Nantes with Kids Ages 8-12: Creative Workshops
Finding activities that genuinely capture the attention of children between 8 and 12 takes precision. At this age, they no longer just want to play; they want to create, understand, and make something tangible. I’ve selected four Nantes venues where they can work with materials, movement, and imagination. Here are my favorite addresses for turning their Wednesdays or weekends into productive moments.
La Petite Académie
La Petite Académie Address: 11 Rue Kléber, 44000 Nantes Google rating: 4.9/5 (204 reviews) Category: Educational institution Website: https://www.lapetiteacademie.com/petite-academie/nantes/ View on Maps
Located right in the city center, this institution offers highly structured yet accessible art instruction. Children learn the basics of drawing, painting, and sculpture in a supportive setting. It’s ideal for those who need to guide their creativity with precise techniques. The atmosphere is calm and conducive to focus, perfect for children who like to take their time.
The schedule is flexible enough to fit around school timetables. On Monday, they open from 14:00 to 17:00. Tuesday is busier, with morning slots from 09:00 to 12:00 and evening hours until 21:00, making an after-school workshop possible. On Wednesday, they are open from 09:00 to 12:00 and then from 14:00 to 18:30. It’s a reliable choice if you’re looking for a regular long-term activity.
L'Atelier des Nouveaux Arts
L'Atelier des Nouveaux Arts Address: 107 Bd de la Prairie au Duc, 44200 Nantes Google rating: 4.9/5 (100 reviews) Website: https://nantes.atelierdesnouveauxarts.com/ View on Maps
This workshop is located on the île de Nantes, in the Prairie au Duc district. It stands out for its modern approach to visual arts. Here, children explore different mediums and are encouraged to experiment. For ages 8 to 12, it’s a chance to move beyond traditional paths and discover contemporary art forms adapted to their age.
The venue is closed on Monday, which is common for small independent workshops. On Tuesday and Wednesday, however, the doors are open from 10:00 to 12:00 in the morning, then from 13:45 to 20:30 in the evening. This wide evening time slot is convenient for parents who work late. The location near the Loire also makes it possible to combine the workshop with a walk along the water before or after the session.
Cwtch Atelier Céramique
Cwtch Atelier Céramique Address: 24 Rue Armand Brossard, 44000 Nantes Google rating: 4.8/5 (195 reviews) Website: https://cwtch-atelierceramique.fr/ View on Maps
If your child likes getting their hands into clay, this is the place to go. Ceramics is an extremely rewarding activity for 8- to 12-year-olds because it combines patience, technique, and a concrete result. At Cwtch, the atmosphere is warm and the welcome is personalized. The instructors take the time to explain the fundamental movements of wheel throwing or hand-building.
Like many art workshops, Cwtch is closed on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the hours are the same: from 10:30 to 12:30 in the morning and from 14:00 to 17:00 in the afternoon. These time slots are perfect for Wednesday afternoons. Note that firing and picking up finished pieces follow a specific schedule, so be sure to check the timing carefully when you register.
Môm'Nantes
Môm'Nantes Address: 150 Rue des Pavillons, 44100 Nantes Google rating: 4.1/5 (15 reviews) Category: Leisure park Website: https://momartre.net/ouest/mom-nantes-bellevue-chantenay/ View on Maps
For a more playful and less academic approach, Môm'Nantes offers a space with games and varied activities. Located in Bellevue - Chantenay, it’s a leisure park that suits families looking for a relaxed activity. Although the rating is more modest (4.1/5), the place remains a valid option for keeping children busy on rainy days or during school holidays.
The hours vary depending on the day. On Monday, it is open from 10:30 to 19:30. On Tuesday, opening starts slightly earlier, at 10:00, until 19:30. On Wednesday, the key day for children, the doors open from 08:00 and close at 19:00. That makes it possible to come early in the morning if you have another activity planned for the afternoon, or the other way around.
Practical Tips
To get between these places, the tramway is your best friend in Nantes. La Petite Académie is accessible via city-center stops such as Commerce or Graslin. L'Atelier des Nouveaux Arts and Cwtch Atelier Céramique are well served by tram or bus lines heading toward the île de Nantes or the southern city center. Môm'Nantes, located in Bellevue, often requires taking the bus or driving, although tram line 1 passes nearby.
Local tip: always book in advance, especially for ceramics workshops and structured art classes like those at La Petite Académie. Places fill up quickly, especially for Wednesday afternoon slots. Also remember to check for exceptional closures during school holidays, even if the hours listed above are the standard weekly schedule.