10 Best Family Things to Do in Cannes

The Lérins Islands (Îles de Lérins) are a collection of islands just a short distance off the coast of Cannes where you'll find historic sites and vibrant nature. While there are 4 islands in total, only 2 are of any significant size, and they're Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat.

On Île Sainte-Marguerite, you and your family can visit several historic sites such as Fort Sainte-Marguerite, which houses the cell of the famous "Man in the Iron Mask". Meanwhile, Île Saint-Honorat is the southern island where only Cistercian monks live. You can visit the medieval vestiges and 11th-century monastery ruins. The islands are about 15 minutes south of Cannes by boat.

Castre Museum (Musée de la Castre) is a stunning museum in a medieval chateau where you'll find artefacts from 5 different continents and stunning views. The collection here is quite vast with items like art, masks and antiques from all over the world, with some dating back centuries.

Visiting this museum also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. After climbing about 100 steps to the viewpoint, you can look out across the water and back onto the land to take in the lush surroundings here. The museum is located on Île Saint-Honorat, which is about 15 minutes south of Cannes by boat.

Croix des Gardes natural forest park (Parc naturel forestier de la Croix des Gardes) is a green space where you'll find trails and impressive viewpoints. The mountains in the area are particularly useful if you're trying to take in views of the surrounding nature with sights of vibrant greenery and the sea.

When you visit this park, you'll find an extensive trail network that you can traverse on foot or by bike. The trails are fairly easy as well, so don't hesitate to bring your kids along. You can get to this park by heading north from the city centre for about 12 minutes by car.

Antibes Land Park is a thrilling amusement park that the whole family can enjoy with rides, food and seemingly endless fun. The rides and attractions are split into sections where certain age groups are specifically catered to. The children's rides, for example, are perfect for kids as young as 3.

If the members of your family are a bit older, you'll want to check out rides like the Adventure River and Twister. More extreme rides for the especially courageous are available as well including Adrenaline, which is a massive swing that will launch you 60 metres into the air. It's located in southern Les Groules, a few miles north-east of the city centre.

Gourdon Medieval Village is a town with a notably historic feel to it complete with historic buildings and a design made for strolls rather than cars. When you and your family enter this village, you'll find half-timbered houses, a big fortified gate and narrow lanes twisting through the community.

The town fully embraces this style, holding a medieval festival every August, so keep that in mind if you're travelling during that month. The medieval-themed gardens are available all year long. You'll find it just a few miles north of Cannes proper.

The Nautical Bases of Cannes Youth (Les Bases Nautiques de Cannes Jeunesse) offer water sports for the whole family featuring thrills and unique excursions. Sailing is among the most popular activities here, but you'll also find motorboats and waterskiing too.

If you're feeling adventurous and your kids aren't too young, you can even go scuba diving to explore the area underneath the waves. Simple boat tours are available as well if you want something more relaxing. You'll find it along the coast on the east side of Pointe Croisette.

Fun-Kart (Bar-sur-Loup) is one of the only go-kart tracks in the area with high-tech equipment and child-friendly loops for the whole family. You'll find features like electronic timing here along with a rigorous commitment to meeting European safety standards.

For families with particularly young children, you'll find a separate track set aside for them. The entire facility stretches 8 hectares with 4 unique tracks to explore during your visit. You can even choose how much power you have, with 270cc karts and 390cc karts available outside the children's track. It's located about half an hour north of Cannes' city centre.

Aquasplash Antibes is a fun water park where you and your family can enjoy slides and a wave pool offering something for all ages. The park has 20 attractions in total with 15 of those being giant slides. Some of the slides, like Turbolance, are ridden in a buoy with a partner down a slide that stretches 100 metres.

If you're looking to relax for a bit, you can take it easy on the lazy river attraction. Additionally, you can check out the kid's pool and wide slide, both of which are specifically designed and reserved for small children. It's located a few miles north-east of the city centre.

Gorges du Loup is a nature area where you and your family can see immense natural gorges as well as a spectacular waterfall. You'll find well-kept hiking paths throughout the area making it easy to take in the stunning sights.

Visiting this area is an active experience, so it's perfect for more adventurous families. The waterfall is known as the Cascade de Courmes, and you can get there after walking about 2.5 miles up the deep gorges. The waterfall sends water spilling over and falling for 40 metres before reaching the lower pool. You can find it a few miles north of Cannes' city centre.

Petit train de Cannes is a tiny train that will take you and your family around town letting you see some of the top spots. This fun and adorable vehicle will take you from Croisette to Old Town, so you can see an array of stunning buildings and structures while learning about their significance.

The small size of this train is perfect for navigating the picturesque narrow streets of Old Town, so it's one of the best ways to explore other than simply walking. The entire tour is about an hour long, so it's easy to fit into your itinerary. You'll find it departing by the harbour.