Family outings in Mauritius: 15 fun things to do with the kids (2026)

Weekends and school holidays can leave you scratching your head for ideas. How do you keep the kids entertained and away from their screens? Luckily, there's plenty to do with children in Mauritius beyond a trip to the beach or an afternoon by the pool. We've picked 15 ideas to help you get the kids out exploring, meeting wildlife, discovering the island's history and trying something a little different.

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Outdoor adventures with the family

1. Casela • Wildlife and adventure park

There's a reason Casela is a family favourite in Mauritius. From flamingos, black swans, parrots and macaws to the savannah's most impressive residents, there's plenty of wildlife to discover. Hop on a Safari bus or Eco Rider and keep your eyes peeled for rhinos, giraffes, zebras and more. Ready for an adrenaline rush? Kids of all ages (and their parents!) will love the Tulawaka ride and the park's many other attractions.

Planning a visit? Read our article about Casela Nature Parks.

Best for families with children of all ages

Royal Road, Cascavelle
www.caselaparks.com • +230 401 6500

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2. Safari Adventures • Big cat encounters

No need to travel to South Africa for an African wildlife safari! Safari Adventures, located within Casela Nature Parks, offers a unique opportunity to get up close to big cats in Mauritius. Hop aboard a safari bus with the family and listen out for the lions' roar, or look out for a Bengal tiger lounging in the shade or perched in a tree. For a closer encounter, join a guided experience with the passionate team. Depending on their age, children can feed lions (ages 7+), meet lions, cheetahs (ages 15+) and smaller wild cats (ages 10+), or even enjoy a camel ride (ages 10+).

Best for families with children of all ages

Casela Nature Parks, Cascavelle
www.safari-adventures-mauritius.com • +230 401 6500

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3. Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth • Nature park and giant tortoises

Curious children of all ages will love a day out in the hills of Chamarel at Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth. Kids will be amazed by the colourful dunes, come face to face with giant tortoises and learn about the island's unique geology and biodiversity along the way. Add a stop at the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints, and you've got a lovely family outing combining nature, learning and plenty of photo opportunities.

Find out more in our article about Chamarel's unique geological wonders.

Best for families with children of all ages

Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth
www.chamarel7colouredearth.com • +230 483 4298 / +230 5728 8685

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4. La Vanille Nature Park • Wildlife & nature discovery

In the heart of a 5-hectare lush park, a refreshing walk brings you face to face with wild animals: crocodiles, giant tortoises, monkeys, lemurs, iguanas, bats... Little explorers will love the petting farm and to delve into the world of fossils, insects and the dodo. For an extra-special experience, families can also book supervised animal encounters, including feeding baby crocodiles and visiting the tortoise nursery.

Best for families with children of all ages

Senneville, Rivière des Anguilles
www.lavanillenaturepark.com • +230 626 2503

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5. Bel Ombre Nature Reserve • Outdoor adventures

Set in the wild south of Mauritius, Bel Ombre Nature Reserve is a playground for families who love the great outdoors. Explore lush indigenous forests on a guided 4x4 safari (ages 3+), take a quad ride (ages 12+, accompanied by an adult) or enjoy a buggy ride (ages 5+, accompanied by an adult). Prefer to explore on foot? The 2-hour guided nature trail is ideal for families with children aged 10+ who enjoy walking and learning about biodiversity.

For more details on the activities and experiences available, read our article about Bel Ombre Nature Reserve.

Best for families with children aged 3+

Royal Road, Bel Ombre
www.belombrenaturereserve.com • +230 660 7400 / +230 5729 4498

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6. Mo'Bike • Mountain biking

Ready for a little mud? Mo'Bike, Mauritius's first bike park, offers a thrilling way to explore the island's wild south on two wheels. With over 25 km of trails ranging from easy scenic routes to more technical descents, there's a challenge for every level. Children aged 10+ can try the beginner trails, provided they can pedal confidently and fit a 24-inch bike. Bikes, helmets and a shuttle service are included in the Full Package Pass, so all that's left to do is ride!

Best for families with children aged 10+

Impasse de la forêt, Chamouny
www.mauritiusbikingtrails.com • +230 5854 7111

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7. DS Adventure • Quad biking

Who says sightseeing has to be done on foot? Hop on a quad bike and explore a wilder side of Mauritius, far from the crowds. The ride takes you along winding trails through sugarcane fields and lush palm groves, with stops at landmarks such as Pont Naturel and Le Souffleur. Children aged 6+ can join the adventure as passengers on a double quad, accompanied by an adult.

Best for families with children aged 6+

1 Ayodhya Lane, Trois Boutiques
www.dsadventures.fr • +230 5977 0006

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8. A day out at sea

Set sail for a family day out filled with island adventures. Snorkel with Nemo and Dory, set off on an island expedition in search of buried pirate treasure, or try to catch your first fish... Whether you take your own boat or embark on a private cruise, a day at sea is always a great idea.

‍Yacht Mauritius in the West, No Limit Charter in the North and Croisières Turquoise in the South and East offer day trips you will remember.

Best for families with children of all ages

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9. SSR Botanical Garden

Depuis 1770, le jardin botanique de Pamplemousses héberge des espèces locales endémiques et venues d’autres horizons. Dans ce jardin d’Éden, vous croiserez aussi des cerfs de Java, des tortues géantes et des oiseaux locaux.

Since 1770, the SSR Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses has been home to an impressive collection of endemic and exotic plant species. Stroll through this lush tropical haven with the family, where you may also spot Javan deer, giant tortoises and local birds.

Best for families with children of all ages

John Kennedy Street, Pamplemousses
+230 243 9401

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10. A family-friendly hike

Mauritius has plenty of easy trails to explore with kids, from Black River Gorges and Bras d’Eau National Park to the La Cambuse–Savinia coastal walk and Forêt Daruty. To make the walk more fun, turn it into a wildlife spotting game! Award points for every animal you spot: 5 points for a bat, 10 for a bird, 30 for a mongoose, 50 for a monkey, 70 for a cochon marron and 100 for a deer. Who will score the most?

Enfants Nature offers guided hikes suitable for the whole family.

Best for families with children of all ages (if you're willing to carry them...)

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Museums and cultural attractions for the whole family

11. World of Seashells • Seashell museum

Ever wondered what lies beneath the ocean's surface? At World of Seashells, curious minds can explore Africa's largest seashell collection, with fascinating specimens from around the world. A fun and educational stop for little explorers and grown-ups, offering a glimpse into the incredible diversity of marine life.

Best for families with children of all ages

Place du Moulin, Bel Ombre
www.worldofseashells.mu • +230 623 7984

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12. L'Aventure du Sucre • Sugar heritage museum

Sugarcane has shaped Mauritius's history, landscapes and identity for centuries. At L'Aventure du Sucre, the whole family can explore this fascinating heritage through interactive exhibitions that bring the island's past to life. From learning how sugar is made to sampling sweet treats at the Village Boutik, there's plenty to keep curious minds engaged.

Best for families with children of all ages

Beau Plan, Pamplemousses
www.aventuredusucre.com • +230 243 7900

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13. Odysseo • Oceanarium

Dive into an underwater world without getting wet! At Odysseo, the largest oceanarium in the Mascarene Islands, families can come face to face with fascinating tropical fish and impressive predators such as sharks. With around 200 marine species to discover, it's a fun and educational outing that encourages children to learn more about marine life and the importance of protecting our oceans.

Best for families with children of all ages

Harbour Waterfront, Port-Louis
www.odysseomauritius.com • +230 659 8000

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14. Chateau de Labourdonnais • Heritage mansion & various activities

If your kids are fascinated by kings, queens and life in a château, take them back in time at Domaine de Labourdonnais. Explore the beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, wander through the lush gardens and discover a slice of Mauritius's colonial history together. Little ones will also love a visit to the animal park, where they can meet some of the estate's resident tortoises and farm animals.

The Domaine de Labourdonnais has plenty to offer beyond its historic château. Discover more in our dedicated article about the Domaine.

Best for families with children of all ages

Domaine de Labourdonnais, Mapou
www.domainedelabourdonnais.com •  +230 266 3007

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15. Curious Mauritius • Optical illusions and interactive experiences

Think your eyes never lie? Think again! At Curious Mauritius, optical illusions, mind-bending rooms and interactive puzzles turn reality upside down. It's a fun, indoor adventure that puts your senses to the test and gives the whole family plenty to laugh about.

Best for families with children of all ages

Chamarel
www.curiousmauritius.com • +230 5763 6651