Top Things to Do in Strasbourg with Kids – City Break Guide 2025
Swap busy, industrial French cities for the open green spaces and cultural festivities of the Alsace. Booking a city break to Strasbourg with kids is a great idea!
Take a fun boat ride through the compact historic center of La Petite France district. Enjoy a multitude of activities for kids including Le Vaisseau Science Center. Eat child-friendly market food and explore this beautiful city through your kids’ eyes. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a family trip to Strasbourg if it’s your first time!
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Our Top Strasbourg Hotels for Families
Our Favorite Strasbourg Tours with Kids and Teens
Where is Strasbourg, France?
The city of Strasbourg is located in the Alsace Region of northeastern France. It is on the German border, separated by the Rhine River.
Dive a little deeper into the history of Strasbourg and you’ll discover it was a German city in the Middle Ages until 1681. It blends German culture with French so it’s a great place for the whole family to experience both!
Top 10 Things to Do in Strasbourg with Kids
Lively border cities like Strasbourg are always packed with plenty of things to do. Luckily, there are many kid-friendly activities that will interest children of all ages.
The historic city center boasts the quintessential European charm you see in movies. Yes, cobblestone streets, half-timbered facades, and medieval spires are all present and correct!
The 450-year-old University of Strasbourg and museums ensure the quaint French city is oozing with culture. You’ll be surprised to find many parks are packed into this small metropolitan area. Plus, most of the top things to do in Strasbourg with kids are a short walk, cycle, or tram ride apart.
The Strasbourg City Pass includes most of these attractions!
1. Strasbourg Cathedral
The Cathedral of Strasbourg is undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. It was the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874 and is still the tallest in the city.
First constructed in the 13th century, its facade has some of the finest examples of Gothic styles and dazzling stained-glass windows.
Check out the view from the spire! As long as your kids can handle the 332-step climb, of course. The platform offers an awesome 360-degree view over Cathedral Square (Place de la Cathédrale), Place du Château, and the Rhine River. The cathedral is free but the spire has an entrance fee.
2. Astronomical Clock
One of the best places to visit in Strasbourg with kids is the famous Astronomical Clock. Don’t leave the cathedral without seeing this huge, ornate structure! You also must pay a separate entrance fee, but it’s worth it.
Several European cities built astronomical clocks in the 14th and 15th centuries. They displayed the positions of planets, the sun, and the moon as well as time. These machines were an incredible feat of engineering. The current clock in Strasbourg is the third installment and dates back to 1842.
It chimes every day at 12:30 PM but get there before noon. There’s a 30-minute movie about the clock and you’ll want a good viewing spot.
3. Le Vaisseau Science Center
A rainy day in Strasbourg doesn’t mean sitting inside all day. Le Vaisseau Science Center offers many fun activities for younger kids aged 3-12! It’s an educational play space with sensory trails, a pond, an orchard, water tables, and hundreds more interactive exhibits.
4. Batorama Boat Tour
You could take a guided walking tour around Strasbourg. Or, you could relax on a Batorama Boat Tour and utilize Strasbourg’s scenic canal network!
These official boat tours will allow you and your family to see the city’s sights in comfort. Onboard audio guides in several languages will underscore the stories of the buildings as you sail by.
Note that most boat tours close over the festive period. They usually reopen in mid-February.
5. Parc de l’Orangerie
As Strasbourg’s largest park, Parc de l’Orangerie offers plenty to do beyond playing on the swing sets! This 17th-century green space measures 64 acres and is filled with flowers and activities. There’s even a waterfall!
Don’t miss l’Orangerie Zoo, a miniature farm that raises storks and other animals. These slender white birds are a symbol of Strasbourg and you will see their picture everywhere. Parc de l’Orangerie has a restaurant, playground, and several cool sculptures.
6. Alsatian Museum
The Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien) is a great place to take older children. It’s spread across two 16th and 17th-century mansions.
These half-timbered buildings are practically part of the exhibit! See displays about Alsatian art, folklore, and rural home life.
7. Cycle around the Old City
Strasbourg boasts 600 km of bike lanes. It’s one of the most cycle-friendly cities in France! Take a guided bike tour or rent bikes in Strasbourg to enjoy the scenery.
Here are some of the sites to visit on your bike ride:
- Grande-Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Picturesque River Rhine and waterfront promenade
- Three 13th-century covered bridges on the Ill River
- Statue of Johannes Gutenberg near the cathedral
Perfect for children aged 12 and over.
8. Christmas Markets
Every year, Strasbourg builds one of the largest European Christmas markets with over 300 huts called Christkindelsmärik. It spreads across Grande Île, Place Benjamin Zix, Place Saint-Thomas, and Place du Temple Neuf. If you’re visiting Strasbourg in December, it’s a must!
Enlist a local to show you the best sections on a Strasbourg Christmas Market walking tour. Children are welcome on the tour and will enjoy all the festive sights and activities.
9. Palais Rohan
Strasbourg boasts around 12 museums. Three of them reside in this stunning 18th-century Baroque palace.
Check out:
- Archaeological Museum (basement)
- Museum of Decorative Arts (ground floor)
- Museum of Fine Arts (first and second floor)
Take your older kids to learn about the Franco-Prussian War and see works by master artists like Goya, Raphael, and Rubens. On weekdays, the building closes for an hour between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, so keep that in mind.
10. European Parliament
Although most of the day-to-day work happens in Brussels, the European Parliament is actually in Strasbourg! This is where the Council of Europe meets every month to vote on legislation affecting the EU. It was established here in the late 1950s and led to the European Quarter’s development.
It’s a fantastic place to visit with older teens! Free entrance is available six days a week. You can pick up audio guides or download the app (EP Visit Strasbourg). The Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights are in front of the Palace of Europe.
When is the best time to visit Strasbourg?
With many indoor activities and amenities open year-round, the good news is that there isn’t a bad time to visit Strasbourg. However, there are definitely better times to visit Strasbourg with kids for the most magical vacation.
Strasbourg in June – August
Average Temperatures: 64°F-68°F (15°C-18°C)
Strasbourg blooms in the summer. Although June is the wettest month, the city still looks beautiful. Temperatures are mostly warm and it’s a great time to visit for all outdoor activities. It’s north enough to sidestep the heatwaves that plague Italy and Spain in summer.
Yes, it’s the peak season with the busiest crowds and the highest prices. But as a family traveling during the school breaks, you’ll be used to it!
Strasbourg in December
Average Temperature: 37°F (3°C)
Strasbourg is nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas’ for a reason. Christmas markets in this area date back to 1570! The entire city and wider region transform into a magical winter wonderland.
Expect local craft markets, seasonal street food, ice skating rinks, festive light displays, and more. Again, it’s a busier and more expensive time to travel, but 100% worth it for families.
How to Get to Strasbourg
Getting to Strasbourg isn’t as easy as traveling to Paris. However, it’s still much more straightforward than you might think!
By plane
Strasbourg International Airport is just a 20-minute train ride from the city center. These North American cities offer direct flights: Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), Washington (DCA), and Boston (BOS).
You might find it cheaper to fly to a larger airport like Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and take a train. Read more on how to do that further down!
By car
Since it’s so close to the French-German border, Strasbourg is a fantastic city to include on a European road trip. Strasbourg is only 2 hours and 30 minutes (136.7 miles/220 km) from Frankfurt, Germany to the north and Zürich, Switzerland to the south.
By public transport
While driving from Paris to Strasbourg takes around five hours, a train will get you there in half the time! And you don’t need to haul your luggage from the airport to a train station in the city center. France’s high-speed TGV rail services depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport and travel directly to Strasbourg.
You could be eating pretzels in Place de la République within three hours of hitting the tarmac! Book your train tickets here.
Although there’s always a risk of your plane getting delayed, book your train tickets in advance. You can ensure your family has seats together and pay cheaper prices. Just allow enough time between your plane landing and the train departing.
Where to Eat in Strasbourg with Kids
You’ll notice the French and German influences in Strasbourg food markets and restaurant menus. Taste unique local delicacies like tarte flambée: a crispy flatbread usually topped with rème fraîche, onions, and lardons (similar to bacon). It’s perfect for sharing as a family snack! It also has the German name Flammekueche.
Rich and hearty stews with sauerkraut, like Choucroute Garnie and Baeckeoffe, are typical of the Alsace region. While it might not be kid-friendly, Strasbourg is widely considered the birthplace of foie gras. Luckily, pretzels and kugelhopf – a type of bundt cake – are favorites here too!
Some of Strasbourg’s best child-friendly restaurants are:
Chez Yvonne – Typical, long-running Alsatian tavern where you can find most local delicacies. Lots of options, daily specials, and even a kids’ menu! It’s a casual spot perfect for lively families.
La Corde à Linge – This bright, modern café is perfect for lunch. They serve crowd-pleasing burgers, pasta, and pizzas alongside local dishes. It’s in a super central location too.
Restaurant Les Chauvins Père & Fils – If you’d like to make a reservation for a fancier dinner, your family will have a great time here. This restaurant serves ‘Alsatian tapas’ and is known for its warm atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with upmarket hotdogs and meatballs on the menu.
Le Glacier Franchi – Ice cream is a must on any summer vacation. This artisanal gelato shop serves seasonal flavors near the cathedral. Note that this shop closes in winter.
Are you traveling to Strasbourg with older kids? This fun Strasbourg Bites and Stories Walking Tour is a good way to taste many local dishes!
2 Days in Strasbourg Itinerary
The ideal amount of time to spend in Strasbourg as a family is two to three days. Two is doable without day trips, but three will allow you to see more of the wider region.
The itineraries below will help you plan your trip to Strasbourg with kids!
Day 1 in Strasbourg
Morning: Start your trip by taking in the city’s highlights. Book a boat tour along the canals, cycle around Strasbourg, or hire a local walking tour guide. Explore the historic La Petite France and Grande-Île neighborhoods.
Afternoon: Discover Strasbourg’s famous landmarks up close. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock.
Day 2 in Strasbourg
Morning: Hop on a tram and take your older teens on a tour of the European Parliament. Younger kids will love the exhibits at Le Vaisseau Science Center.
Afternoon: On a sunny day, head to Parc de l’Orangerie or the Botanical Gardens at the University of Strasbourg.
3-Day Strasbourg Itinerary
Rent a car, board a train, or join a small-group tour on your third day in Strasbourg. There are so many forests and quaint medieval towns to explore.
Places to Visit Near Strasbourg with Kids
The Alsace Region is known for its vineyards. There’s even an official wine route! But sipping and swilling isn’t the best way to spend a day trip from Strasbourg with kids. Here are some super close and easy day trip options for the whole family.
Day Trip to Triberg
Germany’s Black Forest – the woodland, not the cake! – is really near Strasbourg. Triberg is a much smaller town than Strasbourg, but it’s in the heart of the Black Forest and offers more attractions than you might think. It’s just a hop across the border! Don’t forget to bring your passports.
Alternatively, book a day tour through the Black Forest and Baden Baden. Let an expert tour guide drive your family around all the top sights in the Rhine Valley.
How to get there: Rent a car for the day and drive the 90-minute journey via the B33 road.
You can also travel by train. Take a French TER service around 25 minutes to Appenweier. Change trains and hop on a regional RE2 German 50-minute service south to Triberg. Research the train times and book tickets in advance to secure seats.
Things to do: Visit the World’s Largest Cuckoo clock and admire the many kitschy clocks around Triberg. Don’t miss Triberg Waterfalls. Cascading 535 ft/163 m down a rocky outcrop, they are one of the tallest waterfalls in Germany. Stop at the shop and café at the base of the falls before or after your short hike to the viewpoint.
Day Trip to Colmar
Looking for another beautiful place to visit in the Alsace region? Check. Do you want it to be a 30-minute train ride away or less? Check. Would you like it to be somewhere your kids would be excited to visit? Check, check, check! Along with Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Eguisheim, Colmar inspired the creators of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
It’s along the Alsace Wine Route and also home to magical Christmas Markets in winter. No matter the time of year, a day trip to Colmar is always a good idea.
How to get there: Hop on a direct TER or TGV train service from Strasbourg to Colmar. Book in advance to secure a low ticket price or for peace of mind. If you’re flexible, tickets can be purchased at the train station on the day.
Things to do: Explore the medieval houses with shutters and flowerboxes along the canals of La Petite Venice. Check out the Toy Museum (Musée du Jouet) on a rainy day. Colmar’s Christmas Markets are unmissable, but there are seasonal festivals year-round.
Andlau, Mittlebergheim, and Barr Day Trip
Families who didn’t leave much spare time in their itinerary for a full-day trip are in luck. You can book a four-hour day tour from Strasbourg to several gorgeous Alsace villages. Andlau, Mittlebergheim, and Barr are lush country villages on the Alsace Wine Route. However, this isn’t a wine-forward tour. You’ll also visit historic buildings and churches dotted around the region. Perfect for parents and teens!
How to get there: Book the tour straight from Strasbourg! Your driver will drop you off back in the city.
Things to do: Check out the 9th-century Saint Peter and Saint Paul Abbatial Church in Andlau. Take a guided walking tour of the town’s quiet cobblestone streets. Discover the ancient towns and vineyards of Barr and Mittlebergheim.
Getting Around Strasbourg
As long as no one in your family has limited mobility, most of Strasbourg is accessible on foot. Sure, the cobblestone lanes are tough on heeled shoes. Make sure you wear comfortable tennis shoes or boots and you’ll find exploring without a car freeing.
Opt for a carrier for little kids with little legs. Unless they will find sitting in a bumpy stroller fun, of course!
Ride the tram to reach attractions outside of La Petite France and Grande île. Public transport is affordable, efficient, and mostly safe. Purchase tram tickets and validate them before boarding.
Find out more about unlimited public transport (bus and tram) in Strasbourg here.
If you need a rental car for a day trip, just hire it for that day. Most hotels with a central location in Strasbourg don’t offer parking. Check out rental options here>>>