This weekend in Nantes (April 4th & 5th, 2026) is packed with springtime fun, especially around Easter celebrations! Don't miss the vibrant Carnaval des Enfants downtown on Saturday, or the Easter egg hunts happening at stunning local châteaux. We’ve filtered the best confirmed family activities for you.
See our top picks
Children's Carnival Parade
Centre-ville de Nantes
A joyful, free street parade for little ones on Saturday afternoon.
"Lucine et Malo" Children's Show
Théâtre de la Cachette
A dedicated indoor theatre performance for ages 2-8 running Saturday and Sunday.
Easter Egg Hunt in Carquefou Park
Parc du Charbonneau
An egg hunt tailored specifically for kids aged 2 to 10 on Saturday morning.
· April 4
12FREE : Join the youngest children for a joyful, family-friendly parade! Kids can march dressed up alongside floats and mascots designed just for them.This is the official launch of the Nantes Carnival, focused entirely on the youngest attendees, making it perfect for families.
: A fun family adventure set in a grand castle involving a clumsy Easter bunny and missing chocolates! This is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday weekend.It runs across both target days and provides a classic Easter setting for families near Nantes.
: A charming show for very young audiences where Malo and Lucine the water nymph need the children's help to save the river. Booking is required for this performance.It is specifically targeted at young children (2-8 years) and runs all weekend, offering a great indoor option.
: The major spring event kicks off this weekend! It’s described as a family event, featuring thematic spaces like 'family' and 'leisure' with specific children's entertainment and retro exhibits.It's a major local event running across the entire target weekend, featuring dedicated family zones.
: Go egg hunting in the beautiful park and vineyards surrounding the Château du Cléray. Make sure to book your spot in advance!A great Saturday activity focused on the Easter tradition outside the city centre.
: A fun adventure for younger kids (up to 10) to explore a delimited area of the park behind the Town Hall looking for Easter eggs. Get there early for the best start!Excellent timing Saturday morning for a focused hunt aimed at the 2-10 age bracket.
FARM SPRINGTIME PROGRAM : Enjoy visits, entertainment, and tastings across the region via the 'Bienvenue à la Ferme' network. A great way to connect with rural life this spring.This offers family-friendly farm visits happening throughout the entire weekend.
: Walk through the monumental and mystical sculptures of the park with your children and discover the history of this legendary site. Great for families with older kids.Offers a unique cultural experience connected to the famous music festival, suitable for families with teens.
BASKETRY DISCOVERY WORKSHOP : Get hands-on and learn the traditional craft of basket weaving in this workshop happening near Nantes. A lovely, quiet creative activity.Offers a tangible skill workshop running this weekend.
JESMONITE OBJECT CREATION WORKSHOP : Kids 8+ can experiment with Jesmonite—a mix of plaster and acrylic resin—to create their own cool object. A unique, hands-on crafting session in Nantes.It's a modern, engaging craft workshop available this Saturday, perfect for pre-teens.
PARENT/CHILD STREET FOOD COOKING CLASS : Work side-by-side with your child (5-12) to cook up delicious homemade burgers or nuggets. A fantastic two-hour bonding experience in the kitchen.A specific, time-bound activity on Saturday morning ideal for parents with younger kids.
ANATOLE LATUILE ESCAPE GAME : Dive into the wacky world of Anatole Latuile to find a lost map, solving puzzles in three difficulty levels, including a family setting. Great fun for older kids who like challenges.Escape games are great for mixed-age families, and the 'family' level makes it accessible this weekend.
· April 5
3: Continue the Easter celebrations on Sunday with the story of the absent-minded Easter bunny among the grand castle walls. A classic family hunt!Covers the Sunday date for Easter activities near Nantes.
: The French Solidarity Support organizes its traditional big egg hunt in the beautiful Parc du Grand Blottereau. Expect egg hunts and other fun activities!It's a large-scale, organized hunt happening right in Nantes on Sunday.
: Take the family to Planète Sauvage for a massive Easter egg hunt right in the heart of the animal park on Easter Sunday! The park is open all day.Combining a major attraction with a special Easter event on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
6: Explore the hidden spots and different facets of this location during a guided tour. This happens on the first Saturday of the month, so it fits perfectly! Reservation is required.It takes place exactly on the first Saturday of the month, April 4th, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look.
: Kick off the spring break period with unforgettable experiences centered around sharing and memory-making. This runs through May.It starts today and offers multi-day programming perfect for the school holiday period.
: Discover Nantes in a unique way with this self-guided treasure hunt focused on the animals of Anne of Brittany, perfect for younger adventurers.Perfectly pitched for ages 3-7, it allows families to explore Nantes at their own pace.
: Take a fun cruise on the water, themed for little sailors! This is a wonderful way to see the city from a different perspective.It is a recurring activity happening this weekend that promises kid-focused fun on the water.
: Test your balance across 7 varied difficulty courses at this park on the Île de Nantes. Kids must be at least 1.10m tall to participate.It's an accessible, physical outdoor activity right in Nantes open throughout the weekend.
: If you fancy a day trip, head towards Les Epesses for the incredible Puy du Fou park, featuring spectacular shows that delight all ages. Perfect for a full-day immersion into history.Though outside Nantes, it’s a world-famous park that is active this weekend and offers a spectacular full-day outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-do Easter activities near Nantes this weekend?
The top picks are the Easter Egg Hunt at Château du Cléray (Saturday) and the special Easter celebration day at Planète Sauvage (Sunday).
Are there any free events for kids in Nantes this weekend?
Yes, the highlight is the free Children's Carnival Parade (Carnaval des Enfants) happening Saturday afternoon in the city centre.
What can families with younger toddlers (under 5) do?
The theatre show "Lucine et Malo" is perfect for ages 2+, and the Children's Carnival Parade is ideal for tiny parade-goers.
