11 Exciting Things to Do In Nice with Kids in 2024
Planning a family getaway to Nice, France, and trying to figure out how to keep the kiddos happy and busy?
I’ve got you covered! I put together a list of 11 amazing things to do in Nice with kids that’ll make your vacation one for the books.
I did all the digging to find the coolest spots in this gorgeous beach city that are perfect for families so you don’t have to stress.
Our family just got back from a cruise on the French Riviera, and when we stopped in Nice, we were on the hunt for kid-friendly activities that wouldn’t break the bank, were easy to get around with a stroller, and would keep my two- and four-year-old entertained.
I found Nice has something for every kid out there.
Whether your children are all about exploring nature, soaking up some culture, or just wanting to play on the beach, you’re all set for an awesome family trip to this stunning part of the French Riviera.
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Things to Do with Kids in Nice, France
1. Promenade des Anglais
When I think about Nice, the Promenade des Anglais always comes to mind first.
It’s right by the beautiful sea, which makes it perfect for taking your family out for walks or bike rides.
This famous walkway stretches out for about 7 kilometers along the coast, and it’s got some of the most amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea you’ll ever see.
My kids loved exploring the famous walkway lined with rows of palm trees.
Why not rent some bikes and see where the path takes you? Your family can ride at your own speed and stop whenever you want to check out the street performers and artists that line the walkway.
If you follow the Promenade, you’ll end up at Castle Hill and right at the entrance to The Old Town. Plus, there’s nothing like that fresh sea air.
2. Private boat tour
Looking for a cool new way to see Nice?
How about taking your family on a boat tour around the Bay of Angels (yep, that’s what it’s really called)?
It’s an incredible way to spend the day.
You’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery like sharp cliffs and clear water that’ll definitely wow you.
The coast around Nice has lots of secret spots, hidden coves, and quiet beaches that you can only get to by boat.
The tour will have everything you need, like water and life jackets.
Your guide can take you along the coast all the way to Monaco, where you can check out all the sights of the French Riviera before heading back to the port of Nice.
Just a heads-up, kids need to be at least 4 years old to join in on this adventure.
3. Castle Hill
One of the coolest things for kids to do in Nice is to check out Castle Hill right in the middle of the city.
It gives your family an awesome view of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea.
You can take an easy hike up the hill with your kids, or if you’re looking for a shortcut, there’s an elevator you can use.
We brought our stroller along to Nice, so we were all about that elevator life. You can find it at the bottom of the hill near the Promenade des Anglais.
Once you’re up there, there’s a playground where your kids can play and let out some energy.
My kids were all over the shaded playground.
There’s this cool man-made waterfall that we all enjoyed exploring.
Just a heads-up, getting to the waterfall with a stroller can be a bit tricky, so it might be a good idea to have some help with you or use a baby carrier.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic or try out the little outdoor restaurant at the top.
It’s the perfect spot for lunch with a view.
4. Nice Old Town
You’ve got to check out Old Town, or Vieux Nice as it’s called.
The neighborhood is alive with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and markets that keep things interesting. My kids loved exploring the alleys, where we found cool shops, bakeries, and lots of spots to grab an ice cream.
Make sure to swing by the famous flower market. It’s a hit with kids because of all the bright colors and awesome smells. My kids loved it and kept talking about how great it smelled.
You must also try a crepe or gelato. You won’t be sorry (and neither will your tastebuds).
5. Nice beaches
No visit to Nice is truly complete without spending some time at its gorgeous beaches.
You’ll find both public and private beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, equipped with showers, lifeguards, and places to eat right by the beach.
You can rent an umbrella and some chairs to chill or just lay down a towel and enjoy the simple beach life with your family.
If you’re on the lookout for a great free public beach, check out Plage de Carras.
They have lifeguards on duty every day in July and August and on weekends in June and September.
Plus, there’s a first aid spot, and it’s accessible for wheelchair users.
For those a bit more adventurous, there are a bunch of water sports to try out, like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Just a heads-up, the beaches here are more pebbly than sandy, so they might be a bit tough on your feet.
Packing some water shoes and a few extra beach towels can make lounging on the pebbles much more comfy.
6. Parc Phoenix
If your kids are animal lovers like mine, you’ve got to visit Parc Phoenix, right near the Nice Airport.
It’s home to one of the biggest greenhouses in Europe, filled with plants and animals from all over the globe.
As your family strolls around the park, you can see all kinds of cool plants, waterfalls, and ponds.
Inside the greenhouse, there are banana trees, ferns, orchids, and so much more.
The park is also home to over 2,000 animals!
Imagine your kids’ faces when they see kangaroos, parrots, porcupines, and turtles up close. Plus, there are tropical birds, butterflies, and reptiles too.
The park is usually not too crowded. And the cherry on top? Kids under 12 get in free, and adult tickets are only 5.20 €
7. Unique Family Photo Shoot
Looking for an experience that allows you to bring home a unique souvenir? Consider doing a family photo shoot in Nice.
You won’t find a better backdrop than the beautiful blues of the Mediterranean Sea behind you, with the famous Promenade des Anglais stretching into the distance.
Nice has all sorts of cool spots that can fit whatever vibe your family is going for. My pick is to go to Place Massena and take pictures in front of the famous fountain.
Nothing screams “I am Nice, France” more than this location.
The cost of a family photo shoot in Nice can vary greatly, depending on the photographer and the inclusions in the package.
There’s something for every budget, and lots of photographers offer different options.
8. The Nice Observatory
Forget boring museum trips; the Nice Observatory is an actual real working astronomy observatory that your family will find fascinating.
Here, you can join a guided tour led by actual astronomers who know everything about stars, planets, and far-off galaxies.
While most of the tours are in French, don’t worry! They offer English tours on some Fridays during the summer.
And it’s super affordable too—6 Euros for adults and just 3 Euros for the little ones.
9. Le Petit Parfumeur workshop for kids at Molinard Nice
Want to do something super cool that your kids will love? Let them become little perfume makers for a day at Molinard Parfums!
This place has been all about amazing smells since 1849, and it’s pretty famous for its perfumes.
Right in the old town, they have a special workshop just for kids aged 4-8, where they can learn to make perfume.
In the workshop, each kid gets to mix and match from 18 different smells to create their very own perfume.
And don’t worry if your child is older than 8—there are workshops for older kids and adults, too!
They’ll get to learn how to blend scents together and discover some fun facts about how perfume-making has changed over the years.
The workshops are in English, and they are small, with up to four people, so everyone gets lots of attention.
It costs about 30 Euros, and your child gets to take home a little bottle of their own special perfume.
Plus, it’s all done in just 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to explore more.
10. Parc Castel-des-deux-Rois
Located in the heart of Nice, this amazing family-friendly green space feels like a little escape from all the noise.
It’s the perfect spot if you have young kids because it has one of the coolest playgrounds in Nice, where they can run around and have a blast.
And guess what? During the hot summer days, there are sprinklers, a pool, and water play areas that are just perfect for the kids to splash around and cool off.
The gardens here are so beautiful and well-kept that they make an awesome place to take a walk or have a picnic with the family.
Don’t worry about packing food—there are stalls around where you can grab snacks.
Just remember to wear comfy shoes because there’s a lot to explore, and you won’t want to miss a thing.
11. Self-Driving Tour with NiceCar Tour Company
Forget about the usual museum trips and jump into an exciting excursion that takes you through the beautiful streets of Nice on three wheels!
Imagine cruising around with your family, soaking in all the stunning views and famous spots of the French Riviera.
Best of all, you get to do it in an open-air three-wheeled mini car.
We went with NiceCar Tours and got ourselves scoot-coupe mini cars.
These cars are just right for two people, making them a great pick for families with older kids.
Just a heads-up, kids need to be at least 4 years old to ride and must have an adult with them in the car.
These cars have seatbelts but no special seats for little ones, so we decided to make it an adults-only activity. But it’s totally a fun option for older kids who are past the car seat stage.
Riding around the French Riviera, we had a guide on his motorcycle, who pointed us to the coolest streets and views.
We even stopped at places like Fort Albon and Eze to snap some photos.
FAQ: Traveling to Nice with Kids
Is Nice safe for kids?
Absolutely! Nice is a family-friendly city with a welcoming atmosphere. Like any city, it’s always smart to keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. But overall, Nice is considered safe for families traveling with kids.
Is Nice worth visiting with kids?
Definitely! My family loved it and would love to return again soon. From its beautiful beaches and sprawling parks to kid-friendly museums and workshops, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the little ones entertained.
 Can you recommend any kid-friendly restaurants in Nice?
Nice is full of eateries that welcome families with open arms. Look for places with outdoor seating in the Old Town or along the Promenade des Anglais. Many restaurants offer a variety of cuisines with kid-friendly menu options.
Is public transportation in Nice easy to navigate with kids?
Yes, Nice’s public transportation system is straightforward and user-friendly. I would recommend taking public transportation over renting a car as parking in Nice can be tricky. Buses and trams are convenient. It was easy for us to navigate the city on the trams. Just remember to keep your stroller collapsible for easy access, as it can get crowded during peak times.
What is the best time of year to visit Nice with kids?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Nice with kids.
The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months, making it easier to explore with little ones.
Winter in Nice is still lovely, and the area is much quieter without the crowds. Summertime in Nice can be hot and very crowded with tourists.
Do you have any tips for first-time visitors to Nice with Kids?
+ Plan a flexible itinerary that allows for rest breaks.
+ Consider staying in a central location to minimize travel time to attractions.
+ Don’t try to cram too much into each day; Nice is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
+ Consider taking a day trip from Nice to one of the French Riviera’s other famous cities like Cannes, Monte Carlo, or Antibes.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Nice with Your Kids
Heading to Nice with your kids is a great choice for a family trip. It’s a place where you can feel safe and find loads of things to do that everyone will enjoy.
From hanging out on pebbly beaches to checking out cool parks and even learning how to make perfume, Nice has a lot of fun packed into it.
The key to a great trip here is to keep things relaxed.
Take your time wandering around, enjoy the food, and just enjoy being together.
Nice is easy to get around, and there’s plenty to see and do without having to rush.
So, pack up your essentials and get ready for a vacation in Nice that your family will definitely enjoy.
