Unusual activity child family guide - activities

5 unusual ways to become a zookeeper for a day in Paris and the Ile-de-France region

For a number of years now, the dream of becoming an animal caretaker has been within the grasp of the youngest visitors to certain zoos and menageries in Paris and the Île-de-France region, thanks to the "Soigneur d'un jour" (animal caretaker for a day) program, which lets you slip into the shoes of an animal caretaker for an afternoon or a day.

Unusual: climb aboard the Tacot des Lacs, the vintage train through the forest of Fontainebleau

In Grez-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne, Le Tacot des Lacs offers a bucolic and unusual ride aboard an authentic period train, right in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest.

Become an apprentice groomer at the Parc Zoologique de Paris for a day!

If you're a fan of animals from all over the world, zoos and menageries, here's an activity you'll remember for a long time: the Parc Zoologique de Paris gives you the chance to spend half a day in the shoes of an animal keeper, for an unforgettable experience close to the animals.

Unusual: spend a morning as a ranger at Thoiry Zoo (78)

Step into the shoes of a ranger at Thoiry Zoo and spend a morning with the zoo's caretakers, preparing food, observing animal care and enjoying an unusual experience.

Unusual: take part in feeding and meet Humboldt penguins at Parrot World (77)

At Parrot World, the animal park in Crécy-la-Chapelle, our carers invite you and your family to meet the penguins and enjoy a special moment with these animals from the other side of the world.

Experience a day in the life of a groomer at Parrot World (77)

Parrot World is an exotic animal park 30 minutes from Paris, in the Seine-et-Marne département. At the heart of this unusual reserve, children now have the chance to slip into the shoes of a caretaker for half a day, which could perhaps mark the beginning of a vocation.

Thoiry Zoo's new lodges in Terres d'Afrique: an immersion among elephants

After the unusual dens, Thoiry Zoo is now launching a new zone called "Terre d'Afrique", featuring an educational and immersive area with a new Elephant House and 5 cosy lodges where you can sleep in total immersion among the elephants, right in the heart of the African plain. And reservations are now open!

All Saints' Day vacation 2023: a giant free treasure hunt at 6b with the whole family

During the All Saints' Day vacations in 2023, the 6b third-party venue opens its doors to the general public, with a program designed for young and old alike. On the program? Giant treasure hunt, blind test, Dj sets, solidarity thrift shop... a great family plan to spend your Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Take part in the free Dictée pour Tous challenge at Ateliers Gaîté, this Saturday, October 7

If you're a lover of literature, spelling and the French language, join us at the Ateliers Gaîté, in the 14th arrondissement, to take part in the great dictation, free and open to all, this Saturday, October 7, 2023!

La Fête des Chiens Guides 2023, at the Paris Guide Dog School

The Paris Guide Dog School opens its doors to you for the Fête des Chiens Guides, on September 24, 2023. Many activities are on the program, including demonstrations by our educators, Braille initiations, simulation courses and games for children!

Unusual: a Parisian chef offers dishes created in modeling clay by children

It's perhaps the most unusual news of the 2023 autumn season: from August 30 and for one month, the chef at the French Coco restaurant will be offering a creative, unusual menu made from children's clay creations. Yes, you're not dreaming: head to the French Coco restaurant in the 15th arrondissement, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays!

Unusual: yoga and a meditative walk among the animals at Thoiry Zoo

Fancy a yoga session with a difference? This fall, Thoiry Zoo invites you to stay zen among the animals, with a meditative walk and lunch included, on Wednesdays September 13, 20 and 27, 2023.

Vedettes de Paris organizes its free open-air cinema

Vedettes de Paris, the iconic company of the Seine, launches its first open-air cinema this Wednesday, August 23, with "Ratatouille", "La Tour Montparnasse Infernale" and "Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain" to be seen in the heart of the City of Light.

Boby la Plante, playful workshops to create your own terrarium

If you're a plant lover, come and visit Boby la Plante, an astonishingly friendly store where you can create your own miniature tropical garden and take it home with you in fun workshops!

Pot au Print, the back-to-school festival dedicated to the graphic arts and culinary arts at Cité Fertile

From September 15 to 17, a micro-festival as unusual as it is unusual arrives at Cité Fertile for a long weekend dedicated to the graphic and culinary arts, cleverly combining cooking and magazine creation workshops, exhibitions and a creators' market.

Vélorail: discover Seine-et-Marne and Essonne on the railroads

If you're looking for an unusual way to explore the region while getting in a bit of exercise, why not try velorail? This fun activity, which involves pedaling along railroad tracks with family or friends, is available in Seine-et-Marne and Essonne.

Les labyrinthes de Gally, combining play and adventure at the Ferme de Saint-Cyr l'Ecole (78)

From May to October, the Ferme de Saint-Cyr l'Ecole offers a whole new adventure playground for families, with green labyrinths to explore in an attempt to solve riddles and discover the mysteries of the Ferme de Saint-Cyr.

Unusual: the first soapbox race in Dourdan (91), on October 1st

After the Paris Marathon, the Tour de France, the bathtub race on the Canal de l'Ourcq and the fast-approaching Olympic Games, it's become almost routine to see people running. So, the region's most unusual race is sure to please: see you in Dourdan, Essonne, on October 1, 2023.

Good plans: a free roller party at Césure (5e), for the start of the 2023 school year

For the start of the new school year in September 2023, we're keeping up the vacation spirit with a host of events, including a festive roller party on September 14, 2023 at Césure, in the 5th arrondissement.

Country evenings at the Ferme de Saint-Cyr l'Ecole (78): barbecue, concerts and vintage games

From May to October 2023, the Ferme de Saint-Cyr l'Ecole will be transformed into a veritable adventure playground, with the return of its incredible maze until the All Saints' Day vacations. So, for a memorable summer evening, come and discover the country evenings at the farm!