans and ponies there is enough to keep the whole family entertained.