I’ve prepared a list of special activities for children (mainly located in the West of the island):
Summary
1. Activities in outdoor areas
- Located between Flic-en-Flac and Tamarin, this is Mauritius’s only zoo. As well as seeing the animals, you can go on safari or even go quad biking. For thrill-seekers, there’s also the opportunity to take a ride on the Tulawaka train. Tula-what? It’s the Mauritian version of the Disneyland Paris mine train.
Living in the West, we took out the Casela club membership, RS 1,600 per adult and RS 1,400 per child, a very affordable price and gives (July 2024):
- Unlimited entrances to the park for 12 months
- 10% off entrance tickets for accompanying guests
- 10% Discount on Casela Nature Parks Food & Beverages outlets*
• 10% Discount on Casela Nature Parks attractions & activities*
• 10% Discount on special events: Kids birthdays, weddings, receptions and anniversaries
• Free African Safari Truck Tour
• Free access to all events organised by Casela Nature Parks**
In the “Pangia” area, you’ll find a playground and rides. You’ll find slides, swings and mini golf where kids can have fun while parents enjoy a coffee nearby.
We’re also big fans of the farm, especially for the little ones, who can go and feed the animals.
Vanilla Village
- Café-concert on Sundays, a great place for brunch. This outdoor space has a bobo-family atmosphere, with a store selling local objects, a catering area and a children’s play area. It’s a great place to meet up with friends for lunch (very good salads).
In addition to ephemeral markets, there are occasional courses and fun workshops on offer.
La Vanille Nature Park
- Also known as Crocodile Park, this reserve is located in the very south of the island at Rivière des Anguilles.
At RS 500 for adults and RS 150 for children, it’s well worth the detour. For residents and Mauritians, you’ll receive a voucher for RS 150 per person for use in the park (snacks, lunch…). Several activities are available inside, including crocodile feeding at 11:30 a.m., which is very impressive. We enjoyed feeding the small turtles for RS 400 per family.
You’ll see giant tortoises, crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and bats.
Over 30,000 insects can be seen in the insectarium. Like Casela, there’s also an educational farm and a children’s playground (swing, etc.).
In the park’s restaurant, you can even try crocodile for the more adventurous.
Ebene Recreational Park
- Opened at the end of 2020, this green space is just 10 minutes from the Rosehill subway station. There’s ample parking at the entrance, a fitness trail, outdoor rides for children (large slide, climbing spider, monkey bridge), a water feature and an outdoor amphitheater for up to 350 people.
- The park is open daily from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. It’s an ideal place for a jog, a stroll, entertaining the kids and even a picnic when the weather’s right. Note that there isn’t much shade.
- Note that kites are not allowed
Jardin de Pamplemousses
- A must-see in Mauritius and one of our favorite family outings. You can see turtles, deer, ducks, magnificent lotuses…
- Admission fee: RS 25 for residents and Mauritians (card to be presented at the ticket office).
- You can also hire a guide at the entrance: RS 75 per person (less than 2euros)
- Picnicking possible inside
- Free for children under 5
- 2 hours are enough to do the tour
- Great place for photoshootings
- Here’s my list of tips:
- Don’t forget your mosquito spray
- Take a guide at the entrance (less than 2€ per person)
- Bring a snack and some water, as there’s no sale inside.
- Nice place to visit when the weather’s fine 📸
- Outing to be combined with the nearby Sugar Adventure
- Lunch locations: l’Aventure du Sucre restaurant, Le Fangourin, or Mahogany shopping center (nice space)
Jardin de Balfour
- Nestled in the town of Beau Bassin, this is more than just a garden. Lush and well planted with trees, you’ll also find play areas for children. It’s a beautiful place where you’ll also see 7 hundred-year-old turtles and, above all, a breathtaking view of the Balfour waterfall.
A true haven of peace, ideal for a picnic on the grass while the kids run and play on the swings, slides and other games. - Watch out for monkeys and mosquitoes!
Trou-aux-cerfs
- Located in the heart of the island, in Curepipe, this is a volcanic crater. There’s parking at the very top, and you can take a short 10-20 min walk to admire the view.
Aire de jeux à La Croisette
- In this shopping center, there is a large outdoor area where children can rollerblade, scooter or ride their bikes. With its smooth surface, protected from the road, this play area is practical both for parents, who can go shopping and run errands, and for children, who can get some physical exercise. There’s also an outdoor play area, a carousel on the food court and an arcade.
In case of bad weather, you can always go to the Star cinema in the shopping center.
Time Twisters Outdoor Recreational Park
- Located in the North, at Beau Plateau Road, Cottage, I haven’t tried this outdoor playground yet. This place offers trampolines and other water features (automated watering) for children.
Aqualand at Maritim Crystals Beach
- Water park opening in October 2021 at the Maritim hotel on the east side of the island between Bellemare and Trou d’Eau Douce. It features 5 giant waterslides on 2 levels. The choice is yours, with or without buoys.
For those who don’t want to swim, deckchairs are available next to the pools.
Ideal for adults and toddlers, there are 2 small pools: one with 3 mini-slides and another with water fountains. The kids loved it.
For residents and Mauritians, don’t hesitate to check out the packaqes on offer on discount websites: deals.mu or marideal.mu. - Read my full article on our stay there.
Splash N Fun Leisure Park
- Formerly known as “Waterpark”, this is the island’s largest water park. Located to the east of Bellemare, you’ll find giant slides, giant buoys, a children’s playground, a wave pool… If you love water, you’ll love discovering all the activities on offer. Need to try next time.
2. Indoor activities
Odysseo Oceanarium
- The largest oceanarium in the Mascarenes. Discover over 200 species of marine animals from the Indian Ocean. The oceanarium features 45 habitats of different shapes and sizes, with a total capacity of 2,000 m3 of water. Open since September 6, 2021, tickets cost Rs 450 for adults and Rs 300 for children (resident rates). I liked the tunnel with the fish swimming above our heads, you feel like you’re swimming with them.
There’s an outdoor snack area in the middle of the course, perfect for a quick break. - Read my full article on Odysseo: with prices and all the activities available.
L’Aventure du Sucre
- More an activity for adults than children, you can discover the history of Mauritius. This large museum in Pamplemousse is housed in a former sugar factory. You’ll see the cane fields that surround it. It’s the place to be if you want to retrace the evolution of Mauritius. It’s a very complete tour, with a lot of reading, which may seem long for children. The Fangourin, a hitchhiking restaurant, offers lunch or coffee in a pleasant setting overlooking the verdant garden.
Gravity à Tribeca Mall
- It’s the new hot spot for entertainment! You’ll have indoor karting, climbing walls, bowling, trampolines galore and arcades of course!
There’s even a karaoke area, but I haven’t seen it yet. - Getting there is easy: just head to the 1st floor of Tribeca Mall. With all the lights and noise, it’s easy to find the place.
- It’s nice, but very noisy. We won’t be there all day.
Doodland Bagatelle
- Right in the middle of the Bagatelle shopping center, this is not just a children’s toy store. You’ll also find a restaurant and, above all, a children’s play area on the 1st floor.
- Approx. RS 200 for 1 child for 1 hour’s play, plus RS 50 for non-slip socks (compulsory for children). For adults, simple socks are ok (I had to buy the size XL anti-slip socks because I was wearing sandals.
Otherwise, the area is pretty big: slides, ball pool, pirate ship, fruit and vegetable stands, foam plane, foam fire truck…
My eldest loved it and never wanted to leave.
Koala Happy Island
- It’s hard to miss when you come from an underground parking lot, or when you pass by the foodcourt. In this playground in the Jumbo Phoenix shopping center, you’ll find bowls, arcades, slides, trampolines… Kids love it!
Curious Corner of Chamarel
- Located opposite Les Terres des Sept Couleurs, Chamarel’s Curious Corner is the first of its kind in Mauritius, a gallery of interactive illusions and art that’s sure to arouse your curiosity! Visit the Exhibition Center and experience a world bouncing with fun and offering you the opportunity to take unusual photos.
DodoQuest – Escape Rooms Adventure
- For big kids and parents alike, I invite you to discover the only escape game in Mauritius, located in Moka. 3 themes are proposed. Don’t hesitate to ask about the level of difficulty and the age required to take part.
World of Seashells museum – Musée du coquillage
- Located in Bel Ombre, in the south of the island, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit it.
I’ve had good feedback on this place, which boasts the largest collection of shells in Africa: over 8,000 pieces!
A must-see if you’re in the area.
Institut Français de Maurice – IFM
- This media library in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill is a place for learning, meeting and sharing.
There’s an amphitheater, a restaurant “Le Baudelaire” and even a recreation area with ping pong, table soccer and piano. The institute offers a wide range of cultural events: conferences, workshops, concerts…
If you know of any other activities you can do with your children, please feel free to comment.
In the same vein, check out my article on nursery stores.
