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Morzine Activities - Families & Kids
| Families & Kids Activities in Morzine |
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There is a wealth of activities to keep the whole family happy in Morzine – from things that you can do together to activities where the children can be left to play with their new ‘holiday friends’. Your only problem might be fitting in everyone’s top choice! |
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| Canyoning |
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course.
Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
Hydrospeed is an alternative to rafting where you shoot down the river on a kind of inflatable body-board. Half-in half-out of the water you are closer to the action and guaranteed a soaking!
Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons.
There are a number of local companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways. |
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last updated 9-Apr-2008 |
| Children's Entertainments |
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Morzine offers a number of organised entertainments for children throughout the summer. Highlights include: treasure hunts; tours of the dairy and stables; story-telling; weekly puppet/magic/juggling shows; giant wooden toys; Cowboys and Indians in the woods; mini-football tournaments; circus week. There is also an antique merry-go-round outside the Tourist Office and outdoor playgrounds near the Tourist Office and in the Park Dérêches.
Pick up the 'Kid's Guide' from Morzine Tourist Office to find out what children’s entertainments have been organised during your holiday. Regular features include puppet shows, magic acts, juggling and more; during school holidays there are frequent carnivals with face-painting and fancy dress parades.
For festivals and other entertainments enquire at the Tourist Office for details or check our What’s On Calendar to see what is happening when. |
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last updated 20-Aug-2008 |
| Cinema |
Morzine has two cinemas: Cinéma Rex and Cinéma le Colibri, both showing the latest French and international films. If you want to see an English-language film find out beforehand whether it is being shown in French, English (version originale) or with subtitles (sous-titres). Watching a film with subtitles can be a great way to learn a few new French phrases - their usefulness will depend entirely on the kind of film you are watching though!
Find further details here. |
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last updated 30-May-2008 |
| Farm & Animals |
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At the little farm in the Parc de Dérêches you can meet the donkeys, feed the goats and pet the friendly farm animals. As it is right by the riding stables you can visit the ponies while you are there! |
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last updated 20-Aug-2008 |
| Fitness & Sports Centre |
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The Palais des Sports in Morzine is equipped with an indoor climbing wall, an ice rink and a gym. In the nearby surroundings of the Parc des Dérêches are the Olympic swimming pool, skate park, tennis courts, a horse riding centre and a children’s petting farm.
Many of the outdoor ativities are only open during the summer months but the climbing wall and ice rink are definitely a big hit when the winter weather isn’t looking too promising! |
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last updated 20-Aug-2008 |
| Hiking & Walking in the Portes du Soleil |
When the snow melts the walkers reclaim the mountains! Morzine boasts a great variety of beautiful Alpine walking trails. Whether you prefer to take it easy with a few hours rambling around the sunny pastures or you have a yearning to head off into the great beyond and sleep under the stars Morzine can offer it all.
If you want to learn about the local flora and fauna or would like to be taken somewhere off the beaten track there are a number of reputable guiding companies who can tailor a hike to your wishes. Alternatively you can head off to explore the area yourself with a rucksack full of maps and guides, available from Morzine Tourist Office.
The ‘Donkey Hike’ is always a big hit with the children and they make very companionable walking partners! There is the option of a half-day or full-day hike accompanied by two donkeys, which the children may take turns to ride. For the more adventurous option you can book a 2 or 3 day excursion, staying overnight in an alpine chalet – a really atmospheric way to experience the great outdoors!
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Horse Riding |
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The equestrian centre in the Parc des Dérêches, near the Palais des Sports, offers a full range of activities, catering for all ages and levels of expertise. For the little ones there are pony rides along forest paths, while the older ones can learn how to saddle up and handle their steed in the paddock. A variety of accompanied rides through the mountains are available and provide an extremely enjoyable way to make the most of the scenery. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Rink |
Morzine’s ice skating rink at the Palais des Sports is open to the public and also hosts regular ice hockey matches, the local team is Les Pingouins. There is a panoramic bar and restaurant, where you can warm your hands around a ‘chocolat chaud’ and a separate area for children aged between 3-6 years. Keep an eye out for the regular ice dancing and figure skating galas.
Opening hours are 10am-12pm, 3pm-6pm and 9pm-11pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Indiana Parc |
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Swing through the trees high above the mountains on a circuit of zip lines, monkey bridges , ladders and ropes. You can travel through the forest without touching the floor, safely strapped into a harness and attached to a secure safety line. These eco-friendly adventure parks are created around the trees without damaging them in any way and can be dismantled if necessary, leaving the forest as though untouched. Both adults and children can enjoy this activity with different circuits for different ages and abilities. The Indiana Kid is a special circuit for little monkeys over the age of 4 years. See here for details. |
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last updated 8-Apr-2008 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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From the heights of the Morzine mountains you can fly above the pistes for an alternative view of the valley. Glide back to the bottom on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor (a vertical distance of approximately 1000m). They manoeuvre the parachute while you, the passenger, enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once equipped with a helmet and an instructor strapped behind you, in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board, or run on foot) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the wing lifts you into the air. Peacefully ride above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Morzine for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Playgrounds |
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Outdoor playgrounds can be found in the Parc des Dérêches and next to Morzine Tourist Office. There is also a charming antique merry-go-round outside the Tourist Office. |
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last updated 16-Jan-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. There are a number of local companies that organise guided snowshoe expeditions; you can learn about the local plants and wildlife and spot animal tracks in the snow, or take afternoon tea in the mountain pastures. There are folk tale evenings, evening meals at mountain restaurants and overnight stays in mountain chalets to be enjoyed! See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Maps can be found at the Tourist Office and the more popular trails are well marked - so there's nothing stopping you! The technique of snow shoeing is not fast or thrill-seeking but is definitely a good workout all the same, the beauty of it is that you can go at your own pace and just enjoy it!
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Snowshoe Website for France & Switzerland
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Summer Sledging |
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The fun sport of sledging (or ‘luge’) isn’t just confined to the snowy winter slopes. There are 2 sledge runs open during the summer months on the Pléney massif, accessible by the Crusaz lift. Both around 900m in length and at an average gradient of 17% they are great fun for anyone over the age of 5 years. Children aged between 5-8 years must be accompanied by an adult. Multi-pass tickets for 10 rides can be bought, with an extra ride thrown in for free! |
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last updated 20-Aug-2008 |
| Swimming |
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The water park is the ideal way to cool down during the hot summer months. Boasting an Olympic swimming pool, children’s pool, water slide, volleyball court, sunbathing terrace, lawns, bar, restaurant and children’s play area this is somewhere you can relax while the kids entertain themselves!
There are swimming lessons on offer as well as an aqua-gym club and every Tuesday there is an introduction to scuba diving, a beach volleyball tournament and a mini-football competition.
There are also a number of lakes, streams and mountain waterfalls to swim in throughout the area, enquire at Morzine Tourist Office to find out which ones they recommend for safety, accessibility, etc. During July and August Lake Montriond and the lake at Les Gets have lifeguards and designated safe swimming areas. |
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last updated 20-Aug-2008 |
| Tennis & Squash |
The Sports Park has 10 tennis courts available for hire and offer a variety of coaching sessions for groups and individuals of all standards. Rackets can also be hired from the shop and there is a clubhouse serving refreshments. They hold a weekly tournament throughout the summer, open to anyone who fancies giving it a shot!
For those who really like to build up a good sweat there are also squash courts at the Sports Centre. |
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last updated 30-May-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
Morzine has a dedicated toboggan area at the foot of the Crusaz chairlift, where children of all ages (including big kids!) can race each other down the slopes. Sledges can be rented or bought fairly cheaply from most Sports Shops.
Once night has fallen and the skiers have deserted the slopes you can still enjoy the thrill of whizzing down a mountain with the wind in your face – on a toboggan. Ascend the Pléney cable car with your sled and hurtle back down again through the woods for an amazing ride. This is a good way to round off the night (and get back home) after a meal in a mountain restaurant – just don’t try it after too many glasses of wine! Contact Indiana Bob for details and bookings. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Tourist Train |
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One way to find your way around town in the summer is to hop aboard the miniature tourist train that trundles daily through the resort, offering a free transport service. The Morzine train leaves every 20 minutes from the bottom of the Super Morzine gondola, running from 8.45am to 12.15pm and then from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Both Morzine and Les Gets have a 'Petit Train Touristique', a great way to take in the sights and get your bearings! |
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last updated 25-Apr-2008 |
| Tradition & Crafts |
Inside the slate mine
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Discover the traditional alpine charm of Morzine. Every Thursday at 10am a guided tour of the old town of Morzine leaves from the covered market beside the church, enlightening you on the history and traditions of the area. Alternatively you could see the sights from the back of a horse-drawn sleigh! Departing at regular intervals from the Tourist Office there are a number of different tours you can take, from a short trip around the village to a longer scenic ride to the lake of Montriond.
The Slate Workshop and Cowshed and Cheese Dairy are worth a visit if you have an interest in local produce and crafts. Monsieur Buet will be happy to introduce you to the history of his 200+ year old slate works and the dairy farmers conduct regular tours of their pastures and cheese-maturing cellars.
To get further details and prices for these activities please contact Morzine Tourist Office. You can also collect a free, illustrated map showing local places of interest along 9 walks from the Tourist Office. |
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last updated 20-Aug-2008 |
| Via Ferrata |
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8; guides can be arranged on request.
The main Via Ferrata site in Morzine Avoriaz is the Saix du Tour; it is 600m in length and affords some beautiful views over the valley. It features foot bridges, monkey bridges and ladders and should take around 2-2 1/2 hours to complete. It is accessible from May to October, if there is no snow. |
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last updated 23-Apr-2008 |
| Waterfalls Adventure |
The adventure park Cascade Aventure at nearby Nyon allows you to swing through the trees above roaring waterfalls on ziplines, monkey bridges, rope ladders and swinging stirrups! The Nyon waterfalls are set in the beautiful wooded suroundings of the Vallée de la Manche.
The park is designed for adults and children (height limit of 1.35m/4.6ft) to test their nerves in complete safety. For those who want a greater challenge you can try canyoning on the River Dranse with a mountain guide.
For those who don't want to take part you can watch the action from the safety of the restaurant, which serves drinks, pancakes, ice creams and a Savoyard menu. For contact details of this and other adventure activities please see our Action, Fun & Sports listings. |
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last updated 24-Jun-2008 |
| White Water Rafting |
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If you haven't experienced this before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! Morzine has a number of trained guides who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the river Dranse flows furiously as it is fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a 3 hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint. |
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last updated 24-Apr-2008 |
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