Every year, it's not unusual for schools, canteens, after-school services and day-care centers to close for one or more days due to strikes. Often decided at the last minute or with little advance warning, the situation is not always easy to manage, especially for working parents, who have to take days off work or even agree not to go to work to keep their children out of school.
So, in Paris, what solutions are there for this kind of situation? From sports and creative workshops offered by family concepts and other family-friendly venues, to kid-friendly museums to discover for the exhibition, or outdoor outings and other good deals to take advantage of, here's a survival kit of unreserved outings to discover, even if you decide at the last minute.
1. Take a tour of one of the current educational museums or family exhibitions
Educational museums to do with children in Paris
There's no shortage of museums in Paris, and while all of them are accessible to children (even the very youngest), it's never quite certain that the little ones will find what they're looking for and enjoy the visit. So, here's our selection of educational museums in Paris, where you can learn a lot while having fun, even with children! [Read more]
Bonus: a fête des régions with mini Ferme on December 1 at the Hippodrome!
Sponsored - On Sunday December 1, the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes celebrates the regions with its Dimanches Plaisirs. Regional brass bands, gastronomic stands at the Salon Mer & Vigne, free entertainment, guided tours of the stables and the Grand National du Trot Final will delight the whole family. [Read more]
La Cité Immersive Viking: the historical experience arrives at Westfield Carré Sénart (77)
Immerse yourself in the Viking era in France with an immersive, sensory experience, starting December 20, 2024, at the Westfield Carré Sénart, featuring sound and light shows, sets and artifact displays. [Read more]
New: an open-air trench at the Grande Guerre museum
Sponsored - Follow in the footsteps of the 600,000 men from Black Africa, the West Indies, Oceania, Asia and North Africa who came to fight far from home on the various fronts of the war in Europe in a major exhibition at the Musée de la Grande Guerre. From April 4 to December 30, 2024. The Musée de la Grande Guerre expands! Come and discover an installation never before seen in France: an open-air trench. [Read more]
S'éclairer sans fin: Edi Dubien's poetic exhibition at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
Humans and animals come together in the poetic works of Edi Dubien, on show at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, from December 10, 2024 to May 4, 2025. [Read more]
Baghdad with Assassin's Creed Mirage: the successful exhibition extended at the Institut du Monde Arabe
When video games allow us to explore the past... The Institut du Monde Arabe and Ubisoft join forces for an exceptional exhibition: February 28 to January 12, 2025, discover Baghdad: rediscover Madinat al-Salam, with Assassin's Creed Mirage. [Read more]
Unwrapping: Mokap exhibition at Ville A des Arts
From December 2 to 8, 2024, La Ville A des Arts will be hosting a new solo exhibition by Mokap, a visual artist of many inspirations. Come along to the opening on Tuesday December 3 at 6pm. Free admission! [Read more]
Silence: the immersive exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
In a world in constant turmoil, silence is becoming rarer... The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie presents an unusual exhibition on the theme of silence, to be visited from December 10, 2024, until September 2025. [Read more]
Listening to the fishes: a sound-immersion exhibition in the marine world of La Seine Musicale
La Seine Musicale takes us 20,000 leagues under the sea, to discover an unsuspected world... From October 16, 2024 to February 1, 2025, come and visit the A l'écoute des poissons et autres crevettes bruyantes sound exhibition. [Read more]
La Faune en plis: an unusual, free exhibition of animal origami, at the Pavillon Vendôme (92)
From October 16 to January 11, 2025, a free and, to say the least, unusual exhibition takes up residence in the Pavillon Vendôme in Clichy: discover Faune en plis, a work by Gerard Ty Sovann. [Read more]
Game Story: our photos of the video game exhibition at the Ancienne Poste in Versailles
When video games take over the Ancienne Poste de Versailles! From October 19, 2024 to April 25, 2025, the city and the MO5 association invite you to discover Game Story, an exhibition retracing 70 years of video game history at the Ancienne Poste de Versailles. An unprecedented dive into the world of video games, with over 100 playable machines and 500 iconic games, from Pong to Dead Cells! [Read more]
Asterix, the Immersive Journey exhibition unveiled at the Atelier des Lumières - photos
Asterix and Obelix fans beware: an exceptional, immersive exhibition awaits you at the Atelier des Lumières from October 18, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Why not take a journey through the different worlds of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo? [Read more]
2. Let off steam in the most beautiful parks, with play areas please Parks with outdoor play areas
The most beautiful outdoor playgrounds for children in Paris
It's the easy way out, so practical and requiring no organization: a delight for children and parents alike, outdoor playgrounds are all the rage among little Parisians. Here are our favorites! [Read more]
Square Sainte-Odile, a small wooded park with a pirate playground in the 17th arrondissement
Adjacent to the church of Sainte-Odile, known for its neo-Byzantine architecture, the eponymous square offers a bucolic stroll with, as a bonus, a beautiful playground for children. [Read more]
Parc Caillebotte, the large free landscaped park that inspired Gustave Caillebotte in Yerres (91)
Just 30 minutes from the Gare de Lyon railway station, on the Yerres side of the Essonne département, Maison Caillebotte is home to one of the region's most beautiful green spaces: Parc Caillebotte, the garden that inspired the famous Impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte. [Read more]
Parc Olympe de Gouges, a garden dedicated to relaxation and sports activities in Goussainville (95)
With over 15,000 m² of greenery, Parc Olympe de Gouges is the new green lung of Goussainville (95). Shall we take you for a walk? [Read more]
Carousel, trampoline, playground... 3 things to do with children in the Tuileries Gardens
Planning a trip to the Tuileries Gardens? With the whole family, even young children, it's the ideal place for a stroll or, better still, some really fun activities. [Read more]
Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, a green lung a stone's throw from the Stade de France, Saint-Denis (93)
Just a few minutes' walk from the famous Stade de France or the historic Basilica of Saint-Denis, the Parc de la Légion d'Honneur is a little-known green space, yet it offers a truly exotic stroll around Saint-Denis. [Read more]
The Villemin garden, a bucolic park on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin
Right next to the Canal Saint-Martin, in the 10th arrondissement, is the Jardin Villemin, a pretty, tree-lined spot with sports fields and playground. [Read more]
Parc de Choisy: the green lung of Paris's 13th arrondissement and its assets
Located in the bustling 13th arrondissement of Paris, Parc de Choisy, also known as Square de Choisy, offers residents and visitors a haven of peace and greenery in the heart of Chinatown. Opened in 1937 on the site of a former gasworks, this classically inspired garden extends over 4.3 hectares and is a central feature of the neighborhood's community and cultural life. A lively sports spot, discover its assets. [Read more]
Parc Jean Moulin les Guilands, the large green space between Bagnolet and Montreuil
To the east of Paris, in the towns of Montreuil and Bagnolet, the Parc Jean Moulin les Guilands brings together two originally separate green spaces: the Parc Communal des Guilands in Montreuil and the Parc Départemental Jean Moulin in Bagnolet, for a lovely green stroll in this part of the region. [Read more]
Take a break at Square Marcel Sembat, where you can enjoy sports, relaxation and play areas in the 18th arrondissement.
Between Porte de Montmartre and Porte de Saint-Ouen, Square Marcel Sembat offers sports facilities, a small tree-lined square and play areas for a break or an afternoon in the sun. [Read more]
The René-Binet garden, a bucolic square with an incredible children's playground in the 18th arrondissement
As you stroll towards Porte de Montmartre, you're free to punctuate your stroll with a lovely tree-lined stop at the Jardin René Binet, located in the 18th arrondissement. [Read more]
3. Opt for indoor playgrounds, the outing that's sure to please!
Indoor playgrounds for children in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Are you looking for an indoor playground for your children aged 0 to 12 in the Paris region? There are many different types: inflatable structures for safe play, giant playgrounds for older children and even Montessori areas with motor skills courses for babies. Discover the list of playgrounds in the Paris region to keep your children entertained whatever the weather, whether cool in summer or warm in winter. [Read more]
Petit Nuage, the kid-friendly concept and playground for children aged 0 to 10, in Saint-Ouen, France
In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, Petit Nuage welcomes young and old alike, aged 0 to 10 (accompanied by an adult), to have fun, wake up and play in the indoor play area. [Read more]
Crazy Park, the indoor playground near Créteil (94)
Just outside Créteil, in Bonneuil-sur-Marne, Crazy Park welcomes you for several hours of fun - well, the kids - in its indoor playground. Trampolines, ball pools and slides: let's go! [Read more]
Chouettes Mômes, the indoor playground in Meaux (77)
Near Meaux, in the Seine-et-Marne département, discover Chouette Mômes, the indoor playground for children. [Read more]
Wonderful-land, the family leisure village with indoor play area in Claye-Souilly (77)
With no fewer than five different worlds to explore, Wonderful-land is the indoor leisure spot for families of all ages, from tots to teens, in the Shopping Promenade shopping center in Claye-Souilly (77). [Read more]
Cap Pirate, the indoor playground for budding pirates in Aubergenville (78)
In the Family Village shopping center in Aubergenville, Yvelines, Cap Pirate welcomes families and children aged 0 to 12 to slip into the shoes of a sea bandit for a few hours. [Read more]
Ludimax, the indoor playground for children aged 0 to 12, in Villepreux (78)
Ludimax is an indoor adventure park for children aged 0 to 12, open all year round. Located in Villepreux in the Yvelines department, this fun adventure park features slides, mazes, ball pools... to the delight of young and old alike, who enter this children's playground free of charge! [Read more]
Tortuga Island, Boom Boom Villette's indoor adventure playground
At the heart of Boom Boom Villette, Ile de la Tortuga is the 19th arrondissement's new playground for children aged 0 to 12. [Read more]
Skywalls, the indoor climbing and tree-climbing park in Saint-Mard (77)
The Saint-Mard shopping center in Seine-et-Marne features a large indoor sports hall, with 500 m² dedicated to accrobranche and bouldering! [Read more]
Royal Kids, indoor playground for children, Montreuil (93)
If you're looking for a place to jump, run, climb, slide... with the family for an afternoon, you've probably already heard of indoor playgrounds. In Montreuil, the city's Royal Kids is the place to be for an hour of fun in a truly playful space. [Read more]
Children's outings : LevPark, the indoor playground in Boissy-Saint-Léger (94)
Near Boissy-Saint-Léger, in the Val-de-Marne département, LevPark welcomes young and old alike for an indoor gaming session, or a game of arcade and table soccer for adults. [Read more]
4. Do a workshop or simply discover the best family concept
Third places for families in Paris: must-see places to take the kids
It's become the place to be for family time, whatever the age of the children, parents and sometimes even grandparents. Family third places and family concepts are all the rage, and it has to be said that between the super-affordable programming, catering services and sports classes on offer, there's something for everyone. [Read more]
La Famila, kid-friendly café with play area and workshops, near Marne-la-Vallée (77)
In Montévrain, not far from Vallée Village, Famila Café welcomes families and children all week long to its attractive café area. [Read more]
Petite Forêt, the children's café with workshops and play area, in the 8th arrondissement
It's a café that every mom in Paris should know the address of. Petite Forêt opened in July 2021 in the Beaujon district of the 8th arrondissement, offering a family-friendly space with café, workshops and a small play area. [Read more]
La picorette, a toy store and intergenerational café with play area, in Raincy (93)
It's one of the HQs (headquarters, editor's note) for families, children, neighbors and even passers-by in Raincy: la picorette is a hybrid concept, designed for young and old alike, like a living space for all. [Read more]
Ernestine Café, the cosy family coffee shop with children's play area, in the 18th arrondissement
Rue Joseph de Maistre, at the foot of the Butte Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement, welcomes you with a pastel-green façade, stamped "Ernestine Café": it's here that you'll discover a welcoming, family-run neighborhood café and canteen, offering a home-made menu at very affordable prices. [Read more]
Michpocha, the new family concept and children's playground in the 17th arrondissement
Rue Ampère, not far from Parc Monceau in the 17th arrondissement, visit number 37 to discover michpocha, a family concept where children and families are welcome to share activities, a play area or even mini summer camps. [Read more]
TRIBU, the recreational café for families in the 9th arrondissement
Located on rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, TRIBU is a kid-friendly venue in the 9th arrondissement, with a great program of activities for young and old all week long! [Read more]
ÔTIPI Saint-Placide, the family-friendly toy store in the 6th arrondissement of Paris
ÔTIPI, the must-visit neighborhood toy store in the 15th arrondissement, is expanding and will open a new address in September 2023, in the Saint-Placide district (6th). [Read more]
La Maison des Histoires, an immersive museum for children aged 0 to 7, hidden in a bookshop
Behind the Chantelivre bookshop lies a fun-filled children's museum for the very young! La Maison des Histoires immerses the whole family in the literary worlds of l'École des Loisirs, between Cornebidouille and the Maximonstres! [Read more]
Le Bon Moment: lively coffeeshop and friendly coworking space in the Latin Quarter
Rue des Bernardins, a stone's throw from the Pont de l'Archevêché (linking the Latin Quarter to the Île de la Cité), nestles a coffeeshop where you can come all day long. Simple, friendly or family-friendly (if you prefer), it's a little bubble of tranquillity where you can enjoy lunch, a snack or one of the excellent specialty coffees served hot or fresh. [Read more]
5. Take advantage of free outings and other special offers.
What to do with children: free family outings in Paris
Looking for free family outings in Paris? We'll show you the spots, events and activities to discover in the capital, so you can enjoy Paris without spending a fortune! [Read more]
Pleasure Sundays at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes this winter! Free invitations
Sponsored - They're back at last! Those trotting Sundays at Paris-Vincennes, full of flavor, color and warmth. Those famous autumn and winter Sundays when everything is grey and gloomy... everywhere except in the heart of the Paris-Vincennes racecourse. The racecourse that comes alive when it hosts the Grand Prix winter meeting, on Sundays from November 17 to February 23. Download your free tickets now! [Read more]
The Edge: a virtual reality experience with 4D sensations in Paris
Sponsored - This autumn, escape to an ultra-immersive virtual reality experience, the only one of its kind in the world, right in the heart of Paris! An escape game like no other! For an unusual gift, give your loved ones a gift voucher for a VR experience at The Edge! [Read more]
Christmas enchantment: a magical day at the Courtilles ice rink in Asnières-sur-Seine (92)
On Saturday, December 7, lace up your skates on the ice at the Courtilles skating rink in Asnières-sur-Seine for Féerie de Noël, a special day of fun and magic! [Read more]
Christmas 2024: the Musée de la Poste organizes a family weekend with free admission
Here's a date not to be missed: on November 30 and December 1, 2024, we're off to the Musée de la Poste to enjoy a host of free family events. [Read more]
Family tips: free activities on children's rights at the Carnavalet museum
To celebrate the centenary of the Declaration of Children's Rights, the Musée de l'Histoire de Paris - better known as the Musée Carnavalet - is offering a festive day out for young and old alike. [Read more]
Skating rink, merry-go-rounds, Christmas market and magical illuminations for Bel Hiver 2024 in Saint-Denis
The end-of-year festivities are back in Saint-Denis (93), from mid-December to early January. On the program: great entertainment for young and old alike: ice rink, illuminations, Christmas market... [Read more]
Family events: a weekend of free activities at the Bnf Richelieu in December
On Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8, 2024, the Bnf Richelieu invites families to discover this exceptional Paris venue during a special weekend. [Read more]
Great family deals: a weekend at the Musée de la Libération, with free visits for children
On Saturday November 23 and Sunday November 24, 2024, the Musée de la Libération opens its doors to families and young visitors for a weekend of special events to celebrate the new museum's 5th anniversary. [Read more]
Fête de la Sainte-Barbe 2024: a weekend of free events at the Musée de l'Armée
Come and celebrate Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen and sappers, with a weekend of free events at the Musée de l'Armée on December 7 and 8, 2024, including shows and military ceremonies. [Read more]
Fête de l'Arbre: free events and green plant distributions in Noisy-le-Grand (93)
On Saturday afternoon, November 23, the town of Noisy-le-Grand organizes the Fête de l'Arbre, a family event open to all, with entertainment for young and old. [Read more]
Christmas 2024: Christmas village, shows and illuminations in Montrouge (92)
During the month of December, from 1st to 8th, the town of Montrouge takes on the atmosphere of Christmas, with a host of events and illuminations open to all! [Read more]
La Grande Fabrique, the Christmas village at the Palais du Roi de Rome, Rambouilet (78)
From December 13 to 15, 2024, the Grande Fabrique returns to the Palais du Roi de Rome in Rambouillet, with the Christmas village once again taking up residence in this pretty Rambolitan garden. [Read more]
6. Bonus outing: a day on the farm!
The most beautiful animal farms in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Looking for a green getaway in the countryside without leaving the region? Head for the farms, sheepfolds and open spaces of our capital and region for a day in the fresh air! [Read more]
Christmas Market 2024 at the Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet (78)
The Bergerie nationale de Rambouillet is holding its Artisan Christmas Market on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Every year, it's a great opportunity to meet the craftsmen and producers who come to the Bergerie nationale, loaded with their arty, tempting products, to suggest some great gift ideas! [Read more]
Les Matins Fermiers: a family morning with the animals of the Villette farm
On certain Sunday mornings in September, October and November, as soon as school starts after the summer vacations, the Villette Farm invites you to discover its strange residents during a very special morning. [Read more]
The Château de Rambouillet and its Bergerie nationale, an exceptional estate in the Paris region (78)
A princely, royal, imperial and then presidential residence, the Château de Rambouillet and its grounds are steeped in history and boast some remarkable nooks and crannies, including the Queen's Dairy, the Chaumière aux coquillages and the Bergerie nationale, not to be missed. [Read more]
La ferme de la Mercy: camping, animal discovery and local produce in Chenoise (77)
Near Chenoise, in the Seine-et-Marne département, Ferme de la Mercy is a small family business run by Jean-Claude and Sylvie Cackaert. [Read more]
La Ménagerie Saint-Baudile, a bucolic educational farm in Neuilly-sur-Marne (93)
Near Neuilly-sur-Marne, in the Seine-Saint-Denis département, the Saint-Baudile menagerie invites you to take a stroll in the countryside and discover its residents. [Read more]
Edentera, the exotic educational farm at Isles-les-Meldeuses (77)
Walking around Paris and the Île-de-France region with children, the educational farms so [Read more]
Château Soubiran's free educational farm, a bucolic interlude near Melun (77)
Just a few kilometers from Melun, in the Seine-et-Marne town of Dammarie-les-Lys, you'll find Château Soubiran and its large park, home to a small educational farm. [Read more]
The Saint-Hilliers educational farm, for a family outing near Provins
Less than ten kilometers from the medieval town of Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne region, in the hamlet of Savigny, in Saint-Hilliers, there's an educational farm where many furry and feathered residents live. It's the perfect opportunity to discover them on a day out with the kids! [Read more]
Discover the Ferme de Clamart and its animals with your family, Wednesdays and weekends
In Clamart, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the city farm welcomes young and old to the Maison Blanche park on Saturdays and Wednesdays for family workshops and to discover its animals! [Read more]
The incredible free educational farm at Parc des Chanterraines, Gennevilliers (92)
The Parc des Chanteraines needs no introduction, as it's a must-see address in the Hauts-de-Seine towns of Gennevilliers and Villeneuve-la-Garenne. As well as being a beautifully landscaped green space, the site includes a beautiful educational farm, entirely free of charge! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From October 30, 2024 to December 31, 2027
