Winter Fun in Morzine: My Guide to Child-Friendly Activities around town

As a local nanny in Morzine, I’ve spent many a winter exploring fun and engaging activities to do with children during winter. If you’re visiting with little ones, or if you’re a local parent, here’s a list of my favourite winter activities for children aged 3-7.

Mini Ski Lessons

For children as young as three, ESF ski school offers special "Piou Piou" classes tailored to introduce little ones to the joy of skiing. These sessions are playful, using games and fun exercises to help them get used to skis. Even if they’re not quite ready for the slopes, they’ll feel like they’re part of the winter adventure.

Sledging at Pleney

I’ve always found sledging to be a big hit with kids! If I’m nannying for you I can bring my sledge for chiuldren to play with. If not, you can easily rent sledges locally, or your accomodation may already have some. (Always be sure to mention to your rental company that you have children staying as they may be able to provide a selection of toys, and save you some suitcase space!) Sledging is a safe, free and thrilling way for children to enjoy the snow, even if they’re too young for skiing. Just make sure you look out of the “Luge Interdit” or “Sledging Prohibited” signs. There are marked sledging areas in both the Pleney and Chavannes areas.

Ice Skating

Morzine has a beautiful outdoor ice rink, located in the centre of town. For young kids, you can rent little "penguin" skating aids that help them balance on the ice. It's a great way to get them active while enjoying the crisp mountain air. Theres also an indoor ice rink at the Palais du Sport, which is open throughout the winter. Our local Ice Hockey team, The Penguins, also play on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Going to watch is a great activity!

Swimming at Morzine Aquatic Centre or Aquariaz Waterpark in Avoriaz

The Morzine aquatic centre is a great option for a rainy day or just a break from the cold of the mountain. It has a lanes pool for serious swimmers, a freestyle pool for families with older children, and a small splash pool area for babies and toddlers who aren’t quite swimming yet. The pool is open 12-7pm daily. It’s closed on Saturdays. More info can be found here.

If the Morzine pool was a bit hit and you’re looking for more quatic adventures, you can take a short bus and lift into Avoriaz and visit the Aquariaz Waterpark. It’s an indoor, tropical-themed water park featuring shallow pools, lazy rivers, and even a mini climbing wall. There is also a pretty substantial splash pool, ideal for younger children. The warm water is a great escape from the winter chill, and kids absolutely love tropical decor and selection of slides and rides.

Check out the tourist office list of weekly activities

Morzine is fantastic for family-friendly entertainment during the winter season. The town often hosts puppet shows, storytelling events, and magic shows specially designed for young children. These events are perfect for winding down after an active day in the snow, while still keeping the little ones entertained. You can find details of all the family friendly events in Morzine taking place during your stay by visiting the tourist office.

Carousel in Morzine Village Square

The carousel is always a big draw, particularly when I’m looking after toddles. It is situated in the central square of Morzine opposite the tourist office. It goes €3 per turn, or you can buy 4 tickets for €10.

Visit the Parc des Dérêches: pony rides, playground and river walk

The Parc des Dérêches is one of my go-to spots for spending a fun-filled day with the little ones. The park has a range of activities for children, including pony rides and playground. In winter, the park also offers a great location for snowman-building sessions, snowball fights, and gentle walks through the snowy paths. This area is perfect for a winter day out away from crowds of people carrying skis and poles.

Play Kitchen in Colibri Cafe

Just 30 seconds walk from the bottom of the Pleney lift, Le Colibri is a great spot to relax with a coffee, while the little ones entertain themselves. Colibri has a great menu with indulgent and more health conscious options for the grown ups and a small play kitchen with a variety of toys and books for the children. Well worth a visit.

Restaurant Action Sport Pleney

A great local spot for reasonably priced fast food, with a childrens play area that backs onto the bottom of the pleney slope.

Ball Pit, Soft Play and Eagle Show at the top of Nyon Telepherique

If the weather gets too chilly, taking the kids to the indoor play area at Nyon is a great way to burn off energy, As it’s slightly hidden away in the picnic area beneath the Pointe de Nyon restaurant, its usually very quiet. There is a small ball pit and wooden obstacle course. It’s divided into 2 sections so the little ones can play happily and the older children can have a go at something more challenging. And, best of all, its free!

Another fantastic attraction in this area is the Bird of Prey Exhibit at Nyon. This is a captivating and educational experience for children, where they can see majestic eagles, owls, and falcons up close. Watching a falconer demonstrate how these incredible birds soar and hunt is always a highlight for kids. They also might get a chance to meet a tawny owl up close. Times for the bird show can be found here.

Treasure Hunt in the Snow

I love to organize simple treasure hunts for kids, where they have to search for colourful objects buried in the snow. You can do this in any safe, open area—either in the garden of your chalet or a park like Parc des Dérêches. Kids love the excitement of hunting for hidden treasures, and it gets them moving and exploring in the snow. Just don’t forget their waterproof gloves! The tourist office also has a virtual treasure hunt you can download here to discover the town and learn a little about Morzine’s history.

Snowshoeing on Family-Friendly Trails

For those adventurous families, snowshoeing can be a fantastic way to explore Morzine's winter landscape. There are several easy, family-friendly trails around town where little legs won’t tire out too fast. With the proper gear, kids can walk through the snowy forests, discovering animal tracks, snow-covered trees, and the peaceful beauty of nature.

Woody (St Jean)

Woody is an ace new addition to the resort that have been a huge hit with every child I’ve taken there. It describes itself as an all-in-one entertainment complex, and it does have something for everyone. It has a soft play upstairs suitable for children up to 10 years old, as well as kareoke booths ans a laser tag game area. Meanwhile downstairs there is a bowling alley, arcade games, darts and axe throwing. You can find out more info here. Woody is about 10 minutes drive from Morzine on Route des Grandes Alpes.

Happy winter adventuring!

If you find any new spots this season please let me know so I can add them into my guide for other families to enjoy..