Give me five…days out for kids

1. Les Bains de Saint Thomas

Our children, aged 2 and 4, were absolutely bowled over by being able to swim outdoors in these thermal spas and see snow on the surrounding hillsides. The pools are nestled within a stone amphitheatre – not much used when we went in February but I guess it would be a good place to sit in summer. There are two large pools, one with jacuzzi jets, plus a smaller round and shallow plunge pool especially for children. Mine spent hours jumping in off the side. The water is as warm as a bath at between 34 and 38 degrees centigrade and allegedly has healing, relaxing and pain relieving properties. I can verify the relaxing part - Mark was the only one who stayed awake in the car on the way home.

 For frazzled mums, there is a steam room and spa downstairs offering treatments (if you can offload the kids on someone else). The changing rooms are a little challenging with children if you can’t bag the family one, but there is a small café area for post-bathing hot chocolates.

 The baths are signposted off the main road from Prades up to Font Romeu and are easy to find.

  Click here to see the official "Bains de Saint Thomas" website. 

 2. Casteil Animal Park

Tucked away in the tiny, picturesque village of Casteil, just past Vernet-les-Bains, this is a most unlikely spot for a small zoo boasting lions, bears, monkeys, lynx, a rheumatic camel and much more. Aside from the animals it is a lovely scenic stroll with a choice of the shorter 2.5km circuit or the larger 3km circuit. The zoo is literally perched on the side of a mountain so the walk is pretty steep – my 2 year old was ok with it (with a few interspersed shoulder rides from Daddy) but I wouldn’t take my just-shy-of-70 year old father.

We managed to bump our little buggy round too, although we were advised at the entrance to use one of their robust baby carriers instead. Highlight of the day for my 4 year old was 4pm feeding time for the lions and watching the daddy lion devour whole chickens at 1m distance (there was reinforced – I hope - glass between them!).

There is a small shop at the end for postcards, general zoo-like gifts, drinks and well-deserved snacks.

Click here to go the zoo's own website (in French only).

  3. Lake at Saint Jean Pla de Corts

Signposted Plans d’Eau off the main road from Le Boulou to Saint Jean, there are two pretty lakes here – the perfect place for picnics, summer swims, leisurely strolls and fishing. One of the lakes is dedicated to the latter, and the anglers amongst you are spoilt for choice with rainbow trout, barbel, chub, roach, gudgeon and eels up for grabs.

During the summer months there is a lifeguard at the swimming lake as well as pedaloes for hire and I’ve even seen bouncy castles for the kids on occasion. The lakeside restaurant is a pleasant and shady place under the trees for a bite to eat of the “and chips” variety or a cold beer, as well as the essential drinks and ice creams.

For the more adventurous, there is an adventure park next to the lake – Les Aventuriers de Saint Jean - suitable for children from 4 years up with a Tyrolean splash across the lake, tree top rope ladders and those trampolines with harnesses where your kids can show off their acrobatic skills. 

4. Children’s Farm, Saint André

 This farm is set up as an association with the aim of preserving rare breed farm animals and traditional methods of farming. It boasts 300 animals over 3 hectares of farmland including cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, donkeys and chickens. Children can pet the animals (if they dare, mine are always a little apprehensive!) and learn about caring for and feeding them. The farm also runs bread, butter and paper-making workshops on request. Parking is free, there is a small shop for drinks and a nice shady picnic area with play area for the kids.

Open all day from 10am – 7pm in July and August, out of season the farm is only open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2.30pm to 6pm, except during school holidays when they are open every afternoon.

To get there take exit 9 from the RN114 between Elne and Argelès, and follow the signs to “Ferme de Découverte” from the roundabout.

5. Magic Park – Perpignan

It does sometimes rain in the Pyrénées-Orientales so here’s an indoor activity for those wet days when you need to get out of the house to avoid being driven round the twist.

Located right next to the well-signposted Palais des Expositions in Perpignan, the Magic Park is my idea of absolute hell, but the children adore it. Full of bouncy castles, ball ponds, an inflatable slide and four large trampolines, there’s plenty to do to burn off that excess energy. There is a small café where you can get hot and cold drinks and snacks and the couple who run it are extremely friendly. It’s also a good place for children’s birthday parties if you, like me, were silly enough to have children in the winter when you just can’t guarantee fine weather for parties outside!

Entrance is 7 euros each – on the pricey side but worth it to preserve your sanity on rainy days and ensure a good night’s sleep all round.