Réunion Island with Kids — Family Travel Guide
Walk on Mars-like volcanoes, chase waterfalls, and swim in calm lagoons with your kids.
Explore 149 independently researched places and 30 cross-checked skips for families visiting Réunion Island. Browse Museum, Nature, Market, Temple, Sports, Beach, and more. Age-specific recommendations for toddlers through teens (ages 2–14), with modular day plans and practical planning guidance.
Réunion Island with Kids — Key Facts
- Current kid-friendly recommendations: 149
- Great for ages 0–5: 98 spots
- Great for ages 6–10: 136 spots
- Great for ages 11–14: 130 spots
- Things to skip flagged: 30
- Typical visit per stop: ≈2.1h
- Average "wow" score: 3.6/5
- Strongest categories: Landmark, Park, Nature
Réunion Island with Kids — Common Questions
- Is Réunion Island good for toddlers and preschoolers?
- Kidworthy lists 98 current recommendations in Réunion Island suited to ages 0–5, including Piton de la Fournaise – Pas de Bellecombe (Belvédère) and Le Maïdo – Belvédère (Cirque de Mafate). It also flags 30 things to skip with young kids.
- What age kids is Réunion Island best for?
- Réunion Island works across ages: 98 current spots suit ages 0–5, 136 suit ages 6–10, and 130 suit ages 11–14.
- What should you skip in Réunion Island with kids?
- Pointe du Diable (Saint-Gilles) — This is a high-risk, low-reward stop for families due to the complete lack of safety barriers and the presence of slippery, jagged rocks right next to a churning ocean. In total Kidworthy flags 30 things to skip in Réunion Island.
- Is Réunion Island easy to visit with kids?
- Across 149 current recommendations, Réunion Island averages an effort score of 1.9/4 (1 = just show up, 4 = heavy planning), with typical visits of ≈2.1h per stop.
Top Things to Do in Réunion Island with Kids
- Forêt de Bélouve – Sentier de Bélouve (to Trou de Fer viewpoints) (nature) — A mystical cloud forest hike through ancient tamarind trees and giant ferns leading to a jaw-dropping viewpoint of the T
- Plongée sous-marine – Initiation baptême (Saint-Gilles / Saint-Leu dive centers) (sports) — A professional first-time scuba experience (baptism) in the crystal-clear waters of Réunion's marine reserve. Under one-
- Sentier de la Chapelle (Cilaos) (nature) — This high-adventure hike leads into a spectacular, narrow volcanic canyon where massive rock walls tower over a mountain
- Mafate – La Nouvelle (access by hiking only) (district) — A car-free mountain hamlet accessible only by foot, offering a rare 'off-the-grid' experience in a stunning volcanic cal
- Piton de la Fournaise – Pas de Bellecombe (Belvédère) (landmark) — A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking one of the world's most active volcanoes, offering a 'lunar' landscape that feels l
- Le Maïdo – Belvédère (Cirque de Mafate) (landmark) — A dramatic 2,200-meter-high balcony offering a jaw-dropping view into the roadless Cirque de Mafate without the grueling
- Randonnée Aquatique Trou Blanc (Saint-Suzanne) (sports) — A high-energy, guided river adventure through a lush jungle gorge where kids can swim, slide down natural rock chutes, a
- Roby's Lava Tunnels (tour) — An adventurous underground exploration of Réunion's volcanic history where kids can crawl, climb, and discover solidifie
- Plaine des Sables (landmark) — A jaw-dropping, high-altitude volcanic plateau that looks exactly like the surface of Mars, featuring vast stretches of
- Cirque de Mafate (Helicopter Tour) (tour) — This is the ultimate 'cheat code' to see Réunion’s most remote, roadless volcanic cirque without embarking on a grueling
- Whale Watching with Globice / Duocéan (tour) — An ethical, conservation-focused boat tour from Saint-Gilles that brings families face-to-face with humpback whales and
- Sentier du Cap Noir (Dos d’Âne) (nature) — A dramatic hiking trail offering some of the most accessible and spectacular views into the Cirque de Mafate. While the
- Réunion Parapente (Saint-Leu) (sports) — A premier tandem paragliding experience offering breathtaking aerial views of Saint-Leu's lagoons, ravines, and marine l
- Trou de Fer (landmark) — A jaw-dropping 725-meter waterfall plunging into a lush volcanic gorge, often called the 'Iron Hole.' It is one of the m
- Hélilagon - Tours en Hélicoptère (tour) — The ultimate way to see Réunion's inaccessible volcanic interior, including the dramatic Trou de Fer waterfall and the a
- Sentier du Grand Bénare (from Maïdo area) (nature) — A high-altitude trek to Réunion's third-highest peak, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views into both the Mafate and Cil
- Bassin Bleu (Sainte-Anne) (nature) — A stunning turquoise natural swimming hole tucked away near Sainte-Anne, reached by a scenic 30-minute walk through trop
- Sentier du littoral de Saint-Philippe (coastal path sections) (nature) — A stunning, wild coastal trail where lush tropical forest meets jagged black lava rock and the crashing Indian Ocean. It
- Marché Forain de Saint-Paul (market) — A massive, sensory-rich waterfront market where families can sample exotic tropical fruits, watch traditional coconut so
- Temple Tamoul Narassingua Perournal (Le Colosse, Saint-André) (temple) — A visually stunning Hindu temple featuring intricate, technicolor carvings that will fascinate kids and adults alike. It
What to Skip in Réunion Island with Kids
- Pointe du Diable (Saint-Gilles)
- Le Trou de Fer – randonnée intégrale (long route)
- Sentier de la Ravine Blanche (Cilaos)
- La Saga du Rhum
- Plage de Roches Noires
- Sentier du Bassin Vital (Saint-Philippe)
- Sentier de la Roche Verre Bouteille (Dos d’Âne)
- Cascade Blanche Hike
- Piton des Neiges Summit Hike
- Crocodile Park / Parc Aquatique (Various Advertised)
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