The best activities for kids in Monaco mix fun, freedom, and discovery – think shark tunnels, kart rides, and ferry boats. This guide shows where small legs and big imaginations find adventure.
Monaco may be known for its yachts and glamour, but to children, it’s a place of wonder. There are tunnels where sharks glide overhead, ferries that cross the port for just two euros, and go-karts that let them feel, just for a second, like they’re racing the Grand Prix.
If you know where to look, the Principality becomes a living storybook – not too big, never boring, and surprisingly easy to explore with children in tow. Here are five of the most engaging, child-approved things to do in Monaco – each tested by families, loved by locals, and designed to leave both little and grown-up hearts full.
Oceanographic Museum – Sharks, Turtles, and Sea Magic
If there’s one place that consistently stuns children (and most adults), it’s this. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is more than just aquariums -it’s a living marine world housed in a dramatic cliffside palace.
Start in the Shark Lagoon, where wide-eyed kids can spot blacktip reef sharks coasting just inches away. The turtle rooftop zone is a quieter, gentler space with open-air tanks and a shaded play corner. Inside, the touch pool is always a hit -especially for toddlers who want to meet a starfish face-to-face.
There’s also the whale skeleton, the old explorer’s library, and if they’re ready, the 360° VR undersea dive. It’s an experience that grows with your child.
Best for ages: 3+ (VR recommended 6+)
Parent tip: Visit right at opening or after 4pm for a calmer experience. There’s a small café upstairs and a rooftop view that’s worth lingering for.
Best Activities for Kids in Monaco – Box98 Electric Karting
Inside the old Car Collection Museum, a brand-new world has emerged -Box98 Electric Karting, Monaco’s indoor track for kids, teens, and even parents who want a turn. It’s not loud, it’s not smoky – it’s electric. That means less noise and more focus on the thrill.
Children can ride alone from around 7 years old (1.30m height minimum), or ride tandem with a parent in one of the double-seaters. There are arcade games, screens for lap times, and just enough glow lights to make it feel exciting without being overwhelming.
Best for ages: 7+ (or younger with adult)
Parent tip: Go in the morning if your child is new to karting -it’s quieter, and the staff are more available for one-on-one guidance.
Best Activities for Kids in Monaco – The 2€ Bateau Bus
It’s simple. It’s short. And yet, the Bateau Bus is one of the most joyful experiences in Monaco with kids. This solar-powered water shuttle crosses Port Hercule every 10–15 minutes, going from Quai Antoine I to Quai Rainier I.
The ride takes just a few minutes -but for children, it’s a full-blown maritime adventure. You can see the yachts up close, feel the breeze, and hear the water slap gently against the hull. It’s calm, safe, and doesn’t require a schedule.
Best for ages: All ages
Parent tip: Take the ferry across, then stop for ice cream near the Condamine market or let them play on the little pirate-themed playground near the yacht club.
Le Petit Train de Monaco – Classic and Still Charming
It may seem touristy, but the little white-and-red train that winds through Monaco’s key sights is actually one of the most relaxing ways to introduce kids to the city. The 30-minute narrated ride starts near the Oceanographic Museum and loops past the Palace, the port, the Casino, and back.
For younger children, it’s a moving nap. For older ones, it’s a fun way to spot race tracks, fountains, and sculptures without long walks. And for you, it’s a break -a seat, a breeze, and a bit of context without needing to entertain constantly.
Best for ages: 2-10
Parent tip: Sit toward the back for easier photos and slightly more shade. Buy tickets on-site -no need to reserve.
Best Activities for Kids in Monaco – Fontvieille Park
After all the excitement, this is the place to breathe. Fontvieille Park is a quiet, open green space that feels far from the city’s buzz. Children can run, parents can sit, and there’s a gentle walking path that leads toward the Princess Grace Rose Garden, where kids often stop to count swans or scoot around the central fountain.
It’s stroller-friendly, clean, and rarely crowded – ideal for decompressing between stops.
Best for ages: Babies to teens
Parent tip: Bring a snack or something from Marché de la Condamine and make it an impromptu picnic.
And You?
Have you done any of these with your own little explorers?
Maybe it was their first time seeing a shark up close, or a short boat ride that turned into the best part of the day. In Monaco, it’s rarely about doing more – it’s about noticing what delighted them and leaning into it.
These five spots don’t ask for much. Just your presence. A little patience. And maybe a towel for surprise swims.
Contact & Info for Kid Activities in Monaco
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Address: Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
Website: Oceanographic Museum Official
Box98 Electric Karting
Address: Top floor of Centre Commercial de Fontvieille, 98000 Monaco
Website: Box98 Karting Official
Bateau Bus (Navette Maritime)
Runs across Port Hercule – tickets from on-site kiosk
Website: Monaco Bus Official
Le Petit Train de Monaco
Address: Departs near Oceanographic Museum (Esplanade Rainier III)
Website: Train de Monaco Official
Fontvieille Park & Rose Garden
Address: Entrance via Avenue des Papalins, Monaco
Free entry – open daily
FAQ - Best Activities for Kids in Monaco
Is Monaco too formal for young children?
Not at all. While Monaco has a reputation for glamour, families are welcomed everywhere -from museums to cafés. Just bring sunscreen, a light change of clothes, and you’re fine.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
For the Oceanographic Museum and Box98, it’s best to book during weekends or holidays. The Bateau Bus and Little Train don’t require reservations – you can show up.
Are these spots walkable between each other?
Yes, mostly. Monaco is compact. The train, museum, port, and Fontvieille Park are all within 15-20 minutes’ walking (or stroller) distance. If needed, local buses or public elevators can make the journey easier.
Is the electric karting too intense for kids?
It’s fast, but not overwhelming. The staff adjust the speed for age and experience. Children who are a bit hesitant can ride with an adult the first time.
Can babies join these activities too?
Definitely – especially the Bateau Bus and Fontvieille Park. The Oceanographic Museum also has wide paths and elevators for strollers.
