Family Outings Around Papeete
Family options near Papeete are limited, so this page lists each one with the age fit and the practical catch.
Paofai Gardens (all ages)
About 5 hectares of public park under trees, beside the lagoon and close to the centre. Take drinks and a picnic. Whether any playground equipment is open varies, so look when you arrive.
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands (school age)
- Under 18s go free; standard entry is 1,000 XPF
- Saturday guided tour: 1,000 XPF for children
- Open Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00; closed Monday; Tuesday is for school groups
- The museum stands at Pointe des Pêcheurs in Punaauia
Vaimahuta waterfall (young walkers)
At Faarumai the first fall (80 m) is a few minutes from the car park. Stay on the path, and skip the two higher falls with young children, because they are a longer walk and the cliff has shed rock in places. Heavy rain turns the falls into rivers.
Arahoho Blowhole (all ages, with supervision)
Free to see on the east coast, and reopened on 30 October 2026. Bursts of spray come in heavy swell, so hold small hands and stay behind the barrier.
Point Venus (all ages)
A black-sand beach, a lighthouse and the story of Cook’s 1769 transit of Venus. The sand heats up by midday, so pack sandals.
Ferry to Moorea (all ages)
| Passenger | Aremiti one way | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Child under 13 | 1,500 XPF | 3,000 XPF |
| Infant under 2 | free | free |
| Adult | 2,350 XPF | 4,700 XPF |
The crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings fill with local weekenders, so book ahead and confirm times at aremitiexpress.com .
Vaipahi Water Gardens (all ages)
On the south coast at Mataiea, about 50 km from Papeete; visitor sites list free entry. Repellent helps against mosquitoes.
Beach caution
Taharuu, a black-sand beach in Papara, has strong surf and currents and no confirmed lifeguard cover, so keep children close and out of deep water.
Packing and timing
The heat and humidity build by midday, so schedule outdoor stops in the morning and keep indoor ones, such as the museum, for the afternoon. Pack water, hats, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and sandals for hot black sand. Rain showers come quickly in the mountains, and wet rock near waterfalls is slippery, so choose shoes with grip.
Family-friendly tours are listed at Papeete family tours .
Read more: Papeete activities and the 5 day Papeete and Bora Bora itinerary .