What to do in Paris this weekend of July 25–26, 2026 with the children ? From the banks of the Seine to the parks of Hauts-de-Seine (92), from Seine-Saint-Denis (93) to the Yvelines (78), the region does not sleep in the heart of July. We’ve wandered through guinguettes, leisure bases and museum gardens in recent days, and here’s what we’ve gathered to keep the little ones and the grown-ups busy during the holidays.
The second weekend of the long school break feels like a giant playground in the making. Some families have already left, easing the queues and giving the lawns a little more room. It’s the moment to take advantage and try out the free activities you’ve been putting off for the year for lack of time.
This weekend, we’re treating the whole family to a lineup of activities the capital and its surroundings have in store. From events and shows to strolls, discover great family-friendly ideas for well-spent days out with the kids this weekend. By the way, be sure to check this guide regularly: each week we share updated ideas for weekend family outings right here. Ready to embark on a weekend of adventures in the capital? Follow the guide!
Fête des Loges 2026: dates, schedule and attractions (Yvelines)
La Fête des Loges 2026 makes a triumphant return to the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines) for its 373rd edition, running from June 26 to August 16, 2026. With more than 200 attractions, a Gourmet Food Alley, and free admission, it’s all set to welcome visitors. [Read more]
La Fête des Tuileries returns for summer 2026 in the heart of Paris, dates and what's new
The Fête des Tuileries, the only fairground right in the heart of Paris, takes over the Jardin des Tuileries in the 1st arrondissement for the entire summer, from June 20 to August 23, 2026, with rides, a Ferris wheel, and the Olympic basin. Here's everything you need to know. [Read more]
Parc Astérix Summer 2026: new drone-and-fire show, Egypt-themed zone and water attractions
Parc Astérix reveals for summer 2026 an unprecedented nighttime show blending drones, water jets, projections and fireworks, to be unveiled from July 11, a completely redesigned Egypt zone, and water-based attractions designed to withstand the heat, running until August 30, 2026. [Read more]
Tour de France: Thoiry Zoo entry at €10 and the château open for visits during the final stage.
This Sunday, July 26, 2026, the final stage of the Tour de France bows out from Thoiry before reaching the Champs-Élysées. To mark the occasion, the race village is set up at the foot of the castle, right beside Wow Safari Thoiry, which is offering a special 10-euro, family-friendly entry to explore the park on foot before the riders head off. [Read more]
Esports World Cup 2026: the schedule of Fan Fests and activities at Porte de Versailles
The City of Paris inaugurates on July 8, 2026 the Esports World Cup at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, where international video-game competitions run through August 23, 2026. In addition to the official tournaments, the organizers are rolling out a program of activities and interactive spaces open to the public for the entire duration of the event. [Read more]
Bricks of Wonder: the family-friendly exhibition built with LEGO bricks, now on in Paris
The artist Dirk Denoyelle presents his works crafted from construction bricks in a playful, family-friendly exhibition to be explored from May 23 to September 6, 2026 at the Espace Champerret in Paris. [Read more]
Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in 2026: a magical stroll with a drone show
Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte promise a magical moment to share with loved ones. The program includes a nighttime tour by the glow of 2,000 candles, water games, a romantic stroll through the gardens set to Baroque music, and even fireworks if conditions permit! An exceptional experience running from May 16 to September 26, 2026. [Read more]
The Nighttime Fountain Shows 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: Illuminated Fountains and Fireworks!
The Nighttime Fountain Shows will be back in 2026. This enchanting evening walk through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles offers the chance to admire illuminated fountains beautifully lit up, all set to a stunning fireworks display. The shows will take place on Saturday evenings from June 6th to September 19th, 2026. [Read more]
Seine Commune 2026: a watersports center, swimming and free activities on Île-Saint-Denis (93)
With Seine Commune, the City of L'Île-Saint-Denis is turning the banks of the Seine into a summertime hub for leisure and social life. The event runs from July 8 to August 1, 2026 at the nautical base of the riverfront eco-district, a waterfront site that regularly hosts boating and water-sports activities. The program welcomes both residents and passing visitors. [Read more]
Summer vacations at the Musée d'Orsay in 2026: free activities for the whole family
Until August 30, 2026, the Orsay Museum is offering "Vacances à Orsay," a program of playful and creative activities for children and families. Installed in the museum's reception hall, this initiative is free with an admission ticket to the museum. [Read more]
Paris Plages 2026: Six free places to swim in Paris
From July 4, 2026 until the end of summer, Paris Plages is making a big comeback, in a edition that spotlights the United States. We’ll take the chance to dip into the six swimming spots that are free to use for the occasion! [Read more]
Where to swim in Île-de-France this summer 2026? Swimming spots, beaches and water play areas
Craving a dip in the Paris region this summer? We’ve rounded up the must-visit spots to swim, the beaches, and the splash pads to discover all season long. [Read more]
Free pools and swimming spots in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026 — the summer’s best deals
As soon as the heat returns, we look for a pool (ideally with a beach area or sun loungers) or a waterside spot to swim! To feel like you’re on vacation without spending a dime, check out the best spots to bring your family and friends to Paris and Île-de-France, free of charge. [Read more]
Indoor playgrounds and children's playgrounds in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Are you looking for an indoor playground for your children aged 0 to 12 in the Paris region? There are many different types: inflatable structures for safe play, giant playgrounds for older children and even Montessori areas with motor skills courses for babies. Discover the list of playgrounds in the Paris region to keep your children entertained whatever the weather, whether cool in summer or warm in winter. [Read more]
Garges Plage 2026: water games, inflatable attractions and free activities in Garges (Val-d'Oise) in July
Join us at the Fort de Stains Leisure Park from July 13 to 26, 2026: a lineup of sport and festive activities open to everyone. [Read more]
Saint-Ouen’s Summer 2026: free activities, open-air cinema and a Brazilian guinguette in Saint-Ouen
From Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, August 23, 2026, the city of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine is staging Été Audonien, a major summer festival featuring free activities and special evenings, designed to make you feel like you’re on vacation without leaving the city. [Read more]
Summer Garden 2026: the free festival is back at the Quai Branly Museum.
Jardin d’été is back at the Musée du Quai Branly from July 4 to August 2, 2026, with free activities, workshops, storytelling, strolls, quizzes, and outdoor cinema. [Read more]
Free outdoor cinema at the Musée du Quai Branly: the 2026 lineup
Outdoor cinema returns for free at the Musée du Quai Branly from July 9 to August 2, 2026, with a program exploring the animal world, as part of Jardin d’été. [Read more]
Swimming at Canal Saint-Martin opens for the summer.
Swimming opens free to the Récollets basin in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, starting this Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The city will permit supervised swims in the Canal Saint-Martin during every heatwave this summer. [Read more]
Clamart Beach 2026: water games, swimming and activities all summer long in Clamart
From July 18 to August 9, 2026, Clamart Beach reopens its doors, letting you feel like you’re on vacation without leaving Hauts-de-Seine. The lineup includes a pool, water games, and activities for everyone. [Read more]
Flea markets and rummage sales from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, July 26, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France — the weekend program
This weekend, flea markets and rummage sales are blooming across the Île-de-France region. Here are the events to check out on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 2026 for a bit of treasure hunting, digging through stalls, and maybe finding that rare gem. [Read more]
Flea markets and garage sales in Seine-et-Marne on July 25–26, 2026 — 77
Six flea markets and yard sales are livening up Seine-et-Marne (77) this weekend of July 25–26, 2026, from Fontaine-le-Port to Barbizon, via Avon and Cesson. [Read more]
The Girl in the Clouds: Louane and Jamel Debbouze on the Big Screen
The Girl in the Clouds hits cinemas on July 22, 2026. Philippe Riche helms a family-friendly animated film featuring the voices of Louane and Jamel Debbouze. [Read more]
Tour de France 2026: free activities and outdoor cinema for the final stage in Thoiry
This year, the 21st and final stage of the Tour de France will depart from the Yvelines, specifically from the town of Thoiry. You’ll be able to watch the start for free, with a host of free activities on the program, on July 26, 2026. [Read more]
Disneyland Paris: our take on the Disney Princess Cavalcade at Disney Adventure World
Disney Princesses are taking over Disney Adventure World from July 24, 2026, with a brand-new parade to discover at Disneyland Paris. Four themed floats, dancers, and several iconic heroines now roll down the park’s streets. We’ve seen the parade—here’s our take! [Read more]
CinéClub Paradiso 2026: lineup and ticketing for free outdoor cinema at La Seine Musicale
CinéClub Paradiso returns for its summer run at La Seine Musicale from July 21 to 24, 2026, presenting four free outdoor evenings. The program features musical biopics, live concerts, activities, and star-lit screenings in Boulogne-Billancourt. [Read more]
Viking Festival at Île-Saint-Denis Park: Viking battles and free activities for all
For a single afternoon, the departmental park of L’Île-Saint-Denis invites families to step back in time with a Viking-themed festival, offering a mix of activities, discoveries and outdoor fun. [Read more]
Hot tip: Free activities at Domaine de Villarceaux in 2026
The Villarceaux estate, in Chaussy in the Val-d'Oise, is running a season of free activities through November 1, 2026: family tours, evening strolls, concerts and performances set in a 70-hectare park. From summer holidays to autumn, don’t miss these free events and remember to sign up for some of them. [Read more]
Summer holidays: free LEGO workshops at the Danish House in Paris
From July 24 to August 16, 2026, the Danish House is hosting free LEGO workshops on the Champs-Élysées. Open to children, families, and LEGO enthusiasts, these sessions invite participants to explore the world of the iconic Danish brand through freely accessible creative spaces. [Read more]
Charlie and the Kangaroos: a Family Adventure in Australia
Charlie and the Kangaroos is set to hit cinemas on July 22, 2026. Kate Woods helms a family film blending friendship, nature and the discovery of Australia. [Read more]
The Summer Sale lands at Time Tripper: enjoy -25% off your adventure!
Sponsored - Come experience an unforgettable time-travel adventure at Time Tripper, the escape game right in the heart of Montparnasse and in Arcueil, Val-de-Marne. An immersive experience with fully 100% immersive sets. Time Tripper is here for you. Enjoy 25% off with promo code SUMMERTT! [Read more]
5 experiences you probably wouldn’t expect to find near Paris!
Sponsored - Escape game on a moped, a 4L rally, a solar-powered catamaran, flan and a nocturnal hike: this summer, Oise.fun shines a light on experiences that veer off the beaten path and offer a fresh way to spend a day near Paris. Far from the tourist clichés, these five activities lean into curiosity, conviviality, and surprise. [Read more]
Stag and hen parties, paintball near Paris: 20% off Loisirs Prod activities
Sponsored - Looking for ideas for a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a group outing near Paris? Loisirs Prod is offering its outdoor activities at 20% off with the code LPSAP20, valid until mid-August. [Read more]
The Champions Burger: Europe’s biggest burger championship near Paris
Sponsored - The Champions Burger returns to Val d'Europe Shopping Center from July 9 to August 2, 2026, with 15 European brands showcasing their gourmet burgers. An immersive street-food experience themed California Dreaming, pairing inventive recipes, premium ingredients, and an ambiance inspired by the American West Coast. [Read more]
Val d’Europe: the must-visit shopping and leisure hotspot east of Paris
Sponsored - Just five minutes from the new Disney Adventure World theme park, the Val d’Europe shopping center proves to be a reliable bet for a full day of shopping, entertainment, and family outings. Boasting 190 shops and restaurants, its brand-new 13,000-square-meter indoor experience hub, Imagi Park, and the Sea Life Paris aquarium, the venue checks all the boxes. All of this is less than an hour from Paris! [Read more]
Twingo makes its summer home in the heart of Paris with free events (exhibitions, stand-up, DJ sets...)
Sponsored - From June 26 to September 20, 2026, Twingo takes over the Champs-Élysées with the House of Frog experience at the Renault® show. The lineup includes an immersive exhibit, stand-up, DJ sets, talks, and other activities and entertainment. Admission is free and open to all, with access to the events by prior registration (link in the article). [Read more]
Grand Hôtel des Rêves: the immersive venue in Paris that lets you travel with Jules Verne
Sponsored - Le Grand Hôtel des Rêves, an immersive venue located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, hosts Jules Verne, Le Voyage Extraordinaire, a family-friendly theatrical journey through 360-degree scenery. A destination designed to welcome several immersive shows, including a Christmas-themed creation. [Read more]
Unique Paris Tour by Open-Top Bus with Big Bus – SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE
Sponsored - Panoramic views of Paris, flexibility, multilingual audio guides—discover an unusual tour of Paris on a double-decker bus with Big Bus, with a 15% discount on certain dates. [Read more]
Aventure Floreval: treetop adventure, paintball and multi-activities 30 minutes from Paris
Only 30 km south of Paris, in Essonne (91), Aventure Floreval opens its doors for a new season dedicated to adventure and the great outdoors. Nestled in the heart of the forest, this expansive leisure park has become a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, whether with family or friends. On the agenda for your day: treetop adventure courses, zip lines, Jurassic Mini-Golf, paintball, outdoor Escape Game, an animal farm… enough to keep you entertained from morning to night. [Read more]
The Paris Museum of Illusions, this summer's must-see outing!
Sponsored - The Museum of Illusions, located in Paris’s 1st arrondissement in the Châtelet–Les Halles district, will welcome you with family or friends. Get ready for a unique, thrilling experience as you dive into the captivating world of illusion, where all your senses will be turned upside down... Take advantage of the summer and the holidays to discover all these mind-bending illusions. [Read more]
When and how to get behind the scenes at the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts in Paris?
In the heart of the Arts-et-Métiers district, the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers guards a remarkable heritage. Once a medieval priory transformed into a temple of science and technology, the site houses the original Foucault pendulum, Vaucanson’s automata, Clément Ader’s airplane, and a stunning Gothic library. [Read more]
Can you visit the Monnaie de Paris, France’s oldest company still in operation?
Founded more than 1,150 years ago, the Monnaie de Paris is the oldest French company still in operation. Behind the façade along the Quai de Conti lie art workshops, historic salons, and exceptional craftsmanship. Dive into the behind-the-scenes of this unique institution... and discover what can actually be visited! [Read more]
Are Paris's sewers open to visitors? The incredible underground city that runs beneath the capital
The sewers of Paris are more than just a drainage system. A genuine 19th-century technical marvel, they form an underground city, a portion of which can still be visited today. [Read more]
Can you tour the RATP maintenance workshops?
The behind-the-scenes where the metro trains are reborn
Behind every metro car lies the meticulous work of hundreds of professionals. Step into RATP’s maintenance workshops and discover an industrial heritage as quiet as it is essential, seen only a few times a year. [Read more]
Can you tour the backstage of the Opéra Garnier? The secrets that the audience never sees.
Behind the gilded grandeur of the Opéra Garnier lies a genuine city devoted to show. Fascinating backstages (most of which remain closed to visitors) have fed, for more than a century, every imaginable fantasy. [Read more]
Is the secret bunker at Gare de l’Est open to visitors? A historic underground shelter preserved exactly as it was.
Built in 1939 to protect railway workers and keep rail traffic moving in the event of an attack, the bunker at Gare de l’Est is one of the best-preserved World War II remnants in Paris, and it is open to visitors... only on rare occasions! [Read more]
Vincennes Racecourse: the temple of trotting and horse racing in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes
An unmissable temple of trotting in France, the Vincennes Hippodrome hosts prestigious races year-round, including the iconic Prix d’Amérique. From behind-the-scenes tours to major sporting spectacles and festive events, discover the history and inner workings of this exceptional jewel on the doorstep of Paris. [Read more]
Engine rooms, bunker, Eiffel’s apartment: Can you visit the Eiffel Tower’s behind-the-scenes areas?
Behind the elevators of the Eiffel Tower lies a fascinating technical universe. Machine rooms, maintenance workshops, technical spaces, a bunker, Gustave Eiffel's apartment... These areas closed to the public tell another story of Paris's most famous monument. But can they sometimes be visited? [Read more]
Open-air playgrounds for children in Paris: great ideas for family fun
It's the easy way out, so practical and requiring no organization: a delight for children and parents alike, outdoor playgrounds are all the rage among little Parisians. So, are you ready to make the most of the sunny days with your little ones? [Read more]
Family-friendly restaurants in Paris, our top addresses for kids
To enjoy a delicious meal with your children without feeling the disapproving glances of your neighbors, discover these great family restaurants, which even offer children's menus for the little ones! [Read more]
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]
Brunch for families with an all-you-can-eat buffet: our top picks for places to go with kids
Want to enjoy brunch in Paris with your children? Here are some great all-you-can-eat brunch spots to satisfy the appetites of all the family! [Read more]
What to do with children: free family outings in Paris
Looking for free family outings in Paris? We'll show you the spots, events and activities to discover in the capital, so you can enjoy Paris without spending a fortune! [Read more]
Have a great weekend, families!
Dates and Opening Time
From August 1, 2026 to August 2, 2026
Recommended age
For all
