Chamonix Adventures with Kids

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-famous ski resort area nestled in the foothills of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Aside from the obvious ski slopes, this lovely little picturesque town is packed with family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities to pass the time if your little ones haven’t quite got their ski legs! Children’s activities are spread throughout the whole of the Chamonix Valley, but Les Houches has actually been awarded the “Famille Plus” label, for its outstanding facilities for children. Here at MeriNannies, we consider ourselves somewhat experts when it comes to family-friendly things to do in the valley. So here’s our top pick of activities to keep you entertained throughout your whole stay:

1. Luge Alpine Coaster of ChamonixSpeed through the breath-taking scenery of the Parc de Loisirs on this hold-on-to-your-hats toboggan run; perfect for adrenaline junkies big and small. With space for two on each sled, it’s ideal for the whole family. Children aged 3-7 just need to ride with an adult, but ages 8 plus can tear up the track all on their own.

https://www.chamonix.com/luge-alpine-coaster-de-chamonix,48-163228,en.html

2. Parc de MerletThis is one of the most-recommended days out, year-round, for children of all ages. Perched high above les Houches, the Parc de Merlet is particularly exciting for those nature-curious kids; encourage them to follow tracks, spot animals and identify species like the little scientists they are. The park is pushchair-friendly and one of our favourite activities here at MeriNannies.

http://www.parcdemerlet.com/en/

3. Soft PlayLa Petite Folie, located in Chamonix Sud, is a colourful and exciting soft play area that’s open 7 days a week and is even available for party bookings. For the tired parents who just want to put their feet up for a bit – you’re in luck! A café overlooks the soft play area so you can sink your teeth into a buttery croissant or indulge in a classic chocolat chaud…you’ve earned it.http://www.lapetitefoliechamonix.com/wp_lapetitefolie/

4. Husky SleddingLet your children’s imaginations run wild with the magical world of husky sledding. Enjoy a ride over the ultimate wintery landscapes, being pulled at just more than a walking pace, so you can really soak up the views. Ideal for dog lovers in particular, the little ones will even get to interact with affectionate Alaskan and Greenland Huskies up close.https://www.chamonix.net/english/winter-activities/dog-sledding.

5. Montenvers Train & Mer de GlaceWind your way up and around the mountainside with the Montenvers Train; it never fails to get the little ones excited about their great adventure. After just 20 minutes, you’ll reach the Mer de Glace (or “sea of ice”), one of the most stunningly beautiful glaciers around. Grab a bite to eat in the café or restaurant at the top.

https://www.chamonix.com/mer-de-glace-et-train-du-montenvers,48-179002,en.html

6. Grotto de glaceAt the top of the Montenvers Train, you can hop on a lift to the Grotto de Glace (ice tunnels) for an experience that feels like a movie scene. Trust us, it will take away your breath as well as the childrens’. Bear in mind that there are 430 steps to reach the ice caves, so it might be best suited for slightly older and more adventurous kids.https://www.chamonix.net/english/leisure/sightseeing/mer-de-glace

7. Take a dip at the Centre SportifMake a splash in Chamonix’s indoor heated swimming pool. Suitable for all ages, the complex provides non-stop fun for the whole family with a kid’s playing pool, a paddling pool and even a big hydro slide for all ages. https://www.chamonix.net/english/leisure/sport-centers/richard-bozon

8. Get your skates onOpen all year round, Chamonix’s 60 x 30 metre indoor Olympic ice rink is a great bad weather day option. You can just help your kids practice their professional “ice skater twirls” or even come along and watch the local ice hockey team, Les Chamois, playing home matches.

https://www.chamonix.com/ice-rink,28,en.html

9. Explore!We know it sounds obvious, but there’s nothing that fails to get children up and outside like a fresh snowfall. And luckily, we’ve got lots of that here in Chamonix. Head out for some serious exploring, and then dine at altitude – take your kids for their first ever fondue! They’ll be so full; we guarantee they’ll sleep well after.

10. Helicopter rides around the valleyFor an extra special occasion, you can absolutely wow your children with a surprise helicopter ride around the Chamonix Valley. Whether you just want 10 minutes or a full 30 minutes, the panoramic views are always mind-blowing. https://chamonix-helico.fr/en/vols-panoramiques

And, of course, if you fancy a few hours – or days – relaxing without the kids, that’s where our services come in. You can just grab yourself a vin chaud, snuggle up by the fire, and let us do all the entertaining.