11 tolle Aktivitäten mit Kindern: Jenseits von Strand und Pool
11 Fun Things to Do with Kids on the French Riviera
The French Riviera is wonderfully easy to enjoy with children. Of course, there are the beaches — and on a sunny day, you may not need anything else — but when the children fancy a change of scenery, there is plenty to discover.
From adventure parks in the forest and spectacular aquariums to water parks, caves, islands and fun things to do in Nice and Cannes, here are some of our favourite family activities on the Côte d’Azur. Most make an easy day trip from Théoule-sur-Mer, so you can combine a little adventure with plenty of time by the Mediterranean.
1. Le Bois des Lutins – an enchanted forest of adventure
Le Bois des Lutins in Villeneuve-Loubet is a giant adventure playground set in the forest — and it is one of those places where children can happily spend hours.
The park is built around the trees, with enormous netted walkways connecting tree houses and platforms. There are giant slides and tunnels leading back down to the ground, along with huge inflatables, wooden games, unusual swings and plenty of other playful surprises.
There is even a giant hamster wheel!
Because much of the park is shaded by trees, it is particularly pleasant on a warm summer day. In spring or autumn, bring an extra layer as it can feel cooler in the forest.
You can bring your own picnic or buy something at the snack bar, making it easy to spend most of the day here.
And the best part? The park is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family — from little ones to adults who are secretly just as excited about the slides.
2. Musée Océanographique de Monaco – discover the world beneath the sea
Perched dramatically on the cliffside in Monaco, the Musée Océanographique de Monaco is spectacular even before you walk through the doors.
The museum has an impressive collection of marine curiosities, aquariums and exhibitions, while younger children can enjoy discovering the underwater world through interactive experiences and family-friendly areas.
Among the highlights are the aquariums, where you can see colourful Mediterranean and tropical marine life, as well as fascinating creatures from around the world.
The building itself is also part of the experience. From the roof terrace, there are extraordinary panoramic views over Monaco and the Mediterranean.
It is an especially good choice for a day when you want to combine something educational with a little wow factor. And, of course, you can always finish with a stroll through Monaco afterwards.
3. Cycle, skate or stroll along the seafront
Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones children enjoy most.
The seafront promenade at Cagnes-sur-Mer is ideal for cycling, rollerblading, scooting or simply going for a walk beside the Mediterranean. There is plenty of space to let the children burn off some energy while adults enjoy the sea views.
You can do something similar in Cannes, where the wide pavement along La Croisette is perfect for a family stroll, or in Nice along the famous Promenade des Anglais.
In summer, combine your walk with a swim or an ice cream stop — because no family holiday on the Riviera is complete without at least one ice cream that is considerably larger than originally intended.
4. Le Village des Fous – for children who like their adventures slightly crazy
If the name Le Village des Fous — the “Village of the Crazy People” — doesn't already give you a clue, this is not your average playground.
The park is packed with unusual and slightly eccentric activities. Depending on the age of your children, they can tackle labyrinths and physical challenges, pedal karts, water games, slides, rope courses, giant tyres, crazy mirrors and all sorts of wonderfully strange contraptions.
One of the attractions is a flying bathtub. Yes, really.
You can either tackle the labyrinth before entering the main park or bypass it and go directly to the activities.
It is particularly good on a hot summer day, when the water attractions become part of the fun. Bring swimsuits, towels and plenty of sunscreen.
5. Parc Phoenix in Nice – animals, tropical plants and plenty of space
Just opposite Nice Airport, Parc Phoenix is a lovely family-friendly escape from the city.
The seven-hectare botanical park combines beautifully landscaped gardens with an impressive collection of plants and animals. One of its most spectacular features is the enormous pyramid-shaped greenhouse, which recreates several different climatic environments.
Inside and around the park, children can discover a fascinating variety of animals and birds, while the gardens provide plenty of room to wander and explore.
There are also playgrounds for younger visitors, making this a particularly easy-going family outing.
Bring a picnic if you like, or stop at the café for something to eat. It is a good option when you want a day that is interesting without being exhausting.
6. Take the little train through Nice
For younger children, sightseeing can sometimes become a little too much sightseeing.
The Nice tourist train is a fun way to see some of the city's highlights without requiring little legs to walk the entire way.
Afterwards, head towards the Promenade du Paillon, one of Nice's most enjoyable public spaces. The fountains and water jets are irresistible to children in summer, so bring swimsuits and a towel if they are likely to get involved.
You can combine this with a visit to the Old Town, a walk through the flower market area and, of course, an ice cream.
It is an easy way to give the adults some sightseeing while making sure the children have something to look forward to as well.
7. Aquasplash in Antibes or Aqualand in Fréjus – a day of water and slides
When temperatures rise, a water park can be exactly what everyone needs.
Aquasplash in Antibes offers a wide variety of waterslides, from gentler attractions for younger children to much more adventurous rides for older kids and teenagers. There is also a dedicated children's area.
In the height of summer, these parks can become busy, so arriving early is a very good idea.
Another option is Aqualand in Fréjus, with attractions ranging from children's slides and family rides to more adventurous water slides.
Aqualand also has a picnic area, as well as places to buy food and drinks.
For both parks, remember the essentials: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and a willingness to get completely soaked.
8. Pitchoun Forest – adventure in the trees
Pitchoun Forest is a treetop adventure park designed for children as well as adults.
The different courses include rope bridges, ladders, zip wires, wooden tunnels, swings and other obstacles, with different levels of difficulty depending on age and ability.
The courses are designed with children's safety in mind, and participants are secured throughout the activities.
One of the nice things for parents is that you do not necessarily have to take part in every obstacle yourself. You can accompany the children and help them from the ground or nearby when needed.
There are also places to sit and relax, making it possible for the whole family to enjoy the outing even when everyone has a slightly different idea of what constitutes “fun”.
9. Canyon Forest – for older children and adventurous families
For older children and teenagers, Canyon Forest offers something considerably more adventurous.
Set in a forest and canyon environment, the park combines climbing and treetop challenges with more demanding outdoor activities. There are several courses with different difficulty levels.
This is one for children who enjoy being active, climbing, balancing and generally testing their courage — rather than sitting quietly admiring the scenery!
Age and height requirements apply to the different activities, so check the current conditions before you go.
Wear comfortable sports clothes and proper closed shoes, and take plenty of water. And allow enough time to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings as well as the activities themselves.
10. Île Sainte-Marguerite – an island adventure from Cannes
A family day on Île Sainte-Marguerite is one of our favourite ways to escape the busy coastline in summer.
The ferry from Cannes takes only a short time, but suddenly you are somewhere completely different: a peaceful, wooded island crossed by shady paths and surrounded by the clear waters of the Mediterranean.
The island is home to Fort Royal, famously associated with the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. Children can explore the historic fortress while the adults enjoy the views and the history.
But the real attraction for a family day out is the combination of nature, swimming and adventure. There are rocky coves, pine trees and paths to explore, and you can easily find a quiet spot for a picnic and a swim.
There is food available on the island, but we recommend bringing a picnic, plenty of water and everything you need for a beach day.
Once back in Cannes, you can finish the day with a walk along La Croisette and perhaps make a little game of finding the handprints of famous actors along the Chemin des Étoiles.
11. Les Grottes de Saint-Cézaire – a journey underground
When you want to escape the heat, head underground.
Les Grottes de Saint-Cézaire are located near Grasse and offer a fascinating family excursion beneath the surface of the Riviera.
Guided visits take you through an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and other remarkable rock formations. The caves are around 40 metres underground and have a pleasantly cool temperature throughout the year.
Bring a light jacket or sweater, even in the middle of summer, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
It is a particularly good choice for a hot afternoon — or for a rainy day when everyone has had quite enough of the beach.
Family holidays on the French Riviera
One of the great things about staying on the French Riviera is that you don't have to choose between a relaxing beach holiday and an active family adventure.
From Gaia's Villas in Théoule-sur-Mer, you can spend the morning swimming in the Mediterranean, have lunch overlooking the sea and then head off for an afternoon of adventure, animals, water slides or a little sightseeing.
And on days when everyone simply wants to stay at the villa, there is always the pool, the beach and the very important business of deciding where to go for dinner.
That, after all, is also part of a successful family holiday.