Are you looking for some fun things to do in the Dordogne with kids under 12? If so, you’re in luck! The Dordogne is a beautiful region of France that offers plenty of activities for families of all ages and interests. Whether you want to explore medieval castles, paddle down scenic rivers, or discover prehistoric cave art, you’ll find something to suit your taste in the Dordogne.

Here are the best places to go in the Dordogne with kids under 12:

1. **Château de Beynac**: This impressive castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne River. It dates back to the 12th century and was once the stronghold of Richard the Lionheart. You can visit the castle and admire its medieval architecture, furniture, and weapons. You can also enjoy stunning views of the valley and the nearby village of Beynac-et-Cazenac.

2. **Château des Milandes**: This elegant castle was once the home of Josephine Baker, a famous singer, dancer, and civil rights activist who adopted 12 children from different countries. You can learn about her fascinating life and see some of her costumes, jewelry, and memorabilia. You can also watch a falconry show in the gardens and visit the exotic bird sanctuary.

3. **Les Jardins de Marqueyssac**: These beautiful gardens are located on a rocky spur overlooking the Dordogne River. They feature over 6 km of winding paths lined with boxwood hedges, cypress trees, and flowers. You can stroll through the gardens and admire the sculptures, fountains, and viewpoints. You can also visit the castle, which houses a collection of 18th-century furniture and art. For kids, there is a playground, a maze, and a via Ferrata (a climbing route with cables and ladders). Les Jardins de Marqueyssac is open all year round and costs 9.90 euros for adults and 4.90 euros for kids. In July and August on a Thursday they have Candlelight evenings with 1000 candles, music, and food. Check online for tickets and availability.

4. **Chateau de Castelnaud**: This medieval castle is situated on a hill opposite the Château de Beynac. It was built in the 13th century and was involved in many wars and sieges. You can visit the castle and see its impressive collection of weapons and armor, including catapults, crossbows, and cannons. You can also watch demonstrations of how they were used in battle. For kids, there are workshops, games, and costumes to try on. Knights and damsels walk around in the summer season to make the kids an even more interesting visit,

5. **Vieux Sarlat**: This is the historic centre of Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the most beautiful towns in France. It has preserved its medieval charm with its narrow streets, stone houses, and Gothic churches. You can wander around the town and admire its architecture, monuments, and markets. You can also visit the Maison de la Boétie, the birthplace of a famous writer and philosopher; or the Manoir de Gisson, a noble residence with a secret underground passage.

**Sarlat Market**: This is one of the most popular markets in the Dordogne. It takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in Sarlat-la-Canéda. You can find all kinds of local products, such as cheese, wine, foie gras, truffles, honey, nuts, and fruits. You can also taste some delicious specialties, such as duck confit, walnut cake, or cèpe omelet. It’s a great place to discover the gastronomy and culture of the region.

7. **Les Jardins d’Eau**: These are water gardens located in Carsac-Aillac, near Sarlat-la-Canéda. They cover 3 hectares and feature over 40 varieties of water lilies and lotuses from around the world. You can walk along wooden bridges and paths that cross ponds and streams filled with fish and frogs. You can also see bamboo groves.

8. **Parc Madeleine**: This is a fantastic park with tree-top adventure courses, zip lines, climbing walls, trampolines, and more. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and challenge yourself and your kids. There’s also a playground, a snack bar, and a picnic area. Parc Madeleine is open from April to November and costs 18 euros for adults and 14 euros for kids.

9. **Aqua Park Junior Land**: This is a water park specially designed for kids under 12. It has slides, pools, fountains, jets and games. You can relax on the sunbeds while your kids splash around and have fun. Aqua Park Junior Land is open from June to September and costs 8 euros for adults and 6 euros for kids.

10. **Le Bournat**: This is a living museum that recreates the life of a typical village in the Dordogne in the 1900s. You can see how people used to work, dress, cook, and play. You can also enjoy some traditional crafts, games, rides, and shows. Le Bournat is open from April to October and costs 14 euros for adults and 9 euros for kids.

Parc Le Bournat: This is another amusement park that offers rides, games, shows, and animals for kids under 12. You can enjoy some classic attractions like carousels, bumper cars, mini-golf, and pony rides or watch some circus acts, magic shows, and puppet shows. Parc Le Bournat is open from April to September and costs 15 euros for adults and 10 euros for kids.

11. **Gouffre de Proumeyssac**: This is a spectacular cave with amazing formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and crystals. You can enter the cave by a glass elevator or by a spiral staircase. You can also watch a light and sound show that enhances the beauty of the cave. Gouffre de Proumeyssac is open all year round and costs 10 euros for adults and 6 euros for kids.

12. **La Roque-Gageac**: This is one of the most beautiful villages in France, nestled between the river and the cliffs. You can stroll along the narrow streets, admire the old houses, visit the exotic garden, or take a boat ride on the river. La Roque-Gageac is free to visit and offers many activities and restaurants.

13. **Lascaux IV**: This is a replica of the famous prehistoric cave that contains some of the oldest paintings in the world. You can see the animals, symbols, and scenes that were drawn by our ancestors more than 17,000 years ago. You can also learn more about the history and culture of the cave in the interactive museum. Lascaux IV is open all year round and costs 20 euros for adults and 12 euros for kids.

14. **Aquarium du Périgord Noir**: This is the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, with over 6000 fish and reptiles from all over the world. You can admire the colorful and exotic species, feed the carp and the sturgeon, and even touch some of the animals in the touch pool.

15. **Gabarres de Beynac**: This is a relaxing way to discover the Dordogne River on board a traditional wooden boat. You can enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and history of this area while listening to the commentary of your guide. You can also choose between different routes and durations.

16. **Lac de Pombonne**: This is a natural lake that offers a sandy beach, a swimming area, a water slide and a pedal boat rental. You can also enjoy some sports activities such as volleyball, tennis, and mini-golf, or relax in the shade of the trees.

17. **La Foret des Ecureuils**: This is an adventure park that offers various activities for all ages and levels of difficulty. You can challenge yourself via Ferrata, zip lines, climbing walls, and rope bridges. You can also enjoy a relaxing walk in the forest or a game of mini-golf. The staff are friendly and patient, and they can speak English.

18. **Le bois des Lutins**: This is a magical park that invites you to explore the world of fairies and gnomes. You can climb, slide, jump, and bounce on the giant trampoline rope net that covers the trees. You can also discover hidden creatures and secrets in the forest, such as slides, inflatables, cabins, and tunnels. The staff are welcoming and helpful, and they speak English.

19. ** Universe Land**: Are you looking for a fun and exciting day out with your family or friends? Do you love space, science, and technology? Then you should definitely check out the amusement park north of Le Bugue. It’s called Universe Land, and it’s a place where you can explore the wonders of space in a fun and educational way. You can enjoy thrilling rides, such as the Rocket Coaster, the Space Shuttle Simulator, and the Gravity Drop. You can also interact with exhibits, such as the Solar System Model, the Planetarium, and the Space Lab. You can watch live shows, such as the Space Opera, the Laser Show, and the Fireworks Display. You can also learn about the history and future of space exploration, and even meet some astronauts and scientists who will share their stories and experiences. But that’s not all! Universe Land also has other attractions that will make your day even more memorable. You can visit the Space Museum, where you can see real artifacts from space missions, such as rockets, satellites, and spacesuits. You can also go to the Space Camp, where you can participate in activities and challenges that will test your skills and knowledge as a space explorer. You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Space Café, where you can taste dishes from different countries and planets. And don’t forget to stop by the Space Shop, where you can buy souvenirs and gifts that will remind you of your amazing adventure. Universe Land is open all year round, from 10 am to 10 pm. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance, and there are discounts for groups and children. The tickets include access to all the attractions, shows, and exhibits, as well as free parking and wifi.

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