A free weekend for the whole family at the Musée Carnavalet: workshops, games and tours to discover Paris

On November 21 and 22, 2026, the Musée Carnavalet is hosting a free weekend for families in Paris. The program includes creative workshops, games, shows for toddlers and fun tours, with activities for children as young as 6 months!

What if children set off to discover the history of Paris through play? On Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris, located in the Marais, is hosting a free family weekend. Over two days, children and adults can take part in creative workshops, fun tours, games and activities exploring the history of the capital. With activities suitable for children as young as six months, it’s a great free outing in Paris for families looking to discover the museum in a different way.

Two days to explore Paris’s history while having fun

Housed in two private mansions in the Marais, the Musée Carnavalet traces the history of Paris, from its origins to the present day. Its collections include paintings, everyday objects, antique shop signs, scale models and period interiors that tell the story of the capital’s transformation.

For this special weekend, the museum invites families to play an active role in their visit. Rather than simply looking at the exhibits, children can hunt for hidden details, discover landmarks in different districts, or imagine their own version of Paris.

A child’s-eye view of the city’s history, while sharing a moment with their parents.

Creative workshops and games about children's rights

On Saturdays, children can make a Snakes and Ladders game inspired by Paris landmarks or create a little imaginary world based on the museum’s collections.

Other activities will invite them to discover the works through all five senses or reflect on children’s fundamental rights through games and discussion. This theme echoes World Children’s Day, celebrated every year on November 20.

On Sundays, let your imagination run wild with writing workshops, surprise tours and a creative space open to everyone, not forgetting the little ones.

All weekend activities are free, with registration on site for events with limited capacity.

The free weekend program at the Musée Carnavalet:

Saturday, November 21, 2026

11 a.m. — “Parisian Stories” writing workshop: create stories inspired by 18th-century Paris. Ages 8 and up. Duration: 1 hour. Free; sign up on site.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Game of the Goose workshop: discover Parisian landmarks and create a personalized Game of the Goose board using your own drawings. Ages 7 and up, accompanied by an adult. Duration: 1.5 hours. Free; sign up on site.

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. — “Paris-ci, par-là” active tour: a hunt for details in the museum’s artworks to discover everyday life in 19th-century Paris. Duration: 1 hour. Free; sign up on site.

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Interactive activities exploring children’s rights: games, looking at artworks and discussions about children’s fundamental rights. For families, free drop-in access.

2 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. — “Les Petits Mondes” workshop: create a little poetic world inspired by the museum’s artworks and children’s rights. Ages 7 and up, accompanied by an adult. Duration: 1 hour. Free; sign up on site.

2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. — “The Museum Through the Senses” tour: discover 17th- and 18th-century Paris through sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. For preschool through middle school. Duration: 1 hour. Free; sign up on site.

Sunday, November 22, 2026

10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. — “Petits contes d’automne” show: stories and songs accompanied by the ukulele, to enjoy as a family. Duration: 30 minutes. Free; register on site.

10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. — “My Little Carnavalet! Little Cat’s Journey”: a family show exploring Paris through the adventures of a little cat. Ages 6 months to 5 years. Duration: 30 minutes. Free; sign up on site.

10:20 a.m., 11:10 a.m. and 12 p.m. — Flash tours: surprise 30-minute tours with a randomly selected theme. For all ages. Free, sign up on site.

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Carnavalet Respire!: a creative space run by an art therapist, with postcards, mandalas, drawings and paper games. Open to all, free of charge.

2 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. — “Parisian Stories” writing workshop: children invent stories inspired by characters and a map of 18th-century Paris. Ages 8 and up. Duration: 1 hour. Free, sign up on site.

2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Pop-up toy library: games and discussions about children’s fundamental rights, linked to the museum’s collections. For families; free admission, no booking required.

2:30 p.m. — “The Museum Through the Senses” tour: a sensory exploration of Parisian history. From preschool through middle school. Duration: 1 hour. Free; sign up on site.

4 p.m. — “Paris Here and There” interactive tour: a fun introduction to the museum’s works and Parisian life in the 19th century. Duration: 1 hour. Free, sign up on site.

So, join us at the Carnavalet Museum on November 21 and 22, 2026, with the family!

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