Paris Weekend Activities & Things to Do

Cité des Enfants Adventure

Dive into the interactive world of the Cité des Enfants (ages 5-10) at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie.

This engaging space offers hands-on exhibits designed to introduce scientific concepts through play. It's an ideal indoor activity for a cooler January afternoon, fostering curiosity and active learning. The Cité is open with extended holiday hours until January 4, 2026.

Perfect for energetic kids aged 5-10 with plenty of interactive zones. Bathrooms and changing facilities are available. Stroller access is good throughout the museum. Sessions usually last 90 minutes.

Festival du Merveilleux

Experience the enchanting Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains.

This unique fairground museum opens its doors for self-guided visits just after Christmas, transforming into a magical world of music, theatre, and old-fashioned fairground fun. It's a rare chance to step back in time and enjoy vintage rides and performances.

A truly magical experience for all ages, offering a sense of wonder. Kids will love the antique carousels and various curiosities. Facilities are available. It's an indoor activity, perfect for an early January evening. This event usually ends in early January, so this is a last-chance opportunity.

Jardin d'Acclimatation Lanterns

Start your day at the Jardin d'Acclimatation, Paris's only amusement park.

From December 10, 2025, to March 8, 2026, the park hosts its spectacular Lantern Festival, 'Japan in Lights,' featuring 2,000 luminous creations. Beyond the lanterns, enjoy the park's 40 attractions, animals, and playgrounds.

Great for all ages, with rides for younger children and older kids. Numerous bathrooms and food stalls available. Stroller-friendly paths. The lanterns are primarily an evening display, but the park itself offers plenty of daytime activities.

Zoo Animal Adventure

Head to the Parc Zoologique de Paris (Vincennes Zoo), a modern zoo featuring five 'biozones' that recreate natural habitats for over 2,000 animals.

Your family can explore diverse ecosystems from Patagonia to the Sahel-Sudan, observing giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and more. The zoo is open until January 4, 2026, before its annual closure.

Excellent for all ages, with wide, stroller-friendly pathways. Restrooms and dining options are available throughout the park. Kids will love seeing a wide variety of animals and observing feeding sessions. The park is quite large, so allow ample time.

Library Comics & Quizzes

Engage young minds at The American Library in Paris with their 'Saturday Series: Comics and Quizzes' event.

Designed for children aged 6-12, this program offers a fun and interactive hour of trivia and creativity, encouraging a love for reading and comics in an English-speaking environment.

Ideal for school-aged children (6-12 years). Caregivers are encouraged to participate. The library is accessible and has restrooms. This event requires library membership and advance registration, so check availability and requirements well in advance.

Eiffel Tower Play

Conclude your day with a visit to the playgrounds at Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower.

Let the kids burn off any remaining energy on the swings and climbing structures, or enjoy a ride on a classic Parisian carousel. As dusk settles, watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle, a truly magical moment for the whole family.

Several playgrounds catering to different age groups (including 2-6 and 7-11) are available. Bathrooms are scarce in the park, but facilities can be found in nearby cafes or paid public toilets. The hand-cranked carousel is a charming, budget-friendly activity. Stroller accessible paths throughout the park.

Aquarium Shark Fun

Explore the wonders of the deep at the Aquarium de Paris.

Located near the Eiffel Tower, this aquarium is home to over 10,000 fish, 500 coral species, and Europe's largest Medusarium. Kids will love the shark basin, the touch pool where they can pet carp, and the various shows and workshops.

Excellent for all ages, especially young children fascinated by aquatic life. The touch pool is a huge hit. Bathrooms and baby changing facilities are available. The aquarium is stroller-friendly. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the visit.

Grand Palais Children's Palace

Visit 'Le Palais des enfants' (Children's Palace) at the Grand Palais.

This family-focused exhibition runs until January 4, 2026, offering immersive and interactive experiences designed to spark creativity and engagement in modern and contemporary art. It's a fantastic indoor option for an educational and artistic afternoon.

Aimed at younger visitors, providing a hands-on approach to art. Bathrooms and stroller access are typically good in major exhibition venues. Family guided tours and workshops may also be available. The Grand Palais is undergoing renovation, so confirm the exact location of this exhibition.

Tuileries Trampoline Fun

Wind down your weekend with some outdoor fun at the Jardin des Tuileries.

This large park, ideally located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, features a popular playground and trampolines. Kids (ages 2-12) can enjoy bouncing for a few euros, while parents relax and soak in the beautiful Parisian scenery.

The playground is free and suitable for various ages. The trampolines are a paid activity that kids often adore. Restrooms are available in the park for a small fee. Plenty of space for strollers. A perfect spot to let children release energy before heading home.