Chamonix couldn't be so richly green or so wonderfully white without a little rain now and then.
Aside from a long lingering lunch at the brilliant family friendly restaurants/bars MONKEY BAR in Cham Sud or THE KITsCH INN in Les Houches here are some other activities to keep the little ones happy on a rainy day in the Chamonix valley.
La Petite Folie
Located by the river in Chamonix Sud is a fabulous indoor soft play are with a jungle gym and ball pool. They do drinks, snacks (including special offers on a coffee and home made cake!) and lunches. Its a great play to wear them out in a nice warm environment. Children must be supervised but we can arrange this for you as part of your babysitting booking by request.
Located by the Chamonix Sud bus station (round the corner from the Aguille du Midi lift station), this venue has 8 lanes of bowling with bumpers for the younger players (or the more co-ordinationally challenged of us adults!), a mini arcade, pool tables, 9 hole mini golf and a bar. Lets get competitive!
Indoor swimming pool (with great outdoor area for non-rainy days too), jacuzzi, water jets, slide, river rapids. They also do 2 brilliant Sunday morning sessions for children where they fill the pool with floating toys, one for 6 months-3 years called Jardin d'eau (one adult needed per child) and one for 3-5 year olds called Petites Poissons.
The small cinema in Chamonix centre (near the post office) shows blockbuster films and animations with some English versions (marked VO for Version Original or VOSTF if they have French subtitles).
Copyright: OT Passy
Chamonix is known for its wonderfully different seasons, with long, warm, sunny summers (and a few days of inevitable rain - see lower down the page for rainy day activities!)
So here is our non-exclusive guide to fun summer activities to do with children and babies in Chamonix and the surrounding areas. More information such as prices and opening times for each activity can be found by clicking the linked titles.
Located at the base of the Plannards pistes in Chamonix (opposite the Montenvers Train), this mini theme park has attractions and rides for ages 1-12. These include the Nautic Boat Splash, a carousel, trampolines, mini mottos and diggers, as well as a playground. Its also home of the Alpine Luge Coaster which is definitely one that older kids and adults will enjoy too!
Montenvers Train & Mer de Glace
From Chamonix centre, journey on the old Montenvers rack and pinion train through beautiful mountain scenery, ending with stunning views of the Mer de Glace glacier, brave the 400 steps down to the glacier edge to go inside the ice grotto, or stay at the top where you will find a museum, hotel with restaurant and igloos. The website recommends only over 1 year olds, but we would suggest that it is more suitable for over 3 year olds due to the altitude and the many stairs. One of Chamonix's best attractions, so definitely worth a visit so book a baby-cham babysitter if you need to here.
Located down the valley in Passy (direction Geneva), this lovely lake has a supervised area and is warm enough to swim in in the summer. With its sandy beach, grassy areas to bbq, restaurant and waterspout activities, both you and the kids will love it.
Located behind the Golf club near to the Flegere lift station in Les Praz, there is a children's play area where the stream diverts into a safe paddling area- perfect for hot days! Restaurant serving lunch and snacks, pony rides, mini zip wire and playground.
Nature park located at 1500m, above Les Houches. As you explore the short hikes, there are 8 wild animal species that roam freely to look for. Children will love the animals and you will love the great photo opportunities as the park is situated opposite the Mont Blanc Massif range.
Richard Bozon Sports Centre
Large outdoor swimming pool with separate children's pool, sunbathing area and water slides. A must on super hot mid summer days. Note that board short type swimming shorts are not permitted.
Groups of 10 or more can take a one hour hike with a group of husky companions (children wear harnesses attached to their husky and younger children help in pairs or 3's per dog)- great exercise and lots of furry cuddles!