IDEAS FOR FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES

New Caledonia is a fantastic destination for children. Nature is everywhere, the leisure activities are varied, and there are plenty of facilities to help you out. With vast green spaces, outdoor activities for all ages, fascinating animals, educational museums, the South Province creates lifelong magical memories for you and your family. At every age, the playground is fabulous! The hardest part is choosing between all the experiences on offer. To help you choose, here’s a selection of 10 family-friendly experiences.

1. Meet the animals

In the theme parks

Why not start by familiarizing yourself with the local wildlife? In Nouméa, be sure to take your kids to the Aquarium des Lagons or the Parc Zoologique et Forestier. These parks are perfect for getting acquainted with the land and marine creatures of New Caledonia. You’ll discover the species that inhabit the region and learn about their habitats. Besides being a fantastic introduction to what you can observe in the wild, kids love these fun and educational places!

The plus : On rainy days, the Aquarium des Lagons is the perfect activity to keep the kids busy. The Parc Forestier offers picnic areas and children’s play areas!

In the wild

Whether it’s a walk in the forest or a paddle in the water, you’re sure to come across many animals roaming freely. Learning to identify animals found only in New Caledonia is an exciting activity ! Set off in search of the Cagou, the endemic animal emblem of New Caledonia! The Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue is home to several hundred of them today. On the Sentier des Cagous (the Cagou Trail), watch out for the grey plumage and distinctive sound of this endemic species. Don’t hesitate to ask the park rangers for their best tips on how to spot these animals!

In the lagoon, you can use a mask and snorkel to admire the multicoloured fish that gravitate towards the coral reefs. Numerous guided snorkeling trips are available at îlot Canard and at Poé. For effortless turtle-and-sea-animal-watching, glass-bottom boat excursions are the perfect way to go! Finally, if you’re visiting between July and September, don’t miss the humpback whale-watching tour: unforgettable memories for the whole family!

In the bush

New Caledonia’s west coast is renowned for its down-to-earth lifestyle. In Bourail, Moindou, La Foa, and Boulouparis, numerous farms welcome visitors for an afternoon, a meal, or an overnight stay. It’s an ideal opportunity to give kids the experience of feeding animals, and to show them what life is like on a breeding ranch. Farms like The Shepherds of Dreamland welcome families to their farms and share their passion all year round.

2. Explore the lagoon in complete safety

With long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal-clear and warm water year-round, and the absence of dangerous currents, the lagoon is a paradise for kids – and their parents! Some beaches in Nouméa and Poé have lifeguards on duty and rent out recreational equipment (pedalos, kayaks, funboats, snorkelling gear). The others are wilder and rarely crowded. So there’s something for everyone! Thanks to taxis-boats, you can also get to the lagoon’s wonderful islets easily and safely. Just a few minutes from Anse Vata, îlot Canard with its snorkelling trail, and îlot Maître with its picnic tables are perfect spots for a relaxing family outing. Other islets are easily accessible from Nouméa, Île des Pins,Boulouparis, Bourail, Thio or the Great South.

Precaution : bring a coral-friendly SPF50 sun cream and make sure your kids wear an anti-UV T-shirt. The sun can be strong even during the cool season!

3. Embark on an adventure

Do your kids need to burn off some energy? Then, go on an adventure and enjoy some active family time! On the agenda: hiking, tyrolienne, accrobranche, ATV. You can experience new sensations high up in the treetops or by the lagoon! Doing sports with the family can also allow you to discover another side of South Province. Exploring the city of Nouméa on a Segway, scooter or skateboard during “Dimanches en mode doux” (Sundays in soft mode) is an excellent example of an easily accessible activity.

4. Go horseback riding

Your kids don’t like walking? Fancy discovering South Province’s nature trails in a new way? Try horseback riding ! In contact with horses, you’ll explore new sensations, while making the most of New Caledonian nature. On horseback, you’ll climb the peaks of the Central Range. You can also enjoy the incredible experience of swimming in the river or sea on horseback. Some ranches offer pony or baby pony rides for the little ones.

To find out all about horseback riding in the South Province, read our article on the subject!

5. Cool off by the river

The heat, while not unbearable, can make some activities tiring for kids. In this case, swimming in the river is a joy for the whole family. And there are plenty of rivers in New Caledonia’s South Province. Often nestled in incredible green settings, water holes and small waterfalls are easily accessible. Cuve de Sarraméa, Parc Fayard, rivière de Dumbéa, cascade de Ny, cascade de Farino, and more. For a refreshing dip, a picnic or aquatic activities, river swimming offers a wide range of experiences.

To find out more, visit the river swimming article !

6. Family strolls

For family walks, whether in nature or the city, the choice is vast! In Nouméa, the 4-kilometer-long Promenade Vernier along the seafront is a great place to walk, run, cycle, and even work out on the workout facilities (perfect for teenagers looking for a bit of sport!). It extends into a brand-new urban park opposite îlot Sainte-Marie block, where playground equipment, picnic tables, and an ice cream parlour reward your efforts. South Province parks also offer trails accessible to the whole family: Parc du Ouen-Toro, Parc zoologique et forestier, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, Parc des Grandes Fougères, Deva etc.

Last but not least, there are many easy trails to explore the coastline and forests. Examples include the 3-Bays trail and the Cyca forest trail in Bourail.

Check out the list of marked trails in South Province: you’ll find distances, duration, and degree of difficulty. Ideal for planning a hiking outing!

7. Family fun

Looking for some fun? Rediscover your inner child with leisure activities for young and old! Team challenges, life-size escape games, discovering heritage without even realising it, to name a few. South Province knows how to have fun in all circumstances! Here is an overview of the activities on offer in and around Nouméa :

Laser Game Evolution
Mini-golf
Cinema in Nouméa, La Foa

Escape game
Rideabout near Port Moselle
Tiny train tour of the town

8. Spend the night in quirky accommodation

Fulfil a childhood dream by sleeping in the trees, admiring the stars in a fully-equipped bubble, observing nature from a yurt…. Unconventional accommodation is a delight for kids! In the Great South, the Camp des Kaoris is located at the entrance to the Blue River Provincial Park. It has 20 Cabadiennes and a few treehouse tents. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and feel like an adventurer. The tourist region of La Foa, recently awarded the Station Verte label, is also developing its ecotourism with innovative, unusual, and environmentally-friendly accommodation! Everyone loves it!

Check out the list of unusual accommodations for more ideas.

9. Journey into history

Who says museums and history don’t interest kids? Thanks to the educational workshops and personalised tours set up at certain sites in the South Province, children will happily dive into New Caledonia’s heritage. Visit the Fort Teremba in Moindou, the Musée Maritime de Nouméa or the Centre Culturel Tjibaou: all places your kids will love !!

10. Experience a local event with your family

Taking part in a local festival or event with the whole family is a great way to share your discovery of New Caledonia. Agricultural fairs let you sample local produce, while themed festivals open the doors to New Caledonian culture. Taste the bancoule worm at the festival of the same name in Farino! Laughter and memories guaranteed for the whole family! Family events also include festivals such as “Un été au ciné” (a summer at the movies)and Heritage Month. This makes culture accessible to adults and children alike.

IDEAS FOR FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES

In the theme parks

In the wild

In the bush

4. Go horseback riding

More inspiration in South Province