May is a bit like an extended vacation: with all thepublic holidays and the return of fine weather, it's almost like summer. So, after May 1st and May 8th, we're looking forward to Ascension Day: this year, it falls on May 9, 2024, and it's the perfect opportunity to take it easy over an extended weekend, or to take advantage of this public holiday to fill up on Parisian outings, if you've decided not to take the long weekend.
With the kids, you'll be spoilt for choice: on this bank holiday Thursday, you can go on an adventure in one of Ile-de-France's accrobranches , spend a day in your favorite amusement park, or opt for a day in the fresh air (with the option of a picnic on the grass) in one of the region's most beautiful parks, squares or gardens.
For something a little more unusual, head off to one of the local zoos, take part in the magic festival at the Jardin d'Acclimatation or discover our most enchanting castles in Ile-de-France. If the weather's not cooperating (or if you prefer not to stray too far from the capital), that's all to your credit, because here again, you've got plenty of great family outings to choose from: kid-friendly exhibitions, a dip in the pool, a trip down an inflatable slide in an indoor playground... So, what's on your agenda with the kids this Thursday, May 9, 2024?
1. Sports outings :
2. Restaurants to do with children :
3. Nice walks to get some fresh air:
Free walks and treasure hunts to do with the family, with a mobile application only
An outing in Paris, yes, but if it's fun, it's even better. Especially with children, to keep them busy (at least) for a while and to kill two birds with one stone, while exploring Paris and its surroundings at the same time! [Read more]
Fruit, vegetable and flower picking around Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Why not take advantage of the warmer weather to pick your own fruit, vegetables and flowers at the various pick-your-own sites in Paris and the Île-de-France region? [Read more]
The most beautiful parks, gardens and squares in Paris and the Ile-de-France region to stroll in
Paris is full of beautiful parks and gardens, green spaces that invite you to relax, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover quickly the most beautiful spots of greenery in the capital and in Ile-de-France! [Read more]
Unusual parks and gardens in and around Paris
Paris, often praised for its architectural heritage and vibrant cultural life, is also home to gardens, squares and parks of surprising beauty and originality. We reveal the unusual nuggets that are a must-see in Paris, but also all around the Ile-de-France region. [Read more]
4. Unusual tours :
5. Exhibitions for kids :
LEGO: The Art of the Brick, the exhibition returns to Montparnasse - our photos
LEGO fans, children at heart, discover Nathan Sawaya's incredible exhibition, The Art of the Brick, which is back in Paris, in Montparnasse to be precise, in the former Galeries Lafayette! This incredible exhibition features over 100 brick sculptures by Nathan Sawaya, on view from December 20, 2023 to at least June 9, 2024 (ticket sales to date). [Read more]
Duels, the exhibition that plunges us into the art of combat at the Musée de l'Armée - our photos
The Musée de l'Armée tells us about the art of combat and fencing in the exhibition "Duels, l'art du combat", on view from April 24 to August 18, 2024. [Read more]
La Trêve, the exceptional exhibition at the Basilique Saint-Denis dedicated to Jeux Antiques
La Trêve is the name of the exhibition-installation awaiting us at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis from April 5 to September 15, 2024, offering a unique journey through inhabited portraits, photographic frescoes and costumes loosely inspired by the ancient Olympic Games. We take you on a journey of discovery... [Read more]
L'enfance du design: an exhibition of nostalgia and design at the Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou looks at furniture and objects created for children in the 20th century, in a design exhibition to be discovered from April 25 to August 12, 2024. [Read more]
Michel Bassompierre at Rosa Bonheur: the exhibition for animal lovers at Château Rosa Bonheur
Large, curvaceous animals have taken up residence at the Château de Rosa Bonheur: these are the works of Michel Bassompierre, who is exhibiting his sculptures from May 3 to September 30, 2024. [Read more]
The living railway museum, a meeting place for train enthusiasts in Longueville (77)
Just a few kilometers from Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne département, you'll find the Living Railway Museum in the small town of Longueville. It's a must-see for young and old alike, for lovers of trains and locomotives. [Read more]
The Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [Read more]
L'Atelier Rodin, to discover the sculptor's work through children's eyes, returns on April 6
From April 6 to September 1, 2024, the Rodin Museum is reinstalling the Atelier Rodin, to introduce budding sculptors to the work of the French sculptor. A great family outing in the museum and gardens! [Read more]
Going to museums with children: a guide to family-friendly spaces in Parisian cultural venues
With their rigid airs, the almost-imposed silence in the collections and the seriousness of Parisian cultural venues, it's hard to imagine a museum outing with children, or even worse, with toddlers. However, over the last few years, more and more kid-friendly facilities have sprung up at the very heart of the capital's major cultural venues: for a fun, cultural outing with the kids, follow the guide! [Read more]
Paradox Museum Paris, a crazy journey of optical illusions!
Paradox Museum, 90 experiences of trompe l'oeil, optical illusions and sensory upheaval await you in Paris. You'll love being fooled and capturing surrealist images. Would you like to try it out? [Read more]
6. The region's most (re)discoverable castles:
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
Château de Bourron, stay in a truly historic château in the Ile-de-France region
We're off to Seine-et-Marne to discover a hidden treasure: Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century residence near Fontainebleau, a haven of peace well worth the detour. Stay in this listed monument, lulled by the authenticity and beauty of its 40-hectare park. [Read more]
Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [Read more]
Parc du Château de Plaisir, a green bubble in the heart of Yvelines
On the outskirts of old Plaisir, nestles the Parc du Château de Plaisir and its verdant setting, a veritable corner of nature for strolling, picnicking or playing sport. Classified as a historic monument in 1961, this site has many assets. [Read more]
The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Impressionist treasure and its program
Discover the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and its sublime English gardens. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events focusing on Impressionism await you. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
The Château de Champs-sur-Marne, a magnificent Renaissance-style building with an 85-hectare garden
In the Seine-et-Marne département, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne is less well known than Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau. A testament to its rich history, Champs-sur-Marne is best known for its vast 85-hectare wooded park, which is open all year round! [Read more]
Blandy-les-Tours castle, a timeless medieval monument in Seine-et-Marne
The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours has a rich heritage that has spanned history, wars and centuries. A true medieval fortress that has been preserved to the present day, it is one of the most impressive castles in the Île-de-France region. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [Read more]
7. Kid-friendly cafés where you can have a snack :
8. Make a splash at the pool:
Pools open this Thursday, May 18, 2023, Ascension Day
What if we went to the pool this Thursday, May 18, 2023? It's a holiday, the swimming pools are closed, you might say... And no, we can still take a dip, bathe and swim in this day off, discover the good plans that the capital reserves for us. [Read more]
Aquaboulevard, the family water park in the heart of Paris
The whole family can take a dip in the heart of Paris at Aquaboulevard, a water park where visitors come all year round to enjoy the wave pools, 11 giant slides, whirlpool baths and waterfalls, in an atmosphere maintained at 29°C. [Read more]
9. Speed down the inflatable slides:
10. A shopping trip:
Stores and shopping centers open this Thursday, May 9, Ascension Day 2024 in Paris and the Paris Region
Looking for a department store or shopping center open on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 9, 2024? Discover the list of places open or closed for shopping sprees in Paris and Île-de-France on this public holiday! [Read more]
In short, you're all set to spend a wonderful Ascension Day with your family!
