The best free activities to do with children in the Landes!

Summer is coming, and with it comes its desires and outdoor activities. Are you going on a family vacation and between rentals, activities, and various expenses, would you like some good ideas to save money during your stay in the Landes? We've prepared some ideas for you to keep you busy without spending a cent (or almost). Sometimes, obvious activities, but also good tips to know so that your vacation isn't all about spending! Let's go!

Opening photo: The Courant de Mimizan, a pleasant and exotic stroll

The beach, swimming and walking

Of course, you know, a beautiful day at the beach is free ! Bring a picnic to keep your budget under control, a beach towel, a few games for the kids, and that's it! To save money, the secret is to arrive with everything you need, so that all you have to do is enjoy the immensity of the dunes, the beauty of the waves, and relaxing under your umbrella.

When it comes to beaches, we're the champions in the Landes. Ocean dune beaches, but also beaches on freshwater lakes, there's something for everyone and the idea remains the same: have fun for free !

Go for a walk, a stroll, a hike in the Landes

The Landes are a true paradise for walkers, but also for families. It is rather flat (except in Chalosse), sheltered when walking in the forest and the trails are well marked. You can also bring your bike or simply walk along the many cycle paths in the Landes. Ask at the Tourist Offices who offer walks with interpretation panels, it is a good way to walk while having fun, learning and it gives children a goal. All this is free!

Free treasure hunts

Do you know about geocatching ? All parents should know about this wonderful way to get children walking without tiring them out or dragging them along! In Nouvelle Aquitaine, we have the “Tèrra Aventura”, a series of treasure hunts, orchestrated by the Poïzs, which allows you to walk while learning about nature, heritage, and the history of the places visited. Download the free application on your Smartphone and let’s go!

Meet the producers and artisans

Producers and artisans often offer organized tours of their farms, workshops, or operations. Come and meet them; it's a moment of authentic and sincere sharing. Learn about their craft and their love for their land. Tours are often (not always, check in advance) free, followed by a tasting and the opportunity to buy some great products. Yes, you'll have to pay to visit the shop, but you have to eat well, and it might as well come from a local supply chain and be seasonal, right? Check out our section on tours and tastings !

Go to the market

The market is a place full of color, animation, and joie de vivre. In the Landes, there are many regional products that are worth a visit, we have very beautiful markets that are real moments of relaxation to share with children. Here are the market places in the Landes. You will find all the food trades there, but also, in season, artists and artisans. In summer, we have magnificent night markets and local producers' markets (in the evening).

Visiting the towns and villages of Landes

It's the same kind of classic as hiking, but it's so true! A nice walk in a seaside town or inland Landes, or a stroll in a village, it takes up a whole day and you can combine it with a moment of swimming and even a morning market to make a combo! Children don't really like walking in villages, don't they? So to help them, ask the Tourist Offices for a map of the town, in many villages there are games, puzzles, storytelling walks, interpretation panels of the fauna and flora...

Random ideas:

• The Flowery Walk in Mimizan, a lovely getaway which can end, for the more adventurous, with a tour of Lake Aureilhan.
• Nahuques Animal Park in Mont-de-Marsan, free entry! Walk, picnic table, animals...
• The Maison de la Photographie des Landes is a small museum run by an enthusiast near Labouheyre.
• The contemporary art forest, choose a route and let yourself be surprised by this open-air gallery!

We wish you a wonderful family vacation in the Landes!

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