Keeping the youngest ones entertained is often the key to a successful holiday. Finding a balance between parents' desire for discovery and children's need to let off steam can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, central Vendée is packed with fun, sporting, and educational activities all within a 20-minute drive of the campsite.
Here is our selection of 5 ideas for keeping children entertained while camping «Tested and approved by the L'Ambois team to guarantee smiles for children and complete peace of mind for parents.
1. Place Napoléon: Mechanical Magic at the Heart of the City
This is often the first «must-see» outing for our little campers. Located just 8 km from the campsite (about 10 minutes by car, or half an hour for brave families by bike via the cycle paths), Place Napoléon is a huge urban playground.
Here, the imagination of Jules Verne meets the genius of François Delarozière. Children can take control of giant mechanical animals hidden in the pools: a crocodile that snaps its jaws, a hippopotamus that blows water, a perch that jumps, or even an owl that turns its head. Everything is done simply, by operating levers at the edge of the pools.
The Ambois Council: The activity is completely free and open to everyone. While the children are being amazed, parents can enjoy the many terraces that line the square. It's the ideal outing for a relaxed late afternoon after a day of driving or at the beach.
2. Le Potager Extraordinaire: Learning and Having Fun
The second of 5 ideas for keeping children entertained while camping This is our educational favourite. Just 12 km from the campsite (about 15 minutes), the Extraordinary Kitchen Garden At La Mothe-Achard, you'll find the perfect outing for a blend of discovery, games, and nature. It's not just a garden; it's a theme park dedicated to the world of plants.
Children can explore sensory trails where they can touch, smell, and sometimes even taste plants with surprising flavours (like the cheese- or oyster-flavoured plant!). They will discover giant pumpkins weighing several hundred kilos and strangely shaped vegetables. Flower tunnels and plant mazes complete the experience.
Why do we love? Children's workshops are frequent here and allow them to leave with a small plant or a natural creation. It’s an ideal activity for 4-12 year olds.
Indicative prices around €15.50 / adult and €9.50 / child (aged 5-12). Free for under 5s.
3. O'Fun Park: adventures and thrills for the grown-ups
For older children, pre-teens and teenagers who need to let off steam, head to O'Fun Park, located in Le Bernard (85560), approximately 38 km from campsite (35-minute journey). It is the largest amusement park in Vendée.
The park offers several areas for all levels:
Our tip: Plan for the whole day as the park is immense. Remember to bring closed-toe shoes for the forest and a swimming costume for water activities.
Prices: Packages from €29, depending on age and chosen activities. Online booking recommended.
4. The pool Camping: the children's headquarters
Sometimes simplicity is the key to a relaxing holiday. At Camping L’Ambois, we know that the heated outdoor aquatic area often remains the favourite spot for children, all age groups included.
The secure paddling pool allows toddlers to discover the joys of water under the watchful eye of parents lounging in deckchairs. For older children, it’s the perfect spot for a series of dives and ball games.
The little extra: No travelling, no parking worries, no extra charges. Slip on your swimwear in your mobile home or tent, and you're in the water in two minutes. It's also here, by the pool, that holiday friendships are made. While the children invent imaginary worlds in the water, parents can finally open that book they haven't had time to read all year.
5. Le Logis de la Chabotterie: Culture the fun way
Finally the last of the 5 ideas for keeping children entertained while camping is 22 km from the campsite (approx. 25 minutes), the Logis de la Chabotterie Prove that history can be fun. Far from the somewhat austere guided tours, this historic site has developed a very playful approach for families.
From the moment you arrive, children can get their hands on activity booklets or take part in digital treasure hunts on tablets. They then become real investigators following in the footsteps of General Charette. Between the French-style gardens (perfect for a bit of safe running around), the adjoining forest, and costumed events in the summer, culture becomes child's play.
The team's advice: This is an excellent alternative for a day when the sky is a bit cloudy, or if you want a break after an intense day at Puy du Fou.
Why is L'Ambois campsite well placed for this?
Camping L'Ambois was designed as a small-scale establishment, which makes all the difference for parents. Here, there are no overwhelming crowds, but a reassuring environment.
Safety and autonomy
Thanks to our limited number of locations and our woodland park setting, children can easily move between the play area, the swimming pool, and your accommodation. Parents can ease up a bit and allow children to gain autonomy within a safe perimeter.
Immediate access to services
Its strategic location at the entrance of La Roche-sur-Yon allows for quick access to all logistical needs:
Fewer journeys mean more time for playing, laughing, and enjoying time together. At the end of the day, while coastal campsites are still subject to the noise of the seaside, you'll find the tranquility of our woodland park. It's this clever blend of nearby activities and serene returns that makes L'Ambois the ideal place for your family holiday in the Vendée.
At Camping L'Ambois, everything is in place for children to have a real holiday... and for parents to finally switch off!
Which of these 5 ideas for keeping children entertained around the campsite will you try first?
From the moment you arrive, children can get their hands on activity booklets or take part in digital treasure hunts on tablets. They then become real investigators following in the footsteps of General Charette. Between the French-style gardens (perfect for a bit of safe running around), the adjoining forest, and costumed events in the summer, culture becomes child's play.
The team's advice: This is an excellent alternative for a day when the sky is a bit cloudy, or if you want a break after an intense day at Puy du Fou.
