Colmar in 2 Days for Families - Petite Venise (Little Venice) canals and stroller-friendly riverside walk
A gentle, stroller-friendly 2-day plan for families visiting Colmar in May. Pacing includes short transfers, regular breaks for snacks/naps, and kid-friendly meals and activities suitable for toddlers through pre-teens.
Highlights
- Petite Venise (Little Venice) canals and stroller-friendly riverside walk
- Interactive play at Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum)
- Major art and easy family trails at Musée Unterlinden
- Hands-on living history at Écomusée d'Alsace (short drive)
- Short scenic Petit Train ride — easy on little legs
Itinerary
Day 1
Gentle arrival day with an easy introduction to Colmar's canals, the tourist train (short ride), a relaxed family lunch, hands-on toy museum time, playground/snack breaks, and an early picnic dinner near the Old Town.
Petit Train Touristique — short scenic introduction to Colmar
45-minute sightseeing train that loops through central Colmar — perfect first activity for kids to see the town without tiring little legs.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 2–10: toddlers enjoy the motion and older kids like spotting landmarks. Bring a light blanket for stroller naps — the seats can be breezy in May evenings.
- Line-up: arrive 10–15 minutes early to pick seats toward the front for best views; seats are easy to step onto with a stroller (fold and keep stroller at train base if required).
- Toilets: public WC near the main boarding point (town center) — change diapers before boarding to avoid searching mid-ride; carry small snacks as the ride has no provisions.
Walk through Petite Venise (Little Venice) — stroller-friendly riverside route
Slow-paced walk through Colmar’s prettiest quarter with canals, half-timber houses and frequent photo/stopping points for kids to look at ducks and boats.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: stick to the main riverside promenades (flat cobblestone sections) and avoid narrow alleyways with steps; late morning is less crowded than midday.
- Snack stop: bring or buy a small treat (ice cream or pastry) from a nearby bakery and sit on the low river walls — great calm moment for toddlers aged 1–6.
- Shade & toilets: benches with partial shade appear along the canal; nearest public restrooms are at the riverside parking area and near the tourist office if you need changing facilities.
Family lunch — Brasserie Schwendi (classic Alsatian dishes, kid-friendly)
A casual Alsatian brasserie with hearty options and familiar dishes for children. Staff are used to families and high chairs are typically available.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' options: request simpler portions (tartes flambées cut into small pieces) and ask staff about allergies — they are used to adapting dishes.
- Seating & stroller tip: ask for a corner table to park a folded stroller beside you; lunchtime is busy — reserve ahead for a weekend.
- Restrooms & changing: the restaurant has indoor toilets; if you need a changing table, ask staff — they can direct you to the nearest family restroom if required.
Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum) — hands-on discovery for younger kids
A small, family-focused museum of toys with displays that delight toddlers to early elementary kids — allows for controlled hands-on time and short, engaging visits.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 2–10 — interactive, colorful exhibits keep little attention spans engaged; plan 60–90 minutes and follow the child-friendly path.
- Stroller & space: museum spaces are compact; use a sling or fold a stroller at the entrance if exhibits are narrow, and carry small water/snack to avoid meltdowns.
- Facilities: staff are welcoming to families — ask for quieter times (early afternoon on weekdays) and the nearest family restroom/changing facilities if needed.
Play & rest at Parc du Champ de Mars — playground and open lawns
Short outdoor break in a local park with space for kids to run, shaded benches for caregivers, and a safe play area — ideal for an afternoon snack or short nap in a stroller.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller naps: the park’s lawns and shaded areas are perfect for a 20–40 minute stroller nap—bring a lightweight blanket and hat for sun protection in May.
- Playground safety: supervise toddlers at the small play area; the ground is mostly soft grass but hold hands near paths and the small fountain.
- Snack & toilets: there's typically a kiosk or nearby café for drinks; nearest public toilets are by the park entrance — good moment to change diapers before continuing.
Old Town & Maison Pfister stroll — gentle sightseeing with photo stops
Wander the pedestrian lanes past decorated merchant houses and the Maison Pfister, keeping the pace slow and stopping for gelato or postcards.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for all ages: short, flat circuits with multiple bench breaks so toddlers and older kids can stay comfortable — keep water on hand.
- Photo moments: Maison Pfister front is an easy photo stop; arrive before late afternoon for better light and fewer crowds for family pictures.
- Shops & toilets: many small shops have bathrooms; ask politely if you need to use them — bakeries in the area are helpful for quick allergy-aware snacks (plain bread or fruit).
Early evening relaxed picnic dinner near the canal (self-provisioned)
Pick up local bread, cheese, cold items or sandwiches and picnic by the canal for a relaxed family dinner (short walk from Old Town).
Tips from local experts:
- Easy logistics: buy food from a nearby bakery or the covered market earlier (see Day 2 market) and spread a blanket — May evenings are mild but bring a light layer.
- Allergy-aware: bakeries can supply plain bread and fruit; request ingredient lists if anyone has allergies and avoid raw salads for young children.
- Toilets & lighting: choose a picnic spot close to a public restroom and within well-lit areas near the riverside; leave 20–30 minutes for cleanup to relax before bedtime.
Day 2
A museum morning, local market snacks, and a short scenic transfer to the Écomusée d'Alsace for hands-on living history (great for animal-loving kids), then return to Colmar for a restful family dinner.
Musée Unterlinden — family-friendly highlights tour
Short guided or self-paced visit focusing on accessible highlights (including the Isenheim Altarpiece) with quieter rooms and seating for children to rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 6+ for artwork context, while toddlers still enjoy the architecture and quieter galleries — limit to 60–90 minutes to match attention spans.
- Stroller advice: the museum is mostly accessible but some galleries have narrow sections — a lightweight stroller or baby carrier is easier for moving through rooms.
- Family resources: ask the desk for family trails or child-friendly maps; museum staff can indicate the calmest rooms if a child needs a quiet corner.
Marché Couvert (Covered Market) — snack, local produce, and allergy-friendly buys
Browse stalls for fresh fruit, sandwiches, pastries and takeaway items; a quick, sensory-friendly stop for short snacks and to pick up picnic supplies if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid-friendly bites: choose plain fruit, roasted chicken stalls or simple sandwiches for picky eaters; vendors usually accommodate ingredient questions for allergies.
- Crowd & stroller tip: aim for mid-morning before lunch rush; the market aisles are roomy but narrow during peak times — fold the stroller if it's busy or take turns browsing.
- Quick facilities: there are public toilets nearby and benches at the market edges for quick snack stops or for someone to rest while another shops.
Light lunch / pastry break — Pâtisserie Gilg (family-friendly pastries and sandwiches)
A local patisserie with pastries, sandwiches and simple savory items; great for picky eaters and a quick, relaxed sit-down before a short transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' preferences: order plain sandwiches or a small pastry and a fruit cup — staff can often advise on less sugary options for young children.
- Seating & stroller: limited indoor seating on busy days; get takeaway and sit at a nearby bench or at the market if seating inside is full.
- Allergy note: bakeries can often point out items without nuts on request — ask staff specifically if allergies are a concern.
Transfer to Écomusée d'Alsace (short scenic drive) — family travel time
Drive to the Écomusée d'Alsace in Ungersheim (about 30–40 minutes) — a living-history open-air museum with animals and hands-on demonstrations.
Tips from local experts:
- Travel prep: pack car-friendly snacks, water, and a small activity (book/toy) for a calm drive; schedule a bathroom stop before leaving Colmar.
- Stroller friendly: bring a foldable stroller — the Écomusée paths are mostly stroller-accessible but can be gravel in places.
- Timing: leave after a light lunch to arrive around the museum’s quieter mid-afternoon hours; this reduces waiting for demonstrations popular with children.
Écomusée d'Alsace — open-air living museum with animals and crafts
Hands-on experience of traditional Alsatian village life with farm animals, craft demonstrations, and open spaces — ideal for children to explore and burn off energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Best ages: 2–12 — younger children love animals and outdoor play; older kids enjoy demonstrations (bread making, blacksmith) and interactive exhibits.
- Stroller & accessibility: most main paths are stroller-friendly; bring a carrier for small children if you plan to visit tighter craft workshops.
- Practicalities: bring sun protection and water in May; check the daily demo schedule on arrival so you can time animal feedings or craft shows without long waits.
Return transfer to Colmar (short drive back)
Drive back to Colmar with a child-friendly pace — allow time for a short restroom/snack stop if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a rest stop: if kids are restless, stop at a small service area or viewpoint along the way for 10–15 minutes to stretch.
- Stroller ready: fold the stroller while boarding the car to avoid fuss at the end of the day.
- Evening wind-down: use a calm playlist or quiet activity to help kids relax and be ready for a family dinner in Colmar.
Family dinner — La Maison des Têtes (relaxed hotel-restaurant with classic Alsace options)
Comfortable restaurant in the Old Town; easy atmosphere for families with a mix of familiar and local dishes and space for strollers with reservation.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve ahead: request a ground-floor table with space for a stroller and ask about a children's portion or simpler plates.
- Menus & allergies: staff are accustomed to family requests — ask them to simplify sauces or remove an ingredient for allergy concerns.
- Pacing: allow this to be a relaxed meal to review the day; request a quieter corner so children can linger without disturbing others.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Culture, Break, Attraction, Meal, Shopping, Transfer |
