Overnight trip to Calais with young kids

[Flowerpetal2]

Thinking of doing a couple of nights away, getting the ferry to Calais with the kids (3 and 5). Mainly for a little adventure as Dover isn’t far from us. Anyone done this and recommend? What did you do there/where did you stay?

If you don't mind a slightly longer crossing, I'd suggest Boulogne instead. It's a much prettier town, and has a famous sea-life centre. Here's a comparison.
dover-calais vs dover-boulogne

I'm very close to Dover and have heard numerous times that Calais is the Dover of France - so if you can go a bit further afield in France I would. Dover is not a particularly pleasant place!

I'd second that- don't stay in Calais, it's not terribly pretty. Bologne is lovely, as is Le Touquet a bit further along.

I love Le Touquet! Calais I’m afraid is a bit of a shithole.

Go to Wimereux. Its half an hour drive from Calais and a lovely seaside town. Calais is OK (had a lovely lunch there) but it is just ok.

Le Touquet is great for kids, but I would say more enjoyable in the summer. Boulogne is worth a trip just for the amazing aquarium and there is a castle you can walk along the ramparts.

I don’t think there is a direct crossing to Boulogne anymore. You’re much better off getting the tunnel to Calais as you’ll be there in 35mins and you don’t have to deal with the faff of even getting out of the car!

If you’re going nearer to Christmas Calais would be fun for children. There’s a little market, a dragon train along the seafront and a big wheel. I think Calais is a bit underrated, definitely much better than Dover! Or if you want to be really Christmassy, Bruges is under a 1hr30 drive from Calais.

Le Touquet or Fort Mahon/Baie du Somme on Pas de Calais. Great for walks, bird spotting, steam train, sandy beaches, Bagatelle theme park, aquarium. Pierre et Vacances have self catering properties with pools along that stretch of coast, all within an hour or so’s drive of Calais.

Yes sorry happy to drive a bit further than Calais! Didn’t want too far though as would only go for a few nights but will look up all these suggestions thank you.