Marie Ducruet is set to fill a significant gap in Monaco’s family entertainment offerings with the launch of an indoor children’s playground.
Alongside her friend and business partner Élise Rouillard, Marie Ducruet is developing ‘Little Wonders’ – a dedicated play space for children aged 0-7 years that will open its doors in January 2026, according to Monaco-Matin.
The project addresses what many Monaco families have long recognised: a shortage of suitable activities for very young children in the Principality. “In Monaco and the surrounding areas, there isn’t much for children under seven,” Ducruet told Monaco-Matin. “We had an idea to create this secure play area, like those that exist all over the world, where parents can keep their children occupied while having a peaceful space to drink coffee and even work.”
Ducruet, mother to two-year-old Victoire and eight-month-old Constance with husband Louis Ducruet, identified this gap alongside Rouillard from their own experiences as parents.
The concept draws inspiration from similar successful facilities found in cities worldwide, bringing this family-friendly model to Monaco for the first time.
More than just a playground
Little Wonders will occupy a 235-square-metre space on the ground floor of the Héméra residence in La Condamine’s Grand Ida development.
The space caters to different age groups with dedicated zones. Babies aged 0-18 months will have access to a foam-based motor skills area, while other children can explore a miniature town featuring role-play scenarios including a café, garage, veterinary surgery, and fire station.
The centrepiece is a multi-level play structure for children aged 2-7, incorporating slides, suspended walkways, climbing walls, and ramps. The equipment is being developed with British company Tiger Play, which specialises in bespoke structures not available in France.
The design aims for a calming environment with pastel colours and sound-absorbing materials, creating a peaceful atmosphere for families.
The facility will also include a dedicated workshop room available for private hire for birthday parties.
Staff will manage operations and maintain the on-site café, though children will remain under parental supervision at all times
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Main photo credit: Marie Ducruet’s instagram