With Kids in Manosque
Updated: Apr 30, 2021
What can you do with young children in & around Manosque?
Have you recently had a newborn or moved to this region with a young toddler, child or a teenager in tow? Whether you're looking for play-dates, activities or parks, here is a list of spaces around town perfect for families and expecting couples.
P.S This post is NOT about daycare. Blog about daycare to come!
1. Patati Patata - a cute little space run by volunteers inside the "centre ville" (downtown) of the old historic town. Only for kids from 0 - 4 years old. Each child needs to be chaperoned by a parent or a permitted baby-sitter. Limited space (different during pandemic and non-pandemic period). A great space to make friends for both kids & adults. The volunteers are very friendly & helpful and try to speak English to help you as much as possible.
Timings:
Monday: 14.30 - 16.30
Tuesday: 9.30-11.30
Wednesday: 9.30-11.30
Thursday: 9.30-11.30
Friday: 14.30 - 16.30
Saturday: Once a month (first weekend) from 14.30 - 16.30
Address: Place Marcel Pagnol, Manosque (near Café du Coin)
“I made my first friend in Manosque at Patati Patata! I heard her speaking in English to her kids and voila, we connected straight away!" -Michelle C, Expat living in Manosque."
2. Playground inside the old historic town
There is a small, outdoors play-gym suitable for toddlers and young children. A lot of the times when Patati Patata is full and the weather isn't too cold, you'll see parents with little kids hanging out around here.
Most suitable for children from 2 to 5 years old.
Near Patati Patata and the restaurant "Le Petit Provençal"
3. Centre de L'enfance, Robert Honde
A bigger indoors & outdoors play area for children most suitable for 1 - 12 year old kids. There are lots of toys, games, little scooters, cars and generally merriment available for kids. The people who run the place are warm and great with kids. Always interested in meeting parents and kids from different cultures but they mainly speak French (a little bit of English / Spanish).
The inside play area is called Ludothèque. 1 euro entry for kids who can walk. Free for non-walking babies. You can borrow any of their toys or games for about 3 weeks at 1 euro.
They also organize activities all year round.
Centre de l'Enfance is the host of Ludothèque, Manosque Vacances and Centre Aéré (after-school daycare & extra-curricular activities).
Ludothèque Timings: during school period (période scolaire)
Tuesday: 9.30-11.30 am | 4.30 - 6.30 PM (but 6.00 PM during COVID)
Wednesday: 9.30-11.30 | 4.30 - 6.30 PM
Friday: 9.30-11.30 am | 4.30 - 6.30 PM
Ludothèque Timings: during school holidays (les vacances scolaires)*
Tuesday: 4.30 - 6.30 PM (but 6.00 PM during COVID)
Wednesday: 4.30 - 6.30 PM
Friday: 4.30 - 6.30 PM
*(basically, they don't work mornings during the school break)
Address: Ludothèque de Manosque
Centre de l’enfance Robert Honde
Place Pierre de Coubertin 04100 Manosque
Tél. 04 92 70 34 00
near La Ponsonne school & Les Comptines day-care
An association that is dedicated to developing children's love for reading, learning & books. They organize projects, talks, events and activities for kids and adults all around Reading & Books. It's mainly run by warm volunteers who have the same passion and dedication to children and books.
They run "street libraries" every Wednesday mornings at Place des Observantins (at the foot of Tour Saint Lazare) from 11 am - 12 pm. Toddlers are welcome.
CONTACT
T. 04 92 71 01 79
Address: Centre culturel et littéraire
3, Bd Elemir Bourges, 04 100 Manosque
Libraries are always lovely whether for a rainy day or in the spring, and this library has a lovely collection (French) for young kids, teenagers and adults. In addition, they show exhibitions and hold workshops / events (pre-COVID). Click on the heading to go to the link.
Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 13h – 18h30
Wednseday: 10h – 18h30
Thursday: 13h – 18h30
Friday: 13h – 18h30
Saturday: 9h – 18h30
Sunday: Closed.
Tariffs :
Free to enter and browse.
To be able to borrow books, a yearly membership is required.
15€/ adult (from 25 years of age and above)
Free for youngsters before 25 years old as well as job seekers and beneficiaries for certain under social regimes.
Address:
Rue du Mont d'Or, 04100 Manosque
6. Parc de Drouille
Outdoors park near downtown area (behind Monoprix and close to La Vie Claire). There is a playground for kids to play in, open field and and a stadium where festivals or concerts sometimes take place. There is also free parking available (something not always available near the centre-ville).
Suitable for all types of children. Open field is great for young kids as well as teenagers, whereas the playground is most suitable for children from 2 - 7 years old.
Address (Parking): Allées Alphonse Daudet, 04100 Manosque
7. Les Vannades
A popular large outdoors lake with many playgrounds, a lovely cafe that is open only in the summertime, and plenty of space for anyone and everyone to go and breathe in a deep, fulfilling breath of fresh air. There are ducks, activities (summertime) and lots of families and runners that frequent the place.
The playground is most suitable for children from 2 - 7 years old.
Everywhere else is good for people from 0 - 100!
(Google Images)
8. Manosca Parc
A fun indoors (and a bit outdoors) soft-play for young kids, perfect for winter. With inflatable castles, slides, obstacles with colorful balls and soft landings, this is a family-run soft-play area for kids starting from 1 to 7 years old. They have some snacks and drinks available inside, and also have rent for birthday parties.
Entry price 6.5 euros / child for the day.
Unfortunately, this place may be temporarily closed due to COVID, however the info will be updated once restrictions are lifted.
702 Avenue du Moulin Neuf, 04100 Manosque
9. Parc Corbière
A real getaway for kids just 15-20 minutes away from Manosque. A large landscaped park with playgrounds & merry-go-rounds for children, a mini farm with farm animals, as well as educational & fun shows by presenters in the park.
Ticketed entry and opening hours depend on season (& Covid)
10 euros / person
5 euros for children 23 months & younger
Free for children under 18 months
Address: Le Moulin, 04220 Corbières
10. Horse-riding / Pony riding
A popular sport for children and adults as we live in the beautiful countryside of Provence. There are many associations and companies that offer this equestrian delight. Here is a quick image mapping out the different places possible to find them around town:
11. Lots more activities & clubs - Le Forum des Associations (Manosque)
Every year there is the 'Forum des Associations' (Forum of Associations) at Parc de Drouille for the full day, which allows everyone to enter for free and discover the local associations / organizations. For young and old, in sports, culture, the arts, solidarity, youth, social… there will be something for everyone! Click on the heading to go directly to the page.
If you'd like to add on to this list, please don't hesitate to contact us! Additionally, if you know of activities to do with kids in another town nearby, please write to us! The more info out there, the better! Email expatsinandaroundmanosque@gmail.com
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