The south of France, a paradise for families on vacation, is full of lovely places to discover with children, like Marseille. The city doesn't just offer a succession of museums and other child-weary sights. You'll also find the beach, fun activities for families, original means of transport and adventure parks. In short, Marseille is a first-rate destination if you're traveling in France with children. Easily accessible, it promises plenty of fun activities. What to do in Marseille with children? Follow the guide!
1. Fun at Ecopark Adventures with children in Marseille
The Ecopark Adventures tree-climbing park promises plenty of outdoor activities. For the little ones, aged 2 to 4, there's a dedicated area: the Minipark, with not-too-tall courses adapted to their size. From the age of 5, you can put on your harness for some high-level fun! In addition to accrobranche, discoverEcopark Games. You're off on an outdoor treasure hunt as a family, an activity accessible to children aged 10 and over. Explore, take on challenges and solve a riddle, to complete a day full of twists and turns. Are you tempted? Enjoy an unforgettable accrobranche adventure by booking your ticket for Ecopark Adventures Marseillehere .
Good to know: if you'd like to spend the day there, we've got a snack bar on site.
2. Visit Marseille with children aboard the panoramic bus
We've heard of this concept in the UK and America, but now it's coming to Marseille: the panoramic bus! This cabriolet bus takes you on a tour of the city, taking in all the must-see sights: the Mucem, the Old Port, the Vallon des Auffes, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and many more. Colorbüs offers an original Hop-On Hop-Off family tour of Marseille book here. The principle is simple: you get off when you want to do your sightseeing, and get back on when you're done, heading for the next stop. Kids love it, because in addition to thefun activity itself, you don't have to walk too far from point A to point B.
3. What to do in Marseille with kids? Enjoy the beach!
What to do in Marseille in summer? Go to the beach, of course! It's the perfect way to cool off by the sea under the Mediterranean sun. The good news is that Marseille boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in France, including Plage du Prophète and Plage du Prado. In addition to swimming, the latter offers a wide range of family activities. Children and parents alike will love the water activities on offer. Canoeing, paddling, water skiing: there's something for all ages. Then why not take the family on a ride on the panoramic Ferris wheel? A beautiful view of the city and the horizon awaits you!
4. Admire Marseille's calanques in a family kayak
Discover Marseille's most beautiful calanques not by boat, not on foot, but... in a kayak! Here's an activity that's both more original and more intimate than boating, and that's sure to delight children. We're not talking about a white-water kayak here, but a boat that glides quietly along at the stroke of a paddle, for an unusual family tour of the calanques. Thanks to the kayak tour book here, you can enjoy a not-to-be-missed tour of Marseille, while giving your children a water-based activity. As a super-parent, you kill two birds with one stone, so everyone can enjoy the experience!
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5. Château d'If, a great place to visit with children in Marseille
Between history and legend, the Château d'If stands proudly in the middle of the Mediterranean. This island fortress, dating back to the early Renaissance, will thrill children's fertile imaginations. This treasure of Marseille's heritage, which was once a prison as well as a fortress, can be visited by the whole family. During a one-hour visit, children and parents can discover its history while having fun, thanks to on-site activities. Ready to unravel the mysteries of Marseille's Château d'If with your family? We're off, book here your boat tour of the Frioul Islands, including a swim stop.
6. Solve a detective case with your family
L'Affaire Barthélémy is a playful treasure hunt that's just as much fun for the whole family as it is for couples or friends book right here. The activity is free for children under 8. For around 2 hours (but with no real time limit), over a distance of 3.7 km, you'll be solving a burglary case, leading you to some of Marseille's most picturesque landmarks. Secret corners, anecdotes, the program promises to be thrilling. Discover the location of the burglary, collect clues and, above all... have fun solving this fun family puzzle!
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7. Fun with children in Marseille's Parc Borély
A must-see during a weekend in Marseille, Parc Borély is a green paradise for families. Open all year round, it is free of charge and featuresplay areas for children. Discover an 18-hectare green paradise, offering a bubble of relaxation in the heart of the city. As you stroll through the park, you'll discover an ancient bastide house, set in landscaped grounds dating back to 1775. An educational trail has also been set up, so that young and old alike can learn more about the plant species that surround them. From the lake to the botanical garden to the lush green paths, this is a great visit to make with children in Marseille.
8. Have fun with the whole family on the Food Tour No Diet
Children are often little gourmets, but it can be difficult to get them to try new dishes. It can be just as hard to get them to hold still on a chair in a restaurant... Make discovering Marseille's specialties more fun, with the Food Tour No Diet, bookable in just a few clicks here. This unique tour takes you from specialty to local delight, lasting around 4 hours. A guide accompanies you, enriching your gourmet tastings with anecdotes. An original way for families to discover local produce!
9. Sensas, between leisure and sensory discovery in Marseille
The doors of Sensas are open to all, from the age of seven. Our astonishing activities allow you to put your five senses to the test, while experiencing a few chills along the way. Let yourself be guided by the Master of the Senses, from colorful workshops to rooms plunged into darkness. As a team, you'll take on fun challenges, while gaining a better understanding of what it's like to live with blindness. Can you rise to the challenge as a team?
10. Discover street art on Marseille's Cours Julien
Marseille is a veritable cultural crossroads, divided into a mosaic of neighborhoods, one of which is emblematic of street art: the Cours Julien. Over the years, this working-class neighborhood has become an open-air art gallery. Here, the facades of stores and restaurants are transformed into canvases for street artists. The works, often ephemeral, tell unique stories that evolve over time. Let us tell you about this cultural and artistic history on this guided tour guided tour of street art in Marseille ?
11. A fun ride on Marseille's little tourist train
Strolling around the city in all directions isn't really for kids... But you'd love to see the must-sees, such as Notre-Dame de La Garde, the Mucem, the Corniche and the Terrasses du Port. Keep everyone happy by boarding Marseille's little tourist train! There are two routes to discover the city, departing from the Vieux-Port. Unlike the panoramic bus, you can't get off whenever you like. But the ride is great fun for kids!
12. Marvel at the Cosquer cave with children
At the start of your visit to the Cosquer cave, you take a pontoon boat that leads you to Henri Cosquer's diving club. The fun descent takes place in a diving chamber simulator, to reach the submarine base. Here you're in a special module for a 35-minute expedition to discover a prehistoric cave... under the sea! The site is preserved today, but has been faithfully reproduced for visitors. Paintings, engravings and handprints immerse you in a place full of mystery. The tour continues with an 8-minute film on this incredible discovery, followed by a visit to the Galerie Méditerranée.
Tempted? Click here to book your admission and take advantage of our partner's special rates.
13. Family fun at Marseille's Quiz Room
The Quiz Room is one of the best unusual activities to be enjoyed in Marseille, and is accessible to children aged 8 and over. Several formulas are available, allowing the level of questions to be adapted to the participants: children, adults, families. You're in for an hour of parent-child challenges! From the most serious questions to the most delirious, you'll have a great time, divided between culture and laughter. An experience you'll want to have at least once in your life book easily right here.
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What free family outings are there in Marseille?
The city's various parks offer pleasant free walks, like Parc Borély. The Parc du 26ᵉ Centenaire, meanwhile, hosts a petanque court, as well as two playgrounds. The four themed gardens inspired by different regions of the world complete this beautiful free tour of Marseille.
The Parc Balnéaire du Prado is another of Marseille's free activities. With its sandy beaches and vast green spaces, you'll be able to take full advantage of nature just outside Marseille. Teenagers will be delighted to find a skatepark.
Did you know that you can visit the calanques for free? Of course, you'll need a bit of courage to do so, as you'll have to do it on foot! While this may be a fun adventure for teenagers, it's not for young children.
Visiting Marseille for free also means strolling through its narrow streets, admiring the street art on the Cours Julien, or taking a leisurely stroll along the Old Port. Interested in museums? Several are free for children, including the Mucem, the Natural History Museum and the Musée des Enfants (Préau des Accoules). The latter allows them to discover works of art in a playful way, through workshops specially designed to make the youngest visitors aware of art in a fun way.
Marseille is a favorite destination for a cheap weekend getaway in France. A symbol of Provencal authenticity, it boasts a rich architectural heritage in the city and a natural heritage in the surrounding area. It's an ideal place for a beach vacation, but also for family fun. Marseille is the perfect destination for a holiday with children, offering a mix of natural activities, interesting sights and unusual activities. Have you seen all the sights? Don't miss a visit toOK Corral, the famous western park, and the Bois des Lutins with its outdoor games for the whole family. Enjoy your stay in Marseille with your children!
Discover also the most popular activities to do in Marseille:
