Strasbourg family guide
Strasbourg is a compact, flat city wrapped by the River Ill, with half-timbered Petite France, a pink sandstone cathedral and storks nesting in the parks. In December the whole old town turns into one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, with gingerbread, carousels and a giant tree on Place Kléber. Outside the festive season it is calmer, cheaper and easy to explore on foot or by tram in two or three days.
Create a Strasbourg activity book
Best ages
Children of 4-8 love the carousels, the astronomical clock parade and the storks; older kids enjoy climbing the cathedral's 332 steps to the platform.
Stroller
The centre is flat and trams are step-free, but Petite France has cobbles and market crowds in December make strollers slow; a carrier is easier in the evenings.
Take this guide on the trip
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Travel journal for Strasbourg Packing list for StrasbourgTop things to do in Strasbourg with kids
Christkindelsmärik and Place Kléber tree Ages all ages
Walk the market from Place Broglie to the cathedral square, ride a carousel and taste warm gingerbread; go before 4 pm on weekdays to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Cathedral astronomical clock Ages 4+
At 12:30 the apostles parade past Christ and a rooster flaps its wings; tickets for the show are a few euros and sell out on December weekends, so book online.
Batorama boat trip Ages all ages
A covered boat loops around the island past Petite France and the European Parliament, with an audio guide for children; about 70 minutes and €10-17 per person.
Parc de l'Orangerie storks Ages all ages
Free park with stork nests on rooftops and trees, a playground and rowing boats on the lake in warm months; storks are most visible from February to August.
Le Vaisseau science centre Ages 3-12
A hands-on science museum built for children, with water, building and animal zones; entry is about €12 per person or €40 for a family of four.
Rainy-day and cold-day options
Musée Zoologique
Renovated natural history museum with big animal dioramas, free for under-18s.
Musée Alsacien
Old Alsatian rooms, toys and costumes in a riverside house, quick to visit with kids.
Le Vaisseau
Indoor science playground near the Rhine where children can spend a whole cold afternoon.
A simple first day
- Morning
- Walk from the cathedral to Petite France and watch the lock bridges turn for boats.
- Afternoon
- Catch the 12:30 clock show, then ride Batorama for a warm seated tour.
- Evening
- Wander the lit Christmas market streets and share a tarte flambée for dinner.
Getting around
The old town is walkable in 15 minutes end to end; CTS trams A to F link the station, Homme de Fer and the Rhine side with step-free stops.
Food kids like
Kids usually love tarte flambée (flammekueche), soft pretzels, bredele biscuits and the little brioche men called mannele; restaurants serve lunch 12-14 and dinner from 19.
What Strasbourg costs for a family
About €150-230 a day for a family of four, excluding lodging; December prices run higher.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Batorama boat trip (adult / child) | €15-17 / €8-10 |
| Le Vaisseau family ticket (4 people) | €40 |
| Tram 24-hour ticket | €4.50-5.50 |
| Tarte flambée to share | €10-15 |
City museums are free for under-18s, and the CTS trio ticket covers up to three people for 24 hours. Prices are typical ranges checked for 2025–2026; confirm current prices before you book.
Safety notes
- December market crowds are dense, so agree a meeting point like the Kléber tree and keep phones and wallets zipped.
- Trams are quiet and fast, and cyclists use many lanes, so teach kids to look both ways on every crossing.
- Winter days are damp and near freezing, so pack hats, gloves and waterproof boots; tap water is safe to drink.
What's inside the Strasbourg activity book
A personalized printable book for one child (or up to three with Family), built around Strasbourg: landmark spotting, a 12-item scavenger hunt, a local food tasting page, local phrases and a quiz. Print it at home before you leave and bring a pencil.
Missions
- Stork spotter
- Christmas market detective
Landmarks to find
- Strasbourg Cathedral
- Petite France
- Place Kléber Christmas tree
- Ponts Couverts
Foods to spot or taste
- tarte flambée
- pretzel
- gingerbread
- bredele biscuits
Words to try
- Bonjour Hello
- Merci Thank you
- S'il vous plaît Please
- Oui Yes
Mini €5.90 (10 pages), Adventure €9.90 (25–28 pages) or Family €14.90 (up to three children). One-time purchase, no subscription; the book is printed at home in English.
Create a Strasbourg activity bookQuestions parents ask
Is Strasbourg good for young children?
Children of 4-8 love the carousels, the astronomical clock parade and the storks; older kids enjoy climbing the cathedral's 332 steps to the platform.
Can you use a stroller in Strasbourg?
The centre is flat and trams are step-free, but Petite France has cobbles and market crowds in December make strollers slow; a carrier is easier in the evenings.
How much does a family day in Strasbourg cost?
About €150-230 a day for a family of four, excluding lodging; December prices run higher. City museums are free for under-18s, and the CTS trio ticket covers up to three people for 24 hours.
When is the best time to visit Strasbourg with kids?
Best months: December, May, June, September.