The month of May is a bit like an extended vacation: with all theseholidays and the return of the warm weather, it almost feels like summer. So, after the 1st and the 8th of May, we wait impatiently for Ascension Thursday: this year, it falls on the 18th of May 2023, and it's the occasion to take it easy during a long weekend or to take advantage of this holiday to fill up with outings in Paris, if you have decided not to go on holiday.
With children, you will be spoiled for choice: on this Thursday, you can go on an adventure in one of the accrobranches of Ile-de-France, spend a day in your favorite amusement park, or opt for a day in the open air (with the option of a picnic on the grass) in the most beautiful parks, squares or gardens of the region.
For a more unusual outing, head for one of the local zoos, take part in the magic festival at the Jardin d'Acclimatation or discover the most magical castles in Ile-de-France. If the weather is not good (or if you prefer not to go too far from the capital), it's all to your credit, because there again, you have a multitude of nice outings to do with your family: kid-friendly exhibitions, a splash in the swimming pool, an inflatable slide in the indoor playgrounds... So, what is your program with the kids for this Thursday, May 18, 2023?
1. Sports outings :
Amusement parks and funfairs in and around Paris, 2024 program
Fancy a few rides? With family or friends, amusement parks and other funfairs are among the must-see outings for tribes, and there are several in and around Paris. Discover their programs for this 2024 season. [Read more]
Top accrobranches in Île-de-France: Discover the best courses for everyone
Explore the best accrobranche sites in Paris and Île-de-France for tree-climbing adventures suitable for all ages. [Read more]
2. Restaurants to do with the kids :
Family-friendly restaurants in Paris, our top addresses for kids
If you'd like to spend some gourmet moments with your children without feeling the disapproving gaze of your neighbors, discover these great family restaurants, with children's menus for the youngest! [Read more]
Restaurants with entertainment and children's play areas in and around Paris
Because going out to eat with the kids is not only a hassle, but can also be a pleasure if you find the right place, the editors of Sortir à Paris have found the best places where you can eat with peace of mind, enjoy gourmet menus and let the kids live their best life by taking part in the entertainment or playing in the play areas set aside for the purpose. [Read more]
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 trips :
The surprising Magic Festival at the Jardin d'Acclimatation for Ascension Day, May 18-21, 2023
Abracadabra! For Ascension Weekend, the Jardin d'Acclimatation turns magical with the second edition of its exceptional 4-day magic festival, from May 18 to 21, 2023. The event features more than 50 shows, entertainment and, above all, the presence of Antonio, Maxime Tabart and Enzo Weyne. [Read more]
A guide to zoos, aquariums and menageries in and around Paris
Want to get away from it all and meet animals in their natural environment? We visit the various zoos and menageries in and around Paris, and if you don't know where to go, don't panic! We've put together a great guide to help you make your choice. Vincennes, Thoiry, Jardin des Plantes... So many opportunities to discover more about nature. [Read more]
Unusual activities to do in Paris, to have fun with the family and the kids
What to do in Paris with kids? Whether you have toddlers (or even babies), children or teenagers at home, Paris is full of great experiences to try: sports, immersion, thrills... Follow the guide! [Read more]
5. Exhibitions of the moment for kids :
Felines: a special night-time exhibition at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
They're as adorable as they are dangerous: the Natural History Museum's Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is devoting an exhibition to felines, from March 22, 2023 to April 21, 2024. For an even more special visit, take advantage of the nocturne on March 23, 2024. [Read more]
Tip: 5 free exhibitions to see with children in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Treat yourself and your family to a great time for the modest sum of zero euros, with our selection of free exhibitions to discover with the kids! [Read more]
Harry Potter exhibition at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, last weekend
Harry Potter: the exhibition, which opened at Paris Expo on April 21, has been extended until October 15, 2023 due to high visitor numbers. Immerse yourself in the magical world with this exceptional immersive exhibition. [Read more]
Paradox Museum Paris, a crazy tour of optical illusions for the vacations!
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]
Ramsès et l'or des pharaons: the incredible exhibition at La Villette - last days
If you're a fan of ancient Egypt, then head to Paris to discover an incredible new immersion. The traveling exhibition "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs", on view at the Grande Halle de La Villette, has been extended until September 10, 2023. Don't miss the final days of this incredible exhibition, which explores the life of Ramses the Great and exceptionally welcomes the pharaoh's sarcophagus! [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]
La Maison des Petits, a free artistic space for children aged 0 to 6 at the Centquatre
Le Centquatre is the art venue you'd like to visit every day: with its free or affordable exhibitions, its beautiful play areas and its omnipresent creativity, it's hard to imagine a more suitable venue for all audiences. For families, the Maison des Petits is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2.30pm to 6pm. [Read more]
The Children's Gallery, HQ of the little ones at the Centre Georges Pompidou
Want to go to the museum but with your family, things get complicated: the kids get bored, you can't run around or let off steam, the exhibition doesn't interest your youngest ones...So, don't worry, the Centre Georges Pompidou has created an exhibition space specially designed for the little ones, so they can discover modern and contemporary art with activities just for them! [Read more]
The plantamouves, the giant foam installation of the Centre Pompidou, to play with your family
When you hear about plantamouves, you may be imagining a large, colorful plant that can be admired freely. If so, you are almost there! The difference is that the installation of the plantamouves is even more playful: even if we are in a museum, you, your children/nephews/grandchildren are free to roll around, step over, jump on these multicolored puddles! [Read more]
6. The most famous castles of the region to (re)discover :
The most beautiful castles in Paris and around
Looking for the most beautiful castles in Paris, Île-de-France and around? Here are the most beautiful buildings to discover and visit. [Read more]
7. Kids friendly cafés where to have a snack :
Children's cafés in Paris, where families can enjoy a snack together
Would you like to have a drink in a place where children aren't considered persona non grata, a space where all kids are welcome and where they can have fun while you relax alone or with friends? Our guide to family-friendly cafés and tearooms is for you. Here's the list of cafés in and around Paris that the editors of Sortir à Paris have unearthed for you. [Read more]
8. Take a dip in 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. Sliding down the inflatable slides at top speed:
Indoor playgrounds for children 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]
10. A shopping trip :
Stores and shopping centers open this Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Paris and Île-de-France
Are you looking for a department store or a shopping center open on Thursday, May 18, 2023, Ascension Day? Discover the list of places open or closed for shopping in Paris and Ile-de-France on this Ascension Day holiday. [Read more]
In short, you're all set to spend a great Ascension Day with your family!
