Unusual activity 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 tasting tours at the MAIF Social Club, to see and eat the exhibitions

Once a month, the MAIF Social Club organizes unusual gustatory visits, led by a local mediator and a cook committed to eating well. A rendez-vous where you can see and eat the works on display.

Unusual: Puppy Yoga sessions at Mama Shelter Paris East

It's certainly the most adorable of sporting disciplines (if you can consider doing sport during it): after landing in Paris, Puppy Yoga is making its debut at the Mama Shelter Paris East, in the 20th arrondissement.

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: board a vintage train on the Chanteraines park railroad (92)

Parc des Chanteraines, located in the towns of Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Gennevilliers, is one of the largest green spaces in the Hauts-de-Seine department. As an added bonus, the park also boasts a railroad, where you can board an old-fashioned train on certain days of the month.

Take part in the Dictée pour tous, free of charge, on Saturday, October 28, 2023

Are you ready? Get writing! La Grande dictée pour tous is back again this Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Westfield Forum des Halles, Paris: it's a chance to test your spelling and challenge yourself to a free challenge, accessible from primary school age.

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!

Discover the first vineyard perched on the roof of a historic building in the Marais district of Paris.

While the vineyards of Montmartre are well known, there are others that are far more unusual. Recently, vines have been planted on the roof of a historic building in the Marais district, and you can visit them!

La Fondation du Rien: the unusual event with cancelled activities to learn to take your time

What an unusual activity! How about doing nothing for a change? The Fondation du Rien, set up by the MAIF Social Club and Le Centquatre, offers you the chance to avoid attending events that have already been cancelled, and finally find some time for yourself!

Introduction to Afghan walking in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

For a walk in complete serenity, try out Afghan walking during an intiation offered by the Maisons-Laffitte Tourist Office, in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Unusual: a chilli-eating contest at HOBA's Paris on Fire festival

On Saturday September 30, get ready for the capital's hottest festival: Paris on fire! returns for a second year with a very (very) spicy program.

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!

The Hôtel de la Marine invites us to its free medieval ball, to celebrate Franco-English art

Come and dance with Milord and Milady at the medieval French-English ball organized by the Hôtel de la Marine on Saturday, September 23, 2023. It's free, so don't miss out!