If we were to ask you to choose just one place in Paris created by and for families, chances are you'd have mentioned the Cité des Sciences, with, at its heart, the Cité des Enfants, a little paradise of discovery for children aged 5 to 10.
For over 30 years, the Cité des Enfants has been delighting youngsters, helping them to discover, understand and demystify... the world around them, all while having fun. Since the summer of 2024, the Cité des Enfants had been closed for a year's work: it reopened at the very beginning of July 2025, with a brand-new space, featuring five immersive worlds designed around current issues. What's new is the place of adults, who become fully involved in their visit: so, come to the Cité des Enfants for quality time and family fun!
This world, dedicated to biodiversity and living things, lets you discover the lives of atta ants, explore the inside of a giant earthworm, and observe small animals in their natural habitat...
The must-see world of the Cité des enfants is undoubtedly the water play area. In fact, this area has been preserved - with the exception of a few minor modifications - as it is particularly popular with pitchounes. Discover the magic of water and its physical properties, and don't miss the stunning fountain!
All new, all beautiful: the fairground area takes you straight into a world of lights, music and games, each as playful as the next. Tackling questions of consent, gender and other societal issues popularized for children, this space emphasizes collaboration, balance... With a particular focus on the attraction featuring the legendary Koh-Lanta pole challenge.
Here, it's all about tinkering, creativity and reuse... Children are invited to create with their hands, to experiment with different challenges, to build large huts in the dedicated space, and so on.
It's a world where almost nothing makes sense. Here, our perception of normality is put to the test: dishes made from toys, a bedroom inhabited by a gentle monster, upside-down furniture... This bizarre house takes you on a journey of discovery, from attic to bedroom, living room to kitchen.
Please note: after over a year's renovation, the Cité des enfants for 5- to 10-year-olds reopened to the public on July 1, 2025. From July 13, 2025, it's the turn of the Cité des Petits, dedicated to pitchounes aged 2 to 7, to close its doors for a year of renovations, reopening in July 2026!
Cité des petits closes for renovation for one year, starting in July 2025
La Cité des Petits, a must-see spot for families in Paris and the surrounding region, has announced that it will be closing its doors temporarily for around a year's work. [Read more]
The exhibition takes place in hour-and-a-half sessions at set times, and it has to be said that time really does fly when you're having fun. The Cité des enfants is open every day except Monday, but you'll need to reserve a slot when you come (at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm on weekdays during school terms, or at 9.30am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 3pm and 4.45pm on weekends and vacations). Admission is €13 full price, €10 concessions per person. The Cité des enfants is accessible to people with reduced mobility, who also benefit from free admission.
To get there, take metro line 7 (Porte de la Villette or Corentin Cariou stop), tramway T3b (Porte de la Villette station) or bus lines 71, 139, 150 and 152, getting off at Porte de la Villette station.
Machine arrière #2, the typewriter: the retro exhibition at the Cité des Sciences - our photos
From November 25, 2025, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie will be showcasing the typewriter in its "Machine arrière" series. A historical and audio immersion between technical innovations and social struggles. [Read more]
Jardiner: an exhibition at the heart of nature at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Reconnect with nature and enjoy an exhibition that stimulates all our senses at the Cité des Sciences: from October 14, 2025 to July 12, 2026, take a stroll through the "Jardiner" exhibition. [Read more]
Dogs and cats: the Cité des Sciences exhibition reveals the secrets of your favorite animals
We love them a little, a lot, madly... But do we really know them? The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie presents a major exhibition on dogs and cats, from February 18, 2025, to June 28, 2026. [Read more]
L'Argonaute: enter the heart of a former submarine at the Cité des Sciences
Located next to the Géode (that huge glowing ball) at the Cité des Scienced et de l'Industrie, the Argonaute is a unique submarine. We'll take you on a tour! [Read more]
La Cité des Bébés, HQ for toddlers at the Cité des Sciences: discover the new space
Under construction for a few years now, the Cité des bébés was a place for toddlers to touch, look at and play with their parents, while learning. From now on, the Cité des Bébés has a reopening date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024! [Read more]
Danser: a fun, interactive exhibition for the whole family at the Cité des Sciences
The Cité des Sciences activates "dance" mode with its brand new immersive exhibition, Danser, on view from July 2, 2024 to June 28, 2026. [Read more]
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: scientific discoveries and fun for all the family
The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie is packed with fun and educational exhibitions for the whole family to discover, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. It's the perfect place to learn all about the world around us! [Read more]
Mission spatiale, the new permanent exhibition in the stars at the Cité des sciences
Take a trip into space from October 23, 2023 at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, with a new permanent exhibition on the conquest of space. [Read more]
Urgence Climatique, the Cité des Sciences exhibition to raise awareness
The Cité des Sciences is a lively place for families, a veritable paradise for young and old alike, where there's always something to do, discoveries to explore and loads of information to learn. The latest permanent exhibition, Urgence climatique, opens on May 16, 2023. [Read more]
Bio-inspired, the new permanent exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Look out, here it is: the new permanent exhibition that will fascinate us to no end. "Bio-inspired" takes up residence at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie from September 18, 2020. A great introduction to talking about the environment and sustainable solutions with children and grown-ups alike. [Read more]
C3RV34U, the permanent neuroludic exhibition at the Cité des Sciences
The Cité des Sciences inaugurates a new permanent space, dedicated to the brain and neurosciences, from September 16, 2014. In a surreal atmosphere, we test our brain capacities, study our brain from a physiological point of view and learn about its potential. [Read more]
Robots come to the Cité des Sciences, the exhibition
The Cité des Sciences et de l'industrie is dedicating a new space to Robots, starting April 2, 2019. Suitable for children from 11 years old, this exhibition tour will make young and old dream with the presentation of robots of today and tomorrow, from industrial robots to autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, agricultural robots, medical robots and domestic robots. [Read more]
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 18, 2025
Location
Cité des sciences et de l'industrie
30 Avenue Corentin Cariou
75019 Paris 19
Access
Metro: line 7, Porte de la Villette station. Bus: lines 139, 150, 152, Porte de la Villette station. Tramway: T3b, Porte de la Villette station.
Prices
Enfant de 2 à 5 ans: €3.5
Tarif Réduit: €10
Pein Tarif: €13
Recommended age
From 2 to 12 years old
Official website
www.cite-sciences.fr
Cité des petits closes for renovation for one year, starting in July 2025
