While visiting Saint-Malo with your family, you might be looking for activities to entertain the children. This article will focus on making the visit more enjoyable for children of various ages. We will be discussing numerous fun-filled activities you can do as a family in Saint-Malo to create lasting memories together.
What to do for fun in Saint-Malo with family and kids
Take a Bay Cruise
You can enjoy a cruise in the bay with a motorboat, embarking from Saint-Malo.
There are several options to choose from, including:
- a 1.5-hour bay discovery cruise of the Saint-Malo bay,
- a 20-minute ride to Cézembre island with a beach stopover,
- or a 2.5-hour trip along the Côte d’Émeraude up to Cap Fréhel.
There are several companies to choose from that offer such cruises.
Visit the Micro Zoo
Located within Saint-Malo’s ramparts, the Micro Zoo is an ideal activity for children. What is special about this zoo is that it only concerns very small animals, hence the name Micro Zoo.The visit lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
As you walk through the zoo, various animals can be observed, grouped by their continents of origin. You’ll see ants, mini crocodiles and small frogs. Entrance tickets are priced at:
- €9.50 for adults and children over 13 years old,
- €6.50 for children under 12,
- and it’s free for children under 3.
Enjoy the Carousel
It’s not going to keep you busy all afternoon, but it’s still a popular activity for little ones. Treat the kids to a carousel ride. The carousel is located near the entrance of the old town on Esplanade Saint-Vincent.
Pay special attention to the carousel’s engravings: you will notice that they are themes after Saint-Malo!
Go shore fishing during low tides
Saint-Malo is experiencing the biggest tides in Europe (with the Mont Saint-Michel). Read my article to discover more about high tides in Saint-Malo.
During low tides, as the sea retreats far out and the sandy stretches are exposed, get ready to enjoy shore fishing. It’s an exciting experience for kids, and provides an opportunity to witness the power and beauty of Europe’s largest tides in the Bay of Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel.
Be careful though, there are regulations to follow when shore fisching. Do not hesitate to consult the responsible fishing site which indicates the beaches where it is authorized or the good practices to follow. You can also go shore fishing with a guide to ensure you do it properly.
Visit the Grand Aquarium
A short distance from the walled city of Saint-Malo, the Grand Aquarium is a popular attraction perfect for children. The aquarium has numerous activities geared towards kids, including:
- The Nautibus: A small yellow submarine tour for observing deep-sea creatures. Each submarine holds up to 4 people. A point of attention: when there are people, the waiting time can be long.
- The Abyssal Descender: A fun experience for children, simulating deep-sea diving and exploring the depths of the ocean where strange creatures can be found.
- Touch ponds: Get up close and personal with various sea creatures like koi carp, turbots, and rays. You will be able to touch them. In French, this area of the aquarium is called les bassins tactiles.
- The underwater cave: This cave is the home to blacktip sharks and sea turtles. It is really amazing.
- Caregiver for a day: For children passionate about fish, they can spend time with caregivers from the aquarium for half a day. This program is available for kids aged 7 and above.
The entrance fee is:
- €18 for adults (13 years and up)
- €13 for children aged 4 to 12 years old,
- free for younger kids.
Take a Little Train Tour
The 30-minute little tour train through the old town is both fun and educational for adults and children alike. The train also has a glass roof, enabling you to observe the surroundings from various angles.
Enjoy the commentaries, special effects and music that accompanies the tour as you learn more about Saint-Malo. You can buy tickets when seated at the departure sport (Esplanade Saint-Vincent).
Discover Saint-Malo on Horseback
Join a horse-drawn carriage ride along the Sillon beach and admire the beautiful Belle Époque villas along the way.
Horse-drawn carriage tours offer a unique way to discover Saint-Malo and are sure to delight animal-loving children.
Explore a Pirate Ship (Etoile du Roy)
Well… It’s not really an actual pirate ship, but the Étoile du Roy is a replica of a ship that is moored in the Bassin Vauban at the entrance of Saint-Malo. You can let your children imagine the adventures that such a rigging could have experienced.
It is possible to tour the ship, but visit hours may vary. Even if you cannot board, it’s still an exciting sight to see the Étoile du Roy up close in the port.
Board a Historic Frigate
Choose between three historic boats for a memorable day trip or multi-day cruise:
- Le Renard (the Fox),
- L’Étoile Molène (the Star Mullein),
- and La Belle Étoile (the Beautiful Star).
Each vessel offers a unique sailing experience, and kids will enjoy exploring the Bay of Saint-Malo during their excursion. Bookings can be made online. You can also book half a day trip.
Visit the corsair’s residence (home)
The corsair’s home (demeure du corsaire), also known as Hôtel Magon, is a must-visit for kids intrigued by pirate stories.
This historic building was the former home of one of the wealthiest shipowners in Saint-Malo. Guided tours are available: you will learn about the history of that house and discover fascinating anecdotes about Saint-Malo’s history.
A Ride on the Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel is not present all year, but when it’s in town, it catches everyone’s attention! You can usually find it from late May to late August near Quai Duguay-Trouin, opposite the old town.
Standing at 40 meters tall, the Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the old town and the Emerald Coast. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Cap Fréhel.
Embrace the Fun at Aquamalo
Saint-Malo is fortunate to have a large aquatic complex. Not only is there an Olympic-sized swimming pool, but also a full-fledged water park that your children will absolutely love!
Both indoor and outdoor pools are available, and over seven large water slides provide endless fun. For the little ones, under nine years old, there’s a dedicated outdoor play area with water slides, water games, and wading pools.
During summertime, an expansive green space is set up for outdoor activities, with a beach volleyball court and food trucks nearby.
Parents shouldn’t miss the wellness area, complete with a jacuzzi, steam room (hammam) and sauna. You can even schedule a hydro-massage appointment! Just keep in mind that children under 18 are not allowed in this area.
Enjoy Minigolf
While exploring the charming towns of Saint-Malo and Dinard, why not indulge in a round or two of minigolf? Though technically located in Dinard, getting there from Saint-Malo is a breeze: just hop on the sea bus for a delightful 10-minute ride that your children will surely enjoy as well.
The Saint-Enogat mini golf has been around for about 35 years and offers stunning views of Dinard beach. With a 18-hole miniature golf course featuring various obstacles, you and your family can have a fun and challenging game.
There is another mini golf, in Prieuré, set a bit further from the coast. From there, the coastal views are still lovely. Choose either location for an engaging and entertaining experience during your visit.
Losing Yourself in a Corn Maze Adventure
Do your kids enjoy treasure hunts? If so, they will love spending a few hours in a corn maze.
Keep in mind that these mazes are open only when the corn has grown, usually from July to October.
While navigating the maze, giant games are available for the children to stay engaged. It usually takes around 90 minutes to find the exit. If you’re up for a challenge, you can also solve riddles and follow clues to complete a treasure hunt during your stroll.
During July and August, on Tuesdays and Fridays, there are special nighttime sessions to amp up the excitement.
Visit the Beach Club
While enjoying Saint-Malo with the family is amazing, you can let them have fun for a few hours with other children. Beach clubs offer a range of activities for children aged 3 to 10 during July and August.
From treasure hunts to water games and trampolines, there’s plenty to keep them entertained. You can choose to let your child join for a half-day or a full day. Online booking is available for your convenience.
Try a sailing course
Saint-Malo boasts several kilometers of coastline with gently sloping beaches: this is perfect for kids to get started with sailing.
Depending on their interests, they can pick from windsurfing, catamaran sailing, sand yachting, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Introduce children to rescue skills
If you wish to add an educational twist to your kids’ vacation, consider signing them up for a rescue training course (but these are only available in french language).
The Club des P’tits Sauveteurs specializes in teaching rescue techniques, first aid, and environmental awareness. Catering to groups of children aged 5 to 9 or 10 to 15, your kids can choose a single half-day session or a week-long course.