With half-term holidays just around the corner, most parents have probably already sorted out their children’s activities. But if you haven’t, don’t stress. There are still many venues with availability during the upcoming school break. Here is a shortlist of some of the best sporting activities for kids on offer on the French Riviera.
Best Sporting Activities for Kids on the French Riviera
1Tennis Padel Club La Roseraie, Antibes
If your child is a budding Roger Federer or simply enjoys a bit of a hit, this family-run friendly tennis club offers flexible options during the holidays. You can book half days (9-12pm) with tennis only or full days (9am-5pm) that include tennis, paddle tennis and fun games. But don’t forget you need to bring your own lunch or you will have a very hungry (and grumpy) child at the end of the day.
When: Dates TBC
Cost: 190€ for one week (half days) or 290€ per week (full days)
For more information, please visit: https://tennisantibes.com/
2Opio Valbonne Golf Resort
People often say that playing tennis can improve your golf swing. Here is your chance to find out if your child’s skills and coordination will transfer easily from the tennis court to the golf course. Set in beautiful grounds of 220 hectares, situated 20′ from Cannes and Grasse, this is an idyllic spot for your child to learn how to putt, pitch and hit a golf swing against the gorgeous backdrop of an Anglo-roman aqueduct.
When: 7-11 April and 14 to 18 April, from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30-4.30pm
Cost: 225€ for 3 half days, 350€ for 5 half days (it is also possible to book a single day)
For more information, please visit: https://www.opiovalbonnegolfresort.com/fr/jouer/enseignement/stage-juniors/
3Ecole de Voile, Antibes (Sailing School)
This popular sailing school has been teaching children to sail for generations. It is located right next to the Plage de la Salis in Antibes, with plenty of parking nearby. Its program for 6 1/2 to 10 year-olds is called Matelots and Optimist (the name of the small sailing boat they will board), whilst 10 to 15 year-olds learn to sail on catamarans. Don’t forget you will need to provide waterproof clothing and water slippers for all the young sailors.
When: 7 April to 11 April and 14 to 18 April. From 10am-12.30pm the first week and from 10am-12.30pm, 2-4.30pm the second week.
Cost: 226€ for 5 morning or afternoon sessions (plus 13.50€ insurance)
For more information, please visit: https://www.sr-antibes.fr/stages-de-vacances/
4Centre Equestre de Mougins (Riding School)
If your child loves horses and wants to learn to ride or perfect their skills, this riding school located close to Cannes is the perfect place for you. They will happily teach beginners and more advanced riders with fabulous indoor and outdoor facilities. You can choose from half day, full day or weekly sessions. For toddlers, they offer one hour pony rides led by a professional instructor.
When: Daily from 7 April to to 21 February, Monday to Friday (bookings required)
Cost: 40€ for 9am-12pm, 45€ for 2-5pm and 70€ for 9am-5pm. Please note you need to provide a lunch box if booking a full day and arrive 1/2 hour before lesson starts.
Visit: https://centre-equestre-mougins.fr/cours-d-equitation-mougins/
5Salto Trampoline Arena, Mougins
This spacious and well designed trampoline arena offers 1 hour classes for beginners (from 6 years-old) and more advanced trampolinists all year around. Take advantage of their special offer and only pay 12€ instead of 20€ for a 1 hour introductory session. If you have teenagers, they will definitely enjoy the pro-zone with the wall, the obstacle course and dodgeball.
When: Wednesday at 2pm and 4 pm, Thursday at 6pm and Friday at 7pm
Cost: 20€ for 1 hour, 150€ for a pack of 10 classes (valid for 12 months)
For more information, please visit:https://www.trampoline-indoor.fr/cours-collectif-parkour-trampoline/
6Culture Dance, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis
This renowned dance centre caters to children from 4-10 years old and also older kids from 11-18 years old. Choose from Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary Dance. They will be entertained with a program that not only incorporates dance moves but also creative pursuits. They can try their hand at pottery, painting, jewelry making, baking and singing. And even get to play Bingo!
When: 7 to 11 April and 14 to 18 April, from 9am to 6pm. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Cost: From 21€ to 190€ for a week (full days), from 21€ to 90€ for a week (half days), depending on residency status and family income.
For more information, please visit: https://www.culture-danse.fr/
And finally, you can also check out the Tennis Club in Antibes and the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Biot, they both run great tennis camps during all school holidays.