When it comes to family outings in the capital, there's often an age limit of 3 years (and sometimes even more!). So what to do with babies, infants and toddlers before they go to school?
True cocoons of well-being and indispensable resource places for new parents and their babies alike, family third places, family concepts and other fine initiatives aimed at families, really are a must. It's here that moms and dads can take part in a sports class designed especially for them, with pre- and postnatal yogas, pîlates for gentle muscle building, dance... But it's also a paradise for 4-handed activities, to be done in tandem by parent and child to discover creative techniques, have fun in sensory awakening sessions and other pawing activities... Increasingly numerous in Paris and its suburbs, these are rejuvenating places, perfect for parents and children alike, where you're always welcome.
With self-service games, books and activities for the little ones, this is the perfect opportunity to keep your little ones occupied while you sip your coffee (always keeping an eye on them, of course), or to play with them in a space designed for toddlers. Early-learning zones, board games and motor skills courses will keep you busy for a snack break, or all afternoon if you prefer!
For a family meal, there are also kid-friendly restaurants! Those offering entertainment, board games, early-learning areas or self-service books and coloring pages are perfect for spending several hours at the table, around a brunch for example, without the kids getting bored after 5 minutes: no more activity books to carry with you at all times, restaurants take over so that you can spend a convivial moment with your family.
In terms of culture, some museums offer visits for babies accompanied by an adult, sensory workshops and activities for children under 3... There are also shows for the little ones, usually in the morning! Otherwise, you can always count on the inevitable indoor playgrounds, which always have an area dedicated to play andearly learning for the under-3s.
In short, the capital is far from lacking in resources to welcome you as a family with babies, infants or toddlers under 3. Follow our guide!
Little Villette, the free children's spot in the Parc de la Villette
Little Villette is a 1,000m² space entirely dedicated to children and families, just a stone's throw from the Grande Halle de la Villette. What's on offer? A wide range of free activities: reading corner, Lego, board games, circus, coloring and Little Ciné (cinema screenings) are available every weekend! [Read more]
La Cité des Bébés, the place to play with toddlers at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie - closed for renovations
A free play area for babies in Paris? The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie has been doing just that since 2019, with the Lab de la cité des bébés. Little ones from 0 to 2 years of age can play safely in an age-appropriate, plastic-free environment for 90 minutes! The site is closed for renovation until further notice. [Read more]
La Cité des Enfants, to marvel at and discover the world around us from ages 2 to 12
The Cité des enfants at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is the ultimate Parisian place for learning and experimentation. With its two routes, reserved either for 2-7 year-olds or for 5-12 year-olds, children discover the world around them using their five senses. [Read more]
A guide to zoos, aquariums and menageries in and around Paris
Want to get away from it all and meet animals in their natural environment? We visit the various zoos and menageries in and around Paris, and if you don't know where to go, don't panic! We've put together a great guide to help you make your choice. Vincennes, Thoiry, Jardin des Plantes... So many opportunities to discover more about nature. [Read more]
La Maison de la Pêche et de la Nature, a family venue dedicated to underwater life in Levallois (92)
Can you fish in the Paris Region? What fish live in our ponds, rivers and streams? How do you learn to fish? The Maison de la Pêche et de la Nature answers all these questions in its museum and aquarium, or by introducing you to fishing with a fishing course. The perfect family outing for young and old alike! [Read more]
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]
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]
Winnoland, the affordable theme park in Essonne reopens for the 2024 season
Winnoland, formerly Babyland-Amiland, the human-sized amusement park in Essonne, is set to reopen for its 17th season on March 30, 2024. Now the most visited amusement park in the 91 region, it has plenty to delight families in search of entertainment. Each year, the park renews itself and has decided to lure older visitors with new, more adapted attractions. [Read more]
Jardin d'Acclimatation, the amusement park in the heart of Paris
Once again, the Jardin d'Acclimatation welcomes us for some fun and relaxation. This amusement park for small children offers 40 attractions for children from 1 year of age, an educational farm and restaurants on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne at the gateway to Paris. [Read more]
Hérouval Park, the leisure park with beach and water games
The Parc Hérouval is a park of attractions and leisure games in the natural environment par excellence. One hour from Paris, in a magnificent natural setting, the Hérouval Park welcomes you on more than 20 hectares of greenery. On the program: beach and water games, small train, mini-farm, slides, bumper boats, ponies, barbecues... It is the ideal place to meet with your family, to relax and have fun. [Read more]
Children's cafés in Paris, where families can enjoy a snack together
Would you like to have a drink in a place where children aren't considered persona non grata, a space where all kids are welcome and where they can have fun while you relax alone or with friends? Our guide to family-friendly cafés and tearooms is for you. Here's the list of cafés in and around Paris that the editors of Sortir à Paris have unearthed for you. [Read more]
Family-friendly restaurants in Paris, our top addresses for kids
If you'd like to spend some gourmet moments with your children without feeling the disapproving gaze of your neighbors, discover these great family restaurants, with children's menus for the youngest! [Read more]
Restaurants with entertainment and children's play areas in and around Paris
Because going out to eat with the kids is not only a hassle, but can also be a pleasure if you find the right place, the editors of Sortir à Paris have found the best places where you can eat with peace of mind, enjoy gourmet menus and let the kids live their best life by taking part in the entertainment or playing in the play areas set aside for the purpose. [Read more]
Family brunches in Paris
Here are some great ideas for a family brunch that's sure to please young and old alike! [Read more]
All-you-can-eat brunches for families with children
Paris is full of great places to enjoy brunch with family and friends, but when you've got small children it can quickly turn into a nightmare... Don't panic, just opt for an all-you-can-eat brunch with entertainers specially on hand to look after your children. Click here to discover our selection: [Read more]
For older children, see also our adapted guides:
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]
During the summer vacations, there is no lack of activities in Paris. Discover the not-to-be-missed outings for the summer season. Amusement parks, original family outings, workshops and cultural outings... to make the most of the summer vacations in the Paris region! [Read more]
Summer vacations are approaching, and whether you're planning a family trip to Paris or live nearby, the question of teens-friendly activities always arises. So, here are our teens-friendly outings in the capital! [Read more]
If the capital is becoming more and more kid friendly with activities for children and family places that are multiplying, it still remains to be proven that teenagers also have the right to activities designed for their age group: here is our selection of outings to do with big kids! [Read more]
What to do with children: free family outings in Paris
What to do this summer in Paris with the kids? Family outings for the 2023 summer vacations
What to do with teenagers in Paris this summer? Our must-do outings for the 2023 summer vacations
What to do with teenagers in Paris? Our must-see outings in the capital with grown-ups
