Looking for more ideas on how to spend your days in Paris? You must download our Free 4-Day Paris Itinerary! It’s raining, it’s pouring, but the old man is definitely not snoring. Entertaining cooped up kiddos in a Parisian apartment is a far cry from a relaxing rainy-day duvet day for any parent. As such, INSIDR is on-hand with some great ideas of activities you can do with your little ones to get out and about without having to dig out the wellington boots.
La Petite Galerie
The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, but it’s also the biggest and certainly busiest. It’s therefore not surprising that parents wince at the thought of taking their energetic tots for an afternoon of don’t-touch-anything’s and don’t-wannder-off’s. But there is a child-friendly way that kids, along with their parents, can be immersed in the Louvre’s world of art-history thanks to La Petite Galerie!
La Petite Galerie is a pint-size version of the Louvre designed for families with young children which organises fun interactive activities, tours, games and much more.
What’s going on there now? …
Exhibition, “Myths and Heroes”:
This exhibition features a whole host of magnificent artistic works of heroes and mythical creatures through the ages, with even the Darth Vader mask making an appearance!
Events:
Every Saturday at 3.30pm and Sunday at 11am (except the first Sunday of the month and bank holiday’s) La Petite Galerie organises guided family tours.
Gallery in the Louvre aimed at children and families. Activities and events organised. Current exhibition: Myths and Heroes.
5 years +
Open daily until 4th July
Closed Tuesday’s 9am- 5.30pm
Late opening until 9.30pm Wednesday and Thursdays
€5-10
Entry into museum free for under 18’s
99 rue de Rivoli, 75001
Le Grand Train
For many of us Parisians, the monotonous trip on a packed train for the daily work commute grind is the last place we would choose to spend our weekends, let alone bring the kids, but hold up, Le Grand Train may just change your mind. The new pop-up space hosting bars, bistro’s, a games area among others, surrounded by a selection of SNCF’s trains through the ages, ensure this quirky urban environment is a kids dream. But adults, wait for it, Le Grand Train have gone one step further, there is a childcare service ready and waiting to entertain your kids, simply reserve a place online and a fun-filled afternoon out of the rain is guaranteed.
Childcare: €10 per hour, pick-up and drop-off can be arranged as needed.
Reservation advised, check their Facebook page
Renovated train depot, now café/ restaurant/ creative space.
5 years +
Open Monday- Sunday 11am- 23.30pm
Free entry into the Grand Train
26 Rue Ordener
75018
Check out their website for more info
Little Villette
Little Villette, situated in the immense Parisian park La Villette, is the new space completely dedicated to children and families. Hosting a vast array of activities, games and workshops, Little Villette is a wonderful place to spend some quality family time, make new friends and entertain the kids in an educational and interactive way! Activities organised include; dance workshops, cooking classes with home-grown greens from the Villette gardens, theatre performances and much much more! Check their website for more info and to reserve places for activities!
(Plus, parents, you can always head to the James Bond exhibition at La Villette after if they are looking for something a little more age appropriate!)
Open activity space for children in Parc Villette. Activities organised. Reservation online
4 years +
Free entry on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons
Pavillon Paul-Delouvrier in the park La Villette
211, avenue Jean Jaurès
75019
La Cité des Sciences
Who said your trip to Paris couldn’t involve a little science geekery? La Cité des sciences is Europe’s largest science museum that gladly welcomes kids! Here are a few of the exhibitions and activities organised by the museum that will enthral your kids!
What’s on at the moment…
Temporary exhibition, Baby animals
Who doesn’t love cooing over puppies, kittens, piglets…? This exhibition is not only full of cuteness, it will immerse your kids in the fascinating biology behind these adorable animals.
Exhibition available until the 20th August
Open Monday- Saturday from 10am- 7pm
Full price ticket- €9/ reduced price ticket- €7/ free for children under 6
See their website for more info
Cité des enfants
In case the exhibitions aren’t enough to keep your kids sufficiently entertained, La Cité des sciences will do the trick! The perfect educational adventure playground for under 12’s, La Cité des Sciences is divided up into to 6 themed areas for kids to explore at their leisure. An afternoon at Cité des enfants will ensure your kids are reaching for the science books!
The adventure playground is divided into 2, one area for 2-12 year olds, the other 5-12 year olds.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday
Sessions- 1h30 mins long
From Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 11:45 – 13:30 – 15:15
Saturdays and Sundays : 10:30 – 12:30 – 14:30 – 16:30
€7 reduced rate
The Quai Branly Museum
The Quai Branly Museum, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower will take you on a voyage of discovery without having to leave the centre of Paris. This treasure trove of primitive art, set in a beautiful garden, has a full program of free activities and exhibitions throughout the summer for your children to enjoy.
Museum of primitive art. Child-friendly activities and exhibitions.
5 years +
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 11am-7pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11am-9pm
Summer garden program, 27th June- 16th August
Entry prices: €9 full price, €7 reduced price, free for under 18’s
37 Quai Branly
75007
Check out their website for more info
Le Pavillon des Merveilles
Le Pavillon des Canaux has temporarily been completely transformed, from top to bottom, to create a dreamlike Alice in Wonderland grotto, transporting you to the magical world of the infamous novel making it the ideal rainy day hangout for children of all ages.
See INSIDR’s article about Le Pavillon des Canaux for more info!