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 Parkwith 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.

Thanks to all of you who stayed and enjoyed it!

Food lovers take note: Six restaurants in Nice feature in the latest edition of the Michelin guide

2-STAR RESTAURANT IN NICE

- Flavor In the heart of Nice, this exceptional restaurant takes you on a culinary world tour. Local specialties are combined with daring combinations from other continents. A warm, creative cuisine that reinvents itself season after season. Note that the Tourteaux brothers' work was rewarded with a 2nd Michelin star in 2018 and 4 toques at Gault et Millau the same year.
25 Rue Gubernatis

1-STAR RESTAURANTS IN NICE

- The Agitators Nice, 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. On the corner of Rue Francois Guisol and Rue Bonaparte lies Les Agitateurs... Nice's newest Michelin-starred establishment since 2021!
24 Rue Bonaparte

- Pure & V : Under the impetus of young sommelier Vanessa Massé, accompanied by her chef from Denmark, this restaurant takes diners on a journey through original, stunningly flavorful recipes. The short menu is proof of our determination to work exclusively with fresh, seasonal produce!
15 rue Bottero

- Le Chantecler Every evening, from Tuesday to Saturday, Le Chantecler revisits the codes of fine dining while paying homage to local produce. The kitchen is run by Virginie Basselot, one of the new generation of award-winning French chefs.
37 Promenade des Anglais

- JAN : Awarded his first Macaron in 2016, chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen opened this restaurant in September 2013. He serves an original cuisine, a subtle blend of French gastronomy and South African recipes dear to his childhood. The wine list also features 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 some of the greats (Charial, Robuchon, Ducasse...), the chef decided to break free and give free rein to his creativity, offering a modern, creative and tasty cuisine based on fresh produce. A wise decision: in June 2008, Mickaël Gracieux became the first winner of the Trophée Champagne Jacquart de l'étoile montante de la Gastronomie for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region!
2 Rue Gustave Deloye

Le petit marais niçois is the district that stretches around Place du Pin and Rue Bonaparte at the foot of Mont Boron. Its name is a reference to the Parisian district, with its gay-friendly bars and restaurants. The pavement has recently been decked out in a superb azure blue bordered by the colors of the rainbow, those of the LGBT flag. It's a very lively district during the day and especially in the evening. Many restaurants and bars are concentrated here, and the Rue Bonaparte extension is home to a number of food and drink outlets.

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.

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

Nice is one of the Top 3 French destinations preferred by European tourists, according to the ranking drawn up by Trivago. The hotel comparator analyzed requests made on its site for stays of at least seven nights. Nice takes second place of this year's awards, just behind Paris and ahead of Cannes. Visit southern France retains all its appeal. 9 of the destinations in the Top 10 are in the PACA region (particularly the Côte d'Azur) and Corsica.

A family vacation on the Côte d'Azur is the ideal opportunity to share unforgettable moments with your children. Between sea, nature, culture and adventure, the Nice region abounds in activities suitable for young and old alike. What to do in Nice with children? What are the best ideas for family outings on the Côte d'Azur? Here's 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 to the west of the city, the Phoenix Park is a must for families. This 7-hectare park is home to a large tropical greenhouse, exotic animals (lemurs, wallabies, pink flamingos) and numerous play areas. An ideal outing to arouse the curiosity of the little ones while strolling through a lush green setting.

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

Some of Nice's beaches are perfectly suited to children, with shallow areas, beach clubs offering supervised activities, and facilities such as showers and snack bars. Private beaches like Castel Plage or Blue Beach even offer deckchairs for parents and children's menus. These beaches are ideal for a relaxing family day out on the Côte d'Azur.

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

30 minutes from Nice, Le Village des Fous is a totally wacky amusement park for kids (and parents!). Giant slides, water games, labyrinths, perched huts: every corner of the park invites adventure and fun. A perfect idea for a fun-filled family weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes.

4. Stroll through Old Nice and sample the local specialities

With its colorful alleyways and artisanal ice-cream parlors, Vieux-Nice is both a cultural and gourmet stroll. Enjoy soccas, pissaladières or ice creams with original flavors (lavender, melon, calisson...). A perfect way to introduce children to the pleasures of the table during your family vacation in Nice.

5. Sea adventures by boat or paddle

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

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

Just over an hour from Nice, the Lake Saint-Cassien is a real oasis for families in search of coolness and excitement. There's a nautical base with pedalos, paddles and kayaks, ideal for safe fun. Children especially love the floating water park and the adventure playground nestling under the pines, with zip lines, suspension bridges and balance games. A perfect day of swimming, games and nature!

7. An immersive experience at Monaco's Oceanographic Museum

Less than an hour from Nice, the Monaco Museum is spectacular. With its giant aquariums, tactile area and interactive exhibits, children can learn while having fun. The building itself, perched on a rock overlooking the sea, is well worth a visit. It's an ideal cultural activity to do with children on a rainy day on the Côte d'Azur.

8. Family hiking in the Mercantour Park

For nature-loving families, a trip to the Mercantour National Park promises breathtaking scenery and trails to suit all abilities. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of chamois or marmots. Picnic by an alpine lake recommended! A free, relaxing activity for the whole family in the Nice hinterland.

9. Fun at water and amusement parks

Nissa'venture in Nice or Canyon Forest in Villeneuve-Loubet: these parks offer slides, tree climbing, fun courses and water games. Perfect for letting off steam and experiencing thrills in complete safety. Perfect activities for a holiday with children on the Côte d'Azur.

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

After a busy day, what could be better than to return to the luxurious comfort of the Villa Dracoena ? With its vast spaces, sea-view terrace, wooded garden and proximity to all the activities mentioned above, it's the ideal place for a successful family vacation on the Côte d'Azur. Discover the villa and book your stay here.

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The Nice region offers a multitude of activities to share with the whole family, from nature and culture to outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for outings for children in Nice, ideas for family weekends or original activities to discover with your little ones, the Côte d'Azur is sure to seduce you. By choosing the Villa Dracoena as a pied-à-terre, you can be sure of a comfortable, practical stay with plenty to discover for young and old alike. To find out more about the surrounding area, read our article on the most beautiful beaches around Villa Dracoena.

Just 1 hour 30 minutes from Nice, you'll experience a wide range of thrills and spills!

Winter and summer alike, La Colmiane offers a giant zip-line comprising 2 lines and a total length of 2663m, which fly safely over the resort and its lakes at a maximum speed of 130km/h. A unique experience!

Or try the summer tobogganing: monorail luge with brake and safety belt. Here again, sensations are guaranteed, with a length of 1,670 m, a vertical drop of 400 m, 22 bends and a top speed of 42 km/h.

If your thirst for adventure isn't quenched yet? Then you can continue with theaccrobranche in the adventure forest and move safely from tree to tree on a course of increasing difficulty. A special area is dedicated to the little ones.

For the less adventurous, there's also the mini golf and other activities...

1h30 from Nice, experience thrills ... and others less strong!

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...

1000 m of total ascent, to tour the city through 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 as a series of walks, alone, with family or friends... or as a sporting hike.

From yellow and red beaconsoften 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 tour, here is a link to the rando fiches :

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 on 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   

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

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

The Observatory is now also home to an educational and entertaining space focusing on astronomy and astrophysics. A heritage area traces the history of the site and the people who have worked there. Another area invites us to consider the scales of time and space in the universe, and to test our knowledge of the solar system and life on Earth. We can also lie back and watch a "Stardust" projection. Other disciplines such as history and archaeology are also covered on this tour... A visit that delights young and old alike!

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

Fireworks Nice 280821

Enjoy a day of sport in an open-air museum!

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior on the heights of the Bay of Cannes and nestled in a lush green setting, the Riviera Golf de Barbossi is a 18-hole course offering superb views of the Estérel massif and the Domaine's vineyards. Its special feature: fairways lined with a permanent collection of contemporary sculptures. In all, 22 original creations have been installed along the course for the enjoyment of golfers. Deployed on 5461 meters (par 71)The Riviera Golf course alternates between technical difficulties, strategic challenges and tactical choices, while preserving the pleasure of the game and the walk from start to finish.

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.

As part of the 2022 edition of "Tous à l'Opéra", theNice Opera opens its doors and invites you to come and discover the repetitions of Macbeth Saturday, May 7. Daniel Benoin, the production's director and director of Antibes' Théâtre Anthéa, will be on hand to talk you through the various stages of his work on Verdi's masterpiece.

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

No reservations

Tickets to be picked up on Saturday, May 7 from 9:30 a.m. in the Opéra lobby.

As part of the 2022 edition of "Tous à l'Opéra", the Nice Opera 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

In Nice, the first mention of Carnival dates back to 1294, when Charles d'Anjou, Count of Provence, recalls his visit to the city for "the joyous days of Carnival".

Later, in 1873, the first festival committee was set up to organize the festivities. And it was on February 23, 1873 that Carnaval 1er entered the town.

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

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

The 2022 edition, which runs from February 11 to 27, is the ROI of the 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.

By Olivier Ghebali and le souvenir napoléonien.History of the County of Nice from Rome to its completion in 1860. With songs and music by Bellini, Verdi, Rossini, Offenbach, Gounod and military marches with fife and drum.

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

Nice weather all week and pleasant temperatures!

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.