Far from being the most popular département in the Paris region, Val-de-Marne is an extension of the capital, heading east towards Seine-et-Marne. Between natural areas, the banks of the Marne and cultural walks, it's the perfect territory for a great family outing!
And yet, it's here, on the banks of the Marne, that guinguettes first appeared in the 1800s, here that people come to stroll on the bucolic Île Fanac or Charentonneau, here that people come to bask on the shores of the Créteil lake... Or paddle or canoe along the pretty banks of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés! From the Bois de Vincennes to the famous Roseraie de l'Haÿ-les-Roses, from the Closerie Falbala designed by Jean Dubuffet to theExploradôme and MAC VAL (contemporary art museum), the Val-de-Marne is well worth a visit, whether for a day trip or even a weekend!
The added bonus is that the area is relatively well served by public transport: so, why not take the kids on a little outing in the Val-de-Marne department?
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
Baby Concerts: musical moments for the littlest ones and their families in Paris
A concert for babies? The Orchestre Lamoureux has been doing it for years, to the delight of little music lovers. The Baby Concerts are 30 minutes of melody, between nursery rhymes and classical music, in a format for the youngest, from 0 to 5 years old! Here, children can sing, scream, stand up and dance as they please. A favorite for the whole family! [Read more]
The Nature and Animal Welfare Festival invites you this Saturday in Val-de-Marne.
The Festival of Nature and Animal Welfare is back at Parc de la Plaine des Bordes in Chennevières-sur-Marne, Val-de-Marne. Free workshops, performances and activities await you this Saturday, May 23, 2026 in the 94. [Read more]
Nature and Spring Festival in Val-de-Marne with workshops, a scavenger hunt and a picnic
The town of Fresnes, in Val-de-Marne, is celebrating spring, frogs and water, and is organizing a festive, free day dedicated to nature, water and biodiversity. Workshops, a scavenger hunt, and a lecture are on the program for May 23, 2026. [Read more]
Paris Queer Festival 2026: drag, music and LGBTQIA+ market at Kilowatt
The Paris Queer Festival is taking over Kilowatt in Vitry-sur-Seine, delivering drag shows, concerts, a queer market, workshops and panel discussions on May 30–31, 2026. Formerly known as the Drag & Queer Market, the event brings together artists, LGBTQIA+ collectives, and DJs for a cultural, festive weekend just outside Paris. [Read more]
Smartphones turned into works of art: discover Nuit Blanche 2026 in Gentilly (94)
Prepare for a nocturnal plunge into the world of contemporary art during Nuit Blanche 2026, this coming Saturday, June 6, at the Lavoir Numérique in Gentilly, Val-de-Marne. Discover the fascinating story of this unique venue, which has managed to fuse heritage with technological innovation. [Read more]
Nuit Blanche 2026: Love takes center stage at Nouveau Gare au Théâtre in Vitry-sur-Seine (94)
For Nuit Blanche, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, discover Nouveau Gare au Théâtre in Vitry-sur-Seine. Immerse yourself in contemporary art at this one-of-a-kind, history-steeped venue during this quirky after-hours night. [Read more]
Gentilly’s Lavatronic transforms into the Garden of Eden for Nuit Blanche 2026.
Once again, Gentilly's Lavatronic offers us a timeless evening full of surprises. Will you dare to spend this year’s Nuit Blanche among the latest contemporary art installations, this Saturday, June 6, 2026? A chance to experience an unconventional nocturnal outing on the Val-de-Marne side. [Read more]
This beautiful English-style garden surrounding an Italian villa is unveiled for the 2026 Rendez-Vous aux Jardins.
In the heart of Val-de-Marne, this remarkable municipal garden reveals an English-style setting, dominated by an Italianate villa. For Rendez-Vous aux Jardins 2026, a special program awaits you there for the weekend of June 5–7, 2026. [Read more]
Monuments in top form: a free 5km race at the heart of this château on the edge of Paris
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, lace up your sneakers for a time-traveling dash just outside Paris. As part of the “Monuments in Full Form” event, the Château de Vincennes will turn its forecourt and its keep into a brand-new, free 5-kilometre running course. [Read more]
World Music Day 2026: Amel Bent to perform a free concert in Thiais (94)
For this year's Fête de la Musique, join Amel Bent for a free concert in Thiais, Val-de-Marne, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. [Read more]
La ferme pédagogique de Maisons-Alfort (94), a family-friendly farm where you can see animals
In Maisons-Alfort, in the Val-de-Marne département of France, some amusing boarders welcome you and your family all year round, on Wednesdays and weekends: so head to the town's educational farm for a little country escapade to discover its animals! [Read more]
The Finds Fair: a big flea market and creative workshops at Pavillon Baltard (94)
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Pavillon Baltard sheds its gala attire to become the temple of second-hand treasures. Far more than a simple flea market, this springtime gathering turns the historic Nogent-sur-Marne monument into a lively hub, where thrifting stalls meet customization and DIY workshops. [Read more]
Women's épée World Cup: international fencers clash this weekend in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés
Women fencers have a date on the piste at the Pierre Brossolette Sports Centre, from May 22 to 24, 2026: the athletes will go head-to-head in the women's épée World Cup staged this year in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (94). A big sport-filled weekend awaits us! [Read more]
Rendezvous with the Gardens 2026: a sensory walk at Parc de Cluny in Thiais (94)
At the start of June, Parisians and Île-de-France residents will converge on the region’s best parks, gardens, squares, and hillocks. What’s on the agenda? A wealth of free activities for both kids and grown-ups! Here’s the program planned for Parc de Cluny in Thiais, Val-de-Marne, for the weekend of June 5–7, 2026. [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: free late-night opening at the Fragonard Museum of the National Veterinary School of Alfort
As part of the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums, the Fragonard Museum at the National Veterinary School of Alfort opens its doors for an after-dark visit on Saturday, May 23, 2026. We’re unveiling the lineup for this nocturnal event waiting for you in Val-de-Marne. [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
L'écu de France, a gourmet restaurant in a historic setting on the banks of the Marne (94)
L'Écu de France is a gourmet French restaurant located in the heart of a former coaching inn dating from 1717, on the banks of the Marne River. A good address in the Val-de-Marne that's well worth the detour! [Read more]
Blooma, the bar-restaurant with creative dishes in a bucolic atmosphere in Fontenay-sous-Bois (94)
In Fontenay-sous-bois, a bar-restaurant resembling an urban oasis offers seasonal cuisine in original dishes and creative, affordable cocktails. Head for Blooma, a gourmet spot where you can stop for a treat or a toast! [Read more]
Zoos and aquariums
Amusement parks and fairgrounds
Royal Kids in Ivry-sur-Seine, the indoor playground for the whole family in Val-de-Marne, France
The Royal Kids playground in Ivry-sur-Seine, not even a kilometer from the Paris ring road, is the ideal place to spend a day, morning or afternoon with the family! [Read more]
Sports outings
Ecopark Créteil, the tree-climbing course to discover with the whole family, in Val-de-Marne
Calling all adventure lovers, young and old: Ecopark Créteil unveils the Val-de-Marne’s first tree-top adventure park. Expect 1,200 meters of elevated courses up to 15 meters high and 600 meters of zip lines. The park has been reopening since early March 2026, perfectly timed for the school holidays! [Read more]
The AccroCamp Créteil 94 accrobranche, for tree-climbing on the Ile de Loisirs.
Climbing at the Créteil leisure base, just a stone's throw from its wave pool, is possible. Indeed, Accrocamp offers an adventure course to delight all the little and big adventurers you are. Whether you're into a giant zipline or a safe trampoline mode, this is a wonderful outdoor setup to entertain you. Reopening is planned for early 2026 after a winter closure. [Read more]
Île Fanac in Joinville-le-Pont: green walks, canoeing, rowing and a gourmet barge
In Joinville-le-Pont, enjoy a quiet interlude on Île Fanac, discovering the elegant houses with pontoons. On the program: a stroll in a beautiful green setting, canoeing and rowing on the Marne and other nuggets to discover. [Read more]
Parks and gardens
Parc des Cormailles, a large departmental park in Ivry-sur-Seine (94)
Did you know? Ivry-sur-Seine is home to a large green space, and more specifically, a departmental park: the Parc des Cormailles, an ideal place for a stroll, a jog or an outdoor picnic! [Read more]
Parc départemental des Lilas, the large wooded park in Vitry-sur-Seine (94)
While in Vitry-sur-Seine, be sure to visit the Parc Départemental des Lilas, the city's largest green space with orchards and allotments. [Read more]
Current activities
A Little Prince-inspired daycare center in the Belle Epine shopping center (94)
The Belle Epine shopping center in Thiais, in the Val-de-Marne département of France, recently acquired a playground as poetic as it is playful: visit level 0 to discover it! [Read more]
Ile Charentonneau, a natural area on the outskirts of Paris where you can feel alone in the world.
Along the Marne River in Maisons-Alfort (94), Ile Charentonneau is an island territory in the Val-de-Marne department where you can stroll at your leisure for a change of scenery at the gateway to Paris. [Read more]
