All Saints’ Day holidays 2026: outings and activities at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 12, 2026 at 11:58 a.m.
For the autumn half-term holidays in 2026, the National Museum of Natural History is offering exhibitions, workshops and activities across its Paris sites. From the Jardin des Plantes to the Paris Zoo, via the Musée de l’Homme, discover the autumn programme.
For the All Saints’ Day holidays 2026, the National Museum of Natural History offers exhibitions, workshops, and activities across its various Paris sites. From the Jardin des Plantes to the Parc Zoologique de Paris, and including the Musée de l’Homme, discover the autumn lineup.

What if the October half-term could be your chance to meet dinosaurs, explore human history, or encounter animals with a haunting reputation? From October 17 to November 1, 2026, the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle offers a wealth of outings in Paris, spanning scientific discoveries, cultural activities, and Halloween-themed happenings. The lineup also marks the 400th anniversary of the Museum.

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At Jardin des Plantes and the Gallery of Evolution: dinosaurs, art, and nature

In the 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes concentrates a host of vacation options. The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution invites visitors to travel back in time with a dinosaur-focused exhibition, while art takes a central role through new installations and events that blend artistic creation with science.

The Grandes Serres turn their attention to palms for the Autumn Tropical season. Just steps away, the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes marks Halloween by introducing creatures that are sometimes misunderstood or deemed scary. The science cinema is also represented with the Pariscience festival.

What’s on during the 2026 October half-term at Jardin des Plantes and the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution

At the Musée de l’Homme, from Prehistory to Halloween

Head to the Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement, where the Musée de l’Homme unveils its renovated Neolithic section. Storytelling, workshops, and interactive trails help visitors explore this era when human societies underwent profound transformations.

For the first time, the museum also marks Halloween, offering distinct programs for children and adults centered on the mechanics of fear and mystery.

What’s on during the 2026 October half-term at the Musée de l’Homme:

  • The Galerie de l’Homme reopens after a complete redesign
  • Family storytelling at the museum (for ages 3 and up), hands-on workshop for budding archaeologists "Archo néo" (from age 8)
  • Halloween with the family at the Musée de l’Homme (from age 6), on October 31 and November 1, plus a special evening for older kids on October 30
  • Access to the museum’s permanent collections throughout the holidays with the Family Space, included in admission

At the Parc zoologique de Paris, animals and a few shivers

Finally, in the 12th arrondissement, the Parc zoologique de Paris lets you enjoy autumn colors while observing its residents, including several young animals born this year.

The zoo is also planning a special Halloween day, blending activities with opportunities to discover species that sometimes inspire fear.

What’s on during the 2026 October half-term at Parc Zoologique de Paris:

  • Frissons Day on October 31, with numerous Halloween-themed activities

Zoo de Vincennes, Parc zoologique 2024 - lamantinZoo de Vincennes, Parc zoologique 2024 - lamantinZoo de Vincennes, Parc zoologique 2024 - lamantinZoo de Vincennes, Parc zoologique 2024 - lamantin Halloween 2026 at the Paris Zoological Park: thrills and animals on the program
For Halloween 2026, the Paris Zoological Park invites families to discover animals in a new way with a special program during the All Saints’ Day holidays. Shows, meet-and-greets and activities around creatures that frighten will be on the agenda. [Read more]

With these venues and their programs, the Muséum offers several ways to enjoy the October half-term 2026 in Paris, whether you’re into animals, prehistory, science, or creative workshops.

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 17, 2026 to November 1, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    Place Valhubert
    75005 Paris 5

    Route planner
    Accessibility info

    Official website
    www.mnhn.fr

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