Family Friendly Activities on Vacation
It’s possible that your children might not enjoy the wonderful relaxation of sipping on rosé and people watching in a town square. I know where we live this is something the parents often do on warm summer nights while the kids run around together in the town square. Maybe a bit tricky if your children don’t speak the language…
A pool or beach generally keeps them occupied for long periods of time but if you’re looking for some activities that are more kid-specific, then here’s a selection. In addition to these, make sure to keep your eyes open for Toro Piscine signs, a kid-friendly game with young bulls that push people into a shallow pool. Local festivals will often have something for the kids such as farm animals to pet or amusement rides.
Also, there are many many places throughout Provence that provide horseback riding that cater to children. The first part of this list are places that would interest the whole family and have information in English. Further down, you’ll find amusement parks that cater to the local population where you may not necessarily find someone that speaks English. This may not be necessary- other than the one with the large labyrinth…language might be useful in case you get lost!
Things to do in Provence with Kids
Carriers des Lumières + Château les Baux – Les Baux de Provence
This mesmerizing light show within an old quarry is very popular with kids but just as immersive an experience for adults. The new exhibition of Picasso and the Spanish Masters opens for the summer at Carrières de Lumières. Buy the combined ticket for the exhibition and entrance to the castle at the top of the medieval hilltop town of Les Baux. In summer, there are daily demonstrations on how to use the castle weapons.
You can hire kayaks from this company to kayak the Sorgue river, the Gardon gorges (Gorges du Verdon) or even in the Camargue. A great day out! Some people may prefer to bring their own kayaks with them on adventures like this instead of hiring from a company as it’s easier. If you plan on bringing your own kayak, make sure you have the appropriate means to transport it. People without this option may be interested in looking at different kayak trailer ideas online to make sure they can still make it to rivers further away from them. Purchasing a trailer might be a good idea, especially with the kids, as you can take them to all different locations to explore. You also might want to have a look at the best pedal kayaks, you may prefer the idea of having a kayak like this instead. The most important thing to remember is that you have fun!
Parc Ornithologique – Camargue
With an hour long easy walk through the national park, you’ll find multiple areas specially designed to catch the glimpse of the native flamingoes of Provence.
Haribo Museum – Uzès
See how the Haribo candies are made in this factory and have fun in the gift shop that is a candy wonderland.
Address: Pont des Charrettes, 30700 Uzès
Open: 6 days a week from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm,
Closed on Mondays (open on bank holiday Mondays and Mondays during school holidays)
7 days a week during the months of July and August from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
Open every day throughout the year, including public holidays.
La Ferme aux Crocodiles – Pierrelatte
A little odd perhaps in this part of the world but find here, for the reptile-crazy, ten species of crocodiles, Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises weighing between 80 and 150 kilograms, lizards, snakes, tropical fish and birds. The Crocodile Farm has over 400 animals living on its premises.
Address: 395 allée de Beauplan – 26700 Pierrelatte
Open every day throughout the year, including Sundays and national holidays.
Seaquarium – Grau du Roi
Does your child like sharks? They have more here than any other aquarium in France.
October-March 9h30-18h30
April, May, June, September 9h30-19h30
Allow around 2 hours to see all the attractions.
The Seaquarium is open seven days a week all year round
(except décember 25th and january 1st AM).
Activities for your little ones that speak French:
Abracadabra – Sorgues
Indoor bouncy castle park for the kids. Socks needed! WIFI area for parents.
Piratland – Rochford Le Gard
Attractions, and bouncy castles outdoor for ages 2-12.
Address: Route nationale 100 La Bégude Sud, 30650 Rochefort du Gard
MontoPoto – Saint Cannat
Large indoor amusement park with different activities.
Address: Chemin de la Diligence, 13760 Saint Cannat
Hours: 10h-19h
TNX Cable Parc – Peyrolles
Kneeboarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding and other water activities.
Address: Lac de Peyrolles, Rte de la Durance 13860 – Peyrolles-en-Provence
See their Facebook for hours during questionable weather.
Labyrinthe Géant– La Roque d’Antheron
Pedal karts, large labyrinth, jungle gyms, trampolines et in a large outdoor park.
Address: Quartier le Grand Pont, 13640, La Roque d’Antheron
Walking trails where you can see 20 different life-size dinosaurs in the wildlife of the Camargue. Panels explaining the different species and the eras in which they lived. Always open.
Do you have any other suggestions of things to do in Provence with the kids? Feel free to add your suggestions below!
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