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]
Treasures of the Silk Road, an exclusive exhibition from the Dunhuang caves at the China Cultural Centre
Sponsored - Admire the breathtaking replica of Dunhuang Cave 285 and explore rare digital documents from the famous "walled library" at the China Cultural Center, from October 28 to November 13, 2024. [Read more]
An interactive exhibition brings works of art to life at the O'Parinor shopping center (93)
From October 28 to November 3, 2024, the O'Parinor shopping center in Aulnay-sous-Bois will be transformed into an interactive museum accessible to all, offering a new way to discover famous works of art, through our senses. [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]
Jacques Prévert, rêveur d'images" exhibition at the Musée de Montmartre - our photos
Jacques Prévert as you've probably never seen him before! The Musée de Montmartre invites you to discover a little-known facet of the poet's life through a brand-new exhibition running from October 18, 2024 to February 16, 2025. Between collages and personal collections, come and discover the surreal world of the thousand-faceted artist! [Read more]
Colors Festival 2024, the huge street art exhibition in an abandoned house, goes into overtime
Calling all street-art fans: the Colors Festival is extending its run! The collective, which took over the Ile-de-France region in Champigny-sur-Marne to transform a forgotten house, awaits you once again from October 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Under the theme "Nature reclaims its rights", animals and vegetation take over the site. [Read more]
All Saints' Day vacations and Halloween 2024: the Gendarmerie Nationale museum programme
For the All Saints' Day vacation in 2024, the Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale in Melun is offering children the chance to spend part of their vacation at the museum, with fun workshops and even free events planned especially for Halloween, from October 19 to November 3, 2024. [Read more]
Trompe-l'œil, a head-turning exhibition unveiled at the Musée Marmottan-Monet
Artists play with our senses: discover the art of trompe-l'œil, with the Musée Marmottan-Monet's playful and unusual exhibition, on view from October 17, 2024 to March 2, 2025. [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 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]
Poppy, the family and toy library for 0-10 year olds in the 17th arrondissement
Just ten minutes from Parc Monceau, in the heart of the 17th arrondissement, Poppy for kids welcomes parents, children, grandparents and nannies all day long to its open-air play area, perfectly suited to kids aged 0 to 10. [Read more]
Les Polinsons" family-run café opens a new address in Croissy-sur-Seine (78)
After winning over families in La Garenne-Colombes, Les Polinsons continues to offer new family-friendly venues with a new space in Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines department! [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]
The Dimanches Plaisirs at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes return on Sunday November 17! 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 plays host to the winter meeting's Grand Prix. Dimanches Plaisirs are back from November 17 to February 23. Download your free tickets now! [Read more]
All Saints' Day vacation 2024: the LEGO City moves to the Cité des Sciences
From October 26 to November 3, 2024, the Cité des Sciences is hosting a new experience for families and children: discover the LEGO City! [Read more]
Wheelz & feet, the free roller party, at Point Fort in Aubervilliers (93)
Want to combine rollerblading with a really fun outing? Roller parties are the current trend, with dancefloors open to all, where you can sway to a frenzied playlist on your rollerblades. The Point Fort d'Aubervilliers now offers its own roller party on Sunday afternoons. [Read more]
Toussaint 2024: Métropolitaupe, a fun tour for children at the Fabrique du Métro
During the All Saints' Day vacation 2024, from October 19 to November 3, the Fabrique du Métro is offering a short family program, to help the whole family discover this unique site in the Paris region. [Read more]
Free safari activities for the All Saints' Day vacation 2024 at One Nation
The One Nation Paris Outlet shopping center invites families to take part in a host of free activities and entertainment during the All Saints' vacation, from October 19 to November 3, 2024. On the program? New activities, but above all, free every day. [Read more]
Tip: our top 5 family activities at the Jardin du Luxembourg
A must-see garden in the capital, the Jardin du Luxembourg is an essential green space in Paris. A paradise for runners and strollers, who like to spend long afternoons there, it's also a favorite spot for families: to let off steam or take advantage of the kid-friendly activities on offer in the garden. [Read more]
A free weekend of juggling at Little Villette
How about juggling? On the weekend of November 23 and 24, 2024, Little Villette is organizing a weekend of circus arts activities for children and families. [Read more]
All Saints' Day vacation 2024: events, activities and a dedicated area for families at the Musée d'Orsay
From October 19 to November 3, 2024, the Musée d'Orsay is once again opening its dedicated children's and family area for a fortnight of special All Saints' Day vacation activities. [Read more]
Rejoué, the solidarity toy store in the 14th arrondissement
Looking for a good deal on toys for less? Go to Rejoué, the solidarity store that sells refurbished toys at very low prices. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
The open farm in Sartrouville (78), ideal for a family outing with the animals
Sartrouville, in the Yvelines department, is home to the third Gally farm in the Paris region. After the huge farm in Saint-Cyr l'Ecole and the more urban one in Saint-Denis, discover the open farm in Sartrouville! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From October 30, 2024 to December 31, 2027
