Annecy with children is a promise kept on every street corner: or almost on every shore of the lake. Between the turquoise water inviting you to dive in, the boats gliding silently beneath the Alps, and the parks where little ones run until exhaustion, the city offers a range of family activities in Annecy that covers all ages, all budgets, and all moods of the day.
Here are the must-sees for a successful family outing in Annecy, from morning to sunset.
Beaches and swimming in the lake
It’s hard to resist the water of Lake Annecy. Known as one of the purest in Europe, it is transparent, refreshingly just right in summer, and children have no desire to leave it.
Albigny Beach is the largest and most family-friendly. Its 400 meters of lawn lined with flowers provide space for everyone: towels, picnic, impromptu 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 snack bars 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). New in 2025: the city inaugurated its first inclusive beach there, with safe pathways, sound beacons, amphibious wheelchairs (Hippocampe, Tiralo), and accessible changing rooms: a great advancement for families with children with disabilities. The beach is accessible by bus and directly from the bike path.
đź’ˇ Tip: In July and August, arrive before 11 a.m. to choose your spot. Both beaches get crowded from noon on hot days.
To read:Â The beaches of Lake Annecy: The complete guide to enjoy your stay
Cruises and water activities
On the lake, options abound: 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 to choose from:
- Grand Lac Cruise (1h): €19/adult, €12.50/child (4-12 years), €2/baby (0-3 years). Commentated by a professional, it tours the entire large lake non-stop.
- Escape Cruise (1h30): up to the Doussard nature reserve, to see the entire lake.
- Omnibus Circuit (2h): with stops in villages around the lake: ideal for children who need to move.
All boats were renovated between 2022 and 2025 and run on electricity. Booking on bateaux-annecy.com.
Pedal boats remain the favorite water activity of families. Rentals are plentiful along the Pâquier, Jacquet promenade, and near Albigny beach. Expect around €15 to €25/30 minutes depending on the model. Opt for a pedal boat with a slide: children can dive directly into the lake from the boat: a great moment.
Paddleboarding (SUP) is suitable from about age 7. Rentals cost about €12 to €15 per hour for a classic board. NCY SUP in Sévrier or Les Frères Coin-Coin near Albigny beach are reliable addresses. For large families, giant XL paddles (6 to 8 people) are a hilarious option.
💡 Advice: Book pedal boats in advance on heatwave days: they go fast, especially at the Pâquier.
Parks, gardens, and playgrounds
No need to be in swimwear to have a nice family morning in Annecy.
Jardins de l’Europe is the green lung of downtown. 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. Walking around the park along the lake is about 500 meters: perfect for strollers and little legs. On the lake side, some rentals offer pedal boats and boats directly from the quays.
Le Pâquier (Champ de Mars), just across the Pont des Amours, covers 7.5 hectares of lawn facing the lake. It is THE playground of the people of Annecy: two children’s playgrounds, an old carousel, spaces to run, play frisbee or picnic with views of the Alps. The atmosphere is relaxed, festive in summer, and children can let off steam freely.
đź’ˇ Good to know: Both parks are completely free and open all year round. Ideal for a break between activities.
Sports and outdoor activities
For families who can’t sit still, Annecy and its immediate surroundings offer plenty of options.
Cycling 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 SĂ©vrier is enough to enjoy the scenery and stop on a beach. Electric bike rentals are available in town so even less sporty members can follow effortlessly.
The tree climbing park in Talloires with Acro’Aventures (or AccroCamp on the heights of Talloires) is a safe bet. The courses are suitable for 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. Book in advance during school holidays.
Impérial mini-golf is a perfect option for a quiet afternoon. 18 holes carefully arranged, a snack bar for an ice cream break, and the possibility to rent rollerblades, bikes, and kayaks on-site. Open 7 days a week in season.
Practical tips for a successful family outing
đź“‹ Practical box
Recommended ages by activity:
- Supervised beaches: all ages (supervised swimming from 0 years old with an adult)
- Pedal boats: from 3-4 years old (with adult)
- Boat cruises: all ages (baby €2)
- Paddleboarding: from about 7 years old
- Tree climbing (Acro’Filet): from 2-3 years; classic courses from 1 meter height
Summary of prices:
| Activity | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Beaches of Albigny and Marquisats | Free |
| Cruise 1h (child 4-12 years) | €12.50 |
| Pedal boat 30 min | From €15 |
| Paddle 1h | From €12 |
| Tree climbing | From €17/person |
| Impérial mini-golf | Variable by season |
Best period:
- July–August: supervised beaches, all water activities available, festive atmosphere: but crowds guaranteed. Arrive early in the morning.
- June and September: lake still pleasant, fewer people, often better prices. Our recommendation for families with young children.
- Spring (April–May): perfect tree climbing and cycling, unsupervised but accessible beaches.
Practical transportation:
- Bus line 5 to Albigny beach from downtown
- Bike path to reach both beaches and follow the lake
- Paid parking at both beaches in summer: prefer 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 beaches of the lake (Albigny and Marquisats), boat cruises, pedal boats with slides, cycling on the bike path, and tree climbing in Talloires are the must-dos for a memorable family outing in Annecy.
Are the beaches in Annecy free? Yes. Albigny and Marquisats beaches are completely 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 for ground-level areas (Acro’Filet). Classic courses are accessible from 1 meter in height. Parks like Acro’Aventures in Talloires offer levels adapted to each age group.
What is the best time to visit Annecy with family? June and September offer the best compromise: pleasant lake, fewer crowds, and all activities available. July–August is ideal for supervised beaches but expect crowds.
Can children paddleboard on Lake Annecy? Yes, from about 7 years old. Tandem paddleboards (2 people) or giant XL paddleboards (6 to 8 people) are perfect for families. Life jackets are mandatory for everyone.