Annecy: Best Activities to Enjoy with Kids in Every Season
Nestled in the French Alps, Annecy is a picturesque town. It is best known for its stunning scenery, medieval architecture, and crystal-clear lake. Annecy offers a plethora of family-friendly activities for hot and cold weather. Here are 10 exciting activities to enjoy with your children in Annecy, both for summer and winter.
10 Summer Activities
1. Lake Annecy Beach Day
Annecy has a clear water lake with water coming from the mountains surroundings. I would suggest to spend a sunny day at one of Lake Annecy’s many beaches, such as Plage d’Albigny. Kids can swim in the , build sandcastles, and enjoy picnics with a stunning mountain landscape as a view.
2. Water activities on Lake Annecy
In the lake, they are plenty of activities to enjoy. You can:
- Rent paddleboard. It’s a great way to explore the water while exercising and enjoy the stunning scenery together.
- Embark on a boat cruise to see the lake from a different perspective. Many cruises offer commentary that highlights the history and beauty of the area, making it an educational and scenic outing.
- Rent a pedal boat and explore the lake with your kids. It’s a fun and leisurely way to enjoy the water, and many boats come equipped with slides for extra fun.
3. Cycling the Annecy Bike Path
You should also do some cycling! On the Annecy Bike Path (Voie Verte) which is a safe and scenic route perfect for a family bike ride. With rental shops nearby, it’s easy to find bikes for all ages.
4. Adventure Park
For the adventurous, you can visit the Treetop Adventure Park (Parcours Aventure) where kids can climb, swing, and zip-line through the forest. It’s a thrilling outdoor activity suitable for various age groups.
5. Explore the Old Town
Wander through Annecy’s Old Town with its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and canals. Kids will love the medieval atmosphere and discovering hidden courtyards and quaint shops.Take a stroll to the Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge) and enjoy the views of the lake and mountains. It’s a lovely spot for family photos.
6. Château d’Annecy
Visit the Château d’Annecy, a historic castle overlooking the town. The museum inside offers fascinating exhibits, and kids will enjoy exploring the castle’s towers and courtyards.
Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Gardens of Europe (Jardins de l’Europe). These beautifully landscaped gardens by the lake are perfect for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or just running around
7. Thiou River Walk
Walk along the Thiou River, one of the shortest rivers in France, which winds through the Old Town. The kids will enjoy crossing the charming bridges and watching the ducks swim by.
8. Escape in Semnoz
Semnoz offers breathtaking view on the moutains. In addition there are many activities for the kids to enjoy:
- Summer toboggan: it is such a great activities and quite unique. It is accessible to children over 3 (if accompanied by a person over 1m25).
- Karting: they have an electric Mini Karts on a closed, secure loop;
9. Annecy International Animated Film Festival
If you’re visiting in June, don’t miss the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. With screenings and workshops for kids, it’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the world of animation. It is a festival know on the whole country and even abroad, it is a must to see.
10. Annecy Adventure
For the families with older kids, paragliding over Lake Annecy offers an exhilarating experience and breathtaking views. There are also tandem flights with professional instructors that are available.
Paragliding is not the only options, you can also enjoy canyoning, rafting and climbing in nature. They offer a large scale of wonderful family-friendly options for adventure!
10 Winter Activities
1. Ice Skating
On the winter for the one that prefers the indoors, you can enjoy ice skating at the Patinoire Jean Régis, Annecy’s ice rink. It’s a fun winter activity that the whole family can enjoy.
2. Skiing in Semnoz
Head to the Semnoz ski resort, just a short drive from Annecy, for family-friendly skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers slopes for all levels and ski schools for beginners.
3. Christmas Markets
During the holiday season, visit Annecy’s charming Christmas markets. Kids will love the festive atmosphere, the lights, and the chance to meet Santa Claus. You can shop handmade gift for the kids and adults as well as drink a hot chocolate with spices.
4. Sledding
Enjoy sledding at the Semnoz or nearby La Clusaz resorts. These areas have dedicated sledding zones that are safe and fun for kids of all ages.
5. Snowshoeing
Explore the winter landscape on a family snowshoeing adventure. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the snow-covered scenery and spot local wildlife. It is a great activities for the ones that are not interested in skiing or sledding.
6. Visit the Palais de l’Isle
The Palais de l’Isle, also known as the “old prison,” is a historic building that now houses a museum. Kids will be fascinated by its history and unique island location in the Thiou River.
7. Winter Walks Along Lake Annecy
Take a winter walk along the shores of Lake Annecy. The snow-capped mountains and tranquil lake create a magical atmosphere, perfect for a family stroll.
Push the walk further and discover the Basilica of the Visitation; it is located on a hill overlooking Annecy. The church is beautiful in the winter, and the view of the town and lake below is stunning.
8. warm up with the delicatessy
Warm up with a delicious hot chocolate at one of Annecy’s cozy cafes. It’s a delightful treat after a day of exploring in the cold.
Enroll in a family cooking class to learn how to make traditional Savoyard dishes like fondue or tartiflette. It’s a fun and interactive way to experience local cuisine.
9. Merlet Park
Perched at an altitude of 1500m above the Chamonix valley, the Merlet mountain pasture first amazes with its breathtaking panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif. Merlet park immerses you in the discovery of the animals. You will see through an hike on the forest, wild animals such as groundhog or even ibex.
10. Bowling
If you like the indoors, you can enjoy a family-friendly game like bowling at Bowl Annecy. It’s a great indoor activity that kids and parents can enjoy together while staying warm. 🙂
Conclusion
Annecy is a family-friendly destination that offers a wide range of activities for kids in the wole year. From exploring the old town and paddling on the lake to skiing down snowy slopes, Annecy provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or enjoying a winter wonderland, Annecy is sure to create unforgettable memories for your family. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of Annecy with your kids!
If you are staying longer, you should visit Geneva and discover the best activities there here; Closed by, the magnificient city of Lyon is yet to be discovered, you can discover the best indoors activities to do with kids here.
