Colmar with Kids: Your 2024 City Break Guide
If you’re planning a family trip to the beautiful Alsace region in France, then let me tell you—Colmar is an absolute must! With its colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and charming canals, this fairy-tale town feels like something straight out of a storybook. However, it is not just the picture-perfect scenery that makes Colmar an excellent destination for families.
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With plenty of child-friendly activities, delightful parks, quirky museums, and even a little boat ride through the heart of the old town, this is a place where both kids and adults can enjoy an enchanting adventure together. And let’s not forget the chance to indulge in some delicious French treats—think crêpes, pastries, and oh-so-yummy Alsatian tarte flambée!
So, if you’re wondering how to make the most of your time in Colmar with kids, keep reading. From exploring toy museums and enjoying picnics by the canal to checking out the local markets, I’ve got all the best ideas for family fun in this dreamy town right here. Ready to start planning? Let’s dive into the best things to do in Colmar with kids!
Is Colmar Child Friendly?
Colmar is a wonderful destination for families, thanks to its relaxed vibe, charming streets, and many child-friendly activities. From wandering through the colorful Little Venice district to exploring interactive museums, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.
Colmar is easy to get around with kids, and the scenic boat tours along the canals are a fun way for them to see the sights. There are also lots of open spaces, parks, and family-friendly cafés serving delicious local treats.
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Colmar with Kids
There are so many fun things to do with kids in Colmar, France; it’s hard to pick the top 10! Here’s the lowdown:
1. Visit the Colmar Christmas Markets (Seasonal)
Colmar Christmas Markets are arguably some of France’s most magical Christmas markets. If you’re visiting Colmar during the festive season, the Christmas markets are an absolute must!
There are usually six different markets dotted around the center, each with something new to discover.
For kids, the Place des Dominicains market is a highlight, with its twinkling lights and classic carousel that’ll have them grinning from ear to ear.
Swing by the Place de l’Ancienne Douane to nibble on pretzels and gingerbread, or head to Place Jeanne d’Arc for more traditional Alsatian delights like cheesy spaetzle (which is always a hit with little ones!).
The toy stalls there are also fab, offering gorgeous wooden toys and handcrafted puppets—perfect for a unique gift.
2. Hop Aboard The Le Petit Train (le Train Touristique)
Le Petit Train is a great way to travel with kids. The little green and white train chugs through the streets, giving you a chance to take in the views and see all the major sights without tiring out little legs!
It takes around 40 minutes, and you visit the highlights of this charming town. It’s a great way to get an overview of Colmar, and kids will love the novelty of traveling around on such a cute little train!
The route takes you through all the main sights, like the stunning Little Venice district and Saint-Martin’s Collegiate Church, while you sit back and relax. There are two routes – a green route in the Old Town and a yellow route through the more modern part of Colmar – so you can pick which one suits you best or try both!
3. Base Nautique Colmar-Hussein
Colmar is near the Base Nautique, which is a lake with a sand beach. It’s a fantastic spot for kids to burn off some energy, especially on a sunny day! Located a 20-minute bus ride from the center of Colmar, this water sports base offers a range of activities to keep everyone entertained.
You can rent a paddleboard or canoe and head off to explore! There’s also a safe swimming area and a fun little splash zone perfect for cooling off and playing in the shallow water.
There is also a small sandy beach with a backdrop of the Vosges Mountains. Just remember to pack sunscreen and towels, as you’ll likely be here longer than you think – it’s hard to pull kids away from the water once they start having fun!
4. Little Venice
Known as La Petite Venise, Colmar’s most famous quarter is a maze of waterways and adorable, colorful houses that are best appreciated from the water.
The flat-bottomed wooden boats, captained by knowledgeable locals, glide gently along the water as you pass under bridges and between buildings.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the resident ducks; it’s always a hit with younger visitors!
5. Musee du Jouet
One of the best activities for kids is the toy museum – Musee Du Jouet, The museum is perfect for kids and boasts a massive toy collection dating back to the 19th Century.
The museum is engaging for all ages, with interactive displays and hands-on exhibits. There’s even a large model train set that chugs around a miniature landscape. It’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
6. Play at the Colmar Indoor Playground
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, or if the kids need to burn off some extra energy, head to the Parc de Loisirs de Colmar. This indoor play center is a paradise for children, with ball pits, things to climb on, and slides galore.
There’s even an on-site cafe where you can grab a coffee!
7. Have Fun at the Parc du Champ de Mars
The Parc du Champ de Mars is the perfect spot for energetic kids. This lovely green space in the center of Colmar is filled with wide lawns, pretty fountains, and plenty of benches. The playground here is a hit with kids, featuring slides, swings, and climbing frames.
There’s also a carousel that has been delighting generations of children—great for a nostalgic ride or two! After burning off some energy, treat the family to a tasty crêpe from one of the nearby vendors.
8. Choco-story Colmar
Choco-story in Colmar is another excellent museum for kids. Educational and yummy! Great for families as there are lots of interactive games and a chance to make your chocolate bars as a souvenir from your European city break. Book here to ensure you get a slot in the chocolate creation workshop.
9. Run to the Light
Run to the Light is a fantastic escape room. If you visit during the colder months, this is the perfect activity. This thrilling adventure will have you and your team solving riddles, cracking codes, and racing against the clock to escape.
10. Marche Couvert
Marche Couvert is a covered market in a restored 19th-century brick building near Little Venice. It’s bursting with local produce and gourmet goodies!
It has a great atmosphere and air and is a lovely place to visit in Colmar to pick up some food for a picnic.
Kids will love wandering through the colorful stalls stacked high with fresh fruits, pastries, cheeses, and cured meats. Let them pick out some regional treats, like a traditional pretzel or a slice of kougelhopf—a sweet, fluffy Alsatian brioche that’s sure to be a hit.
If you’re looking to bring home a piece of Alsace, the market is filled with artisan gifts, local wines, and unique souvenirs—perfect for adding a little flavour of Colmar to your suitcase.
How to Get to Colmar, France
Train: One of the best ways to get to Colmaris by train. It’s well-connected to other European cities – just 45 minutes from Basel, 30 minutes from Strasbourg and 1.5 hours from Zurich. If you’re traveling from the UK, Colmar is reachable in 2.5 hours from Paris. You can travel by train to Colmar or go on a day trip from a nearby city.
Book your train tickets here with Rail Europe here.
Air: From the UK you can fly to Basel airport, which is only a 45-minute journey to Colmar. If you can’t get a flight to Basel, you can fly to Zurich, a 1.5-hour journey to Colmar. Strasbourg Airport is also just 45 miles from Colmar. Check out Skyscanner for the best-priced flights >>>
You can also arrange a private transfer with Get Transfer directly from the airport to Colmar. Book your transfer here.
Where to Stay in Colmar, France with Children
Here are our top recommendations for all budgets:
Budget: Apartment near Petite Venise
This practical, centrally located apartment is perfect for families. It even has a washing machine and on-site coffee shop. It is perfect for visiting the Christmas markets in Colmar. Check it out here.
Mid-Range: The Elegance- Renovated apartment
This beautiful, newly renovated apartment is only minutes away from Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. It has a parking space available, which is great if you are driving. Check it out here.
Luxury Splurge: L’Esquisse
This stunning five-star boutique hotel is in the center of Colmar. There is an indoor swimming pool, family rooms, and even rooms with balconies. It is in the heart of Champ de Mars, the city’s green space which is perfect for families with kids! Check it out here.
Where to Eat in Colmar with Kids
Colmar, France, is full of amazing food options that kids will love. Here are our top recommendations:
La Taverne Du Château: It is located in Eguisheim, perfect after a day on the Petit Train. It is surrounded by gorgeous scenery in the main square. Classic French cuisine is available for lunch and dinner.
Le Petit Bidon: If you are looking for some lovely fresh French food in the center of Colmar, you need to try Le Petit Bidon. You know you are getting the best with a limited menu using only the best healthy ingredients. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Lucas & Chris Restaurant: A great Colmar restaurant serves traditional French food. Hard to find, but we believe it is a hidden gem. If you go with your family, we recommend the duck! View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Caveau St-Jean: Cheap and cheerful, this restaurant in Colmar is a mix of French and European for those with fussy eaters. Great atmosphere suitable for kids and great food to go with it. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Best Places to Visit Near Colmar, France
Colmar’s central location in the Alsace region makes it an excellent base for exploring some of Europe’s most iconic cities. Whether you’re looking for a taste of French flair, a journey through a medieval wonderland, or a hop over the border to experience the best of Switzerland, these three fantastic day trips from Colmar have you covered.
Strasbourg
Only a 30-minute train ride from Colmar, Strasbourg, is a no-brainer day trip. Like Colmar, Strasbourg is also known for its enchanting half-timbered houses.
Begin your visit by seeing Strasbourg Cathedral. After that, wander through the picturesque La Petite France district, where the canals and cobblestone streets look like they’ve jumped straight out of a fairytale.
For lunch, try some regional specialities like tarte flambée or choucroute garnie at one of the charming winstubs (Alsatian taverns). Afterward, take a boat tour along the River Ill to see Strasbourg from a unique vantage point, passing by the European Parliament and other notable landmarks.
In the afternoon, visit the historic Kammerzell House or head to the nearby Alsace Museum to explore local traditions and crafts. Wrap up your day with a sweet treat at a local pâtisserie before heading back to Colmar.
Getting There: Regional TER trains run frequently between Colmar and Strasbourg, with the journey taking around 30 minutes.
Book your train tickets here or get a transfer quote here >>>
Paris
While Colmar may be miles away from Parisian hustle and bustle, a quick 2.5-hour train ride aboard the TGV will whisk you to the French capital in no time. Once you arrive at Paris Gare de l’Est, you’ll be ready to explore the city. One day in Paris is better than none at all.
Start your day with a morning visit to the Eiffel Tower, arriving early to avoid the crowds and enjoy panoramic views over Paris. Then, hop on a scenic Seine River cruise to see the sights from a different perspective. The cruises are short but packed with stunning views, gliding past the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay.
For lunch, head to a classic Parisian bistro in the Latin Quarter or Montmartre, where you can savour delicious French cuisine like escargots, coq au vin, or a sweet crêpe. Afterwards, enjoy some retail therapy along the Champs-Élysées, or explore Louvre Museum or the Musée de l’Orangerie.
Getting There: The best way to reach Paris from Colmar is via the TGV high-speed train, which departs multiple times a day and takes around 2.5 hours.
Book your train tickets here or get a transfer quote here >>>
Zurich
Cross the border into Switzerland for a day trip to Zurich, a beautiful city with a cosmopolitan vibe. Just 90 minutes by train from Colmar, Zurich is a change of pace and scenery that’s well worth the visit.
Start your day with a visit to the Old Town (Altstadt), where you can wander through medieval alleyways, admire the details of the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, and explore the Lindenhof district with its elevated views over the Limmat River.
For lunch, sample Swiss classics like cheese fondue or raclette at a cosy restaurant, and don’t forget to try some Swiss chocolate at one of the city’s famous chocolatiers, such as Sprüngli or Läderach.
After lunch, stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues, or visit the Kunsthaus Zurich to take in some world-class art. If you’re visiting on a sunny day, take a walk along Lake Zurich’s promenade or join a boat cruise for a relaxing afternoon on the water.
Getting There: The easiest way to reach Zurich from Colmar is by taking a direct train from Colmar to Basel, then switching to a Swiss train heading to Zurich. The entire journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Book your train tickets here or get a transfer quote here >>>
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.