Annecy with children is a promise kept at every street corner: or almost every shore of the lake. Between the turquoise water inviting you to dive in, the boats gliding silently under the Alps, and the parks where little ones run until exhausted, the city offers a family activity palette for Annecy that covers all ages, all budgets, all moods of the day.
To read: Find our complete guide to prepare your stay at Lake Annecy
Here are the must-sees for a successful family outing in Annecy, from morning until sunset.
The lake’s beaches and swimming spots
It’s hard to resist the water of Lake Annecy. Known as one of the purest in Europe, it is clear, perfectly cool in summer, and the children have no desire to get out.
Albigny Beach is the largest and most family-friendly. Its 400 meters of lawn bordered by flowers offers space for everyone: towels, picnic, improvised sandcastle. It is free and supervised by lifeguards from July 5 to August 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Play areas for children, showers, toilets and nearby snacks complete the picture. It is easily accessible from downtown by bus (line 5) or by bike via the nearby bike path.
Marquisats Beach, on the left bank at the entrance to Annecy, is more urban but just as pleasant. It is also free and supervised at the same hours (July 5 – August 31). Big news in 2025: the city inaugurated its first inclusive beach there, with secure pathways, sound beacons, amphibious wheelchairs (Hippocampe, Tiralo) and accessible changing rooms: a great step forward for families with children with disabilities. The beach is accessible by bus and directly from the bike path.
💡 Tip: In July-August, arrive before 11 a.m. to choose your spot. Both beaches are crowded from noon on hot days.
To read: The beaches of Lake Annecy: The complete guide to enjoy your stay
Cruises and water activities
On the lake, options are plentiful: and children love it.
The cruises of the Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac d’Annecy are the classic choice. From Quai de la Tournette, several options are available:
- Grand Lac Cruise (1h): €19 / adult, €12.50 / child (4-12 years), €2 / baby (0-3 years). Commented by a professional, it circles the large lake without stops.
- Escape Cruise (1h30): up to the Doussard nature reserve, to see the entire lake.
- Omnibus Circuit (2h): with stops at villages around the lake: ideal for children who need to move.
All boats have been renovated between 2022 and 2025 and run on electricity. Booking on bateaux-annecy.com.
Paddle boats remain the favorite water activity of families. Rental providers are numerous along the Pâquier, Jacquet Promenade and near Albigny beach. Expect around €15 to €25 / 30 minutes depending on the model. Opt for a paddle boat with a slide: children can dive directly into the lake from the boat: a great moment.
Stand-up paddle (SUP) is suitable from about 7 years old. Rentals run around €12 to €15 / hour for a classic board. NCY SUP in Sévrier or the Frères Coin-Coin near Albigny beach are reliable addresses. For large families, the XL giant paddles (6 to 8 people) are a hilarious option.
💡 Advice: Book paddle boats in advance on heatwave days: they go fast, especially on the Pâquier.
Parks, gardens and playgrounds
No need to wear a swimsuit to spend a lovely family morning in Annecy.
Les Jardins de l’Europe are the green lungs of the city center. This 3-hectare park is bordered on three sides by the lake and canals: the view is stunning. There are playgrounds for children, benches in the shade under century-old trees, a fountain, toilets and ice cream vendors in season. A walk around the park along the lake covers about 500 meters: perfect for strollers and little legs. On the lake side, some rental companies offer paddle boats and boats directly from the docks.
Le Pâquier (Champ de Mars), just across the Pont des Amours, stretches over 7.5 hectares of lawn facing the lake. It is THE playground for the people of Annecy: two playgrounds for children, an old carousel, spaces to run, play frisbee or picnic with a view of the Alps. The atmosphere is relaxed, festive in summer, and children can let off steam freely.
💡 Good to know: Both parks are entirely free and open year-round. Perfect for a break between activities.
Sports and outdoor activities
For families who can’t sit still, Annecy and its immediate surroundings are packed with options.
Biking around the lake is a legendary family outing in Annecy. The secure bike path is 42 kilometers in total: no need to do it all. One or two hours between Annecy and Sévrier is enough to enjoy the scenery and stop at a beach. Electric bike rentals are available in town so that even the less sporty can follow without effort.
Tree climbing at Talloires with Acro’Aventures (or AccroCamp on the heights of Talloires) is a sure bet. The courses are adapted to all ages:
- Acro’Filet: from toddlers, on the ground, with nets, trampolines and slides
- Children’s Course: obstacles between 2 and 8 meters, about 1 hour
- Junior Course: challenges between 4 and 13 meters, 2 hours
- Prices from €17 / person. Must be booked in advance during school holidays.
The Imperial mini-golf is a perfect option for a quiet afternoon. 18 holes carefully arranged, a snack bar for ice cream breaks, and the possibility to also rent roller skates, bikes and kayaks on site. Open 7 days a week in season.
Practical tips for a successful family outing
📋 Practical box
Recommended ages per activity:
- Supervised beaches: all ages (swimming supervised from 0 years with adult)
- Paddle boats: from 3-4 years (with adult)
- Boat cruises: all ages (baby €2)
- Stand up paddle: from about 7 years
- Tree climbing (Acro’Filet): from 2-3 years; classic courses from 1 m height
Summary of prices:
| Activity | Indicative Price |
|---|---|
| Albigny and Marquisats Beaches | Free |
| 1h Cruise (child 4-12 years) | €12.50 |
| 30 min Paddle boat | From €15 |
| 1h Stand up paddle | From €12 |
| Tree climbing | From €17 / pers. |
| Imperial Mini-golf | Variable depending on season |
Best period:
- July–August: supervised beaches, all water activities available, festive atmosphere: but guaranteed crowds. Arrive early in the morning.
- June and September: lake still pleasant, fewer people, often softer prices. Our recommendation for families with young children.
- Spring (April–May): perfect tree climbing and biking, unsupervised but accessible beaches.
Practical transport:
- Bus line 5 to Albigny beach from the center
- Bike path to reach the two beaches and follow the lake
- Paid parking at both beaches in summer: prefer the bus or bike
To read: What to do in Annecy
Useful sources
- Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac d’Annecy: cruises and prices
- Lake Annecy Tourism Office: Albigny Beach
- Lake Annecy Tourism Office: Marquisats Beach
- Acro’Aventures Talloires / AccroCamp
- NCY SUP: paddle rental
FAQ: What to do in Annecy with family?
What are the best family activities in Annecy? The free lake beaches (Albigny and Marquisats), boat cruises, paddle boats with slides, biking on the bike path and tree climbing in Talloires are the essentials for a memorable family outing in Annecy.
Are the beaches in Annecy free? Yes. The Albigny and Marquisats beaches are entirely free. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards from July 5 to August 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From what age can you do tree climbing in Annecy? From 2-3 years old for ground-level areas (Acro’Filet). Classic courses are accessible from 1 meter height. Parks like Acro’Aventures in Talloires offer levels adapted to each age group.
What is the best period to visit Annecy with family? June and September offer the best compromise: pleasant lake, less crowd and all activities available. July-August is ideal for supervised beaches, but expect crowds.
Can you do paddle boarding with children on Lake Annecy? Yes, from about 7 years old. Tandem paddle boards (2 people) or XL giant paddles (6 to 8 people) are perfect for families. Life jackets are mandatory for everyone.
Article mis à jour le 21 August 2026