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]
Discovering dinosaurs: the immersive exhibition arrives at Pontoise airfield (95)
Get ready for a prehistoric invasion in Val-d'Oise (95)! On the long weekend of April 19-21, 2025, the "Discovering Dinosaurs" touring exhibition stops off at Boissy-l'Aillerie for a Jurassic face-to-face encounter with some twenty larger-than-life behemoths, punctuated by fun and educational activities for the whole family. [Read more]
The Climate and Biodiversity Tour: a free scientific exhibition in Bagneux
The traveling science exhibition on the challenges of climate and biodiversity returns to the Paris region, with scientists on hand to help you learn more, from April 25 to 28, 2025, in Bagneux. [Read more]
France-Brazil 2025 season: Eymard Toledo's Brazil, the exhibition at the Colette Vivier Library
As part of the France-Brazil 2025 Season, the Colette Vivier library is hosting a free exhibition of committed collages by Brazilian author-illustrator Eymard Toledo, from May 6 to June 30, 2025. [Read more]
Le Petit Prince, l'odyssée immersive: a poetic and colorful journey at the Atelier des Lumières
During spring break, from April 11 to July 6, 2025, immerse yourself in Saint-Exupéry's iconic work, and embark on a magical, immersive journey alongside the Little Prince, at the Atelier des Lumières. [Read more]
France-Brazil 2025 season: Aurélia Fronty exhibition at the André Malraux Library
As part of the France-Brazil 2025 Season, the Bibliothèque André Malraux unveils a vibrant exhibition dedicated to Aurélia Fronty's illustrations for the tale "L'enfant, le jaguar et le feu", written by Muriel Bloch, from May 16 to July 3, 2025. An invitation to explore the depths of the Amazon rainforest through a work rich in color, myth and emotion. [Read more]
Jardiner la ville, an exhibition-workshop for children at the cité de l'architecture
From April 12 to September 21, 2025, the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is inaugurating a family workshop-exhibition: Jardiner la ville. [Read more]
David Hockney: the artist's largest retrospective exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
The Fondation Louis Vuitton presents "David Hockney, 25 - Do remember they can't cancel the Spring", the largest retrospective ever dedicated to the contemporary artist, from April 9 to September 1, 2025. More than 400 works - oil paintings, ink drawings, video installations and digital works - offer an immersion into the abundant universe of Hockney, whose palette is as radiant as spring! [Read more]
L'Odyssée de l'Eau (Water Odyssey): a village on the banks of the Seine to discover sustainable solutions for our oceans, seas and rivers.
Sponsored - From April 24 to 26, 2025, Paris welcomes the Water Odyssey, a 1,000 m² immersive exhibition open to the public on the Port des Champs-Élysées (the banks of the Seine next to the Grand Palais). This unique event invites you to explore sustainable solutions for our oceans, seas and rivers through conferences, demonstrations and sensory experiences. Free admission. [Read more]
Oliver Beer, the unusual and free exhibition at the Musée d'art Moderne de Paris
Oliver Beer's contemporary exhibition awaits you at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris: discover a free, immersive exhibition that runs from April 4 to July 13, 2025. More than 3,000 children will reinterpret four of the museum's landmark works in sound and animation. A poetic, collective project to be discovered in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower. [Read more]
Minecraft minerals in the real world, at the Musée de Minéralogie des Mines de Paris!
From April 1 to August 29, 2025, the Musée de Minéralogie Mines Paris - PSL invites us to plunge into a captivating journey between the virtual world and geological reality, with its unique mini-exhibition "Minerals in Minecraft". [Read more]
2. Let off steam in the most beautiful parks, with play areas please Parks with outdoor play areas
Children's outdoor play areas in Paris: great family fun!
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. So, are you ready to make the most of the sunny days with your little ones? [Read more]
The Paradis des Enfants rides reopen on the St Quentin en Yvelines leisure island!
Sponsored - To keep the kids entertained, head for Au Paradis des Enfants, on the leisure island of St Quentin en Yvelines. After its winter closure, the children's paradise is back with new rides: the games, rides, inflatables and Mario karting are reopening for the February vacations, for moments of relaxation from €1 a ride! [Read more]
Pépites de familles, a children's playground and coffeeshop in Colombes (92)
In the inner suburbs of Paris, near Colombes, Pépites de familles aims to be a place where families with children of all ages can live together and enjoy each other's company. [Read more]
Le square de la Jungle: a playground that makes you feel like you're in the heart of the savannah, in Puteaux (92).
Enter the heart of the jungle, without even leaving the outskirts of Paris: head for the magnificent Square de la Jungle and its children's playground in Puteaux, for a family break all year round! [Read more]
A new playground designed by Speedy Graphito opens in Cour des Lavandières, Saint-Ouen (93)
In the new Docks district of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, several play areas for children are located in the heart of the Cour piétonne des Lavandières, including one designed by Speedy Graphito. [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]
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]
The Brach terrace, Paris 16th, in Italian mode
Le Brach's spacious, cosy terrace, located on the 1st floor of the trendy hotel in Paris's 16th arrondissement, is going Italian, in a nod to the forthcoming opening of Le Brach Rome. [Read more]
Planet Park, the indoor leisure park for family fun in space, in Emerainville (77)
From February 12, 2025, Planet Park opens its doors to families, with a space-themed indoor leisure area. [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]
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]
Ô Gourmandises d'Ange, the tea room for brunches, lunches and snacks in Puteaux (92)
Over eight years ago, Elodie and Olivier opened Ô Gourmandises d'Ange in Puteaux, in the Hauts-de-Seine department of Paris, a place as gourmet as it is regressive, where everything is homemade. [Read more]
An immersive pastry shop based on the Hansel&Gretel fairy tale opens at the Paradox Museum
The Paradox Museum is offering new rooms and experiences for your visit in early 2025: get ready to step into the heart of the Hansel&Gretel fairytale as you discover the museum's new patisserie. [Read more]
Bambin, the kid-friendly coffeeshop with children's play area, in the 20th arrondissement
In the 20th arrondissement, in the heart of the Belleville district, Bambin is the new place to be: a real cocoon, this pretty café is first and foremost a place to live. [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]
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]
Cocorico, the free educational farm in Herblay-sur-Seine (95)
In Herblay-sur-Seine, don't miss Cocorico, the town's educational farm: free and open to all, it's a great opportunity for a family outing to the farm. [Read more]
Expomobile de Chelles 2025: the free classic car show celebrates its 27th edition
From May 1 to 4, 2025, head to Chelles for Expomobile. A not-to-be-missed event for classic car enthusiasts, it celebrates its 27th edition this year. [Read more]
The Grange aux Moines educational farm, for a rural outing in La Ferté-Alais (91)
Fancy a day out in the great outdoors? In La Ferté-Alais, the Grange aux Moines educational farm is the place to be for the whole family! [Read more]
Les Halles d'Issy goes on a binge: children's workshops, DJ set, pétanque tournament... all free of charge.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Halles Biltoki in Issy-les-Moulineaux will be going on a binge: what's on the agenda? A day of free entertainment for young and old alike. [Read more]
Gare des Mines station celebrates spring: designer market, live music and good deals
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Gare des Mines Station goes into spring mode for a festive and convivial event. [Read more]
Vélotour 2025: the unusual bicycle tour of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (78)
The Vélotour makes a stopover in Yvelines on May 18, 2025! A land of cycling, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is once again hosting the famous bicycle tour. [Read more]
Chella: a Coachella-inspired festival at the Belle Epine shopping center (94) for the vacations
During the Easter vacations, immerse yourself in the heart of the famous Coachella festival without even leaving the Paris region! Head to the Belle Epine shopping center in Thiais (94) to discover the festive program designed for the Chella Festival. [Read more]
The Montparnasse Tower Observatory has a free plan for families
Want to see Paris from above with your kids? Until October 29, 2025, admission to the Montparnasse Tower Observatory is free for children under 12, every Wednesday and Sunday. It's a great way to get away from it all! [Read more]
Le Moulin de Sempin: the working windmill in Montfermeil (93)
Montfermeil, north-west of Paris, is home to an immense treasure: the Semplin mill, built under Louis XIV and still standing today, against all odds (with original stones). [Read more]
Special offers: free workshops and activities for children at Lafayette Anticipations
Every spring and every weekend, Lafayette Anticipations offers a family program, with plenty of activities to do with the kids. [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]
The Viltain Farm, where you can discover the breeding of dairy cows with your family, in Jouy-en-Josas
The Viltain Farm, with its market of local products, its dairy cows and its fields where you can pick your own food, is the ideal place to spend a day in the fresh air and discover the breeding of cows or to make your market of dairy products from the farm. [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]
La ferme de Chauvry, alpine goat farm and farmhouse cheese store (95)
In the heart of the Montmorency forest, in the small village of Chauvry, you'll find a goat farm where you can discover the farm's animals and buy delicious farm products made on site. [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]
Dates and Opening Time
From October 30, 2024 to December 31, 2028
Sunday:
open
Monday:
open
Tuesday:
open
Wednesday:
open
Thursday:
open
Friday:
open
Saturday:
open
