Rennes is a city that stole my heart the moment I set foot in its charming streets with my family. Over more than a decade of travel consultancy, Few places manage to strike the perfect balance of cultural richness, relaxed pace, and kid-friendly vibes quite like Rennes. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, grandparents or energetic tweens, Rennes offers an inviting palette of experiences designed to enchant every generation.
I’ll share my personal journey through this Breton capital with my family, including detailed descriptions of the activities we loved most, and four additional handpicked recommendations that stand out for their unique appeal. I’ll also offer practical tips on locations, access, ticketing, and the best platforms to book these experiences. My goal is simple: to help you craft a Rennes itinerary filled with joy, discovery, and treasured family moments.
Exploring Rennes Through My Family’s Eyes: Our Top 3 Activities
1. Parc du Thabor – A Stroll Through Nature and History
Located just a ten-minute walk from the city center, Parc du Thabor is our family’s quintessential “go-to” green oasis. This sprawling 10-hectare park combines meticulously landscaped French gardens, an English-style arboretum, and a delightful rose garden that bursts into vibrant colors come spring and summer.
Why we loved it:
What struck me most during our visits was the park’s effortless blend of serene beauty and playful spaces. My kids loved the large playground, with climbing frames and swings that kept them entertained for hours. Meanwhile, I was captivated by the historical greenhouses, which house exotic plants and orchids. The air feels fresher here, scented with a mixture of blooming flowers and damp earth, a lovely respite from urban life.
Our favorite spots in the park:
- The aviary, where colorful birds flutter freely—a magical experience especially for younger children.
- The formal rose garden, perfect for family photos framed by an explosion of petals in dozens of hues.
- The quiet fountain area, ideal for a family picnic or just to watch the water dance in the afternoon light.
Facilities & service:
The park offers clean public restrooms, a café with outdoor seating, and shaded picnic tables—ideal for families. The park is stroller-friendly, though some gravel paths require a bit of maneuvering.
Location & access:
Parc du Thabor sits at 2 Rue de Paris, Rennes. It’s about 15 minutes on foot from Rennes train station, or you can take bus line C3 to “Thabor” stop.
Ticketing & booking:
Entry is free, which is a massive plus for families on a budget. No reservations needed.
Personal insight:
There was a magical afternoon when my kids chased bubbles blown by a local street artist while I sat reading on a bench shaded by ancient chestnut trees. The park isn’t just a place to walk; it’s a sensory experience—one that invites families to slow down and savor simple pleasures.
2. Les Champs Libres – Science, Culture, and Interactive Learning
If you’re traveling with curious kids, Les Champs Libres is a must-visit cultural hub that combines a science museum, library, and regional history museum under one impressive roof. It’s conveniently located right next to Rennes train station, making it accessible and easy to include in your day’s plan.
What we explored:
Our family spent hours in the Espace des Sciences section, where hands-on exhibits made learning about physics, biology, and astronomy feel like play. The planetarium shows were a particular hit. Watching the stars project overhead and listening to captivating stories about constellations ignited wonder even in my teenage son, who’s usually glued to his phone.
Three favorites for us:
- The interactive physics displays—my youngest was thrilled to experiment with sound waves and light refraction.
- The planetarium shows, which run multiple times daily and offer different themes tailored for kids and adults.
- The temporary exhibits, which change regularly and recently included an exhibition on marine ecosystems complete with touch tanks.
Facilities & services:
Les Champs Libres features a café with kid-friendly snacks, free Wi-Fi, elevators, and ramps for stroller access. The staff are notably welcoming and patient with children.
Location & access:
Situated at 10 Cours des Alliés, the building is a short walk from the train station and the historic center. Bus routes C1 and C3 stop nearby.
Tickets & booking:
Entry to the science and history sections costs around €7 for adults, with discounted rates (€5) for youth and free entry for children under 6. Booking online via the official Les Champs Libres website often unlocks family package deals and skip-the-line options.
Personal reflection:
I was amazed by how this museum avoided the “boring” label often associated with such places. My children left energized, chatting excitedly about black holes and ancient Brittany myths. The blend of learning and fun is seamless here.
3. Ecomusée du Pays de Rennes – A Journey to Breton Heritage
Nestled just outside Rennes in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, the Ecomusée du Pays de Rennes is a treasure trove of Breton culture and rural life, perfect for families who enjoy history with a hands-on twist.
Our experience:
From the moment we stepped into the open-air farm museum, with its stone cottages, traditional workshops, and friendly farm animals, we felt transported back in time. My children loved feeding chickens and stroking the goats, while I appreciated the informative guides who explained centuries-old crafts like basket weaving and bread baking.
Top three experiences:
- The live demonstrations of traditional farming techniques, where kids could even try their hand at simple tasks.
- The old bakery, where we sampled freshly baked bread—one of the most authentic tastes of Brittany.
- The herb garden, fragrant with medicinal and culinary plants, which offered a tactile learning experience for all ages.
Facilities & accessibility:
The site is stroller-friendly with paved paths and picnic areas. On-site restrooms and a small café make it family convenient.
Location & access:
Located approximately 6 km southwest of Rennes city center, the easiest way is by car or taxi (about 15 minutes). Public buses also serve the area but can be less frequent on weekends.
Ticketing & booking:
Adult tickets are around €8, children under 12 enter for €4, and family passes are available. Booking in advance via the museum’s official website is recommended during peak seasons.
Personal insight:
Seeing my children’s eyes light up as they connected with this living history deepened my appreciation for Brittany’s heritage and offered a quiet moment of family bonding away from the city buzz.
Four Additional Family-Friendly Rennes Attractions I Highly Recommend
4. Parc des Gayeulles – Adventure and Nature Combined
For families who crave more active outdoor fun, Parc des Gayeulles is an expansive green space offering biking trails, playgrounds, and a lake for paddle boating. Located about 5 kilometers north of Rennes, it’s perfect for half-day adventures.
What you can do:
Rent a bike or pedal boat, explore the climbing nets, or just picnic by the water. The park also hosts seasonal events like open-air cinema and children’s festivals.
Booking & logistics:
Entry is free; equipment rental fees vary (€5-10). The park is accessible by bus line 57 from Rennes center.
5. Musée de Bretagne – History Brought to Life
This museum offers an excellent overview of Brittany’s history and culture with plenty of interactive exhibits for kids. Highlights include archaeological finds and multimedia displays on Rennes’s urban evolution.
Location: 10 Cours des Alliés
Entry: Around €6, free for under 18s.
Booking online can secure discounted family rates.
6. Le Parc Animalier du Haut-Bois – Animal Encounters Near Rennes
A short drive from Rennes, this animal park lets families get close to deer, ponies, and wild boars in a natural setting. Guided tours and feeding sessions are educational and fun for all ages.
7. Escape Game Rennes – Puzzle Adventures for Older Kids and Teens
For families with older children, Rennes has several escape rooms that challenge logic and teamwork, perfect for a fun indoor activity on a rainy day.
Navigating Rennes with Kids: Practical Tips
- Transport: Rennes’s public transport system, STAR, is user-friendly and stroller-accessible. Day passes offer unlimited travel on buses and metro, a great way to get around without hassle.
- Dining: Breton crepes are a must-try; many crêperies have children’s menus. Markets like Marché des Lices also offer fresh, local produce and ready-to-eat treats ideal for picnics.
- Accommodations: Choose centrally located family-friendly hotels or apartments near the historic center for easy walking access to main attractions.
Crafting a Rennes Itinerary Worth Raving About
Rennes is, without a doubt, one of those rare European cities where family-friendly isn’t just a marketing phrase — it’s woven into the city’s very fabric. Over years of traveling with my children and countless client recommendations, I’ve learned that the best trips aren’t about checking off lists, but creating moments that linger in the heart.
Our very first spring afternoon in Rennes encapsulates this perfectly. After dropping our bags, we took a slow walk to Parc du Thabor. My youngest ran ahead, chasing birds, while my oldest discovered a rose arch framing the skyline. An elderly musician played the accordion nearby. We sat on the grass, absorbing the scene—time slowed down, and Rennes felt like a warm embrace.
That’s what I want for every family traveling here: a city that invites you to pause, to explore at your own pace, and to find magic in unexpected corners. Rennes’s compactness makes it ideal for balancing energetic kid explorations with quiet adult moments. The city’s accessibility, friendly locals, affordable prices, and cultural richness make it a true gem.
So, when planning your Rennes trip, keep it loose, pack comfortable shoes, and follow your children’s curiosity—it often leads to the best memories. Whether you’re savoring a warm crêpe, wandering through centuries-old streets, or watching your kids’ eyes light up in a museum or park, Rennes will give you moments worth returning for.
