"In May, do as you please", the old adage goes. So, in this May 2027, the only rule to follow is: do what you enjoy, and it’s even better if it fits a small budget! So, what can you do with the kids during this lovely spring month in Paris and the Île-de-France region?
That's just as well, because in May, many of the long weekends and public holidays give us a few extra days of vacation (or rather, a few days without work). So, in May, it's the perfect time to take a stroll through the most beautiful gardens in Paris and the Île-de-France region, discover the homes of local artists and writers, take a trip to the farm or the zoo, or experience the thrills of tree climbing !
From toddlers to teenagers, not forgetting primary school children, it's also a good time to get into the cultural spirit, with the discovery of little-known but always fun museums, or a trip to the theater or cinema.
So, what are we doing as a family with the kids in May 2027?
Great tip: a cycle path to discover the Oise’s bucolic banks by bike.
Biking the Oise is the freegoing stroll on offer, accessible from Paris or with a Navigo pass, and suitable for all levels. What’s in store? Beautiful villages along the way and the feeling of being far, very far from Paris. [Read more]
La ferme du Bel Air, for a family outing in the countryside near Villiers-le-Bacle (91)
At Villiers-le-Bâcle, in the Essonne département, the Bel Air farm invites you to meet its furry and feathered residents for a family outing in the fresh air. [Read more]
The educational farm at Mantes-la-Jolie (78), a free, rural outing in the Yvelines region
In Mantes-la-Jolie, in the Yvelines département, there's an educational farm hidden away on Ile l'Aumône. Free and open to all, it's a great opportunity to take a stroll and discover the animals! [Read more]
La Ferme Caillard: festive venue, vegetable garden and educational farm in Bondy (93)
In Bondy, in Seine-Saint-Denis, Caillard Farm welcomes you year-round to its semi-urban setting, between the city and nature. [Read more]
Château Soubiran's free educational farm, a bucolic interlude near Melun (77)
Just a few kilometers from Melun, in the Seine-et-Marne town of Dammarie-les-Lys, you'll find Château Soubiran and its large park, home to a small educational farm. [Read more]
The Ecancourt educational farm in Jouy-le-Moutier, for a walk to discover the animals.
Near Jouy-le-Moutier, the Ecancourt farm welcomes families all week long to discover its residents and the world of farming at the same time. [Read more]
Cocorico, the free educational farm in Herblay-sur-Seine (95)
In Herblay-sur-Seine, don't miss Cocorico, the town's educational farm: free and open to all, it's a great opportunity for a family outing to the farm. [Read more]
A free biodiversity museum featuring large aquariums in Puteaux (92)
On Île de Puteaux in the Hauts-de-Seine, inside Lebaudy Park, you’ll find the Naturoscope — a venue devoted to the environment that aims to raise awareness for both children and adults through exhibitions and educational activities. [Read more]
Houses of the First 1,000 Days: Two Free Destinations in Paris for Young Parents and Families
To support new parents during their child's first days, Paris has opened its first 'Houses of the 1000 Days,' offering free welcome spaces in the 18th and 20th districts. [Read more]
Le jardin de l'Île, a bucolic park on the banks of the Marne in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre (77)
Along the banks of the Marne, the Jardin de l'Ile offers a soothing, bucolic stroll. [Read more]
The Aleu park: fishing ponds and country walks in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines (78)
For a quiet, green, open-air stroll, head for the Parc de l'Aleu in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines! [Read more]
La Kermesse de Javelle: free entertainment for young and old on Sundays at the guinguette.
Having moved from the pretty banks of the Seine in the 15th arrondissement to the heart of Bercy Beaucoup, the third-tier venue in the 12th arrondissement, La Javelle aims to bring a festive atmosphere back to the east of Paris, with the return of fine weather: so, every Sunday, it's kermesse with family and friends, to have fun, dance (and forget about Monday). [Read more]
The Île-Saint-Denis departmental park, for a green walk along the Seine River
With its 25 hectares of lush greenery, the Parc de l'Île-Saint-Denis offers a place to unwind, just a few kilometers from the capital. Immerse yourself in this little-known park, which has all the makings of a green interlude in the Paris region. [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]
Good plan for families: free creative workshops every Sunday at Fluctuart
It's the place to be for families and, above all, for children: every Sunday, Fluctuart offers workshops for kids, to introduce them to urban art. [Read more]
Square Sainte-Odile, a small wooded park with a pirate playground in the 17th arrondissement
Adjacent to the church of Sainte-Odile, known for its neo-Byzantine architecture, the eponymous square offers a bucolic stroll with, as a bonus, a beautiful playground for children. [Read more]
Parc Caillebotte, the large free landscaped park that inspired Gustave Caillebotte in Yerres (91)
Just 30 minutes from the Gare de Lyon railway station, on the Yerres side of the Essonne département, Maison Caillebotte is home to one of the region's most beautiful green spaces: Parc Caillebotte, the garden that inspired the famous Impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte. [Read more]
The GR75, the long-distance hiking trail around Paris on foot
Paris, a great hiking terrain? Well, yes, because since 2017, the French Hiking Federation has opened up a fully-marked trail for all walking enthusiasts to take around Paris. [Read more]
The arboretum at La Roche-Guyon (95), an open garden featuring plant species from the Ile-de-France region.
In the heart of the Roche-Guyon forest, the arboretum is a little-known 13-hectare green space hidden away in the heart of the French Vexin. We'll take you on a tour to discover it. Are you coming? [Read more]
The Domaine de Chamarande, Essonne's largest public garden, for a day in the fresh air
The Domaine de Chamarande is one of the most beautiful gardens in Essonne, and only an hour's ride by public transport, or just as much by car. Located in the town whose name it bears, we'll take you on a stroll to discover it. [Read more]
Le Jardin du Yoga, secret playground at La Roche-Guyon (95)
Hidden away in a little street, indicated by a single small sign, the Jardin du Yoga is one of the least-known parks in La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département. So, we're taking you there to discover it with us! [Read more]
The fruit garden at Château de la Roche-Guyon (95), a remarkable garden for a country stroll
At the foot of the troglodyte château of La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département, nestles a large vegetable and fruit garden, designated a Remarkable Garden. [Read more]
Paris-Meaux by bike: 50 kilometers along the Canal de l'Ourcq to reach the Brie region
We've heard of Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Brest, but not yet Paris-Meaux. And yet the race is accessible to all levels, including complete beginners, and allows you to start from the capital's cycle paths. [Read more]
Bois-Préau Park, a forest in the city, Rueil-Malmaison (92)
Just a few minutes' walk from the Château de Malmaison is a lovely park planted with trees: welcome to the Parc de Bois-Préau, Rueil's beautiful green space, where you'll feel like you're in a forest. [Read more]
The Villemin garden, a bucolic park on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin
Right next to the Canal Saint-Martin, in the 10th arrondissement, is the Jardin Villemin, a pretty, tree-lined spot with sports fields and playground. [Read more]
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
The Galerie des Carrosses, nestled in the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles, opens its doors free of charge every weekend. When visiting Versailles, it's a discovery you'd be wrong not to make. We'll take you on a tour... [Read more]
Parc de l'île Saint-Germain, the magnificent floating garden in Issy-les-Moulineaux (92)
Did you know? Issy-les-Moulineaux's surface area includes an island, Ile Saint-Germain, known for its magnificent park where you can take a stroll. [Read more]
Josette and Maurice Audin Park, the public garden of a 19th-century manor house in Bagnolet (93)
Originally the private garden of a 19th-century manor house, the Josette et Maurice Audin park is now one of Bagnolet's public parks, and the manor house, still visible, is proof of this. [Read more]
Issy botanical garden, the countryside at Issy-les-Moulineaux (92)
Just south of the capital, on the Issy-les-Moulineaux side, lies a pretty spot of greenery: this garden is the city's Botanical Garden, where you can come for a walk with a change of scenery, without even leaving Issy. [Read more]
The Paris Arboretum, a remarkable garden of a thousand tree species in the Bois de Vincennes
Route de la Pyramide, just east of the Bois de Vincennes, the Arboretum de Paris is a bucolic garden, a green bubble where you can discover over 650 different tree species. [Read more]
Parc de la Butte Pinson, the green spot to feel like you're in the forest, in Villetaneuse (93)
Just north of Saint-Denis, in the town of Villetaneuse, lies a lovely wooded park that makes you feel like you're strolling through a forest. Welcome to the Parc de la Butte Pinson, a favorite haunt of Impressionists and city dwellers in search of greenery. [Read more]
Parc de la Sapinière, an island of greenery in Romainville (93)
In Romainville, just east of Paris, nestles a green space ideal for city walks, jogging or picnicking in the open air in fine weather. [Read more]
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 Montreau, one of the oldest landscaped parks in the Paris region, in Montreuil (93)
During a walk in Montreuil, discover the Parc Montreau, a huge 15-hectare park where you can enjoy a stroll all year round, as well as an outdoor picnic in fine weather. [Read more]
The Boom Boom Villette kids club: free entertainment for children every Saturday and Sunday
Every Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 4pm, Boom Boom Villette, the brand-new foodcourt in the 19th arrondissement, offers free entertainment for children in its kid-friendly area. [Read more]
A free treasure hunt for children in the Montmorency forest (95)
In the Val-d'Oise department, the Montmorency forest is particularly well known for its beautiful walks, hikes and lush vegetation. Now you and your family can discover this beautiful forest on an original treasure hunt, accessible from the age of 6! [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]
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]
RATP launches a free "public transport permit" to raise awareness among young people
On the eve of the 2023/2024 school year, RATP is unveiling a new initiative: the "public transport permit". Aimed at young people from CM2 to class 5, this free and fun program, offered in small groups in the presence of parents, aims to educate teenagers in the rules of safety and responsibility when travelling. By transforming stations into "learning grounds", this immersive experience is shaping a new generation of informed, confident passengers, ready to use public transport with complete peace of mind. [Read more]
The incredible free educational farm at Parc des Chanterraines, Gennevilliers (92)
The Parc des Chanteraines needs no introduction, as it's a must-see address in the Hauts-de-Seine towns of Gennevilliers and Villeneuve-la-Garenne. As well as being a beautifully landscaped green space, the site includes a beautiful educational farm, entirely free of charge! [Read more]
Parc des Chanteraines, the huge green space in Gennevilliers and Villeneuve-la-Garenne (92)
Created in 1975, the Parc des Chanteraines offers an exotic setting, perfect for a jog, a stroll or a day out with the kids. Located in the towns of Gennevilliers and Villeneuve-la-Garenne, come and discover this great park! [Read more]
Montreuil: discover the Parc des Beaumonts and its breathtaking view over Paris
East of Paris, the town of Montreuil boasts a number of green spaces, perfect for a stroll, a picnic in the sun or a jog: discover the largest of them all, the Parc des Beaumonts. [Read more]
Avenue Verte London-Paris, the 470-kilometre cycle path from Paris to London
To get to London, you've probably already taken the Eurostar, the plane, the bus or, perhaps, the car. But have you thought about cycling? In any case, that's what the Avenue Verte offers, linking Paris to London (or vice versa) over a distance of almost 500 kilometers! [Read more]
Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran: a plunge into the history of aviation
The Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran in Réau, near Melun, invites enthusiasts to rediscover the evolution of aeronautical propulsion since 1905. Why not visit this free museum, which is well worth the detour? [Read more]
L'Astrolabe: discover space in virtual reality at the headquarters of the European Space Agency
Have you always dreamed of visiting space? At the headquarters of the European Space Agency, a new space has just opened for the general public, allowing you to discover the ISS in virtual reality and learn more about what surrounds us! [Read more]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Paris Express with a free tour of the Fabrique du Métro.
In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, among the various warehouses of the Docks industrial zone, you'll find the Fabrique du Métro. The Fabrique du Métro is a genuine laboratory for experimenting and testing the future metro lines of the Grand Paris Express, and offers free tours of what our future public transport systems will look like. [Read more]
Parc Corbière, a green paradise for young and old in Le Pecq (78)
In Le Pecq, in the Yvelines département, Parc Corbière is particularly popular with families and children, but also with joggers, walkers and other curious visitors who come to enjoy a trip to the park to get some fresh air. [Read more]
Le Jardin du Dragon: the must-see children's playground at Parc de la Villette
The Parc de la Villette is one of the capital's largest parks: combining sport, large lawns and ruby-red infrastructures, the park is the playground of families and children, who have a blast in the outdoor play areas. [Read more]
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]
Free children's outing: 3 digital treasure hunts to discover in the parks of Seine-Saint-Denis
Is it the summer vacations, the weekend or any other day and you're looking after the kids? If you've got nothing planned, don't panic, we've got just the idea for you! Completely free, all you need is a smartphone. Take your cap, water bottle and sun cream, and off you go! [Read more]
Visiting Paris with your family: six free game trails for fun walks with children
Visiting Paris is good, but with animations or devices to entertain the children, it is even better! The Paris Mômes team is now offering six new game trails to discover the capital's emblematic neighborhoods with your family! [Read more]
The bucolic walk from Jouy-en-Josas to the Aqueduct of Buc (78), to do with the family
Need to get away without leaving the Ile-de-France? Head for Jouy-en-Josas. This charming town is full of wonders: country walks, the Toile de Jouy Museum, bucolic landscapes, and even a pick-your-own at the Viltain Farm! So, follow us for a day of disconnection, between poetry and wonder, in the middle of the Parisian countryside. [Read more]
A free treasure hunt to discover the Île de la Cité with your family
If you love visiting Paris with the kids, then you're sure to love this free scavenger hunt, available on an app that lets you and the kids explore the Île de la Cité on a sunny day out. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2029
