Mauritius for Kids: Zoos, Parks, and Sugar Museums

Mauritius isn’t just about five-star resorts and sandy beaches—it’s a destination where education, culture, and fun meet seamlessly for families. With safe, accessible attractions like La Vanille, Casela, and the Sugar Museum, children of all ages can explore, learn, and play—whether feeding giant tortoises, spotting zebras, or discovering the island’s rich sugar heritage.

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Mauritius, often celebrated for its turquoise beaches and luxury escapes, is also an incredible playground for children. Families traveling to this Indian Ocean gem are discovering that beyond the resort pools and sandcastles lies a world of interactive museums, wild animal parks, and nature trails that are perfect for sparking curiosity and fun in young minds. In this blog, we explore some of the best kid-focused attractions in Mauritius—including zoos, botanical parks, and the famed sugar museum—all while offering travel insights for parents looking to design a well-balanced, educational, and exciting itinerary for their children.

Why Mauritius is a Kid-Friendly Destination

Mauritius is compact, safe, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for families with children. What sets it apart is the diversity of its natural and cultural attractions, most of which can be experienced in half-day or full-day outings with minimal travel time.

Warm, tropical weather year-round
High safety standards and hygiene
English and French-speaking guides
An abundance of interactive, hands-on experiences
Accommodation and tours that can be personalized to suit families

Hi DMC specializes in family travel that prioritizes both comfort and enrichment, ensuring that every child-friendly attraction is matched with reliable transfers, certified guides, and curated activities.

1. La Vanille Nature Park

Crocodiles, Giant Tortoises & Fossils in a Jurassic-Style Jungle

La Vanille Nature Park, located in the southern part of Mauritius, is a magical experience for children aged 3 and up. The lush setting is home to thousands of animals, including:

Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely in shaded enclosures
Crocodile enclosures with elevated walkways
Butterfly pavilions filled with tropical species
A petting zoo featuring rabbits, deer, and goats
A museum of fossils and extinct Mauritian creatures, including a dodo replica

The park’s natural layout makes it feel more like a jungle exploration than a zoo, and kids love the immersive feel of the surroundings. There are picnic areas, snack shops, and rest stations for breaks.

Parental Tip: Many families enjoy combining this with a visit to nearby Gris Gris cliffs or Rochester Falls.

2. Casela Nature Parks

Zip Lines, Animal Feeding & Safari Drives

Casela is Mauritius' most action-packed outdoor attraction and perfect for kids over the age of 5. The park is divided into different zones offering a range of activities:

Drive-through safari to see zebras, ostriches, antelopes, and more
Mini farm where kids can feed animals like rabbits, ducks, and goats
Pony rides and animal interaction corners
Age-appropriate zip lines and rope courses for active children
Camel rides and walk-through aviaries

There’s also a 4D cinema and food court, so families can easily spend a full day here without running out of things to do.

Why it stands out: Casela is one of the few places where children can feel like adventurers while safely exploring exotic wildlife and eco-activities under supervision.

3. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens

A Nature Walk Full of Discovery

Located in Pamplemousses, this famous botanical garden offers a more relaxed yet equally enchanting experience for kids. Children can:

See giant water lilies that look like something out of a storybook
Spot fruit bats, mongooses, and colorful birds
Discover unique trees from around the world
Enjoy open green spaces for play and picnics

While not a zoo, the gardens allow for a different type of interaction with nature, giving kids space to run, observe, and learn at their own pace.

Ideal for: Families seeking calm and a break from faster-paced outings.

4. L’Aventure du Sucre (The Sugar Museum)

A Sweet Lesson in Mauritius' Past

Children and parents alike are drawn to L’Aventure du Sucre, a beautifully curated museum inside a former sugar factory. Through interactive displays, giant working machinery, and visual storytelling, kids can explore:

The journey of sugar from cane to crystal
The story of Mauritian history through sugar trade and labor
Tasting counters with different types of sugar and local jams
A kid-friendly scavenger hunt or discovery trail available on request

There’s also an on-site restaurant and boutique shop with sweet souvenirs.

Why it works for kids: It makes history edible and hands-on—children especially love the tasting stations.

5. Blue Bay Marine Park (Bonus for Nature-Loving Families)

Glass-Bottom Boats and Shallow Snorkeling

If your children enjoy wildlife and water, a trip to Blue Bay Marine Park can be the perfect outdoor classroom. The shallow lagoons and glass-bottom boats allow even the youngest travelers to witness: