2023 retrospective: the editors' favorite places and concepts to discover with the whole family

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis · Photos by Margot de Sortiraparis · Updated on December 30, 2023 at 02:25 p.m.
As 2023 draws to a close, it's time to take stock: for us too, which is why we've put together a selection of our favorite places, concepts and outings that we've loved discovering throughout the year.

This year, the editors have explored, scoured and discovered hundreds of places, outings and other activities to do as a family, and above all, with children. From toddlers to teens, and kids in between, the capital is kid-friendly, and one thing's for sure in Paris: you can't get bored with little ones. So, here are our favorites of the year, places and concepts that are well worth a visit, to spend an hour, an afternoon or the whole day with your little ones.

Unusual outings

These are the ones that definitely stand out from the crowd, and leave a lasting impression because they were so intense and rich in emotion. Some are reserved for special occasions, while others are open every weekend. Here are the out-of-the-ordinary outings we discovered and loved this year.

Le chemin de fer des Chanteraines - nos photosLe chemin de fer des Chanteraines - nos photosLe chemin de fer des Chanteraines - nos photosLe chemin de fer des Chanteraines - nos photos Unusual: board a vintage train on the Chanteraines park railroad (92)
Parc des Chanteraines, located in the towns of Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Gennevilliers, is one of the largest green spaces in the Hauts-de-Seine department. As an added bonus, the park also boasts a railroad, where you can board an old-fashioned train on certain days of the month. [Read more]

Les tanières du zoo de Thoiry 2023 - Intérieur tanièreLes tanières du zoo de Thoiry 2023 - Intérieur tanièreLes tanières du zoo de Thoiry 2023 - Intérieur tanièreLes tanières du zoo de Thoiry 2023 - Intérieur tanière The dens at Thoiry Zoo, the unusual experience of sleeping with bears
Would you like to spend a night among the animals in their dens? If you too have always dreamed of living this adventure (or offering it to your children, grandchildren...), it's possible at Thoiry Zoo in the Yvelines, by spending the night in a den close to the animals, without disturbing them. Would you like to join us? [Read more]

Le Moulin jaune - Hanami 2023Le Moulin jaune - Hanami 2023Le Moulin jaune - Hanami 2023Le Moulin jaune - Hanami 2023 The Moulin Jaune transforms into a Rose Weekend for Hanami 2026, set amidst its stunning Remarkable Garden
A whirlwind of pink awaits us on April 18 and 19, 2026, at Moulin Jaune. The renowned Slava’s Garden in Crécy-la-Chapelle (77) is opening its gates once again. Come celebrate spring and see life through rose-tinted glasses during this beautiful April weekend in the heart of Île-de-France’s most Instagram-worthy garden! [Read more]

La Coulée Verte du Sud ParisienLa Coulée Verte du Sud ParisienLa Coulée Verte du Sud ParisienLa Coulée Verte du Sud Parisien From Paris to Versailles by bike: itinerary for an easy ride on the Véloscénie
Did you know? La Véloscénie, the long-distance cycle path linking Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, provides a link between Paris and Versailles. Let us take you on a 30-kilometre bike ride! [Read more]

Le Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à SevranLe Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à SevranLe Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à SevranLe Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à Sevran Cycling in the Parc de la Poudrerie: a sporty, bucolic ride along the Canal de l'Ourcq
Did you know that a long cycle path runs along a large part of the Canal de lourcq? From the Bassin de la Villette to Meaux (check), via Pantin, Bobigny, Sevran... Discover the bucolic side of Seine Saint Denis! Whether you're a family, a group of friends, a sportsman or a solo rider, the Canal de l'Ourcq has the immense advantage of being very well served by a cycle path, passing through both industrial and wooded areas. [Read more]

Family venues par excellence

Found throughout the capital and its suburbs, family concepts are as essential to parents as they are to children. Combining play areas, cafés and early-learning or creative activities, they're the perfect formula for Parisian families.

Ô Tipi, le magasin de jouets, café et lieu d'ateliers pour enfants et parentsÔ Tipi, le magasin de jouets, café et lieu d'ateliers pour enfants et parentsÔ Tipi, le magasin de jouets, café et lieu d'ateliers pour enfants et parentsÔ Tipi, le magasin de jouets, café et lieu d'ateliers pour enfants et parents ÔTIPI Saint-Placide, the family-friendly toy store in the 6th arrondissement of Paris
ÔTIPI, the must-visit neighborhood toy store in the 15th arrondissement, is expanding and will open a new address in September 2023, in the Saint-Placide district (6th). [Read more]

TRIBU, le café récréatif des familles dans le 9eTRIBU, le café récréatif des familles dans le 9eTRIBU, le café récréatif des familles dans le 9eTRIBU, le café récréatif des familles dans le 9e TRIBU, the recreational café for families in the 9th arrondissement
Located on rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, TRIBU is a kid-friendly venue in the 9th arrondissement, with a great program of activities for young and old all week long! [Read more]

Poppy for kids, l'aire de jeux familiale et pédagogique du 17ePoppy for kids, l'aire de jeux familiale et pédagogique du 17ePoppy for kids, l'aire de jeux familiale et pédagogique du 17ePoppy for kids, l'aire de jeux familiale et pédagogique du 17e Poppy, the family third-place and toy library for 0-10 years in the 17th arrondissement - CLOSED
About ten minutes from Parc Monceau, in the heart of the 17th arrondissement, Poppy for Kids welcomes parents, children, grandparents and nannies throughout the day in its open-play area, perfectly suited for little ones aged 0 to 10. The venue has permanently closed. [Read more]

Pomme, la maison de famille du 19ePomme, la maison de famille du 19ePomme, la maison de famille du 19ePomme, la maison de famille du 19e Pomme, the family-friendly place for parents and children in the 19th arrondissement - DEFINITELY CLOSED
In the Laumière district, a stone's throw from the Bassin de la Villette, it's a kind of cocoon, a bubble where parents can take refuge to unwind, a caring place where children are invited to develop at their own pace: Pomme is an oasis for families, and definitely a must for the whole district. It has been permanently closed since June 1, 2025. [Read more]

Rosechou, le café des jeunes parents à Issy-les-MoulineauxRosechou, le café des jeunes parents à Issy-les-MoulineauxRosechou, le café des jeunes parents à Issy-les-MoulineauxRosechou, le café des jeunes parents à Issy-les-Moulineaux Rosechou, the café-boutique that boosts parents' morale in Issy-les-Moulineaux - permanently closed
Rosechou is the place where moms, dads and all parents-to-be can come to recharge their batteries with their newborns. With a wide range of workshops to help the little ones get off to a good start and support their parents, the place also offers a café and a boutique. In short, it's a family concept that has everything to please young and future parents! The place has closed for good. [Read more]

Môment's, le family concept de VersaillesMôment's, le family concept de VersaillesMôment's, le family concept de VersaillesMôment's, le family concept de Versailles Môments, the family-friendly spot to spend an afternoon with the family in Versailles — permanently closed.
In a tiny street off Versailles-Chantiers station, served by the RER and Transilien networks, lies Môment's—a family concept space to retreat to, summer or winter, with children of all ages. The venue permanently closed its doors in May 2026. [Read more]

Kid-friendly restaurants

Going to a restaurant with the family is great, but when there's entertainment for the kids, it's even better! So here are our favorite places to go with the whole family - and where you won't be judged for bringing the little ones.

Le brunch de la Table d'Alice à Versailles - 78, les photosLe brunch de la Table d'Alice à Versailles - 78, les photosLe brunch de la Table d'Alice à Versailles - 78, les photosLe brunch de la Table d'Alice à Versailles - 78, les photos Brunch for families in Paris: our top picks for young and old alike
Here are some great ideas for a family brunch that's sure to please young and old alike! [Read more]

Cocoricains - Mac and cheeseCocoricains - Mac and cheeseCocoricains - Mac and cheeseCocoricains - Mac and cheese Family-friendly restaurants in Paris: our top picks for dining with kids
Having lunch or dinner with children can quickly become easier when the venue truly lends itself to it. In Paris, some restaurants gladly welcome families, offering kids’ menus, child-size portions, and a relaxed atmosphere that lets you enjoy the meal without stress. [Read more]

Visuels enfants, attractions, parc, Jardin d'Acclimatation, animaux, zooVisuels enfants, attractions, parc, Jardin d'Acclimatation, animaux, zooVisuels enfants, attractions, parc, Jardin d'Acclimatation, animaux, zooVisuels enfants, attractions, parc, Jardin d'Acclimatation, animaux, zoo Kid-friendly restaurants in Paris: our picks with play areas and activities for children
Craving a family meal where everyone leaves satisfied? In Paris, some restaurants provide play spaces, entertainment, or activities to keep kids occupied while parents can enjoy their meal more peacefully. [Read more]

Children's areas in Paris museums

More and more Parisian museums are offering family tours, children's workshops and other activities adapted to the youngest visitors: here are the kid-friendly cultural spaces that have stood out this year, with some great proposals for awakening toddlers and children to art.

Les vacances au musée d'Orsay pour les enfantsLes vacances au musée d'Orsay pour les enfantsLes vacances au musée d'Orsay pour les enfantsLes vacances au musée d'Orsay pour les enfants Christmas vacations 2024: workshops, fun activities and family visits at the Musée d'Orsay
During the 2024 Christmas vacations, from December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the Musée d'Orsay is once again organizing its flagship event for each school vacation period: vacations at the museum, with a great program for children. [Read more]

La Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfantLa Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfantLa Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfantLa Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfant La Maison des Petits, a free artistic space for children aged 0 to 6 at the Centquatre
Le Centquatre is the art venue you'd like to visit every day: with its free or affordable exhibitions, its beautiful play areas and its omnipresent creativity, it's hard to imagine a more suitable venue for all kinds of audiences. For families, the Maison des Petits is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2.30pm to 6pm. [Read more]

Les Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2ALes Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2ALes Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2ALes Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2A The Children's Gallery, HQ of the little ones at the Centre Georges Pompidou
Want to go to the museum but with your family, things get complicated: the kids get bored, you can't run around or let off steam, the exhibition doesn't interest your youngest ones...So, don't worry, the Centre Georges Pompidou has created an exhibition space specially designed for the little ones, so they can discover modern and contemporary art with activities just for them! [Read more]

L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217 The Rodin Workshop, a creative space for children, is back for a new season at the Rodin Museum.
Learn the art of sculpture firsthand in the world of one of France’s most renowned artists! From April 11 to September 6, 2026, the Rodin Museum opens its Atelier Rodin, offering young art enthusiasts the chance to explore sculpture. Discover the exciting new features of the 2026 season. [Read more]

Studio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre PompidouStudio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre PompidouStudio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre PompidouStudio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre Pompidou Studio 13/16, a creative and artistic place for teenagers at the Centre Pompidou
Museums are cool, but with teenagers, it's not always easy: while some are passionate about the exhibitions of the moment, others get bored after ten minutes. So, let's go to studio 13/16, the place by and for teenagers at the Centre Pompidou. [Read more]

La Maison des HistoiresLa Maison des HistoiresLa Maison des HistoiresLa Maison des Histoires La Maison des Histoires, an immersive museum for children aged 0 to 7, hidden in a bookshop
Behind the Chantelivre bookshop lies a fun-filled children's museum for the very young! La Maison des Histoires immerses the whole family in the literary worlds of l'École des Loisirs, between Cornebidouille and the Maximonstres! [Read more]

The ideal parks to let off steam

For some of you, this may not be a new discovery, but for us neither is it, and yet these parks are among our favorites for a family outing: playgrounds, picnic areas and discovery spaces, they have it all for an afternoon in the fresh air, right in the heart of Paris.

Le parc Georges Brassens, pour se croire à la campagne dans le 15eLe parc Georges Brassens, pour se croire à la campagne dans le 15eLe parc Georges Brassens, pour se croire à la campagne dans le 15eLe parc Georges Brassens, pour se croire à la campagne dans le 15e Georges Brassens Park, a bubble of countryside in the 15th arrondissement
It's not - by far - the best-known of our major Parisian parks, not very popular compared to giants like Parc de la Villette or Parc des Buttes Chaumont. And yet, the Parc Georges Brassens is particularly exotic, bucolic and poetic, and is always worth a visit. [Read more]

Le parc de BellevilleLe parc de BellevilleLe parc de BellevilleLe parc de Belleville Belleville Park, a green bubble on a hillside in the 20th arrondissement
In the Ménilmontant district, right in the heart of Belleville's Chinatown, you could almost miss the eponymous park, so hidden is it that it's almost a secret. So we're taking you to discover it with us! [Read more]

Le Jardin du Dragon, l'aire de jeux colorée au parc de la VilletteLe Jardin du Dragon, l'aire de jeux colorée au parc de la VilletteLe Jardin du Dragon, l'aire de jeux colorée au parc de la VilletteLe Jardin du Dragon, l'aire de jeux colorée au parc de la Villette Playgrounds in Paris: our top outdoor spots for kids
Looking for a simple outing to plan with the kids? In Paris, outdoor playgrounds let you enjoy sunny days without a heavy itinerary, with slides, climbing frames and spaces for the whole family to burn off energy. [Read more]

Le parc de la Haute-Île à Neuilly-sur-MarneLe parc de la Haute-Île à Neuilly-sur-MarneLe parc de la Haute-Île à Neuilly-sur-MarneLe parc de la Haute-Île à Neuilly-sur-Marne Parc de la Haute-Île, a magnificent wild green space in Neuilly-sur-Marne (93)
Just a few kilometers from Paris, take the RER A towards Marne-la-Vallée and discover the Parc Départemental de la Haute-Île in Neuilly-sur-Marne: with its beautiful playground, wide paths for jogging and observatories, it's one of the most beautiful parks in the area! [Read more]

Le Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à SevranLe Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à SevranLe Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à SevranLe Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à Sevran Parc de la Poudrerie, a listed green nugget in Sevran (93)
Fifteen kilometers from the Bassin de la Villette, along the Canal de l'Ourcq, lies a lovely 137-hectare forest park in the Seine-Saint-Denis municipalities of Livry-Gargan, Villepinte, Sevran and Vaujours. Combining remnants of the area's industrial past with immense tree-lined avenues, it's one of the green spaces not to be missed for a bike ride, family outing or jogging session... in the 93. [Read more]

Le parc de l'Île Verte à Chatenay-Malabry - nos photosLe parc de l'Île Verte à Chatenay-Malabry - nos photosLe parc de l'Île Verte à Chatenay-Malabry - nos photosLe parc de l'Île Verte à Chatenay-Malabry - nos photos A stroll on the Île Verte, a romantic promenade classified as a remarkable garden in Chatenay-Malabry (92)
To get to Chatenay-Malabry, just take the RER B towards Robinson, and get off at the terminus. It's here, between the towns of Sceaux and Chatenay, that you'll discover exceptionally rich green spaces, full of charm and remarkable century-old trees. [Read more]

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