Monaco, an Outstanding Family Destination

Family days out to discover the best the Principality has to offer 

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco: The historic Oceanographic Museum has been taking visitors on a fascinating journey of discovery into the world of the seas and oceans since it opened all the way back in 1910. See thousands of species of tropical and Mediterranean fish, take part in fun activities and visit the turtle rehabilitation tanks overlooking the sea.
Then it’s all aboard for a polar adventure at the Oceanographic Museum, and the chance to explore the North and South Poles through five themed areas, including the unmissable “Immersion” room with its interactive projections.
The museum is also hosting two other themed exhibitions currently: "The Ice Giants" by Michel Bassompierre and "The Prince and the Mediterranean" a tribute to Prince Rainier III’s unbreakable bond with the seas, and the Mediterranean in particular.
There are plenty of family activities to try, includng an escape game, Immerseave 360°, a touch pool, and a rooftop play area.

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology: Another activity that’s sure to be a hit with the kids sees the museum explain the fascinating history of evolution in a fun way. Until 21 November, experience something truly unique with a virtual tour of the fabled Lascaux caves, a prehistoric site in the Dordogne.

Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco: Discover a hundred stunning vehicles from the collection of car enthusiast Prince Rainier III. The collection is one of the Principality’s treasures, and offers visitors the chance to take a journey through history. Kids will be thrilled to see everything from the magnificent 1903 De Dion-Buton, all the way up to the Ferrari Formula 1 car driven by Monaco’s very own Charles Leclerc!

Stade Louis II: Sport is ingrained in Monaco’s DNA, and the Stade Louis-II is its beating heart. Built in the Fontvieille district on land reclaimed from the sea, it hosts a variety of sporting competitions, but is probably best known as the home of AS Monaco Football Club. Take a tour of the 30,000 m² and walk in the footsteps of legends like Thierry Henry, Radamel Falcao, and Kylian Mbappé.

Changing of the Guard and the Prince’s Palace State Apartments: Every day at 11.55 am sharp, you can watch the Changing of the Guard on the Place du Palais, an absolute must-see and a little living piece of the Principality’s centuries-old history. Then head into the Prince’s Palace itself and take a tour of the State Apartments, where you can admire beautifully preserved treasures and restored Italian renaissance frescoes.

The Princess Grace Rose Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year: “Every woman is an eternal rose in this world”... this was undoubtedly the founding maxim behind the Princess Grace Rose Garden, opened by Prince Rainier III in 1984 as a tribute to his wife, Grace Kelly. The garden, which can be found in the landscaped park of Fontvieille, houses some 315 varieties of rose, chosen personally by the Sovereign. To mark the 40th anniversary, gardeners from the Department of Urban Amenities are giving guided tours every Wednesday. A large hedge wall has also been installed in the garden, planted with colourful roses forming the number 40. 

Family activities and experiences

The Principality is surprisingly green and verdant, and in fact a fifth of the entire country is covered by parks and gardens, many of them open to the public, providing the perfect place for a little relaxing family time. Visit the Rainier III Zoological Gardens and the 300 animals that live there, or have some fun and games at Princess Antoinette Park with its multi-sports pitch, children’s play areas, crazy golf, and miniature farm. (Guide to the magic of Monaco’s parks and gardens)
The Open Air Cinema, where you can take in one of the latest movie releases under the stars in a unique setting, from mid-June to mid-September.
The Skate Park, for those with energy to burn, just a few yards from the Open Air Cinema (from 8 years and over).
Children’s play areas, all over Monaco, great for letting the kids tire themselves out while mum and dad relax in the sun.
Escape games, a fun way to test your brainpower with family or friends.
Beaches and pools in Monaco
 Boat trips, the perfect way to see Monaco from the sea and discover fascinating marine wildlife in the Pelagos sanctuary.
Sustainable Whale Watching, where you can head out to sea for an unforgettable meeting with the enormous marine mammals off the coast of Monaco! 
Helicopter excursions with Héli Air or Blade.
Dotto train, with a 30-40 minute tour that takes in all of Monaco’s most iconic sites.
Monaco Le Grand Tour, a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus that stops in 12 of the most popular locations around the Principality.

Family events this summer:

Music and theatre at Fort Antoine: From 2 to 30 July, Fort Antoine Theatre will be the venue for an eclectic programme of musical evenings and theatrical performances, for a truly memorable cultural experience.
“Turner, the Sublime Legacy” at the Grimaldi Forum: From 6 July to 1 September, the Grimaldi Forum presents its summer exhibition, “Turner, the Sublime Legacy” in collaboration with the TATE. Covering more than 2,000 m², the exhibition is a chance to admire some of Joseph Mallord William Turner’s most important works and sublime landscapes, and the great master’s pioneering use of light and atmosphere.
Summer Village, from 1 to 25 August, with sporting and fun attractions for all ages, gardens and shaded areas to relax in, stands serving delicious snacks and refreshments, all on Quai Albert 1er!
Summer evenings: This summer, you can look forward to a fabulous fireworks display on 27 July and a drone show on 9 August. There will also be two themed evenings on Quai Albert Ier, one with dancing and a DJ, the other on a 90s/2000s theme with bouncy castles.

Summer camps and activities for kids

Académie de la Mer, overseen by freediver Pierre Frolla, gives kids a safe and educational introduction to the world beneath the waves with summer diving courses and more.
Yacht Club, where sailing is accessible to all. Summer sports courses for youngsters aged 6 to 15, including: sailing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle, kayaking, etc
Circus courses, where kids can express their performing talents in the very same Big Top that hosts the prestigious Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival! Over a week, 4 to 16 year-olds can learn skills like the flying pole, trapeze, aerial silk or hoop!
The NMNM – Nouveau Musée National de Monaco offers fun family activities every weekend whenever temporary exhibitions are staged at the Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma. Kids aged from 7 to 12 can take part in creative manual workshops and treasure hunts through the villas’ gardens. And during the school holidays, the NMNM organises special themed activities to coincide with its exhibitions, giving youngsters a fun introduction to the world of art!
The Théâtre des Muses runs improv courses for younger children to explore the thrilling world of the theatre. Themed courses are available during the school holidays, perfect for developing budding thespians’ self-confidence and creativity.
The Oceanographic Museum's ‘Oceano Club’ has week-long courses introducing children to the ocean and the animals that live in it.
Monaco Library has a packed programme of cultural activities for younger children (and older ones too!) during the summer: summer cinema, Mangas Bla Bla, literary iced tea, games nights, workshops, and more.
The Botanical Centre is open to visitors all summer long, with activities including succulent plant-arranging and dreamcatcher-making at the Exotic Garden Gift Shop.
The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology has a variety of activities during the school holidays, including archeological digs, prehistoric pottery and painting, and the chance to learn how to make fire...
Société Nautique de Monaco lets kids aged 12 and over row to new horizons with its courses for beginners and experienced rowers.
Activities for young people at the GFM’s summer exhibition: As every year, the Grimaldi Forum is organising two weeks of workshops for young people in connection with its landmark exhibition, “Turner, the Sublime Legacy”! Kids aged 5 to 12 can experience the world of J.M.W. Turner with educational activities, and learn all about the master landscape artist’s favourite themes and methods!

Finally, Monaco’s hotels have an endless selection of ideas to keep the whole family amused. From three-star properties in Fontvieille like the Columbus Monte-Carlo, to five-star luxury palaces overlooking the Mediterranean like the Monte-Carlo Beach, there’s a hotel to suit every family visiting the Principality, with sea-themed kids rooms to kids clubs to keep them amused all day. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to at Monaco’s hotels:

HermitageMonte-Carlo*****:
VIK programme: Very Important Kids, in collaboration with the Parisian designer label Bonpoint…

Monte-CarloBay Hotel & Resort****:
Sandy-bottomed lagoon, indoor pool with jacuzzis, outdoor infinity pool, water sports, magic workshops…

Monte-Carlo Beach*****:
Kidsclub by Petit VIP, Olympic pool, tots’ pool for under 3s, gentle water sports…

Fairmont Monte-Carlo****:
Little Explorers Club, new Amù by the Pool experience…

Le Méridien Beach Plaza****:
Kids Club Le Méridien Family, private beach, outdoor pool, water sports… 

Métropole Monte-Carlo*****:
Family Suite, Just For Kids Suite, unique family experiences with the Just For You programme Little Green Chefs…

Columbus Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection By Hilton***:
Pyjama parties, games room, cinema evenings, bike rental (with stabilisers!)…