Nice is such a great place to explore with kids. It has many attractions and activities for them to enjoy, from parks and playgrounds to museums and gardens. We recently came back from five days in Nice as a family and loved every minute. Here is my ultimate guide to exploring Nice with children.
Visit the Promenade des Anglais
If you’re looking for a nice place to take your family and relax, the Promenade des Anglais is a great option. The beach runs for about three miles along the coast, making it perfect for walks or bike rides. You can also find plenty of places to eat or shop here if you’re hungry or need some souvenirs from Nice!
The Promenade des Anglais has been voted one of Europe’s best beaches by Travel & Leisure magazine. It’s not just because it’s beautiful, it’s also because this stretch of sand offers lots of opportunities for fun with kids:
Ice creams at Fenocchio
One of the best things you can do with your kids in Nice is go to Ice Cream Fenocchio.
The ice creams are delicious and they have all sorts of flavors, from the usual like chocolate and vanilla to the more unusual like cactus or beer flavor! You can also get so many different sorbet flavours which were fantastic for one of my children who are dairy free.
Once you’ve eaten up all the ice cream in front of you then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t head over to see what’s going on at their playground where children will be able to play for hours without getting bored.
Play Park at Promenade du Paillon
The Play Park at Promenade du Paillon is a great place to hang out with your kids. It is two hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. You can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine after a long day of sightseeing. The play park has lots of fun activities for children, including swings and slides all carved out of wood. There are also picnic tables where families can sit down together and eat lunch under the shade of trees nearby.
Flower Markets of Nice
The best time to visit the flower markets of Nice is during the summer when flowers are blooming, but you can still enjoy them during other times of the year.
Nice has many options for getting around by public transportation (bus, tram, or Uber), so it’s easy to get there no matter what your travel style might be.
If you love plants you also might want to try these places too :
- Jardin des Serres de Belle-Vue – This park has been transformed into a market where locals sell their homegrown produce directly from their gardens. It’s located at 1 Place Belle Vue
- Place Garibaldi – Located at 2 Rue Frederic Mistral
Castle Hill of Nice
There are several possibilities for getting to the top of Castle Hill. I recommend choosing the staircase right next to the Promenade des Anglais, or the lift that is available in the same place. The elevator looks old and run-down, but it works. It is worth knowing that it was built into the place where a well supplying the former castle used to be.
We were also surprised to find at the top of the hill a great cafe serving drinks and snacks (including beers) and another great playground.
On Castle Hill in Nice it is worth seeing:
- the artificial waterfall that was built at the end of the 19th century;
- the panorama of Nice from the observation deck, which is located above the waterfall;
- the ruins of the cathedral in the center;
- the view of the Old Port of Nice on the other side of the hill.
Visit the Mamac
The Mamac (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) in Nice is a fantastic destination for families to visit. The museum features a wide range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The exhibits are thought-provoking and engaging, with many interactive elements that everyone will enjoy. Additionally, the building itself is a work of art, with its unique architecture and stunning views of the city!
You can also get a museum pass that will allow you to visit all the museums in the area. We would have got this had the Matisse Museum been open at the time but unfortunately, it was closed the week we were staying.
Take a day trip to Villefranche Sur-Mer
If you’ve got a bit of extra time during your stay in Nice, consider taking a day trip to the charming seaside village of Villefranche-sur-Mer — it’s one of the most delightful spots on the French Riviera and super easy to reach with kids. From Nice Ville station, regular trains run throughout the day and the journey takes just about 7-10 minutes each way, with tickets costing only a few euros. Once you arrive, you’ll be within walking distance of the old town and the beautiful waterfront, where you can soak up the stunning coastal views, enjoy some beach time, stroll the pastel streets, or grab a relaxed lunch overlooking the bay. It’s a lovely way to explore beyond Nice without having to organise a car, and the quick train ride makes it an easy adventure for families with little ones.
You can read about our day at Villefranche-Sur_Mer here.
Where to stay in Nice
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Nice with kids, being close to the beach, easy transport links, and spaces for everyone to unwind really counts — and one option that often works well for families is AC Hotel Nice, right on the iconic Promenade des Anglais. This 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with comfortable, modern interiors, and children up to 12 stay free depending on the booking — perfect if you’re travelling with younger ones.
But one of the biggest draws, especially in warm weather, is the rooftop pool terrace: a seasonal outdoor pool perched above the city where you can relax after a day of sightseeing, sip a refreshing drink, and take in panoramic views of the Mediterranean — a real treat for both adults and kids alike. The pool opens in the warmer months and is surrounded by loungers, making it an ideal spot to cool off while little ones splash around, and being right by the Promenade means you’re just steps from the beach and tram stops for easy outings around Nice and beyond.
Nice is a great place to explore with kids
Nice is a great place to explore with kids. It’s beautiful, and it has so many things to do that are fun for kids of all ages!
There are also some nice things about Nice that make it great for families:
- It’s easy to get around in Nice. There are lots of places you can go with your family, like beach walks on the Cote d’Azur, bike rides around town or even just walking around the city center at night time when everyone comes out for dinner.
- You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Nice where you can eat together as a family, especially if you have fussy eaters- french fries? Yes, please! Pizza? Sure thing! Make sure however you do make an effort to try Socca, a traditional chickpea pancake. I was surprised to find my children loved them just as much as we did. Wash it down with a chilled glass of Rose (adults only)
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Nice with Your Children
In conclusion, Nice is an excellent destination for families looking for a diverse range of activities and experiences. From the beautiful beaches to the rich history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities and delicious cuisine, making it a great place for families to relax and have fun. Overall, Nice is a wonderful location for families to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together.
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