Here’s to bringing the kids to ‘romantic places’ in 2024! I had been putting off a trip to the enchanting Alsace region waiting for the perfect time to take a couple’s trip. Well, I tired of waiting and decided to turn a Colmar with kids trip into a larger family road trip through Luxembourg, Eastern France, and Western Germany.

I’ll let you in on a secret. The charm and enchantment of these beautiful French towns is even more accentuated with two curious and innocent kids leading the way. I’m excited for you to experience the same.

Colmar is known for its colorful half-timbered houses, charming canals, and rich history. It’s also a great destination for families! In this guide, I’ll share the best activities and attractions to enjoy in Colmar with kids.

Colmar with Kids

Why Colmar is Perfect for Families

Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Colmar with your kids:

Central Location: Colmar is a great jumping off point to explore Alsace’s most beautiful villages. Accommodations are affordable, there are enough restaurants that you don’t need reservations unless you’re visiting on the peak weekends of the year, and there are tons of playgrounds too! Our favorites are mentioned below.
Family-friendly attractions: Colmar has a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, ranging from museums, to playgrounds, to nearby theme parks that will all keep your little ones entertained.
Easy to navigate: The city is compact and easy to explore, making it convenient for families with strollers or young children. Plus, the canals add an extra element of fun as you can take boat rides to get around Colmar with kids.
Safety: Colmar is a safe and peaceful city, with low crime rates. This makes it a worry-free destination for families day and night.
Rich culture and history: Colmar has a unique blend of French and German influences, making it a great opportunity for kids to learn about different cultures and history.

The Best Things to do in Colmar with Kids

I recommend at least two days in Colmar with Kids to soak in a lot of what it has to offer. We stayed for five nights using it as a home base as we explored other Alsatian cities as well. Here are the top activities I recommend:

The Miniature Train Tour

The Miniature Train Tour takes you on a delightful journey around Colmar with kids, allowing you to explore the city’s main landmarks and attractions in a fun and interactive way.

Kids will love the novelty of a train ride and the chance to see the city from a unique perspective. Ask them to point out every stork they can spot!

Research in advance if the green train or white train is more cost effective depending on who is traveling with you (ages). The tours themselves are very similar in content and duration.

Tip for visiting: Try to catch the train early in the day to avoid crowds and secure a good seat for the best views.

The Statue of Liberty Trail

Americans (including us) are often surprised to find Lady Liberty all over Colmar! Ask your kids to keep their eyes peeled for these triangle emblems on the sidewalks.

The sculptor of the Statue of Liberty was from Colmar, Auguste Bartholdi. By following the triangles, you are taken to some of the most historic monuments of the city.

In addition, just outside Colmar you’ll find a roundabout with a 12 meter replica of the Statue of Liberty. This replica of the iconic Statue of Liberty was gifted to France by the United States to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. It stands proudly in Colmar as a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations.

Finding these triangles on the sidewalks became a fund scavenger hunt on our visit to Colmar with kids.

Playgrounds for Your Time in Colmar with Kids

Parc du Champ de Mars

Parc du Champ de Mars offers a wide range of recreational activities for children, including playgrounds, carousel rides, and open spaces for picnics and games. My 5 year old quickly befriended locals to join in a game of fútbol.

On summer days, the fountains make for a great spot to cool off.

It’s a great place for kids to run around and burn off some energy while parents relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Stationary bikes are available for parents to get some movement in instead of sitting idle on a park bench.

Tip for visiting: Pack a picnic lunch, some adult beverages, and spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the park. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and hats for sun protection.

Aire de Jeux

A wooden playground suitable for all ages. My kids enjoyed the seesaw which seems to have disappeared as a playground stable back home.

Montagne Verte

A great rope play structure for the climbers or older kids in your family.

The Covered Market (Marché Couvert Colmar)

Marché Couvert Colmar is a vibrant indoor market where you can find a wide array of local produce, delicious treats, and traditional Alsace delicacies. Head to the bakery for one of the best croissants I’ve ever had, it’s the one covered in sliced almonds!

This market is a great opportunity for kids to explore different flavors without the commitment of a sit down meal. Ask them to choose a produce item they’ve never seen before to try.

Tip for visiting: Encourage your children to engage with the vendors and ask questions about the food. It’s a fantastic way for them to learn about different ingredients and culinary traditions. Bonus points if they use a few French words which tend to win over the employees.

Maison Pfister

Maison Pfister is a beautifully preserved historical house that offers a glimpse into the past.

There’s not much to engage kids here, but it is centrally located and easy to plan into your walking route so you can check out this historic gem. Our kids are always appeased with a gelato refill.

Kid Friendly Meals

In our experience, France is more welcoming to little diners than many American restaurants. So you don’t have to be too particular about the restaurant you choose, however, these two were very laid back and had menu items to please our 2 and 5 year olds. Brasserie des Tanneurs and Le Petit Tanneur are family-friendly restaurants that serve delicious Alsatian cuisine. The cozy atmosphere and kid-friendly menu options make it an ideal place for a relaxed family meal. Parents can enjoy regional specialties while kids have their favorite dishes.

In the summer, these two adjacent restaurants share patio space in a courtyard.

Looking for more? Au Chasseaur and Restaurant Au Koifhus are excellent options for eating with the family without breaking the bank.

As a general tip, you’ll find good food at great prices at places called “Winstubs.” These were previously wineries that stared serving food to bring more people in to try their wines. The prices are generally affordable. Just check the ratings before selecting one.

Wondering what type of Alsatian foods kids will actually eat?

Flammekueche (also known as Tarte Flambee): This is an Alsatian thin pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons. It’s a delicious and kid-friendly dish similar to pizza.
Bretzel: Freshly baked and soft pretzels, these are a popular street food in Alsace. They can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings.
Vol-au-vent: A puff pastry filled with sweetbreads (or another piece of veal, or chicken), béchamel sauce, and mushrooms. The creamy filling and flaky pastry are sure to be a hit with kids.
Spaetzle: These are small, soft egg noodles or dumplings that are often served with cheese or as a side dish with meats1.
Mauricettes (also known as Pretzel Bread): These bread rolls have the taste and texture of a soft pretzel. They’re a versatile snack that can be filled with ham, cheese, or whatever your child likes.

La Petite Venise

You cannot leave Colmar with kids without exploiting the photogenic La Petite Venise for a family photo op.

Amusement Parks

Take a day trip to one of the amusement parks in the area.

Europa Park

If you’re traveling with older kids or a wide range of kids, it might be worth splurging on an adrenaline pumping Amusement Park like Europa Park in Rust, Germany. They also run a water park called Rulantica.

It’s about a 50 minute drive from Colmar to Europa Park.

Cost: Adults (12+) from 58€, Children (4-11) from 49€

Cigoland

While Europa Park has a section of the park tailored to younger children, we opted for a theme park that is focused solely for young kids and charges about a third of the admission price. Plus, at Cigoland, a water play/water slide area is included in the ticket, so don’t forget your suit and towel!

I’d say there is enough to keep kids under 10 entertained. The roller coaster they had was short, but really legit thrill-wise.

Cigoland is 22 minutes’ drive from Colmar.

Cost: Adults (12+) 20€, Children 3-11 18€

Musée National de l’Automobile

If you have a car enthusiast in your travel party, check out Musée National de l’Automobile, just 30 minutes south of Colmar.

Closing Thoughts on Colmar with Kids

While I’d always imagined a trip to Alsace as a couple’s getaway, Colmar, with its charming streets and colorful houses, is a perfect destination for a family vacation. With a variety of attractions catering to children and adults alike, there is no shortage of fun-filled activities to keep your little ones entertained. Here is a guide to the top attractions to enjoy in Colmar with kids.

9 Best Spots to Visit in Colmar with Kids