The D-Day landing sites and the battle of Normandy with children

©Coraline et Léo – Arromanches

There are still many vestiges of this period in the Normandy region : bunkers, elements of the Atlantic Wall, remains of the artificial harbour at Arromanches ; all D-Day landing sites that can be discover with children.

In addition to history lessons and films on the Second World War, what could be better than to come to Normandy with your family to visit the sites and museums of the D-DAY.

This article presents a non-exhaustive selection of museums and memorial sites to explore with children and teenagers at Juno, Sword, Gold, Omaha, and Utah.

©Coraline et Léo

This radar station at the D-Day Beaches consists of converted authentic bunkers and is particularly popular with teenagers.

This museum is a great choice for introducing children to real bunkers. Through nine underground rooms and an outdoor trail, visitors can learn about the lives of the German soldiers who monitored the airborne troops using several long-range radar systems.

If you’re visiting with young children, be sure to check out the reenactment weekend held every year in mid-June for the D-Day Festival Normandy, featuring military vehicles and displays of World War II artifacts.

Please note that not all bunkers are accessible with a stroller. We recommend using a baby carrier instead.

©Les Conteurs – Grand Bunker, Ouistreham

• Grand Bunker, Ouistreham : the museum dedicated to the Atlantic Wall is located in the former German headquarters, a 17-meter-high structure that commanded the batteries along the Orne estuary. Spanning five floors, the rooms have been meticulously reconstructed : engine room, armory, infirmary, observation post…

• Merville Gun Batterie, Merville-Franceville : this formidable German Army fortification was located on the eastern flank of the Allied landings. At this preserved historic site, an educational trail invites you to explore the history of the Battery as you walk among the various blockhouses. The educational booklet allows children to explore on their own during their visit. The sound-and-light show immerses you in the atmosphere of the moments leading up to the battery’s neutralization (not recommended for sensitive children).
  

©Thomas Le Flo’ch – British Normandy Memorial

• British Normandy Memorial, Ver-sur-Mer : overlooking the Gold Beach sector, the Memorial invites visitors to reflect and remember the thousands of young British soldiers who fell in battle during the Battle of Normandy. Recently unveiled, this memorial offers a magnificent view of the artificial harbor to the west and, at low tide, of the oyster beds.The Winston Churchill Centre at the entrance to the memorial is free to visit. It features two galleries, an educational space, and a café serving snacks and drinks seven days a week throughout the summer.

• Arromanches 360, circular cinema : The film “The 100 Days of Normandy” immerses viewers in the heart of a terrible battle. On 9 circular screens, 19 minutes of previously unseen archival footage chronicles the 100 days of fighting. Not recommended for children under 8. In the village, the Arromanches Museum is also family-friendly. The films are particularly well-made and help visitors understand the preparations for Operation Overlord and D-Day. An audio guide has been specially designed for children ages 6 to 10.

©Valentin Pacaut – The Explorers – Pointe du Hoc site

• Pointe du Hoc site, Cricqueville-en-Bessin : the site was a strategic stronghold of the German fortifications along the Normandy coast. Today, this site – which is open to the public – features the remains of the German artillery battery as well as the deep scars left by the fierce fighting that took place there on June 6 and 7, 1944, claiming the lives of 135 Rangers. Work is scheduled for 2026 and 2027, with limited access.

• Omaha Beach American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer : the white headstones of 9,387 soldiers who fell in battle are perfectly aligned.

• German Military Cemetery, La Cambe : nearly 21,300 German soldiers are buried here.

©Danielle Dumas – Airborne Museum

• Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mère-Eglise : this museum offers a spectacular exhibition experience that lets visitors relive the D-Day landings alongside American paratroopers. Ask at the reception desk for the museum’s touchscreen tablet – included in the admission price – designed for children and teenagers. Through immersive scenes and 360° reenactments, children will be transported to the heart of Normandy in 1944. Before leaving, stop by the church in Sainte-Mère-Eglise. It was there, on the night of June 5–6, 1944, that John Steel, the famous American paratrooper, remained hanging from the roof of the church.

• Normandy Victory Museum, Carentan-les-Marais/Catz : the museum brings to life the two months following the D-Day landings through 27 realistic, sound-enhanced displays and more than 15,000 authentic historical artifacts, mannequins, and military vehicles. Children will be able to handle certain objects, such as helmets, replica weapons, and various pieces of equipment.

• D-Day Experience, Carentan-les-Marais/Saint Côme du Mont : this interactive museum space dedicated to airborne troops combines education with innovation. After attending Colonel Wolverton’s briefing, families take their seats in a 4D flight simulator to relive the crossing of the English Channel. The film D-Day Normandy 1944, shown in 3D on a giant screen, offers a unique visual and auditory experience.

If your kids and teens are dragging their feet at the thought of visiting multiple museums, we have a few ideas for activities and guided tours that offer a unique and fun way to learn about D-Day, such as :

• climbing aboard an authentic 1940s jeep at Juno Beach,
• climbing into the cockpits of World War II aircraft like the Spitfire at the D-Day Wings Museum (Bretteville-sur-Ordon)