A fantastic family day at Parc Merveilleux

By Rute Vendeirinho

With summer almost over and school starting within a few weeks, make the most of the remainder of the holidays with an action-packed visit to Luxembourg's Parc Merveilleux.

The Bettembourg-based venue is the most well-known animal park in the Grand Duchy with animals from five different continents. And a visit can be as lively and interactive as you want, thanks to these handy suggestions.

Organise a scavenger hunt

First of all, parents, you have some homework to do. To get the most of your visit, find pictures of animals online and print them off so your kids can play a fantastic animal scavenger hunt. The park includes lamas, kangaroos, goats, parrots, wolves, cows and meerkats, among others so there are plenty to choose from.

The children's playground at Parc Merveilleux The children's playground at Parc Merveilleux

Feeding time

Be sure to arrive early in the morning and go straight to the big playground by the cafeteria. Let the kids run free while you enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Afterwards, why not give your children a chance to get up close to the animals by feeding them? The shop nearby sells small bags of animal food for specific animals.

When it is finally family feeding time, the park has an excellent picnicking spot past the playground, the parrots and goats. If you bring along a rug and your own food, the area provides tables and lots of shady spots to enjoy your lunch.

Storytelling and trains

After visiting the animals, be sure to call in at the lovely fairytale houses, where your children can see their fantastic characters and listen to the tales in Luxembourgish, French or German.

At the restaurant area, you will then have the chance to visit the exotic animals building or continue along the other side of the park and take a small train ride. The train is great fund for youngsters and even babies are permitted to ride (with an adult).

Other features

Art in the Park

Throughout the year the park is filled with fun animal related sculptures that your children are free to run around and discover.

There are also paintings to discover, with a new artist's work being put on display every few months.

Adopt an animal

Well, it's not quite adoption but animal fans can virtually adopt their favourite animals or give them as gifts by making a donation (starting at 30 euros). It's a fun way to make a donation to the park while keeping your child interested in animals as they receive a certificate and their name will appear on a special list.

Important information

Opening times: 9.30am to 6pm, from March 28 until October 11, 2015.

Entry is 9 euros for adults, 6 euros for children.

Address: route de Mondorf, L-3260 Bettembourg

www.parc-merveilleux.lu