People often say the capital is not at all, not at all, kid-friendly. Too many crowds, too much hustle... And yet the Île-de-France region is a gold mine for those who know the kid-friendly spots, the family cafés, places to burn off steam or to enjoy unusual experiences.
This season, families can enjoy Parisian museums with their workshops and guided tours, family-friendly third spaces, and kid-friendly cafés, as well as restaurants that host activities for children. The back-to-school events also offer a rich lineup of activities for both little ones and grown-ups.
All that’s left is for you to choose how to enjoy September as a family in the capital!
ATTENTION: This guide is updated as we uncover new discoveries
Good deals for ages 13-25: Studio 13/16 opens its doors at La Gaîté Lyrique.
Iconic of the Centre Pompidou, Studio 13/16, the teens' HQ, opens a second venue to gather and create, at La Gaîté Lyrique. [Read more]
Louvre Museum: a free late-night experience on Friday, June 5, 2026 — the first Friday of the month.
Here's the monthly tip you can count on: the Louvre opens its doors to everyone for free on the first Friday of every month after 6 p.m. Next date to note: June 5, 2026. [Read more]
The Rodin Workshop, a creative space for children, is back for a new season at the Rodin Museum.
Learn the art of sculpture firsthand in the world of one of France’s most renowned artists! From April 11 to September 6, 2026, the Rodin Museum opens its Atelier Rodin, offering young art enthusiasts the chance to explore sculpture. Discover the exciting new features of the 2026 season. [Read more]
Impressionist Lights Festival 2026: Honoring Monet in Chatou (78)
For its 6th edition, the Impressionist Lights Festival will pay tribute to Claude Monet as part of the artist's centenary celebration. Join us at the Fournaise Museum in Chatou (78) on September 11th and 12th, 2026. [Read more]
ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Guided tours and workshops to discover the Bourse de Commerce's collections with the whole family
The Bourse de Commerce welcomes young and old alike to its exhibition space with a variety of activities. The program includes workshops, guided tours for young audiences and games to help families discover the works in the collection. [Read more]
The Endesumar Medieval Festival 2026 in Yvelines promises a journey back in time
The Endesumar Medieval Festival is returning on September 12 and 13, 2026, at Château de Rangiport in Gargenville, Yvelines. This Viking and medieval celebration, organized by the Le Clan d'Ivar association, offers an immersive experience into the world of Scandinavian warriors from the 9th to the 11th centuries. [Read more]
L'Heure Bleue: a free immersive experience of light and sound under the elevated metro viaduct in Paris
Under the viaduct of Line 6, Paris is gearing up to sparkle. Starting January 26, 2026, L’Heure Bleue will turn concrete and sky into an immersive stage, blending light and music for a one-hour sensory journey. Throughout the year, this artistic installation will light up at dusk, offering walkers a poetic, vibrant, and one-of-a-kind experience. [Read more]
Espace Rambouillet: a forest and wildlife park to reconnect with nature
Sponsored - Nestled within 250 hectares of forest, explore a one-of-a-kind site in Île-de-France dedicated to European wildlife—animals that are currently found in France or once part of its fauna: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wolves... You’ll also discover its bird-of-prey center, home to more than 200 raptors with live flying demonstrations. Don’t miss the 1,500-square-meter of giant trampolines suspended among the trees, or the Forest Mission playground. An offering sure to delight families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to reconnect with what truly matters: the living world. [Read more]
This flower-filled park in the Yvelines hides an arboretum, royal secrets, and has inspired Blake and Mortimer.
In Buc, in the Yvelines, the park of Haut-Buc Castle is freely accessible year-round. A pedagogical arboretum, Louis XIV’s secret child, an eccentric astronomer, and the backdrop for Blake and Mortimer: this estate has more than one story to tell. Here’s more about this superb place in full bloom, a must for tulip lovers. [Read more]
Essonne: this château with remarkable gardens reopens its grounds to visitors
The Domaine de Courson, a castle classified as a Historic Monument and a park labeled Jardin Remarquable in Courson-Monteloup, Essonne, reopens to visitors in April 2026 and will remain open until November 1. It’s the moment to discover its sublime green spaces and, why not, to dive into the castle’s history on a guided tour. [Read more]
Les Jardins d’Éole, a tree-lined square with a children's playground, in the 18th arrondissement.
Quartier Marx Dormoy, the Jardins d’Éole is a pretty tree-lined square with a children's playground, where you can take a break in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
Xtrem Aventures Cergy, Cergy's family-friendly and sporty treetop adventure park (Val-d'Oise 95)
Leisure centers are the perfect choice for a day packed with activities, set in a lush, exceptionally pleasant environment. So, discover Xtrem Aventures, an adventure treetop park nestled in the heart of the Cergy-Pontoise leisure complex, just about thirty kilometers from Paris. The reopening is scheduled for April 1, 2026, after a winter closure! [Read more]
The Impressionists' Train: the special train bound for Auvers-sur-Oise is back on weekends.
Impressionism fans, head to Auvers-sur-Oise, a small Île-de-France village cherished by Cézanne and Van Gogh, made easily reachable on weekends by a special SNCF train, less than an hour from the capital! [Read more]
Accrocamp Poissy, the tree-climbing course in Yvelines (78)
Located in the Parc du Château de Villiers in Poissy, in the Yvelines department, Accrocamp is a family-friendly adventure course. With its annual reopening at the end of March, this nature-filled spot is the ideal setting to venture among the trees. [Read more]
The AccroCamp Créteil 94 accrobranche, for tree-climbing on the Ile de Loisirs.
Climbing at the Créteil leisure base, just a stone's throw from its wave pool, is possible. Indeed, Accrocamp offers an adventure course to delight all the little and big adventurers you are. Whether you're into a giant zipline or a safe trampoline mode, this is a wonderful outdoor setup to entertain you. Reopening is planned for early 2026 after a winter closure. [Read more]
At Kids' Paradise on the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines leisure island: the €1 carousel!
Sponsored - In Île-de-France, at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Leisure Island, there is a magical place where children can laugh, play, and enjoy rides suited to their ages: Au Paradis des Enfants.
It’s the cheapest park in Île-de-France, with an exceptional rate of €1 per ride. [Read more]
Yvelines: 50 free nature walks to discover the Sensitive Natural Areas in 2026
In the Yvelines department (78), the local authority is offering 50 free nature outings in its Espaces Naturels Sensibles from 4 April to 29 November 2026. Guided walks, family workshops, wildlife and flora discoveries... registration is mandatory, so keep that in mind! [Read more]
Botanical gardens and arboretums to explore in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Looking to escape into nature and explore the botanical gardens and arboretums of Paris and its surrounding region? We share with you the must-visit spots that will immerse you in an array of diverse and stunning plant collections. From the heart of Paris to the Yvelines, passing through the Hauts-de-Seine and Seine-et-Marne, the botanical gardens and arboretums of Île-de-France offer delightful plant discoveries to enjoy year-round. [Read more]
Montfermeil Arboretum: An Unconventional Natural Retreat in Seine-Saint-Denis
In Seine-Saint-Denis, the Montfermeil municipal arboretum stretches over 11 hectares of greenery, featuring a unique botanical trail, open to visitors free of charge year-round. It's a perfect nature getaway to the east of Paris, especially during this sunny season. [Read more]
Arboretum of Vallée-aux-Loups, the stunning free park in Hauts-de-Seine renowned for its remarkable trees
In Châtenay-Malabry, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the Vallée-aux-Loups Arboretum offers 12.5 hectares of picturesque natural scenery just a short 15-kilometer drive from Paris. Best of all, entry is completely free, making it a perfect year-round escape into nature. [Read more]
In spring... Seine-Saint-Denis's departmental parks come alive!
Sponsored - Looking for a scenic outdoor stroll near Paris, a free outdoor activity, or a peaceful spot to exercise away from the city's hustle and bustle... There's definitely a park in Seine-Saint-Denis that's perfect for you! [Read more]
Great opportunity: Free outdoor adventures across Île-de-France to explore the region
Looking to breathe in some fresh air? All you need to do is find one of the hundreds of free nature outings organized by the region, and explore stunning estates, lush forests, and other beautiful natural spots right in your neighborhood! [Read more]
Opening of Parc Astérix: What's new for 2026, including the new Egypt zone
The Parc Astérix in Oise is set to reopen on April 4, 2026, boasting some exciting new features. This season's highlights include transforming the Egypt area, introducing new rides, and offering a packed program full of fun for visitors of all ages. [Read more]
Tourism: Val-d'Oise village named one of France's most beautiful villages retains its title
Did you know that there's a town in the Paris region that's on the prestigious list of France's most beautiful villages? And the good news is that this year, it has retained this famous label. So which village is it and where exactly is it located? We've got the answers! [Read more]
The Pierre-Emmanuel Natural Garden in Paris, where nature reclaims its rights
In Paris, on the edge of the Père Lachaise cemetery, there's an unusual spot where nature has reclaimed its rights. This is the Pierre-Emmanuel natural garden, a refuge for wild plants from the Île-de-France region, revealing a rich biodiversity. [Read more]
Heading for the playoffs! Paris Basketball aims to defend its French championship title at the Adidas Arena + Grand Jeu
Sponsored - The regular season is drawing to a close, but the excitement is just beginning. From late May to mid-June, Paris Basketball slips into the Playoffs: the moment when everything is on the line. Whether you’re a sports aficionado or simply seeking a spectacular night out, gear up to experience the playoff intensity at the Adidas Arena. Don’t miss the grand finale (and its Golden Ticket!). Here’s everything you need to know about this unmissable event! [Read more]
Red Star: Paris’s Oldest Club Steals the Spotlight!
Sponsored - Red Star FC, a legendary club based in Saint-Ouen, stands as a symbol of accessible and passionate football at the historic Bauer Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovation. This season in Ligue 2 has been particularly noteworthy for the club. [Read more]
Qatar Arc Trials 2026: Rehearsal for the world's premier thoroughbred race at ParisLongchamp Racecourse
The Qatar Arc Trials, the major preview of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, are set to take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Hippodrome ParisLongchamp. This event will feature an exceptional lineup of the finest thoroughbreds competing in premier flat racing. [Read more]
The Château Landon Pool, Paris's oldest swimming facility, has reopened its doors in the 10th arrondissement.
Closed since 2018, the Château-Landon swimming pool in the 10th arrondissement of Paris is finally reopening its doors this Monday, February 23, 2026. Originally opened in 1884, this historic swimming pool has undergone a €14 million renovation. Here’s everything you need to know about the new features, pricing, and opening hours. [Read more]
Rosa Maison pâtissière, the patisserie - a 9th arrondissement coffee shop with exceptional flans and Paris-Brest
Rosa Maison Pâtissière opened its doors in early 2026 on Rue Lafayette, in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. A pastry shop and specialty café run by two former high-school classmates invites you into this cozy tea room with a terrace. The address already has Parisians flocking for its signature flans, to name just one highlight. [Read more]
La Petite Marguerite, the bouillon that's winning over Seine-Saint-Denis
Nestled on Rue du Plaisir in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, La Petite Marguerite is a neighborhood bistro that pleases Seine-Saint-Denis with a generous, brasserie-style menu and prices as friendly as you’d expect, with dishes that are all homemade. [Read more]
L'Auberge Nouvelle: The Friendly Bistro and Cheese Bar Taking Over the Yvelines’ Starred Restaurant Spotlight
Head to Yvelines, in Tremblay-sur-Mauldre, to check out the Auberge Nouvelle, which has taken over the space previously occupied by the Michelin-starred restaurant Numéro 3. This welcoming bistro features a rolling cheese cart, classic regional dishes, and lively music nights — here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
Gamra, the Moroccan restaurant serving up authentic, homemade dishes, is delighting diners in the 17th arrondissement of Paris
A new Moroccan restaurant is opening its doors in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. Gamra welcomes diners on rue Cardinet with a cozy, homemade family cuisine: tajines, couscous, soft breads, and Moroccan pastries are on the menu at this charming spot. As a bonus, they also offer a special Ftour menu during Ramadan. [Read more]
An exclusive, secret brunch beneath the stunning dome of Printemps Haussmann
Printemps Haussmann launches its first Sunday brunch at Bleu Coupole, located on the 6th floor of Printemps Femme. Priced at €38, this exclusive offering features stunning views of Paris and has been crafted by chefs Xavier Pistol and Bryan Esposito. Perfectly designed for relaxing Sundays. [Read more]
Lulu Crêperie: The King of Ultra-Gourmet Street Food Crêpes in the 3rd Arrondissement of Paris
At the Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris, Lulu Crêperie delights diners with its huge, indulgent Breton galettes. Located in the 3rd arrondissement, this street food spot serves up generous, flavorful crepes from Tuesday to Sunday—perfect for a quick, tasty bite. [Read more]
Cheesy Cakes, Paris's newest haven for cheesecake lovers
After making a splash in Amsterdam, chef Spiros Mariatos is now bringing his love for cheesecake to Paris with Cheesy Cakes, a dedicated shop located in the 11th arrondissement. Barely open, the new spot already invites us to explore this fresh haven for all things sweet. Here's everything you need to know. [Read more]
The charming and affordable tea time experience at Jardin de Mademoiselle, a hidden gem in the 7th arrondissement of Paris
Le Jardin de Mademoiselle, a charming tea salon tucked away in the 7th arrondissement near Les Invalides, offers a personalized tea time experience every day, tailored to your cravings and budget. This time, we’re inviting you to explore their delightful tea time options in a whimsical setting—perfect for any season. [Read more]
The superb all-you-can-eat brunch at the Abbaye de Royaumont in Val-d'Oise, France
The Abbaye de Royaumont in Val-d'Oise offers an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch every last Sunday of the month. This package includes access to the historic monument and a guided tour, for a cultural and gourmet getaway 30 kilometers from Paris. [Read more]
Junk Burger, the affordable smash burger counter in Paris
A proper smash burger for under €10 in Paris? That's the challenge set by Junk Burger, a gourmet takeaway counter waiting for you on the famous rue Montmartre. Perfect for a meal on the go as you wander around Paris! [Read more]
Toscanino, the schiacciate restaurant in street food mode in the rue Mouffetard
Do you know schiacciate? This typically Italian oven-baked bread comes to Paris in the form of tasty sandwiches at Toscanino, a restaurant in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, rue Mouffetard. A beautiful product to taste on the spot or to take away that smells good the sun of Florence. We tested it, we tell you! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026
