Lille is a great family weekend destination that you can discover across all seasons. Less than one hour train journey from Paris or Brussels or a little more than one hour from London, Lille offers quite a lot of Indoor activities and attractions suitable for children. If you are looking to take the family for an authentic French weekend break, Lille might be the right destination. Located in the North of France, the city is easily reachable by train with only 45min journey from Brussels, 1h15min from London with Eurostar and 1h from Paris. In 2004, the town was designated the Capital of Culture by the European Union. Since then, it has attracted more and more family travellers who are looking to find a great destination weekend break. So what is worth to do with the family?

Luckily, BabyBreaks has done the hard work for you, and researched the best things to do in Lille.


Where to Stay in Lille with Children

Family Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in Lille


1. Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille

With a permanent collection of different artworks from Flemish paintings to Middle Age artifacts, this massive building is in itself a piece of work. There is enough space for children to wander around or sit on several benches inside the museum. Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille is must do activity in the morning, especially on a rainy day!

Address: Place de la République, 59000 Lille, France

Website: www.pba-lille.fr/en

Opening Times: Monday from 2pm to 6pm and Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

Closed on Tuesdays, 1 January, 1 May, 14 July, the first weekend in September, 1 November, 25 December.

2. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is a great place to let your kids learn about animals in a very much traditional 19th century mood. Don’t expect a big museum but enough to have your kids standing by vivariums, stuffed animals, dinos and more. Also the museum is FREE every first Sunday of the month.

Address: 19 Rue de Bruxelles, 59000 Lille, France

Website: www.mhn.lille.fr

Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm & Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10.00am until 06.00pm. Closed on Tuesday, 1 January, 1 May, 14 July, Monday following the Braderie Flea Market, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December.

3. Metro Bowling

There is not much to say about this activity as it speaks for itself. Why not take a couple of hours having fun on a bowling lane and introduce this game to your children.​ Metro Bowling has 36 lanes over 3 floor levels. Last but not least, they have lanes specifically designed and dedicated to children from the age of 4.

Address: 17 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 59000 Lille, France

Website: www.metrobowlinglille.fr

Opening Times: visit their website for more info

4. Bookstore Furet du Nord

You might wonder why do we list a bookstore on the top 5 activities to do in Lille. Well, Furet du Nord is one the largest bookstore in the world spread on 8 floors. It also has a very large collection of children’s books available for all age groups. So why not buy a book or two to introduce the French language to your toddler or your pre-teen. And for all book lovers, you need to see this store once in your lifetime.

Address: 15 Place Charles de Gaulle, 59800 Lille, France

Website: www.furet.com/blog/nos-magasins/furet-du-nord-de-lille/

Opening Times: From Monday to Saturday 09.30am until 07.30pm. Closed on Sundays

5. Saint Sauveur Train Station La Gare Saint Sauveur

This former train station hosts different exhibitions throughout the year with also concerts, a cinema (which could be privatised for a birthday party) and a nice restaurant-bar called Bistro de St So where you can drink local beers. And yes this venue is kid-friendly and if you go in the winter you might experience some iceskating!

Address: 17 Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, 59800 Lille, France

Website: www.lille3000.eu/gare-saint-sauveur/2018

Opening Times: Wednesday until Sunday from 12pm until 7pm. Closed on Monday & Tuesday

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