The Opal Coast with Kids

Nausicaá: Europe’s largest aquarium

One of the highlights of our holiday was visiting Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer. According to the aquarium itself, it is the largest aquarium in Europe and a fantastic destination for a family day out. We had other plans for the afternoon, but the aquarium was so much fun that we ended up spending no less than five hours inside. And even then, we hadn’t seen everything!

You can wander past huge aquariums filled with an incredible variety of marine life. Among other things, you’ll see sharks, turtles, crocodiles and sea lions. One of the biggest surprises for me was the magnificent manta ray. It’s amazing to see such an impressive creature up close.
There are also various presentations and feeding sessions, including those featuring sea lions and sharks. You can check the schedule at the entrance and plan your visit around the activities you’d most like to see.

Nausicaá is spacious, with so much to discover that children can easily spend hours exploring. In addition to the aquariums, there are several restaurants and cafés, lockers for storing your belongings and a small outdoor playground. You can also bring your own food; we ate our lunch at the picnic tables. There is also a workshop area where families can take part in activities, although we ran out of time to visit it during our stay.

Practical tip: We parked in a nearby car park and paid just over €6 for approximately five hours. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance.

Parc Bagatelle: a theme park for younger children

A visit to Parc Bagatelle is another great addition to your list of family activities on the Opal Coast. This theme park is located near Merlimont, south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. We visited during the autumn school holidays, when the park had a Halloween theme. It was beautifully decorated, with actors adding to the spooky atmosphere. Our children sometimes found it a little scary. Fortunately, special badges were available for children who preferred not to be frightened. The actors respected these badges and made sure not to scare them, which was a lovely touch.

Parc Bagatelle has rides and attractions for different age groups. There are plenty of rides for younger children, as well as some more thrilling attractions for older kids and true daredevils. Our children were six and eight when we visited, and they had a great time. I think it’s particularly well suited to families with children up to around ten years old, although this naturally depends on your children’s interests and height.

One of the biggest advantages during our visit was how quiet the park was. We went on a Monday during the autumn school holidays and could walk straight onto almost every ride without waiting. Parking cost us €7.

Opal Adventure Park: climbing among the trees

If your children love being active, Opal Adventure Park is a great option. This treetop adventure park in the Opal Coast area is a fun activity for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. There are several climbing courses with different difficulty levels, so beginners and more experienced climbers of all ages can find a suitable challenge.

The best part is that you can choose which courses to try. You can complete one course, repeat your favourite or challenge yourself on several different routes. There is also a climbing wall.

Hiking in the Dunes d’Écault

The Opal Coast is not just great for families who love the beach. If you enjoy exploring nature, there are plenty of beautiful places to discover. One of them is the Dunes d’Écault nature reserve, near Écault and Saint-Étienne-au-Mont. The area features dunes, woodland and walking trails, making it a lovely place to explore with children.

When hiking with younger children, choose a route that suits their age and energy levels. Bring plenty of water and remember that walking on sand can be more tiring than walking on paved paths.

A beach day at Plage Sud d’Équihen

One of our favourite places during our holiday was Plage Sud d’Équihen. This wide sandy beach in Équihen-Plage is perfect for enjoying the fresh sea air and going for a walk.
The beach is long and spacious, giving you a real sense of getting away from it all. At low tide, there is even more room to walk, play and enjoy the views.

A beach day here is wonderfully simple when you’re travelling with kids. Bring a bucket and spade, look for pretty shells and enjoy the open space. You don’t always need a packed itinerary to have a great holiday.
Do keep an eye on the tides and sea conditions, though. The beaches along this coastline can change significantly with the tide, and the sea can have strong currents. Always follow local safety advice.

Cap Blanc-Nez: impressive white chalk cliffs

Want to see one of the most iconic landscapes on the Opal Coast? Head to Cap Blanc-Nez. Here, impressive white chalk cliffs rise high above the sea. The views are spectacular and reminiscent of the famous White Cliffs of Dover in England.

You can walk around Cap Blanc-Nez and enjoy views across the English Channel. On clear days, you may even be able to see the English coast in the distance. It’s a beautiful place for families to explore nature and take photos. With children, make sure to keep a safe distance from the cliff edges and stick to the marked paths. The cliffs are fragile, and not all edges are protected.

Want to explore more of the area? Combine a visit to Cap Blanc-Nez with Cap Gris-Nez and the bay at Wissant.

Cap Gris-Nez and Baie de Wissant

Cap Gris-Nez is another well-known headland on the Opal Coast. The landscape here is rugged, with a mix of cliffs, beaches and scenic viewpoints. It’s a lovely place for a short walk or simply to stop and admire the views. You can easily combine a visit with Cap Blanc-Nez.
Between the two headlands lies Baie de Wissant, a wide bay with a long sandy beach and dunes overlooking the surrounding coastline. When the weather is good, it’s a wonderful place to go for a walk or let the children play on the beach.

Boulogne-sur-Mer: a historic seaside town

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a lovely place to spend a few hours exploring during your holiday on the Opal Coast. We walked through the historic town centre and along the medieval ramparts. We also visited the Notre-Dame Basilica. The church is impressive, and our children always enjoy stepping inside a church when we’re exploring somewhere new.

There is also a historic crypt beneath the basilica. These underground spaces contain ancient architectural remains, artwork and painted vaulted ceilings. Check the opening hours before your visit, as the crypt may close around lunchtime.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is also a lovely place to wander through the narrow streets and stop for a cake or pastry. We picked up a treat at Au P’tit Pâtissier.

Tip: Combine a walk through the old town with a visit to Nausicaá for a varied day out in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Château d’Hardelot: a castle with English influences

Château d’Hardelot is another interesting place to add to your itinerary. The castle is located in Condette, in a green setting south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. It has a fascinating history and combines French and English influences.
Depending on the activities and exhibitions available, you can learn more about the castle’s history and the relationship between France and England. Check the latest opening hours and details of any exhibitions or events before your visit.

Équihen-Plage: a great base for your holiday

Équihen-Plage is a coastal town that makes a convenient base for exploring Boulogne-sur-Mer, Hardelot and the southern part of the Opal Coast. You’ll find wide beaches, dunes and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a lovely place to stay if you want to alternate between active days out and relaxing by the sea.
We stayed at Le Domaine Sauvage, a holiday accommodation complex operated by Evancy. Its location was convenient for exploring different places in the surrounding area.

The accommodation is set in a natural environment near the beach and within driving distance of Boulogne-sur-Mer and Hardelot. Evancy offers different types of accommodation, including apartments and villas. For more information about accommodation options, availability and facilities, visit the official Evancy website.

Parc des Hures: a place for the kids to play

When you’re on holiday with children, it’s not just the major attractions that come in handy. Sometimes, a nearby playground is exactly what you need to round off the day. Parc des Hures is a spot near Équihen-Plage where children can play. There’s a playground, a small football pitch and an athletics track. It’s not somewhere you need to make a long drive to visit, but rather a nice option for a relaxing break during your stay. For example, if the kids still have some energy to burn after a walk on the beach.

Pizza from a vending machine and fries nearby

Here’s another handy tip if you’re staying near Équihen-Plage: Pizza 901 has a pizza vending machine that’s available 24 hours a day. The idea is simple: you can pick up a pizza whenever it suits you. This can be especially convenient when travelling with children and you don’t feel like cooking or going out for a full meal. And the kids think it’s great fun! Friterie 901 in Équihen-Plage is another place to get chips (fries) and snacks. It was closed during our visit, so check in advance whether it’s open

Extra tip: further along the French coast

If you have more time and fancy exploring further along the coast, take a look at the area around Bois de Cise near Ault, south of the Opal Coast. This coastal area is known for its white chalk cliffs and green, wooded slopes. The landscape is reminiscent of the Normandy coast and is beautiful for anyone who enjoys discovering dramatic coastal scenery.

Bois de Cise is quite a bit further south than Équihen-Plage. I’d therefore recommend including it if you’re planning a longer road trip along the French coast, rather than as a short excursion from your accommodation on the Opal Coast.

Practical tips for a family holiday on the Opal Coast

How long do you need?

I would recommend spending at least a few days on the Opal Coast. A long weekend is ideal if you mainly want to visit a few beaches and one or two attractions. With a week, you’ll have more time to mix nature, towns, beaches and activities. Keep in mind that Nausicaá can easily take up most of a day. It’s also best to set aside a full day for a visit to Parc Bagatelle.

What can you do on a rainy day?

The weather on the Opal Coast can be unpredictable. Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do when the sun isn’t shining. Nausicaá is an excellent option, as you can spend hours exploring indoors. Visiting a historic castle or museum can also be a good alternative, depending on opening hours. Ideally, save beach walks, dune areas and scenic viewpoints for a day when the weather is good enough to enjoy the outdoors.

Is the Opal Coast suitable for young children?

Yes, the Opal Coast is a lovely destination for families with young children. You can play on the beach, go for short walks and visit a variety of attractions. Parc Bagatelle is particularly appealing to families looking for a theme park with plenty of rides for younger children. Nausicaá is a great choice for kids who are interested in animals and the underwater world. Families who enjoy being active can also visit adventure parks and nature reserves.

Where is the best place to stay?

That depends on what you’d like to do during your holiday. If you mainly want to explore the area around Boulogne-sur-Mer, Hardelot and the southern Opal Coast, Équihen-Plage is a convenient base. We stayed at Le Domaine Sauvage, operated by Evancy. You can browse the different accommodation options and check current availability on the Evancy website.

Conclusion: Is the Opal Coast a good destination for families with children?

In my opinion, the Opal Coast is a surprisingly lovely destination for a family holiday. You’ll find wide sandy beaches, impressive white chalk cliffs, beautiful nature reserves and plenty of activities to keep you entertained for several days. We really enjoyed our stay in Équihen-Plage and the trips we took around the area.
Nausicaá was definitely a highlight. We spent five hours there and still hadn’t seen everything! Parc Bagatelle was also a fun day out with the kids. The Opal Coast is a great choice if you’re looking for a seaside holiday within relatively easy reach of the Netherlands, where you can combine beaches, nature and fun family activities.

My tip: Don’t plan every day down to the last detail. It’s the combination of an outing, a walk by the sea and time to play on the beach that makes a holiday on the Opal Coast so enjoyable.

Have fun exploring this beautiful stretch of coastline in northern France!