Zoos, Parks & Adventure
No pool at the Hotel?
Head to the ‘Centre Aquatique du Lac’. Completed in 2006, there are five different pools to accommodate all ages including a 50 metre lap pool. Opening and closing times vary, check the website before you go. Usually 8am to 12 then 2pm till 8pm times vary from winter to summer.
www.vert-marine.com
275 ave de Grammont, Tours, t: 02 47 80 78 10
Zoo de la Fleche
Situated in a little village, around an 1.5 hours drive from Tours Centre, this zoo is also well maintained and provides a comfortable wilderness environment for their Big Brown Grizzly Bears and White Polar Bears. Free jumping castles, numerous food outlets and picnic areas. Hourly shows featuring eagles and Marine animals.
www.zoo-la-fleche.com
Zoo Beauval
There are enough animals here to put a smile on everyone's face. Well maintained with lots of interaction with farm animals and a fine seal and falcon show. However there's very little cover in the arena, so bring lots of sun block and hats if you want to sit through the shows comfortably.
www.zoobeauval.com
Relax in the sun
Jardin des Prebendes & Jardin Botanqiue are two very classical French parks, ‘Prebendes’ has over 5 hectares of beautiful grounds and rare trees. Its a wonderful spot for a picnic by the lake and plenty of space for kids to run and feed the ducks.
The ‘Botanique’ is home to a number of animals and bird life, there’s a pen to pat rabbits and goats, you can also see kangaroos, emus and even a lonely brown bear which looks a little out of place in the beautiful park.
Prebendes - between rue Boisdenier and Roger Salengro
Holly Park
Situated in the grounds of a chateau, I've not been so can't comment but its one of those fun filled places for kids I'm sure.
www.hollypark.fr
La Vallée des Singes
Further afield from the chateaux of the Loire you can spend a day with monkeys. Large open spaces with several picnic areas, good isn't great at the Cafeteria so you may want to pack a lunch but don't let the monkeys know about it or you'll be, let's just say..... more than very popular.
www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr
Le Gureau 86700 Romagne t: 05 49 87 20 20
Fantasy Forest
For the young and the 'young at heart'.
www.fantasyforest.fr
Chateau des Thomeaux, 37530 Mosnes