
Would you like to amaze your children and give them memories they’ll treasure as they grow up? Nothing could be easier! All you have to do is keep them busy. Marseille and the surrounding area offers a wide range of activities, fun experiences and educational outings to keep the little ones entertained. All that’s left to do is set off on an adventure!
1. See shows and the circus for unforgettable fun!
Our little cherubs may be good at acting, but they also know how to let themselves be obsessed by quality shows. Instead of letting them gorge themselves on screens, take them to see “pesstacles” so they can marvel at real-life plots. Two addresses in Marseilles are well worth a visit: the Théâtre Massalia, which offers shows and parent-child workshops. Or the Badaboum theater, with its dreamlike program.
2. Visit the Musée de l’illusion, a place that will appeal to young and old alike
After conquering the cities of Toronto, Dubai, New York, Paris, Lyon and many others, the famous Musée de l’illusion has set up shop in Marseille, in the lively Esplanade J4/Voûtes de la Major district. Since June 2023, over 70 amusing and mind-bending illusions have been delighting Marseille families. Optical illusions, holograms, bottomless wells, infinite rooms, upside-down rooms. All the ingredients for a great time with your children!
3. Take your kids to an indoor playground in Marseille
Is it raining or too hot to play outside? No problem. If your children are like electric batteries and need to let off steam to lower their overflowing energy levels, Magic City is the place for you. The 750m2 of air-conditioned space (ideal during the heatwave) in Marseille’s 11th arrondissement is home to a wide range of activities. From 1 to 12 years old, your children can enjoy giant slides, a climbing wall, mini motorcycles and much more!
4. Take a tour of the educational farm and marvel at the animals
This activity is sure to please the little ones! If they’ve just learned that the cow goes “meuh”, the sheep goes “bêêê”, the hen goes “cot-cot” and the ant “cro-onde”, then the educational farm is the ideal place to take your children. Far from picture books, they’ll be able to marvel at real farm animals. Just a 30-minute drive from Marseille, the Auriol animal farm is well worth a visit. Situated at the foot of the Sainte Baume massif, come and discover numerous species of animals to stroke!
5. Put yourself in the shoes of Tiger Woods by playing mini-golf.
When we think of golf, we usually think of wealthy businessmen networking on the green between meetings. But then again! Contrary to what the collective imagination would have us believe, this sporting discipline is not exclusively reserved for this minority fringe of the population. The proof is in the mini-golf de Provence in Bouc-Bel-Air, where children under 13 can play for €8 on an 18-hole course!
6. Take your children to discover the magic of books at “Mercredis lecture de Mazette Mini”.
Want to introduce your children to the joys of reading? The Mazette bookshop has just what you’re looking for. Ranked among our favorite independent bookshops, this must-visit address in Marseille offers reading workshops every Wednesday (except during school vacations). Every week, your little ones will be enchanted by a new theme!
7. Reconnect with nature at this charming waterfall not far from Marseille, with its own children’s playground.
Accessible to all levels, the hike to the waterfall takes just 15 minutes, making it perfectly suited to our young explorers. And to add to the excitement of the walk, a playground is available to entertain the little ones, offering a soothing natural setting. There’s also a picnic area where you can recharge your batteries in peace and quiet. So, are you ready to discover the Malaga waterfall in Rognac?
8. Take your children to one of Marseille’s best toy stores
At a time when children are spending more and more time in front of screens (even if it can soothe them), we invite you to discover the best toy stores in Marseille! After all, a wooden toy or an illustrated book can be just as captivating as a screen! And for us adults, there’s nothing like reconnecting with childhood through toys that are both playful and aesthetically pleasing. Some stores even offer creative workshops and shows! It’s the perfect way to spend time with the whole family!
9. Play acrobat in this accrobranche park near the center of Marseille
The sunny days are back and you’re looking for an outdoor activity to entertain your kids and get them moving? If your little ones love to climb and explore, this accrobranche park in Marseille’s 13th arrondissement is the ideal place for them… and for you too! Get ready for a thrilling adventure by donning your adventurous gear!
10. Make your kids jump for joy by taking them to a Trampoline Parc
In Marseille, the Urban Jump trampoline park is a popular destination for our little bouncing kangaroos. Nestled in the city’s 11th arrondissement, this park offers an entertaining and stimulating experience for children aged 4 and over. Featuring numerous trampolines of different shapes and sizes, as well as other fun installations (foam tray, airbag, jump’court etc.), it guarantees hours of fun and physical exercise. Whether for an outing with family or friends, or for a birthday party, this trampoline park in Marseille promises unforgettable moments of joy!
BONUS: Introduce them to classical music with Candlelight
Candlelight is the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to classical music, with concerts paying tribute to all genres. In the southern capital’s most beautiful venues, under the warm glow of thousands of (fake) candles, there’s no age limit to enjoying music. Children as young as 8 are welcome to join the magical world of Candlelight for a 60-minute concert they won’t soon forget.