Family days out around Baie de Somme are easier to plan when you separate full-day trips from shorter local activities. Parc Bagatelle, Parc Saint Paul, Nausicaá, Samara, the Baie de Somme tourist train and Belle Dune Aquaclub do not suit the same type of day.
Some places are worth a full day. Others work better when the weather is uncertain, when you want to reduce driving time, or when you need an easy activity between two visits. The right choice depends mainly on the children’s ages, the weather and where you are staying.
Information checked in July 2026: opening times, ticket prices, ride access and activity programmes can change during the season. Check the official websites before booking or driving to a site.
How to choose the right family outing
From Le Crotoy or Fort-Mahon-Plage, Parc Bagatelle is easier to add to a stay than from Cayeux-sur-Mer. From Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, the tourist train or a nature-focused outing often involves less driving. If the weather turns wet, Nausicaá and Belle Dune Aquaclub are usually easier choices than an outdoor park.
For rides Choose Parc Bagatelle, or Parc Saint Paul if you are heading towards Beauvais.
For a covered day Nausicaá is the strongest option when the weather is poor.
For nature and discovery Samara combines walking, reconstructed habitats and archaeology.
Parc Bagatelle: a full amusement-park day
Parc Bagatelle is in Merlimont, on the Opal Coast. It is not in Baie de Somme itself, but it can work well if your children want rides, family attractions and a full amusement-park day.
Check the opening calendar, online tickets and height restrictions before leaving. From Le Crotoy, Fort-Mahon-Plage or Quend, the drive is easier than from the southern side of the bay.
What about Parc Saint Paul?
Parc Saint Paul is in the Oise department, near Beauvais. The official website lists more than 35 attractions, shows, free parking and picnic areas. It can be useful if you are staying south of the bay or want another day of rides, but from Le Crotoy, Fort-Mahon-Plage or Quend, Bagatelle is usually the simpler option.
Nausicaá: the best large covered outing
Nausicaá, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, is a useful choice when rain or wind makes outdoor visits less appealing. It is a full outing rather than a quick stop, especially once you include the drive, parking, entry time and visit duration.
Book online during school holidays and busy weekends, then check the day’s opening times before leaving. It is one of the easiest options to keep in mind for a wet-weather day from the northern side of the bay.
Samara: nature, heritage and Prehistory
Samara is in La Chaussée-Tirancourt, near Amiens. It is quieter than an amusement park and focuses on Prehistory, reconstructed habitats, outdoor spaces and demonstrations.
Samara suits families who enjoy walking, observing and learning through demonstrations. Check the programme before you go, because the visit is more interesting when activities are running during your time slot.
Train, pool and nature: easier local options
If you prefer to limit driving, the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme is easy to organise around Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Noyelles-sur-Mer, Le Crotoy or Cayeux-sur-Mer, depending on the timetable. It also leaves part of the day free.
Near Fort-Mahon-Plage and Quend, Belle Dune Aquaclub has a heated covered area, wave pool, slides, whirlpools and outdoor pools. Check the opening times and access conditions before travelling.
For outdoor days, keep the classic Baie de Somme options in mind: Parc du Marquenterre, Pointe du Hourdel, short walks, beaches at low tide and village visits.
| Outing | Choose it if | Check before leaving |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Bagatelle | You want a full day of rides and attractions. | Calendar, tickets, height restrictions. |
| Parc Saint Paul | You are heading towards Beauvais and want another amusement park. | Driving time, calendar, tickets, height restrictions. |
| Nausicaá | You want a large covered outing linked to the sea. | Entry slot, prices, visit duration, parking. |
| Samara | You want an outdoor heritage and Prehistory visit. | Activities, opening times, weather, time on site. |
| Baie de Somme train | You prefer to stay in the bay and reduce driving. | Departure station, timetable, return journey, booking. |
| Belle Dune Aquaclub | You are near Fort-Mahon-Plage or Quend and want a pool activity. | Opening times, access, prices, busy periods. |
Questions to ask before booking
What is the best family outing around Baie de Somme?
Parc Bagatelle or Parc Saint Paul work well for a full day of rides. Nausicaá is better for a large covered visit. Samara suits families interested in heritage and Prehistory. If you want to stay inside the bay, look at the tourist train, Marquenterre or a short walk.
Is Parc Bagatelle in Baie de Somme?
No. Parc Bagatelle is in Merlimont, on the Opal Coast. From Baie de Somme, it is best planned as a full-day outing, especially if you are staying around Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Cayeux-sur-Mer or Abbeville.
What can families do when it rains?
Nausicaá is the strongest covered option among the larger outings. Belle Dune Aquaclub can also work if you are staying near Fort-Mahon-Plage or Quend. Check opening times before leaving, as they change during the season.
Should family outings be booked in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for Parc Bagatelle, Parc Saint Paul, Nausicaá and popular activities during holidays or weekends. For the Baie de Somme train, check the timetable and online ticketing before planning your day.
Useful sources before your outing: Parc Bagatelle, Parc Saint Paul, Nausicaá, Samara, Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, Belle Dune Aquaclub.