Do you wantto amaze your children and give them memoriesthey’ll cherish as they grow up? Nothing could be easier! To do so, all you need to do is keep them busy. Fromplayful activities and fun experiences to educational outings, Marseille and its surrounding area are brimming with ways to entertain the little ones. All you have to do is set off on an adventure!
Create unforgettable memories at an amusement park
Why not take advantage of a weekend near Marseille to spend an unforgettable family outing at an amusement park? Whether you’re a fan of gentle rides, water slides, or thrills, there’s something for everyone! In the South of France, amusement parks are the perfect place for people of all ages to have fun and create lasting memories. So, are you ready for a day full of laughter and new discoveries with your family?
Share your passion for soccer at the Vélodrome
Take the kids behind the scenes at the CEPAC Vélodrome and discover the legendary history ofOlympique de Marseille. The self-guided or guided tour takes you through the locker rooms, the sidelines, and the press conference room. Young fans can admire the trophies and learn about the players who have shaped the club’s history.
A family-friendly tour full of anecdotes, memories, and shared excitement.
Take on the challenges of Prison Island, the adventure game
For an out-of-the-ordinary activity with the kids, head to Prison Island. Here, there are no traditional padlocks—just a series of themed cells where kids and adults alike must join forces to tackle physical, playful, and logic-based challenges. Cooperation, strategy, and good humor are the keys to racking up maximum points and successfully escaping. A dynamic experience that lets kids burn off energy while stimulating their minds… and that turns a simple outing into a true group adventure.
Visit the Museum of Illusions
After taking cities like Toronto, Dubai, New York, Paris, Lyon, and many others by storm, the famous Museum of Illusions has opened its doors in Marseille’s lively Esplanade J4/Voûtes de la Major district. Since June 2023, more than 70 illusions—as fun as they are mind-bending—have been wowing Marseille families. Optical illusions, holograms, bottomless pits, an infinite room, an upside-down room. It has everything you need for a great time with your kids!
Explore the wonders of nature at the Natural History Museum
Take the family to explore the Marseille Natural History Museum, located in the heart of the Palais Longchamp. The “Land of Evolution ” exhibit fascinates children with dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, animals, and natural history curiosities.
This fun and educational outing explores biodiversity, paleontology, and the history of life across more than 1,000 m². The permanent exhibition is free and open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Let off some steam at an indoor playground in Marseille
Is it raining or way too hot to play outside? No problem. If your kids are like little batteries and need to burn off some of their boundless energy, Dream Kids is the place for you. This venue, located in Marseille’s 11th arrondissement, features 750 square meters of air-conditioned space (perfect during a heat wave) and offers a wide range of activities. Children ages 1 to 12 can have fun on giant slides, a climbing wall, mini motorcycles, and more!
Take a trip to an educational farm and marvel at the animals
This activity is sure to delight the little ones! If they’ve just learned that a cow goes “moo,” a sheep goes “baa,” a chicken goes “cluck-cluck,” and an ant goes “crunch,” then the educational farm is the perfect place to take your kids. Far from picture books, they’ll be able to marvel at real farm animals. Located a 30-minute drive from Marseille, the Auriol Animal Farm is well worth the trip. Nestled at the foot of the Sainte Baume Mountains, come discover many species of animals you can pet!
Step into Tiger Woods’ shoes by playing mini-golf
When we think of golf, we usually picture wealthy businessmen networking on the green between meetings. But that’s not the case! Contrary to what the collective imagination would have us believe, this sport isn’t reserved solely for that small segment of the population. Proof of this can be found at the Provence Mini-Golf course in Bouc-Bel-Air, which welcomes children under 13 and lets them have fun for just €8 on an 18-hole course!
Immerse yourself in the magic of books during “Mazette Mini’s Reading Wednesdays”
Want to introduce your kids to the joys of reading? The Mazette bookstore has just what you need. Ranked among our favorite independent bookstores, this must-visit spot in Marseille offers reading workshops every Wednesday (excluding school breaks). Each week, your little ones can be enchanted by a new theme!
Discover the worlds of Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo at the Carrières des Lumières
The Carrières des Lumières offers a cultural outing that’s as fun as it is awe-inspiring—perfect for the whole family. In a spectacular setting carved out of the rock, children can watch Pablo Picasso ’s works come to life on massive stone walls before diving into the colorful world of Frida Kahlo. With monumental projections, music, and light shows, this immersive experience easily captures the attention of even the youngest visitors while sparking their artistic curiosity. An original outing idea in Les Baux-de-Provence, about an hour from Marseille, combining culture and wonder.
Spend some time in nature at the base of a waterfall that features a playground
Suitable for all skill levels, the hike to the waterfall takes just 15 minutes, making it perfect for our young explorers. And to add to the excitement of the walk, a playground is available to entertain the little ones, set in a soothing natural setting. Plus, there’s a picnic area where you can recharge your batteries in peace. So, are you ready to discover the Malaga Waterfall in Rognac?
Treat yourself at one of Marseille’s best toy stores
In an age when children are spending more and more time in front of screens (even if it can keep them calm), we invite you to discover the best toy stores in Marseille! After all, a wooden toy or a picture book can be just as captivating as a screen! And for us adults, there’s nothing quite like reconnecting with our childhood through toys that are both fun and beautiful. Some stores even offer creative workshops and shows! It’s the perfect activity for spending time with the family!
Bounce with joy at a trampoline park
In Marseille, theUrban Jump trampoline park is a popular destination for our little “kangaroos” who love to jump and bounce. Nestled in the city’s 11th arrondissement, this park offers a fun and stimulating experience for children ages 4 and up. Equipped with numerous trampolines of various sizes and shapes, as well as other fun features (foam pit, airbag, jump court, etc.), it guarantees hours of fun and physical activity. Whether for an outing with family or friends, or for a birthday party, this trampoline park in Marseille promises unforgettable moments of joy!
Discover classical music with the Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight is the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to classical music with concerts celebrating all genres. In the most beautiful venues of the “capital of the south,” under the warm glow of thousands of (fake) candles, there’s no age limit when it comes to enjoying music. Children ages 8 and up are welcome to step into the magical world of Candlelight for a 60-minute concert they won’t soon forget.
Have fun at one of Marseille’s children’s playgrounds
Want to keep your kids busy with a simple activity that’s more accessible than a tree-top adventure park and closer than a trip to one of the 10 most beautiful villages in the area? Good news—it’s all right at your fingertips. Marseille has about 32 playgrounds for children, scattered throughout its parks and gardens across the city. Slides, climbing nets, spring-loaded toys, and climbing poles… your kids can enjoy the fresh air, develop their motor skills, and bond with other children!
Get closer to the stars at the Marseille Observatory Planetarium
Make your little ones’ eyes light up at the Planetarium! Several tours and activities are organized to help families discover astronomy. Stargazing evenings, temporary exhibits, and guided tours await you both during and outside of school vacation periods. Be sure to check the Observatory’s astronomy program.
Go on an easy and scenic hike
A little slice of “Provençal Colorado” less than 30 minutes from Marseille. For a nature outing that the whole family will love, try this easy 4-km (round-trip) family hike from the Chemin des Pinchinades to the Infernet Spring. Along the way, young and old alike will marvel at the scenery of red rocks and cascading waterfalls.
