Published on December 13, 2023Updated on December 18, 2023
Monaco charms locals and visitors alike with its Mediterranean climate, coastline and culture. And with so many activities, it’s just waiting to be explored as a family. Whether you have young kids or teenagers, Monaco ensures there’s something special for every member of the family to enjoy and create unforgettable memories together.
Spring in Monaco
Fresh air and natural wonders
As the weather gets warmer and the days longer, make the most of the sunshine to explore the gardens and parks that make Monaco a natural haven for families. Breathe in the delicate scent of roses at the Princess Grace Rose Garden. Explore the tranquility of the Japanese Garden and the fascinating grotto in the Exotic Garden. These serene spots provide perfect opportunities for family bonding in a beautiful natural setting. For a more adventurous outing, take a leisurely family stroll along the Chemin des douaniers (Customs Officers’ Path), located nearby. This picturesque path leads you through coastal villages and along cliffs with breathtaking views, making it an ideal adventure for families of all ages.
If you’re ready to venture beyond the principality, consider visiting La Réserve du Mont d’Azur. This nature reserve is a haven for native species like the European bison and Przewalski’s horses, showcasing a unique conservation effort in Europe. It’s an exceptional opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat and teach children the importance of preserving the environment. When night falls, look up and observe the twinkling stars from Fort de la Revère – and see who can name more constellations.
The great outdoors is also the arena for many prestigious international sport events that make an action-packed family day out, including the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, AS Monaco Football and basketball matches.
Summer in Monaco
Golden beaches and abundant marine life
As soon as you arrive in Monaco, you'll feel your entire family instantly start to unwind. Here, you set your own pace, whether you’re looking for lingering moments of farniente or want to keep up with the endless energy of your kids. Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort combines relaxation, exploration and adrenaline with a lagoon and water activities. You could all dive in and go snorkelling at the Larvotto Nature Reserve – you may even see a seahorse. Beyond the bustle, Monaco revels in a slower kind of tourism including family-friendly activities like kayaking and pedal boats. At Monte-Carlo Beach, take the time to enjoy every moment together, splashing in the water and relaxing in your own cabana – and savouring artisanal ice cream at the Ice Cream Bar. If your little ones are impatient to venture further afield, there is an array of picturesque beaches, explorable coves and panoramic viewpoints perfect for setting out a family picnic. Monaco’s beach-lined Mediterranean coast is also home to dolphins and whales that can sometimes be spotted while out on the water, for an ideal family outing. If you dive deeper, you’ll encounter the vibrant marine life teeming under the surface – which you can learn how to preserve at the hands-on, kids-first Monaco Oceanographic Museum.
Very Important Kids
To channel your children’s boundless of energy and creativity, the Kids Room at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo provides a wide array of games, workshops and activities available for the hotel's little guests during holidays. Your little (and older) ones will have fun all day long, while you enjoy a well-deserved break. Moreover, for stimulating the creativity and curiosity of the young minds in a playful setting, the hotel also offers the "Ateliers des petits connaisseurs" (Little Connoisseurs Workshops), where your budding young artists will have the opportunity to delve into art in all its forms. From painting to sculpture, and even pastry-making, these workshops draw inspiration from the greatest artists in history. With every brushstroke, each sculpted form, and every delectable creation, the artist within them will awaken.
Autumn in Monaco
Rich heritage and delicious gastronomy
Monaco is steeped in centuries of history. As the temperature cools and the leaves start to turn, plunge deeper into this unique heritage. Invite your kids to imagine life as a prince or princess at the Palais Princier de Monaco (Prince's Palace). Or that they are racing along in a vintage car as you explore the Prince’s private car collection. Take them on a journey through time in the Condamine district, one of Monaco's most authentic neighbourhoods – wander through the narrow streets, as you admire the typical houses and lively market square. At the Archaeology Museum in Nice, prepare to jump further back in time to antiquity.
For centuries, the principality has been inspiring artists and chefs. Bring out your kids’ (and your own) creativity during a guided tour or art workshop at Villa Paloma in Monaco, MAMAC or Musée Matisse in Nice. When it comes to cuisine, local gourmet delights, such as the emblematic barbajuans, are just waiting to be savoured by little and big bon vivants. With bursts of local produce and ingenious flavour combinations, the “snackonomy” concept brought to life by Michelin starred Chef Marcel Ravin makes Mada One a tempting family destination at any time of day. French cooking has undoubtedly made its mark around the world. At the Escoffier Museum of Culinary Art in Villeneuve-Loubet, plunge into its history as your kids learn more about the story of Auguste Escoffier, the father of modern cuisine.
Monaco is, without doubt, a multi-faceted destination. As well as history and gastronomy, you can also discover wildlife up close at Jardin Animalier and Parc Alpha Animalier to explore wolves in their natural habitat. For a moment of family fun all together, there's a multitude of activities for all ages awaiting you. Take up the challenge of an Escape Game or set your hearts pumping at the Village des Fous leisure park in Villeneuve Loubet. You can also explore the enchanting Bois des Lutins or immerse yourselves in the adventures of Pitchoun Forest. Situated on the border with Italy, Monaco is a cultural melting pot, and a steppingstone to explore the secrets of Italian culture and cuisine together.
Winter in Monaco
Festive magic and cosy indulgence
The festive season is a magical time, especially for children, with exceptional and unique decorations, making it a truly enchanting annual celebration. In Monaco, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to seasonal treats – there are decorations, illuminations and Christmas wonder galore. Stop by the lobby of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo to admire the spectacular Chopard tree. Or take in the vast tree adorning the legendary Place du Casino. Enjoy festive scents and sounds at the Christmas market, as you sip a creamy hot chocolate to warm up cold little (and big) hands. Indulge in a festive-themed teatime at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo – if you stay here you can even bring Christmas to your hotel room with your very own tree and gifts. The magic workshops at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort are sure to add a little extra enchantment to your children’s day. If you venture over to Lucéram, you can admire more than 400 Christmas crèches dotted all around the village, paying homage to the cherished Provençal tradition of nativity scenes.
Winter is an ideal time to let all the family be transported by a performance at the beautiful Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo or the International Circus Festival, which brings together some of the world’s best contortionists, clowns and trapeze artists. The multitude of family shows, ballets and exhibitions in Monaco, Nice and throughout the region will keep you and your kids entertained.
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