Since 2008, the Maison des Petits du Centquatre has been welcoming children and their parents from 0 to 5 years of age (i.e. up to the child's sixth birthday). Originally, the idea was to offer a family facility in the capital's most family-friendly district: now, some families make special trips to this little paradise for children, where they can play, paint, draw... All the while respecting the rules of community life, like a school of life where they can learn to live together gently.
Children will be able to wake up and have fun with water games and transfer games, paint, draw, solve puzzles, read quietly in the reading corner... The idea is to introduce children to art from a very early age, in a space designed especially for them, at their height, so that they can take the time to slow down as a family. On site, different spaces offer a certain intimacy, while remaining open, the perfect combo depending on your child's desires (or your own), knowing that a little perched hut allows them to be really quiet, if the need arises!
"It's such an upheaval to have a child, that if you know there's a warm and welcoming context to come to, it takes a huge load off parents," says Nicole Roux, one of the clinical psychologists at Maison des Petits. In total, nine psychologists take turns at the Maison des Petits every day, to provide a safe haven for parents, allowing them to come with their questions (about parenthood, breastfeeding, etc.)... without ever passing judgment". In fact, every family and individual is welcomed into the Maison des Petits as soon as they enter!
On certain Sundays, the Rencontres Joyeuses (€2 per adult, free for children) offer families the chance to meet an artist and discover his or her imagination. Alternatively, the Maison des Petits takes you on a discovery tour of Le Centquatre with the Toutes petites visites, for children aged 2 to 8, featuring a gentle workshop visit.
There's no fuss when it comes to visiting the Maison des Petits: everything is free, no reservations are required and, above all, every family is guaranteed anonymity, to ensure the confidentiality of all those who come here. Once you're in (there's often a queue, but a playful waiting room, the Petit Salon, lets you wait while you enter the Maison), you can stay as long as you like, as long as your children need. A changing area is also available on site, with a small kitchen equipped with a microwave, should you need to heat up a bottle.
Why not check out this kid-friendly space on your next visit to Le Centquatre?
Dates and Opening Time
From May 12th, 2023 to December 31th, 2027
Location
CENTQUATRE-PARIS
5 Rue Curial
75019 Paris 19
Access
Riquet metro station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.104.fr
