Sarah De Winne If you’re exploring Hérault with kids and want to avoid the usual tourist traps, you’re in the right place. As locals, we know how to find the spots where families can have fun, explore nature, soak up culture, and do it all without breaking the bank. Here are seven of our favourite lesser-known, budget-friendly things to do with kids in Hérault in 2026 – plus a bonus idea for a relaxed family day out.
- 1. A Family Day Out in Béziers: The 9 Écluses, Scène de Bayssan & Béziers Adventure Park
- 2. Experience the Magic of Sète with Kids: Joutes Nautiques & MIAM Museum
- 3. Enjoy the Free Montpellier Zoo with Kids
- 4. Cross the River Orb by Boat to the Wild Beach of La Plage des Orpellières (Sérignan)
- 5. Explore the Red Landscape of Lac du Salagou with Kids
- 6. Adventure Underground at the Grotte des Demoiselles with Kids
- 7. Paddle and Picnic in Roquebrun on the River Orb
- Bonus Idea: A Relaxed Family Day on the Canal du Midi (Capestang)
- Final Tips for Visiting Hérault with Kids in 2026
1. A Family Day Out in Béziers: The 9 Écluses, Scène de Bayssan & Béziers Adventure Park
Béziers offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and cultural experiences for families. Whether you’re fascinated by the engineering marvel of the Nine Locks of Fonseranes, looking for a lively playground at La Scène de Bayssan, or eager to burn off energy at Béziers Adventure Park, this area has something for kids of all ages.
The Nine Locks of Fonseranes on the Canal du Midi
The 9 Écluses de Fonseranes are an engineering marvel that never fails to impress both kids and adults. Watching boats navigate the impressive staircase of locks is endlessly fascinating – and it’s completely free to enjoy from the surrounding paths and gardens.
For a small fee, children and adults alike can also step back in time with the immersive cinema experience “Voyage dans le temps sur le Canal du Midi”. Alternatively, why not hire a small boat and enjoy some family time on the water, or take a scenic ride back to Béziers on the little tourist train?
Personal Tip: If you want to avoid paying for parking, we recommend parking for free at Parking Rue Renée Boyer in Béziers. From here, you can enjoy a scenic walk across the Pont Canal over the River Orb, then follow the banks of the Canal du Midi all the way to the foot of the 9 Écluses de Fonseranes.
La Scène de Bayssan
Not far from the 9 Écluses de Fonseranes is La Scène de Bayssan, a free-to-visit space that’s ideal for families. It features a large well-equipped playground suitable for children aged 1-12, making it a great stop if you’re visiting the area with younger kids.
For older children and teenagers, there are also mountain bike trails, a skate park and a multi-sports court with basketball hoops, football goals and table tennis tables.
La Scène de Bayssan is also Bézier’s popular outdoor events venue. If you want to add a cultural element to your visit, it’s worth checking what’s on. Throughout the year, there are family-friendly concerts, theatre performances and festivals, some of which are free.
Béziers Adventure Park
Set in a forest just outside the city, Béziers Adventure Park is a fantastic option for more active families. The outdoor centre offers a range of accrobranche (high ropes) courses suitable for children (and adults!) aged 3 and above.
There’s also a mini farm that is free to visit, along with additional activities such as paintballing and canyoning for older kids and teens. It’s an excellent way to burn off some energy in a safe, fun and natural setting.
Together, these three places make a wonderful full-day outing that combines nature, adventure, and culture – all within a short distance of Béziers and without needing to spend a lot of money.
Why the 9 Écluses, Scène de Bayssan & Béziers Adventure Park are great for families:
- Free and fascinating boat-watching at the 9 Écluses de Fonseranes.
- A large, well-equipped playground and skate park at La Scène de Bayssan.
- Family-friendly outdoor events and festivals throughout the year.
- Thrilling high ropes courses suitable for ages 3 and up at Béziers Adventure Park.
- A mini farm and other fun activities to burn off energy in a safe setting.
2. Experience the Magic of Sète with Kids: Joutes Nautiques & MIAM Museum
Sète is famous for its Joutes Nautiques – traditional water jousting tournaments held on the town’s canal during the summer months. It’s a colourful and lively spectacle that is free to watch, with teams battling it out on boats using wooden lances while dressed in traditional costumes.
You can stand along the canal to watch for free, or choose to sit in the temporary stands set up for the events. Kids will love the excitement as contestants are knocked into the water, and it’s a wonderfully unique way to experience a living local tradition that you won’t find elsewhere in the region.
For a quieter side of Sète, the Musée International des Arts Modestes (MIAM) is a surprisingly kid friendly art museum. This vibrant and unconventional space features an eclectic collection of comic books, everyday objects, toys and other colourful installations. The museum is inexpensive to visit, and children under 10 can visit for free, making it a great value family outing.
Together, these two experiences make an excellent day out, giving your family a glimpse of Sète’s local traditions and creative energy – all without the crowds you might expect in more tourist-heavy coastal towns.
Why Sète’s Joutes Nautiques & MIAM Museum are great for families:
- Exciting, visual events that keep kids entertained.
- A chance to experience an authentic local tradition.
- A creative, informal museum that appeals to children.
- Easy to combine culture and fun in one compact town.
- Plenty of options for short visits or a relaxed full day.
3. Enjoy the Free Montpellier Zoo with Kids
If you’re in or near Montpellier, the Montpellier Zoo (Zoo de Montpellier) is an enjoyable, free family outing. The zoo is currently undergoing extensive renovations to improve animal enclosures and create a vast African plain. Whilst work is scheduled to continue until 2028, the zoo remains open throughout this period, although some animals may be temporarily relocated.
Montpellier Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including cheetahs, zebras, and white rhinoceroses. It’s far less touristy than many paid zoos and perfect for a relaxed, unhurried visit. The spacious, natural setting and numerous picnic areas make it an easy outing, even with toddlers or mixed-age groups.
You can easily combine your visit with a stroll Montpellier’s historic centre for a well-rounded and stress-free day out.
Why Montpellier Zoo is great for families:
- Free entry means genuinely budget-friendly fun.
- Wide range of animals in a natural, open setting.
- Shaded, stroller-friendly paths suitable for all ages.
- Picnic areas allow you to bring your own food.
- Easy to combine with other Montpellier activities.
4. Cross the River Orb by Boat to the Wild Beach of La Plage des Orpellières (Sérignan)
For a more natural beach experience away from busy resorts, head to La Plage des Orpellières near Sérignan. This wild beach forms part of a protected dune and marshland area, offering plenty of space for kids to run, explore and build sandcastles without the usual crowds.
Getting there is also half the fun! From Valras-Plage, you can take a short boat ride with the Lily Passeur across the River Orb to reach the beach. For younger children especially, this feels like a mini adventure in itself.
La Plage des Orpellières is the perfect spot for a picnic, gentle nature walks, and a peaceful day by the sea. It combines simple pleasures with beautiful, unspoilt surroundings.
Why La Plage des Orpellières is great for families:
- Wild, unspoilt beach with lots of space for kids to roam.
- Short boat ride adds an exciting element to the day.
- Protected natural area encourages exploration and discovery.
- Peaceful atmosphere away from busy tourist resorts.
- Perfect for picnics, beach games and nature walks.
5. Explore the Red Landscape of Lac du Salagou with Kids
Lac du Salagou is famous for its striking red earth hills and rugged landscape that looks like another planet. Kids will be amazed by the colours and the volcanic rock formations that make this area so unique.
The lake is the largest in Hérault and is ideal for swimming, kayaking or simply having a picnic by the water’s edge. There are several easy walking trails around the lake that are suitable for families, and the whole area is far less crowded than the coast during the summer months.
This is a place that perfectly balances outdoor adventure with relaxation and is ideal for families looking for something a little different from the usual beach day.
Why Lac du Salagou is great for families:
- Unique, colourful landscape that sparks children’s imaginations.
- Wide variety of activities: swimming, hiking, kayaking, picnicking.
- Spacious, natural environment with fewer crowds than the coast.
- Easy trails suitable for children of all ages.
- A memorable day out combining nature and adventure.
6. Adventure Underground at the Grotte des Demoiselles with Kids
If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re simply looking for a change of pace, the Grotte des Demoiselles is an unforgettable underground experience in Hérault. The visit begins with a short funicular ride that leads to vast cave chambers filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. For most children, this hidden underground world feels both magical and mysterious.
It’s worth noting that the guided visit lasts around 1¼ hours. It follows a 1 km route with approximately 550 steps in a naturally cool (around 15°C), dark cave environment that is damp and occasionally slippery.
Personal Tip: Although the visit is well organised, safe and suitable for children, it is not accessible with pushchairs. As a result, it’s perhaps best suited to families with older children.
There is an entrance fee for this visit, but many families find it good value for such a memorable experience.
Why the Grotte des Demoiselles is great for families:
- Magical cave formations that fascinate both kids and adults.
- Indoor, weather-proof activity ideal for rainy or very hot days.
- Well-managed and safe guided visits.
- Educational experience that introduces geology and nature.
- Thoughtful lighting that enhances the sense of wonder.
7. Paddle and Picnic in Roquebrun on the River Orb
For families who enjoy gentle water activities, the calm River Orb flowing below the picturesque village of Roquebrun is the ideal place to paddle, kayak or canoe. The village itself is small and charming, with lovely picnic spots by the water and shaded walks through the streets.
Often referred to as “Le Petit Nice”, Roquebrun offers a much slower pace than many seaside resorts. It’s a great choice for a half-day or full-day outing, where you can combine light adventure on the river with the simple pleasures of peaceful village life.
Personal Tip: The stones in the river bed can be slippery for little ones, so consider bringing water shoes.
Why Roquebrun is great for families:
- Calm waters ideal for beginner paddlers and children.
- Beautiful village setting with riverside picnic areas.
- A good mix of active fun and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Safe environment for gentle water-based activities.
- A great option for a peaceful family day out.
Bonus Idea: A Relaxed Family Day on the Canal du Midi (Capestang)
The Canal du Midi is one of those magical places where you can easily spend hours without needing to rush. Its flat towpaths are pushchair- and bike-friendly, making it ideal for young families.
You can walk, cycle, picnic by the water, or simply watch boats slowly glide along the canal. There’s plenty to spot and explore, and it’s free or very low cost, depending on how you choose to spend the day.
Capestang is a peaceful and family-friendly place to access the canal in Hérault, with easy walking paths, open space for picnics, and a relaxed village atmosphere that works especially well with children. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a slower-paced Canal du Midi experience without the crowds.
Why the Canal du Midi at Capestang is great for families:
- Flat, easy paths perfect for pushchairs and bikes.
- Lots of space for picnics and relaxed play.
- Boat-watching, bridges and ducks that naturally engage kids.
- Flexible outing length – from a short stroll to a half-day visit.
- Free or very low-cost, with easy access and parking.
Final Tips for Visiting Hérault with Kids in 2026
During the summer months, visit popular spots early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat.
Pack snacks, water and sun protection, as many of these outings are in natural settings with limited facilities.
Balance more active days (like Béziers Adventure Park or kayaking on the River Orb) with slower-paced ones (like the Canal du Midi or Montpellier Zoo).
