Family Days Out in Tunisia

October 31, 2026

Before you book, 31 October 2026. The US State Department gives Tunisia Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), and the UK FCDO (updated 24 July 2026) advises against all or all-but-essential travel to border and military areas in the west and south. Check the current US State Department and UK FCDO advice before booking; some border and military areas are closed to tourists. The family stops below are on the coast, in the Sahel and in the oasis south, away from those zones.

Planning with children

Tunisia suits families best in spring and autumn, when coastal days are mild and the desert is comfortable. Summer is for the beach and water parks, and the Saharan interior is dangerously hot from June to August. Heritage sites charge reduced fees for pupils, students and accompanied children under 12, set at 2 TND under the fee order that took effect on 1 April 2026. That makes Roman ruins an inexpensive family day, though you should check at the gate.

El Jem amphitheatre

The Roman amphitheatre at El Jem could seat about 35,000 spectators, and it is one of the best preserved in the Roman world. Children can walk the underground galleries where animals and gladiators were held before they came up into the arena, and climb the tiers for a view of the town. The site is about 65 km south of Sousse, an easy half day from the coastal resorts. Bring water and hats, and keep younger children close on the steps.

Short camel rides at Douz

Douz, at the edge of the Sahara, offers short guided camel rides along the fringe of the dunes. Handlers lead the animals at a walking pace, and small children usually ride with a parent. Choose an operator that shades and waters its camels and does not overload them, and travel from October to April rather than in summer heat. Agree the price before you start, as rates are indicative and vary.

Water parks on the east coast

Hammamet and the Sousse area have resort water parks, including Flipper Aqua Park at Hammamet and Acqua Palace at Port El Kantaoui. They are summer attractions, so check opening dates and ticket prices before you go. The public beaches at La Marsa, Hammamet, Sousse and Djerba are free to use.

Chott el Djerid is a salt pan with soft mud beneath the crust, so there is no swimming or paddling there. Keep children on the P16 causeway and at the marked roadside stops.

Animals and wildlife

Friguia Zoological Park at Bouficha, between Hammamet and Sousse, reopened in 2025. Recent visitors describe it as run down and say some animals are gone, so go with modest expectations and check which enclosures are open.

Djerba Explore, in Midoun on Djerba, has a crocodile farm, the Lalla Hadria museum of Islamic art and a reconstructed Djerban village, and it is open year-round. Check current opening hours and prices before you go.

In winter, Ichkeul National Park near Bizerte draws waterfowl and flamingos, and November to February is the time to go. Check at the gate for entry arrangements and the visitor centre.

Easy walks

Sidi Bou Said has white-and-blue lanes, a clifftop and mint tea at the cafes, and no cars in the centre of the village. At Carthage, the Antonine Baths stand beside the sea and are easy for children to explore.

Practical tips

Pay in Tunisian dinars, carry a card and keep exchange slips. Ask for water at every stop in hot weather. Dress modestly in towns, with shoulders and knees covered.

Family-friendly tours and tickets can be compared on GetYourGuide . Official pages: Discover Tunisia and UK FCDO Tunisia advice .