This summer in Paris is shaping up to be a scorcher, given the heat waves that are already sweeping the capital. So any good idea for cooling off with the kids is a good one. Let's take a look at some of the ways in which families can stay cool in the heat.
When it comes to children, and especially the little ones, you have two choices: you can either opt for a hideaway to avoid exposing the little ones to too much sun, or you can opt for swimming, water games and cool corners. This summer, the city of Paris is increasing its range of refreshment facilities with the addition of new misting fountains and shaded areas. From urban forests to additional swimming areas, the city is adapting! Here's a round-up of good ideas for keeping cool.
Open-air pools in Paris and Île-de-France: outdoor swimming options this summer
Swimming in an outdoor pool instantly changes the game for a swimming outing. So, to lounge and splash around all summer, here’s a selection of outdoor pools where you can take a plunge on sunny days. [Read more]
Where to cool off when it’s hot? Paris parks with water-play areas and misting stations
It's hot: are you looking for a place to shelter from the heat or cool off? Even in the urban jungle that is the Parisian capital, there are plenty of pockets of refreshment. Here’s where to find them to bring the temperature down. [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]
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]
Summer 2026: inflatable obstacle-course water parks to check out in Paris and the surrounding area
As the sunny days return and the summer holidays kick in, it's the perfect moment to take a dip and have fun at water parks with inflatable obstacle courses in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen: off for a refreshing outing! [Read more]
Water parks and aquatic centers to beat the heat this summer in Paris and Île-de-France
Ahhh summer, those sunny days... and those sweltering heat. When a heatwave hits or the weather turns unusually hot, we head to Paris and Île-de-France’s water centers and aquatic parks during the holidays. Here we go! [Read more]
Water play areas, paddling pools: where to cool off in Paris parks?
It's a sunny, hot day... let's hurry to cool off! If you think the capital isn't the right place for a break, you're mistaken—you just need to know where the wading pools and other water play areas are in Paris's parks. [Read more]
Recreational hubs: where to get active or unwind in Île-de-France in 2026
How about a leisure park around Paris? These sports and leisure parks, which also include artificial beaches, are the ideal solution for sunbathing, picnicking and swimming just like at the seaside, with fun activities to boot. Parisians, here's a pleasant and inexpensive way to take a vacation close to the capital! [Read more]
Kayak, canoe, paddle, surf... where to practice water sports in Paris and Île-de-France
With the arrival of summer in the Paris region, we're all dreaming of escaping for a few hours by the water! Good news, friends: there are plenty of places around Paris to enjoy water sports and the pleasures of the water! Leisure centres, seaside resorts, lakes or rivers... Here's a list of refreshingly sporty places to go! [Read more]
Paris with the family: 15 exhibitions to explore with kids right now
To fill a Wednesday, a weekend, or a day off, set your sights on Paris's current exhibitions. We've picked 15 cultural outings to share with kids—to learn, observe, and marvel together. [Read more]
Aventure Floreval: a treetop adventure park, climbing and a multi-activity park in Essonne, 30 minutes from Paris
Only 30 minutes south of Paris, in Essonne (91), Aventure Floreval welcomes children and adults to the heart of the Morionville forest for a full day of outdoor adventure. Tree-top adventures, outdoor climbing, Paintball, Jurassic Mini-Golf, Escape Games, Laser Game, Quiz Battle, or even a farm with animals: the park offers a wide range of activities for a family outing, with friends, or in a group.
And since the summer of 2026, a new activity has completed the park’s lineup: a bouldering area installed right in the forest. [Read more]
Heatwave: Swimming allowed in Pantin on the Ourcq Canal this weekend
A new swimming area opens to beat the heat, only for this weekend from July 10 to 12, 2026. Head to Pantin to cool off in the Ourcq Canal! [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]
Hollande Ponds: the free riverside guinguette beach with no swimming in Yvelines has reopened.
The Étangs de Hollande beach reopens this Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Yvelines (78), after several days of closure caused by storms. We set out to explore the site, from hot sand to deck chairs, inflatable castles, a guinguette, and a free sunset concert that await you through August 30, 2026. [Read more]
Houilles Beach 2026: The free summer program to swim all summer long
From July 11 to August 23, 2026, Houilles will transform into a seaside resort, offering free activities and swimming during the height of the summer holidays. This year’s theme centers on the Americas, a tribute to travel without even leaving Île-de-France. [Read more]
Hérouval Park: a nature-filled, family-friendly day out near Paris
Located in Gisors, less than an hour from Paris, Hérouval Park offers a day of outdoor leisure with games, a beach, a mini-farm, a miniature train, family-friendly attractions and picnic areas. [Read more]
Polpo Plage 2026: a beachfront terrace and boats on the Seine in Levallois
Polpo Plage is coming to Levallois-Perret for summer 2026, inviting you to put your feet in the sand along the Seine, with a Fever-Tree–designed bar, bonfire nights, and rides on permit-free electric boats. [Read more]
Concerts and Water Fountain Shows 2026: the free outdoor festival at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud this weekend
For its 20th edition, the Concerts & Jeux d'Eau festival returns this weekend, June 13–14, 2026, to the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud in Hauts-de-Seine, with a free, international lineup open to all. And with the weather set to be perfect, it’s the moment to enjoy it! [Read more]
Janvry Beach 2026 in a charming village in Essonne
Janvry Plage lays out its fine sand, its palm trees, and its large pool in the heart of a village in Essonne, in the Chevreuse Valley. This summer oasis in the countryside reopens from June 27, 2026, for over two months of relaxation. [Read more]
Noisy Plage 2026: Free activities and summer swimming in Noisy-le-Grand (93)
Bringing the beach to Île-de-France? The bets are on! This summer, the action centers on Noisy-le-Grand for Noisy Plage, a summer venue offering free activities to enjoy throughout the long holidays. [Read more]
L'Isle-Adam Beach: France's biggest river beach opens for summer 2026
The L'Isle-Adam beach, the largest river beach in France, reopens its pools in Val-d'Oise for summer 2026. On the banks of the Oise, this expansive seaside complex has welcomed swimmers on weekends since June 6, and will be open daily from July 1 to August 31. [Read more]
Meaux Beach 2026: the summer seaside with swimming and activities at Meaux-les-Bains (77)
Meaux Plage transforms the banks of the Marne into a true seaside resort each summer, with supervised swimming and activities at Meaux-les-Bains in Seine-et-Marne. Mark your calendars for July 5 to August 23, 2026, for a moment with your feet in the sand. Free for residents of the metropolitan area, it’s the smart way to feel on vacation without traveling far this summer. We’ve got all the details. [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]
The Ile de loisirs de Créteil (94), the perfect spot for a day of swimming in the open air
The Base de loisirs de Créteil in the Val-de-Marne region of France welcomes you for a relaxing day out with the whole family. With its nautical base, wave pool, Maison de la Nature and accrobranche, it's the ideal setting for a day's outdoor fun! [Read more]
Hot-weather tip: free water games at Parc des Chanteraines (92), every summer.
At Parc des Chanteraines, we make the most of the free water play areas every summer, right in the park that spans Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Gennevilliers. Grab your swimsuit, we’re off to cool off! [Read more]
Buthiers, the leisure island with swimming and sporting activities in the Fontainebleau Forest
A tree-top adventure course, a swimming complex, a multi-sport space, a mountain-bike trail... The Buthiers leisure base stands as one of the region’s most complete facilities in Seine-et-Marne: perfect for a family outing or a get-together with friends on sunny days. [Read more]
Etampes (91): the leisure island with a pool, a toboggan run and a treetop adventure park.
Want a day out in the great outdoors? Head to the Île de Loisirs d'Étampes to enjoy mini-golf, the pony club, the treetop adventure course, and the big zip lines... In short, for a sporty yet playful outing, it's a family trip! [Read more]
The Boucles de Seine leisure island (78): swimming, beach, treetop adventures, and water sports
Near Moisson, in the Yvelines department, the leisure island offers a beautiful beach where you can swim all summer long. There, you’ll also find a wide range of sports and nautical activities, plus a treetop adventure course to discover. [Read more]
Where to swim in the Seine in Paris in 2026? The Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement.
From July 4 to August 30, 2026, swimming reopens its doors to all budding swimmers at the Villette pools. Expect entertainment, sports activities, a nautical base and a splash pool: the lineup promises to be busy. [Read more]
Bois-le-Roi leisure center (77): free swimming and year-round sports activities.
Just a stone’s throw from the Fontainebleau forest, the Bois-le-Roi leisure complex is best known for its free swimming spot. Throughout the year, it’s also the go-to place to practice a wide range of outdoor sports. [Read more]
Family: Jardin d’Acclimatation opens a pirate-themed space.
All aboard! The Jardin d’Acclimatation unveils a new pirate-themed playground. Ready, little sailors? [Read more]
The Canal Summer 2026: the must-attend summer festival along Paris's canals, dates & program
Summer on the Canal is Paris's quintessential summer event. And great news: this Parisian summer staple is back from June 27 to August 9, 2026. This edition features free workshops, street art, open-air cinema, and strolls along the canals. [Read more]
Gaulish Summer at Parc Astérix 2025: festive evenings and refreshing attractions
L'Été Gaulois is Parc Asterix's big summer party, to be enjoyed with friends or family. From July 12 to August 30, 2025, the park extends its opening hours until 10pm, offering a festive evening of live shows, open-air entertainment and water attractions to cool off. This year's edition also includes a brand-new fireworks display on July 13 and 14, illuminating the Gaulish sky in a joyous, family-friendly atmosphere. [Read more]
Plessis Plage 2025, summer activities with water games and swimming, at Plessis-Robinson (92)
Le Plessis Plage is back from Tuesday, July 15 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Jardin de Robinson, to the delight of residents of Plessis-Robinson and beyond. Enjoy a refreshing swim with family and friends. [Read more]
Île de Loisirs de Vaires-Torcy (77), the return of the bathing spot and its sports activities
The Île de Loisirs de Vaires-Torcy, a 350-hectare green setting, welcomes nature lovers all year round, just 30 minutes from Paris. A wide range of activities await you, from horseback riding to golf, not forgetting the beach for swimming and the water park. [Read more]
Jeux d'eau at Domaine national de Saint-Cloud 2025: a free aquatic extravaganza to discover
This year, on Sundays June 8 and 15 and Saturday June 14, 2025, the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud is offering a refreshing stroll through its gardens, with the Jeux d'eau event. Fountains, waterfalls and basins play out an aquatic symphony, free of charge! [Read more]
Port aux Cerises leisure island in Draveil (91): swimming, water sports and tree climbing
The Ile de loisirs du Port aux Cerises (Port aux Cerises Leisure Island) welcomes the people of Ile-de-France to a verdant setting on the banks of the Seine, on a 175-hectare site just 20 minutes from Paris. An opportunity to relax in the fresh air with the whole family, and enjoy new activities in spring and summer. [Read more]
The water playground of the Saint-Quentin en Yvelines leisure center
A refreshing playground to get the kids wet? Head for the water playground on the Île de Loisirs in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, which awaits children and parents this summer 2024, from June to September. [Read more]
The Jardin d'Acclimatation's paddling pool and beach, the perfect place to cool off!
In summer, from May to September (weather permitting), the Jardin d'Acclimatation transforms itself into a fun-filled seaside resort. Come and enjoy the joys of water and relaxation in the heart of Paris. Children and adults alike will find plenty of deckchairs to relax on. [Read more]
Festival des Enfants, the Essarts-de-Roi funfair and amusement park for families
Le Festival des Enfants is an amusement park offering rides, inflatables and an aquatic area, located in Les Essarts-le-Rois in the Yvelines region, just past Coignières along the Nationale 10. Dedicated to children under the age of 12, this funfair awaits children throughout the summer of 2023. Don't forget your swimwear! [Read more]
Le Gué, the unusual installation that lets you walk on water at the Domaine de Sceaux
What if we walked on water? Le Gué is the name of this ephemeral installation on the Grand Canal of the Domaine de Sceaux, inviting us to a new and unusual immersive experience, to be discovered from June 3 to September 17, 2023. [Read more]
Animations, guided tours, canoe, bike and paddle at the Fête du Canal de l'Ourcq (77)
Did you know that? The Ourcq Canal, which begins at La Villette, in the 19th arrondissement, allows you to cycle or walk to Meaux! It is about 50 kilometers long and takes you to Seine-et-Marne, where the Canal will be celebrated on the weekend of Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 2023 with a family, sports and cultural program. [Read more]
The water games paddling pool of the André Malraux Park in Nanterre (92)
Would you like to play in the water? Just a stone's throw from La Défense is the green 25-hectare Parc André Malraux in Nanterre. We go there to discover the free water playground of 1,200 m² which awaits young and old alike as soon as the weather is hot all summer long. [Read more]
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