Capture a fun family break in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc!

Family-friendly activities in the Chamonix valley

Are you bringing your kids or teenagers to Chamonix? Fear not! Our super resort boasts a fantastic range of attractions and year-round activities to keep everyone amused and having fun!

Animals & Wildlife

The beautiful Chamonix valley is home to a selection of zoos, nature reserves and natural habitats to explore. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Chamonix, the Merlet Animal Park in Les Houches (1,563m) offers the chance to walk within a scenic open wildlife park, where animals such as Chamois, Ibex, deer and Marmot roam free. If you need any more incentives, under 4’s go free! Due to the varied terrain, families with young ones are advised to bring a car and a suitable off-road buggy. Although dogs and picnics are not permitted in the park (to protect the local eco system), there is a picnic area just outside the main entrance. Baby and tot carrying backpacks can be hired from the Snell sports shop in Chamonix, so there’s really no excuse not to visit and explore this wonderful wildlife park!

A unique day-out awaits dog lovers too! The St. Bernard breeding dog centre located in Elevage de Saint-Bernard (between Servoz and Les Houches) invites families and groups to enjoy a 30-minute tour of these beautiful pedigree dogs. The history of St Bernard dogs is fascinating too, having been bred in the 18th century by the Grand St Bernard monks to seek out and rescue lost travellers. After spending time with these delightful dogs, you'll most probably want to rescue one yourself!

Outdoor play

Throughout the Chamonix valley, families will find a host of leisure parks for enjoying some classic outdoor fun. In Les Contamines, the scenic Le Pontet Leisure Park can be found at the foot of Mont Blanc. Perfect for relaxation or adventure, the park offers no less than 20+ activities to enjoy; from fishing, golf, mountain biking and trampolining to tot-friendly lake swimming, rock and tree-climbing, pedal boats and more! The popular Les Gaillands Accro Park also offers the perfect way for families to face their fears and take to the trees, with a range of tree-top climbing assault courses to suit all abilities.

Just 2.5km outside of Chamonix centre, young tots and kids up to 7 year's old will be kept amused for hours, within the charming adventure playground of Le Paradis des Praz (open every day from 1^st May – 30^th September). A small river feeds a quaint lake which is accompanied by a kids’ playground, with snow rafting activities, pony rides and more. For more water-based fun, whatever the weather, the ‘Centre Sportif Richard Bozon’ in Chamonix is a family-friendly complex which boasts a 50m outdoor pool for the summer months, an indoor 25m pool, a kid’s fun pool, a paddling pool and a hydro slide for all ages. The centre also boasts indoor and outdoor ice rinks and tennis courts. For teenagers and grown-up families, the year-round Mont Blanc paintball centre near Les Tines is also open year-round, making it ideal for those in search of an adreneline rush!

The largest lake in the Chamonix valley is ‘Lac de Passy’. This natural beauty spot offers the perfect setting for daytime relaxation under the shade of the trees, or at the sunny, family-friendly lake beach. You’ll also find water sports, karting and mountain bike trails to enjoy, alongside a scenic BBQ area. Once you’ve refuelled, the Les Planards Leisure Park (just 5 minutes from Chamonix centre) provides a fantastic opportunity to launch your family on a high-energy toboggan ride! Alongside the popular summertime ‘Luge Alpine coaster’ ride, visitors can also enjoy trampolining, electric motorbike rides, outdoor and indoor play areas, a giant swing and more. Its on-site bar restaurant is also accompanied by a charming picnic area.

Enjoy a scenic train ride

If you're a family of train lovers, Chamonix will spoil you! Alongside the affectionately-named red and white ‘Petit train’, which provides a memorable train ride for young ones through Chamonix town, the nearby Montenvers train ride offers a 20-minute ascent up the mountain to enjoy a spot of lunch, or to hop on the Mer de Glace cable car to visit the famous ice caves (please note the ice caves are reached by 430 steps, so this attraction is best suited for families with older children).

Family Ski & Winter sports

The Chamonix valley is home to a wealth of family-friendly winter activities. From husky dog sleigh rides, ice skating and snow sledding to taking on the kid-friendly slopes of Les Planards, Le Savoy, the Paragliding landing area, La Vormaine (Le Tour) and La Pova (Vallorcine), the Chamonix valley will spoil you! For those starting out or looking to improve, a ski lesson at one of the super ski schools at Les Grands Montets, Le Savoy and Les Planards will build confidence, before embarking on a fun, family ski day on the slopes. Safety advice: Please note that because kids are sensitive to high altitudes, under 3's should not go higher than 2,000m. Those experiencing blocked sinuses or a cold should also avoid taking the ski lifts, until they feel better.

Family-friendly facilities

Accompanying the wide range of family-friendly accommodation in Chamonix and its valley, are a number of great kids’ clubs (including the Fun Club for 4-8 year olds and  Panda club for 3-10 year olds). These activity clubs are complemented by a host of supervised craft events too, for when you need a rest day! The Chamonix valley also offers easy sports equipment hire, including mountain bikes and helmets, so you can be sure of carefree family holiday! For those looking to cycle for the day, the blue and green-coded bike trails are the most suitable for families and beginners, with many passing through picturesque Chamonix valley villages and woodlands.

We wish you a fantastic family stay in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc!