Spending a family holiday on the French Riviera is the perfect way to create unforgettable memories with your children. Between the sea, nature, culture, and adventure, the Nice area is packed with activities suitable for kids and grown-ups alike. So, what can you do with children in Nice? What are the best family outings on the Côte d’Azur? Here’s our selection of the most fun and refreshing experiences for all ages.

Top 10 activities with children in Nice

1. Explore Parc Phoenix: A Zoo and Botanical Garden in the Heart of Nice

Located on the western side of the city, Phoenix Park is a must-visit for families. This 7-hectare park features a large tropical greenhouse, exotic animals (lemurs, wallabies, flamingos), and several playgrounds. A perfect outing to spark children’s curiosity while strolling through lush greenery.

2. Enjoy the Family-Friendly Beaches of the Promenade des Anglais

Some beaches in Nice are perfectly suited for children, with shallow areas, beach clubs offering supervised activities, and amenities like showers and snack bars. Private beaches like Castel Plage and Blue Beach even offer sun loungers for parents and special kids’ menus. Ideal for a relaxing family beach day on the Côte d’Azur.

3. Go Wild at Le Village des Fous in Villeneuve-Loubet

Just 30 minutes from Nice, Le Village des Fous is a wildly fun amusement park for kids (and adults too!). Giant slides, water games, mazes, treehouses—every corner of the park invites laughter and adventure. A great idea for a fun-filled family weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes.

4. Stroll Through Old Nice and Taste Local Delicacies

With its colorful alleyways and artisanal ice cream shops, Old Nice is both a cultural and culinary journey. Try local treats like socca, pissaladière, or unique ice cream flavors (lavender, melon, calisson…). A lovely walk to introduce your kids to the joys of Mediterranean cuisine during your family stay in Nice.

5. Set Out for a Sea Adventure by Boat or Paddleboard

Sporty families can rent a small boat (no license needed) or go paddleboarding along the coast. Guided excursions are also available to discover hidden coves around Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, all easily accessible from Villa Dracoena.

6. Burn Off Energy at Lake Saint-Cassien: Nature, Fun, and Water Games

Just over an hour from Nice, Lake Saint-Cassien is a true oasis for families seeking refreshment and thrills. There’s a water sports base with pedal boats, paddleboards, and kayaks—perfect for safe family fun. Kids especially love the floating aqua park and the adventure playground under the pines, featuring ziplines, rope bridges, and balance games. A perfect day out combining swimming, nature, and adventure!

7. Dive into the Ocean World at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Less than an hour from Nice, the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco is breathtaking. With giant aquariums, touch pools, and interactive exhibits, kids can learn while having fun. The museum itself, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is worth the visit alone. A perfect cultural activity for a rainy day on the French Riviera.

8. Hike as a Family in Mercantour National Park

Nature-loving families will enjoy an outing to Mercantour National Park, with its stunning landscapes and trails for all skill levels. With a bit of luck, you might spot chamois or marmots. Don’t forget a picnic by a mountain lake! A free and refreshing outdoor activity for families in the Nice hinterland.

9. Have Fun in Water and Adventure Parks

Nissa'venture in Nice or Canyon Forest in Villeneuve-Loubet offer slides, rope courses, adventure trails and water games. Perfect for letting off steam and enjoying thrills in a safe environment. A must-do for a fun-filled family holiday on the Côte d’Azur.

10. Unwind at Villa Dracoena, a Family Haven with a Sea View

After a full day of activities, what better way to relax than at the luxurious Villa Dracoena? With its spacious interiors, sea-view terrace, lush garden and proximity to all the attractions mentioned, it’s the ideal place for a successful family getaway on the French Riviera. Explore the villa and book your stay here.

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The Nice area offers countless opportunities for family fun, from nature and culture to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Nice, weekend getaway ideas, or unique experiences to share with your little ones, the Côte d’Azur has it all. By choosing Villa Dracoena as your home base, you ensure a stay that’s both comfortable and full of discovery for the whole family. Want to explore more? Check out our article on the most beautiful beaches near Villa Dracoena.

Spending a family holiday on the Côte d’Azur is the perfect opportunity to share unforgettable moments with your children. Between sea, nature, culture and adventure, the Nice region is full of activities suitable for both little ones and grown-ups. What to do in Nice with children? What are the best family outing ideas on the Côte d’Azur? Here is our selection of the most fun and exotic activities for young and old.

Top 10 activities with children in Nice

1. Explore Parc Phoenix: a zoological and botanical garden in the heart of Nice

Located in the west of the city, the Phoenix Park is a must for families. This 7-hectare park features a large tropical greenhouse, exotic animals (lemurs, wallabies, flamingos), and numerous playgrounds. An ideal outing to spark the curiosity of the little ones while strolling in a green setting.

2. Enjoy the family-friendly beaches of the Promenade des Anglais

Some beaches in Nice are perfectly suited for children, with shallow areas, beach clubs offering supervised activities, and facilities like showers or snack bars. Private beaches such as Castel Plage or Blue Beach even provide sun loungers for parents and kids’ menus. These beaches are ideal for a relaxing family day on the French Riviera.

3. A wild day at the Village des Fous in Villeneuve-Loubet

30 minutes from Nice, Le Village des Fous is a completely crazy amusement park for children (and parents!). Giant slides, water games, mazes, treehouses: every corner of the park invites adventure and laughter. A perfect idea for a playful family weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes.

4. Stroll through Old Nice and taste local specialties

With its colorful streets and artisanal ice cream shops, Old Nice is both a cultural and gourmet walk. You can try socca, pissaladière, or ice creams with original flavors (lavender, melon, calisson…). A perfect stroll to introduce children to culinary pleasures during your family holiday in Nice.

5. Go on a sea adventure by boat or paddle

Sporty families can rent a small boat without a license or go for a paddle session along the coast. Excursions with a captain are also offered to discover the hidden coves around Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, accessible from the [Villa Dracoena.

6. Exert yourself at Lac de Saint-Cassien: nature, adventure and water games

Just over an hour from Nice, the Lake Saint-Cassien is a true oasis for families seeking coolness and thrills. There is a watersports center with pedal boats, paddleboards and kayaks, ideal for safe fun. Children especially love the floating water park and the adventure playground nestled under the pine trees, with zip lines, suspension bridges and balance games. A perfect day of swimming, play and nature!

7. Have an immersive experience at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Less than an hour from Nice, the Monaco museum is spectacular. Between giant aquariums, a tactile area and interactive exhibits, children can learn while having fun. The building itself, perched on a rock overlooking the sea, is worth seeing. It's an ideal cultural activity to do with children on a rainy day on the French Riviera.

8. Family hiking in the Mercantour Park

For nature-loving families, a trip to the Mercantour National Park offers breathtaking scenery and trails suited to all levels. With a bit of luck, you may spot chamois or marmots. A picnic by an alpine lake is recommended! A free and refreshing activity to do with the family in the Nice hinterland.

9. Have fun in water and amusement parks

Nissa'venture in Nice or Canyon Forest in Villeneuve-Loubet: these parks offer slides, treetop courses, playful trails and water games. Perfect for letting off steam and enjoying thrilling experiences safely. Activities perfect for a family stay on the French Riviera.

10. Relax at Villa Dracoena, a family cocoon with sea views

After a full day, what could be better than returning to the luxurious comfort of the Villa Dracoena ? With its spacious rooms, sea-view terrace, wooded garden and proximity to all the activities mentioned, it’s the dream spot for a successful family holiday on the French Riviera. Discover the villa and book your stay here.

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The Nice area offers a multitude of activities to enjoy as a family, between nature, culture and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for outings for kids in Nice, weekend ideas for families, or original activities to discover with your little ones, the Côte d’Azur will charm you. By choosing the Villa Dracoena as your base, you ensure a stay that is comfortable, convenient and full of discoveries for young and old. To learn more about the surroundings, also check our article on the most beautiful beaches around Villa Dracoena.

Enjoy a sporty day in an open-air museum!

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior on the heights of the Bay of Cannes and nestled in a green setting, the Riviera Golf de Barbossi is a 18-hole course offering superb views of the Estérel massif and the Domaine vineyards. Its specialty: it features fairways dotted with a permanent collection of contemporary sculptures. In all, 22 original works have been installed along the course for golfers’ great pleasure. Spanning 5461 metres (par 71), the layout of the Riviera Golf alternates technical difficulties, strategic challenges and tactical choices, while keeping intact, from start to finish, the pleasure of play and of the walk.

Enjoy a sports day in an open-air museum!

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior on the heights of the Bay of Cannes and nestled in lush greenery, the Riviera Golf de Barbossi is an 18-hole course offering superb views of the Estérel massif and the vineyards of the Domaine. Its particularity: it presents fairways dotted with a permanent collection of contemporary sculptures. In all, 22 original creations have indeed been installed throughout the course for the great pleasure of golfers. Deployed over 5461 meters (par 71)The Riviera Golf course alternates technical difficulties, strategic challenges and tactical choices, while preserving intact, from start to finish, the pleasure of the game and the walk.

Thank you to all of you who stayed there and enjoyed it!

1h 30 from Nice, experience strong sensations… and some less strong ones!

In winter as in summer, La Colmiane offers a giant zipline consisting of 2 lines and a total length of 2663m that safely fly over the resort and its lakes at a maximum of 130 km/h. You will live a unique experience!

Or try the summer toboggan: monorail luge with brake and seatbelt. Again, thrills guaranteed with 1,670 m of length, 400 m of elevation change, 22 turns and a top speed of 42 km/h.

Your thirst for adventure not yet satisfied? You can then continue with the’tree-top ropes course in the adventure forest and thus move from tree to tree safely on a course of increasing difficulty. A space is dedicated to the little ones.

For the less daring, there is also the mini golf and other activities…

1h30 from Nice, experience thrills … and others less intense!

In winter as in summer, La Colmiane offers a giant zipline made up of 2 lines and a total length of 2663m which fly over the resort and its lakes in complete safety at a maximum of 130km/h. You will live a unique experience!

Or try summer tobogganing: monorail tobogganing with brake and safety belt. Here again sensations guaranteed with 1670m in length, 400m in altitude, 22 bends and a maximum speed of 42 km/h.

Your thirst for adventure is not quenched yet? You can then continue with tree climbing in the adventure forest and thus evolve from tree to tree in complete safety on a course of increasing difficulty. A space is dedicated to the little ones.

For the less adventurous, there is also mini golf and other activities…

As part of the 2022 edition of «Tous à l’Opéra», the’Opéra de Nice opens its doors to you and invites you to come and discover the rehearsals of Macbeth on Saturday, May 7. Daniel Benoin, director of the production and director of the Anthéa Theatre in Antibes, will present to you on the set the different stages of his work to mount Verdi's masterpiece.

1st session: from 10:00 to 13:00 and 2nd session: from 14:00 to 17:00

No reservations

Tickets to be collected on site on Saturday, May 7 starting at 9:30 AM in the Opera's reception hall

As part of the 2022 edition of «Tous à l’Opéra», the Opéra de Nice opens its doors to you and invites you to come and discover the rehearsals of Macbeth on Saturday May 7. Daniel Benoin, director of the production and director of the Anthéa Theater in Antibes, will present to you in the set the different stages of his work to stage Verdi’s masterpiece.

1st session: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2nd session: from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

No reservations

Tickets to be collected on site on Saturday May 7 from 9:30 a.m. in the reception hall of the Opera

Notice to food lovers: Six Nice restaurants are listed in the latest edition of the Michelin Guide

RESTAURANT WITH 2 STARS IN NICE

– Flavor : In the heart of Nice, this exceptional table offers you a culinary tour of the world. Local specialties are presented through bold pairings from other continents. A creative and warm cuisine that reinvents itself season after season. Note that the work of the Tourteaux brothers was rewarded with a 2nd Michelin star in 2018 and 4 toques from Gault et Millau the same year.
25 Rue Gubernatis

RESTAURANTS WITH 1 STAR IN NICE

– The Agitators : Near the port of Nice, between sea and mountains, a stone’s throw from the Italian border, lies a small authentic restaurant, with jasmine and climbing wisteria. At the corner of Rue François Guisol and Bonaparte hide Les Agitateurs… A newly starred establishment in Nice since 2021!
24 Rue Bonaparte

– Pure & V : Under the impetus of the young sommelier Vanessa Massé, accompanied by her chef from Denmark, this table takes you on a journey through original recipes and astonishing flavors. The menu is short, proof of a desire to work only with fresh, seasonal produce!
15 rue Bottero

– Le Chantecler : Every evening, from Tuesday to Saturday, Le Chantecler revisits the codes of haute cuisine while paying homage to regional products. The kitchen is led by Virginie Basselot, one of the figures of the new generation of the French gastronomic scene, repeatedly awarded.
37 Promenade des Anglais

– JAN : Awarded a first Michelin star as early as 2016, chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen opened this restaurant in September 2013. He serves original cuisine here, a subtle blend of French gastronomy and South African recipes dear to his childhood. The wine list also offers a selection of French and South African bottles.
12 Rue Lascaris

– L’Aromate This establishment was taken over by Mickaël Gracieux in 2018. After honing his skills alongside the greats (Charial, Robuchon, Ducasse…), the chef decided to break free and give full rein to his creativity to offer modern, creative and flavorful cuisine using fresh ingredients. A wise decision: in June 2008, Mickaël Gracieux became the first laureate of the Trophée Champagne Jacquart for the rising star of Gastronomy for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region!
2 Rue Gustave Deloye

1000 m of cumulative elevation gain, to tour the city via the hills of Nice : From Place Garibaldi, the GRP® Lou Camin Nissart will take you across the harbor and up Mont Boron to Mont Alban, Mont Vinaigrier, Cimiez, Gairaut, Saint Pancrace, Saint Roman de Bellet before descending through Magnan onto the Promenade des Anglais.

This GR forms a loop so it can be started at any point and in either direction. It can also be done in several outings, alone, with family, with friends… or as sporty hikes.

From yellow and red beacons, often in the form of adhesive labels affixed to metal posts, or stenciled onto tree trunks, indicate the route to follow

Very useful for preparing your circuit, here is a link to the hiking sheets:

1000 m of cumulative elevation gain, to go around the city through the hills of Nice: From Place Garibaldi, the GRP® Lou Camin Nissart will take you through the port and then climb up Mont Boron to reach Mont Alban, Mont Vinaigrier, Cimiez, Gairaut, Saint Pancrace, Saint Roman de Bellet before descending through Magnan to the Promenade des Anglais.

This GR forms a loop so it can start anywhere and in either direction. It can also be done in several walks, alone, with family, with friends… or on sporty hikes.

Yellow and red markers, often in the form of self-adhesive labels affixed to metal poles, or stencilled on tree trunks, indicate the route to follow

Very useful to prepare your circuit, here is a link to the hiking sheets:

https://cms.ffrandonnee.fr/data/CD06/files/GR%20NICE/rando-fiche-1.pdf   

In Nice, the first mention of Carnival dates back to 1294 when Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence, mentions his passage in the city for «the joyful days of the carnival».

Later, in 1873, the first festival committee was founded to organize the festivities. And it was on February 23, 1873 that Carnival I entered the city.

Three years later the «flower battles» were created during which 100,000 flowers are thrown to the public from the floats. 90% of these flowers such as mimosa, lilies or daisies grow on the hills of the region.

The Nice Carnival is now the largest carnival in France and one of the three largest in the world after those of Rio and Venice.

The 2022 edition, which takes place from February 11 to 27, is that of the KING of Animals.

The Corso of 1887 as told by «L’éclaireur». The Corso of 1887 as told by «L’éclaireur»

Nice floats parading in Paris for the 50th anniversary of the «Petit Journal». Nice floats parading in Paris for the 50th anniversary of the «Petit Journal»In Nice, the first mention of Carnival dates back to 1294 when Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence, evokes his visit to the city for «the joyous days of Carnival».

Later, in 1873, the first festival committee was founded to organize the festivities. And it was on February 23, 1873 that Carnival 1st entered the city.

Three years later, the «flower battles» were created, during which 100,000 flowers were thrown to the public from the floats. 90% of these flowers such as mimosa, lilies or daisies grow on the hills of the region.

The Carnival of Nice is now the biggest carnival in France and one of the three biggest in the world after those of Rio and Venice.

The 2022 edition which takes place from February 11 to 27 is that of the ROI des Animaux.

The Little Marsh of Nice is the neighborhood that extends around Place du Pin and Rue Bonaparte at the foot of Mont Boron. Its name is a reference to the Parisian neighborhood because of the presence of gay-friendly bars and restaurants. The roadway has recently been adorned with a superb azure blue color bordered by the colors of the rainbow, those of the LGBT flag. It is a very lively neighborhood during the day and especially in the evening. It contains many concentrated restaurants, bars and, continuing along Rue Bonaparte, many food-related trades.

The small marsh of Nice is this district which extends around the place du Pin and the rue Bonaparte at the foot of Mont Boron. Its name, it owes it in reference to the Parisian district because of the presence of gay friendly bars and restaurants. The roadway has recently been adorned with a superb azure blue color bordered with the colors of the rainbow, those of the LGBT flag. It is a very lively district during the day and especially in the evening. There are concentrated many restaurants, bars and in the extension of rue Bonaparte many food trades.

A museum at the foot of the Observatory's large dome: the Cité des Sciences de Nice called the Universarium.

The large dome was built by architects Charles Garnier and Gustave Eiffel. It houses one of the largest astronomical telescopes in the world.

The Observatory now also houses an educational and recreational space focused on astronomy and astrophysics. A heritage area recounts the history of the site and the people who worked there. Another area encourages us to consider the scales of time and space in the universe, to test our knowledge of the solar system and life on Earth. You can also, while lying down, attend a screening »Stardust.» Other disciplines are also covered during this program such as history, archaeology, etc... A visit that delights young and old!

practical information: open Wednesdays and Saturdays, and from Tuesday to Saturday during school vacations. Visits last between 1h30 and 2h. Registration and online payment required on the Observatory website.

www.oca.eu/visite

A museum at the foot of the large dome of the Observatory: the Cité des Sciences in Nice called the Universarium.

The large dome was built by architects Charles Garnier and Gustave Eiffel. Inside there is one of the largest astronomical glasses in the world.

In the Observatory there is now also an educational and recreational space focused on astronomy and astrophysics. A heritage area retraces the history of the site and the men who worked there. Another space prompts us to look at the time and space scales in the universe, to test our knowledge of the solar system and life on Earth. You can also, lying down, attend a projection on stardust. Other disciplines are also approached during this course such as history, archeology, etc … A visit that delights young and old!

practical information: area open on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well as from Tuesday to Saturday during school holidays. visits last between 1h30 and 2h. Compulsory registrations and online payment on the Observatory website

www.oca.eu/visits

By Olivier Ghebali and the Napoleonic remembrance. History of the County of Nice from Rome until its completion in 1860. With songs and music by Bellini, Verdi, Rossini, Offenbach, Gounod as well as military marches on fife and drum.

At 4:30pm at CUM 65 Promenade des Anglais. FREE

More information: https://www.allianz-riviera.fr/fr/actus/calendrier-coupe-du-monde-de-rugby-france-2023-nice

Fireworks Nice 280821

Good weather in Nice all week and pleasant temperatures!

Nice is among the Top 3 favorite French destinations for European tourists, according to the ranking compiled by Trivago. The hotel comparator analyzed requests made on its site for stays of at least seven nights. Nice takes second place in this ranking, just behind Paris and ahead of Cannes. The south of France retains all its appeal. 9 of the destinations in the Top 10 are indeed cities in the PACA region (and more specifically on the Côte d’Azur) and Corsica.

Nice is among the Top 3 favorite French destinations for European tourists, according to the ranking established by Trivago. The hotel comparator analyzed the requests made on its site for stays of at least seven nights. Nice climbs to second position in this list, just behind Paris and ahead of Cannes. The south of France retains all its attractiveness. 9 of the destinations appearing in the Top 10 are in fact cities in the PACA region (and more particularly the Côte d’Azur) and Corsica.