Traveling with kids can be both the most rewarding and the most challenging experience. The best destinations are the ones that offer balance: activities that spark children’s curiosity, spaces where they can burn off energy, and enough comfort and culture to keep parents happy too.
Montpellier, in the sunny south of France, fits this description beautifully. It’s a city where medieval lanes meet modern science centers, where you can go from museums to beaches in under half an hour, and where parks are as lively as its markets. The city surprised me with how kid-friendly it is, offering both outdoor adventures and indoor learning opportunities.
I’ll share three activities I personally experienced with my family (and loved) and four more that I recommend after extensive research and local conversations. I’ll cover everything—from the practical details like transport and ticket prices to my real emotional takeaways.
🌟 My Personal Kid-Friendly Adventures in Montpellier
- Planet Ocean Montpellier: Where Kids Become Explorers
📍 Location: Odysseum Shopping Center, 1 Allée Ulysse, 34000 Montpellier
⏱ Opening Hours: 10:00–19:00 daily (closed on some Mondays)
💶 Tickets: Adults €19.90, Children €13.90 (online discounts often available)
🖥 Booking Platform: planet-ocean-montpellier.fr
My Experience
The first place we visited was Planet Ocean Montpellier, part aquarium, part planetarium—a perfect combination for kids who can’t decide whether they love space or the sea more.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by a floor-to-ceiling tank filled with glittering tropical fish. My kids pressed their noses to the glass, squealing every time a shark swam by. The highlight for me was the 360° immersive cinema where we “traveled” into space, watching planets and galaxies swirl around us.
The staff here were incredible—patient, multilingual, and clearly passionate about teaching. At one point, a marine biologist gave a mini-talk about octopuses, and even I learned something new (did you know they can taste with their tentacles?).
We ended the day in the interactive play zone, where my kids tried piloting a virtual submarine. I could barely drag them away!
Pros and Cons
✔ Indoor, so great for rainy days.
✔ Wide mix of science and fun.
✔ Easy access by tram (Line 1, Odysseum stop).
✘ Can be crowded on weekends.
✘ Food court options in Odysseum are a bit generic.
Personal Feeling
This place made me feel like a kid again. Watching my children’s eyes widen as they “touched the stars” and “dived with stingrays” was unforgettable.
- Montpellier Zoo & Amazon Greenhouse: A Wild Family Day
📍 Location: 50 Avenue Agropolis, 34090 Montpellier
⏱ Opening Hours: Zoo (free entry) 10:00–18:00, Greenhouse (paid) 10:00–17:00
💶 Tickets: Zoo free, Amazon Greenhouse €3 (kids) – €6.50 (adults)
🖥 Booking Platform: Tickets for greenhouse at onsite kiosks only
My Experience
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t expecting Montpellier Zoo to be this big—it’s one of the largest urban zoos in Europe, spread over 80 hectares. And the best part? The zoo itself is free!
We spent the morning wandering tree-shaded paths, spotting zebras, giraffes, and even a rhino. But the real gem is the Amazon Greenhouse, a paid indoor tropical forest complete with waterfalls, lush vegetation, and free-flying birds.
Walking inside was like stepping into another continent. Humidity clung to my skin, and my glasses fogged instantly, which made my kids laugh uncontrollably. The greenhouse is designed to educate children about biodiversity and conservation, and it worked—the kids were pointing out poison dart frogs and colorful orchids like little scientists.
We ended our visit at the picnic tables outside the zoo. I had packed baguette sandwiches, and eating them under the shade of Mediterranean pines felt perfect.
Pros and Cons
✔ Free zoo access!
✔ Huge outdoor space to burn energy.
✔ Educational greenhouse experience.
✘ Greenhouse can be very humid—bring water.
✘ Limited café facilities.
Personal Feeling
I left feeling grateful that such a resource exists in the city. It’s rare to find a free, high-quality zoo, and combining it with a tropical greenhouse makes it magical.
- Odysseum Ice Rink: Family Fun on Skates
📍 Location: Odysseum Shopping Center, Montpellier
⏱ Opening Hours: Afternoons and evenings, times vary by season
💶 Tickets: Adults €8.50, Children €7 (includes skate rental)
🖥 Booking Platform: On-site ticket counters
My Experience
This one was a bit of a surprise for us. My kids spotted the Patinoire Végapolis Ice Rink while we were at Odysseum, and begged to try. Honestly, the thought of skating in southern France felt absurd, but we gave it a go.
The rink is modern, with music pumping and colorful lights flashing. There are two tracks: one for beginners and one for speedier skaters. I clung to the side rails at first (it had been years since I skated), but within minutes, my kids were zooming past me, laughing hysterically.
By the end of the session, I was exhausted but exhilarated. It wasn’t just about skating—it was about breaking routines and trying something unexpected as a family.
Pros and Cons
✔ Indoor activity—great for hot afternoons.
✔ Safe, family-friendly environment.
✔ Fun atmosphere with music and lights.
✘ Falls are inevitable—brace yourself!
✘ Not unique to Montpellier, but still entertaining.
Personal Feeling
This was pure fun. Sometimes, it’s not about cultural depth—it’s about laughing until your sides hurt. And this did the trick.
🌟 Four More Recommended Kid-Friendly Activities
- Fabre Museum Children’s Workshops
• 📍 Location: 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, Montpellier
• 💶 Tickets: Adults €9, children free; workshops €5–€10
• 🖥 Booking: museefabre.montpellier3m.fr
• Why Go: Art museum with special interactive programs for kids. - Lunaret Park and Botanical Garden
• 📍 Location: Boulevard Henri IV, Montpellier
• 💶 Free entry
• Why Go: Shady gardens, perfect for stroller walks and curious toddlers. - Beach Day at Carnon or Palavas-les-Flots
• 📍 Location: 15–20 minutes by bus from Montpellier
• 💶 Free (bus ticket €1.60)
• Why Go: Shallow, calm waters make these beaches family-friendly. - Escape Game Montpellier (Family Edition)
• 📍 Location: 12 Rue Foch, Montpellier
• 💶 From €20/person
• 🖥 Booking: escapegame-montpellier.fr
• Why Go: Indoor team puzzles designed for families with older kids.
🛠 Booking Tips and Transport
• Trams: Montpellier’s tram network is excellent (Line 1 reaches Odysseum and Planet Ocean). Day passes are €4.30.
• Car rentals: Helpful if you plan beach or vineyard trips.
• Platforms: GetYourGuide, Tiqets, and official city sites usually offer discounts of up to 10%.
🌿Family Memories in Montpellier
As I sit down to reflect on our time in Montpellier, I realize how well the city balances fun, education, and relaxation. Unlike some destinations where family travel feels like a compromise, Montpellier felt inclusive—for every age.
• My kids loved spotting flamingos on the way to Palavas.
• I loved sitting under the pines at the zoo, hearing their laughter echo around me.
• Together, we discovered that joy isn’t just about ticking off attractions—it’s about sharing simple, authentic experiences.
What struck me most was the diversity: one day we were exploring galaxies, the next skating in neon lights, and the next wandering through vineyards and medieval streets. Few cities can offer that kind of variety without exhausting kids or parents.
Would I return to Montpellier with my family? Absolutely. And I’d recommend it to anyone searching for a destination where culture meets fun, and where every corner seems designed with children in mind.
But more than that, Montpellier reminded me of an essential truth about travel with kids: it’s not about perfection, it’s about presence. Not every train ride was smooth, not every ice cream ended up in a cone instead of on the ground, and not every museum exhibit held their attention. But those moments of chaos became the stories we laughed about later, the glue that held the trip together.
If you’re planning a family trip here, I’d encourage you to:
• Slow down. Don’t try to do everything—pick a balance of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Mix structure with spontaneity. Plan one big highlight a day, but leave space for discoveries (like stumbling upon an ice rink).
• Embrace the French rhythm. Long lunches, slow walks, and time in the parks aren’t wasted—they’re part of the cultural experience.
For me, Montpellier has become more than just a stop on my map. It’s a place I now associate with laughter echoing off tram windows, sandy toes at sunset, and sleepy smiles after long days of discovery.
So if you’re wondering whether Montpellier is family-friendly, my answer is a wholehearted yes. It’s a city that welcomes children with open arms while still keeping adults inspired and engaged. Whether your little ones are budding scientists, nature lovers, or just balls of endless energy, Montpellier will meet them where they are—and surprise you too.
In the end, it’s not just about the parks, museums, or beaches. It’s about the way Montpellier makes you feel: at home, but also endlessly curious. And that, for me, is the definition of a perfect family destination.