Going to the museum with kids: the guide to family-friendly spaces in Parisian cultural venues

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis, Julie de Sortiraparis · Photos by Margot de Sortiraparis · Updated on July 16, 2026 at 05:57 p.m.
With their rigid vibe, the almost imposed silence in the galleries and the seriousness of Paris’s cultural venues, it’s hard to picture a museum trip with kids—and even tougher with toddlers. Yet in recent years, a growing wave of kid-friendly setups has been sprouting right inside the capital’s grandest cultural spaces: for a cultural and playful outing with children, follow the guide!

Often, the museum isn’t necessarily the outing you picture as the best fit for children: they get easily distracted, there’s no space for them to burn off steam or stay engaged, and the exhibitions aren’t always kid-friendly... So some cultural venues have decided to tailor themselves to a family audience, with kid-friendly routes to discover the works using educational tools, workshops paired with guided tours, interactive installations that are truly playful... How about going to the museum as a family?

Preferential rates, free entry for those under 25, playful installations or exhibitions designed for little ones: Paris's museums are outdoing themselves with inventive ways to lure a more family-oriented audience into their collections. Interactive platforms, digital immersions, games, puzzles and child-friendly tours: embark on a cultural, kid-friendly outing in Paris!

Note that throughout the year, roughly one weekend per month (from September to June) the museum offers free admission for families: with free entry for all, the family museum weekends invite both kids and grown-ups to enjoy activities that are as playful as they are original (workshops, demonstrations, tastings, investigations, guided tours, storytelling or musical events), it's the must-attend cultural moment and a great value for families with children!

Our favorite kid-friendly spaces for a museum outing with kids in Paris:

L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 2E396C82 EA22 4A8B A948 A00620FF4217 The Rodin Workshop, a creative space for children, is back for a new season at the Rodin Museum.
Learn the art of sculpture firsthand in the world of one of France’s most renowned artists! From April 11 to September 6, 2026, the Rodin Museum opens its Atelier Rodin, offering young art enthusiasts the chance to explore sculpture. Discover the exciting new features of the 2026 season. [Read more]

Les Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2ALes Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2ALes Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2ALes Plantamouves du Centre Georges Pompidou - 655EF3BD 5D49 4243 9E71 AA934E550A2A 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]

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 La Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfantLa Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfantLa Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfantLa Maison des Petits du Centquatre - Visuel enfant 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 kinds of audiences. For families, the Maison des Petits is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2.30pm to 6pm. [Read more]

Studio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre PompidouStudio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre PompidouStudio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre PompidouStudio 13/16, le coin de ados au Centre Pompidou Studio 13/16, a creative and artistic place for teenagers at the Centre Pompidou
Museums are cool, but with teenagers, it's not always easy: while some are passionate about the exhibitions of the moment, others get bored after ten minutes. So, let's go to studio 13/16, the place by and for teenagers at the Centre Pompidou. [Read more]

The latest kid-friendly setups and installations:

Paradox Museum Paris, le parcours fou d'illusions d'optiqueParadox Museum Paris, le parcours fou d'illusions d'optiqueParadox Museum Paris, le parcours fou d'illusions d'optiqueParadox Museum Paris, le parcours fou d'illusions d'optique Le Paradox Museum Paris: more than 90 immersive experiences and a Hans & Gretel Café
Paradox Museum offers nearly a hundred immersive experiences—from trompe-l'œil illusions and optical tricks to sensory overhauls—that await visitors in Paris. Get ready to be tricked and to snap surreal photos. Five new interactive installations have just been added to the journey, making it the perfect time to challenge your senses! And as a bonus, a brand-new, ultra-delicious café, Hans & Gretel, is ready to tempt you. [Read more]

Le Musée de l'illusion de Paris , la sortie incontournable de l'été !Le Musée de l'illusion de Paris , la sortie incontournable de l'été !Le Musée de l'illusion de Paris , la sortie incontournable de l'été !Le Musée de l'illusion de Paris , la sortie incontournable de l'été ! 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]

Jardiner : une exposition au cœur de la nature à vivre à la Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieJardiner : une exposition au cœur de la nature à vivre à la Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieJardiner : une exposition au cœur de la nature à vivre à la Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieJardiner : une exposition au cœur de la nature à vivre à la Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie Back-to-school season in Paris: hands-on museums and family-friendly educational exhibitions
It's back-to-school season: after two months of summer break spent enjoying a bit of intellectual downtime, it's time to hit the books again. On Wednesdays and weekends, educational and hands-on museums are perfect for a family outing with the kids. [Read more]

Musée Rodin MeudonMusée Rodin MeudonMusée Rodin MeudonMusée Rodin Meudon Did you know? There is another Rodin Museum ... and it's hidden away in Meudon, in the heart of the 92 region!
Just a stone's throw from Paris, there's another Rodin museum just around the corner... and it's no Plan B! Nestled in Meudon, in a verdant setting in the Hauts-de-Seine department (92), this confidential site plunges you into the world of the sculptor with striking authenticity. House, workshop, park... everything you need to rediscover Rodin in a different way - free of charge, without reservation and in the heart of nature, every weekend until the end of September. [Read more]

Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024 Grande Galerie de l'Evolution: discover the children's workshops, a storytelling tour every Saturday
Every Saturday, the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution offers a weekly event for families with children. Welcome to the little ones' Saturdays! [Read more]

L'Atelier des Enfants à l'Atelier des LumièresL'Atelier des Enfants à l'Atelier des LumièresL'Atelier des Enfants à l'Atelier des LumièresL'Atelier des Enfants à l'Atelier des Lumières Children's workshop at Atelier des Lumières: a fun, interactive space for little ones
The Atelier des Lumières Studio has a new identity: discover the Atelier des enfants, a creative, fun and immersive space for little visitors. [Read more]

Musée du Fromage à Paris, les photosMusée du Fromage à Paris, les photosMusée du Fromage à Paris, les photosMusée du Fromage à Paris, les photos The Musée du fromage in Paris is open, and we want to tell you all about it!
The first Musée du fromage has opened its doors in Paris, in the 4ᵉ arrondissement, since this June 13, 2024. A living museum that lets us discover the great French know-how, the making of different cheeses, the history and the many varieties to be discovered all over France. Did you know that there are almost 300 "origine contrôlée" cheeses? You'll have to stay in this world a little longer - and taste it, of course! [Read more]

Le musée vivant du chemin de fer - nos photosLe musée vivant du chemin de fer - nos photosLe musée vivant du chemin de fer - nos photosLe musée vivant du chemin de fer - nos photos 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]

Choco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à ParisChoco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à ParisChoco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à ParisChoco Story, le musée du chocolat hyper gourmand à Paris Choco-Story, the gourmet chocolate museum in Paris
Few can resist it: we love chocolate! Discover its history and secrets with Choco-Story, the ultra-gourmand and fun chocolate museum in Paris. [Read more]

Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photosLe musée Rambolitrain - nos photosLe musée Rambolitrain - nos photosLe musée Rambolitrain - nos photos Le Rambolitrain, model train museum in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, Rambolitrain boasts a unique collection of toy trains, whether miniature or life-size. History, scale models and guided tours: welcome to the temple of the toy train! [Read more]

Le musée d'art naif de VicqLe musée d'art naif de VicqLe musée d'art naif de VicqLe musée d'art naif de Vicq MIDAN, a naive art museum nestled in a country house in Vicq (78)
The Musée international d'art naïf d'île-de-France (MIDAN) is located in Vicq, a small town in the Yvelines department of France, a cultural venue dedicated to a little-known yet very rich artistic movement. [Read more]

Seth se la joue, l'exposition de street-art ludique pour les enfants, au musée en Herbe - nos photosSeth se la joue, l'exposition de street-art ludique pour les enfants, au musée en Herbe - nos photosSeth se la joue, l'exposition de street-art ludique pour les enfants, au musée en Herbe - nos photosSeth se la joue, l'exposition de street-art ludique pour les enfants, au musée en Herbe - nos photos The Musée en Herbe, a child-sized cultural venue in the Marais district of Paris
In the Marais district of Paris, the Musée en Herbe offers the youngest visitors a chance to discover art, through fun, interactive exhibitions for young and old alike, aged 3 to 103. [Read more]

Free museum weekends for families:

Salon Zen Paris du 2 au 6 octobre 2025 à l'Espace Champerret (Paris 17e)Salon Zen Paris du 2 au 6 octobre 2025 à l'Espace Champerret (Paris 17e)Salon Zen Paris du 2 au 6 octobre 2025 à l'Espace Champerret (Paris 17e)Salon Zen Paris du 2 au 6 octobre 2025 à l'Espace Champerret (Paris 17e) Salon Zen Paris from September 24 to 28, 2026 at Espace Champerret (17th arrondissement of Paris)
Sponsored - The Zen Salon returns to Espace Champerret in Paris, from September 24 to 28, 2026, with nearly 300 exhibitors, 160 sessions, and five thematic spaces. Download your free ticket! [Read more]

House of Frog - défilé renault® - SORTIR APARIS HOF 1500x1000 04House of Frog - défilé renault® - SORTIR APARIS HOF 1500x1000 04House of Frog - défilé renault® - SORTIR APARIS HOF 1500x1000 04House of Frog - défilé renault® - SORTIR APARIS HOF 1500x1000 04 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]

Découvrez la maison natale de Louis Braille à l'occasion de la Nuit des Musées 2026Découvrez la maison natale de Louis Braille à l'occasion de la Nuit des Musées 2026Découvrez la maison natale de Louis Braille à l'occasion de la Nuit des Musées 2026Découvrez la maison natale de Louis Braille à l'occasion de la Nuit des Musées 2026 European Heritage Days 2026: Exploring the Louis Braille Museum (77)
For Heritage Days, the Louis Braille Museum and its gardens welcome you with a special program. See you on September 19 and 20, 2026! [Read more]

Journées du Patrimoine 2022 à Boulogne-Billancourt : Le studio du photographe de mode Frank HorvatJournées du Patrimoine 2022 à Boulogne-Billancourt : Le studio du photographe de mode Frank HorvatJournées du Patrimoine 2022 à Boulogne-Billancourt : Le studio du photographe de mode Frank HorvatJournées du Patrimoine 2022 à Boulogne-Billancourt : Le studio du photographe de mode Frank Horvat Heritage Days 2026 at the fashion photographer Frank Horvat's studio in Boulogne-Billancourt
Frank Horvat's studio-home, the workshop-house of the legendary fashion photographer, opens its doors for Heritage Days 2026 on September 19. In this Boulogne-Billancourt studio, discover half a century of photographs and archives, commented by the artist's own daughter! A must-attend event for fashion enthusiasts. [Read more]

Les Marches de la Paix, nos photosLes Marches de la Paix, nos photosLes Marches de la Paix, nos photosLes Marches de la Paix, nos photos Jean Faucheur: around 200 drawings by the urban artist on display in Paris's 13th arrondissement
Considered one of the pioneers of urban art in France, Jean Faucheur is being celebrated this fall by the Mathgoth gallery. Mark your calendars for September 24 to October 24, 2026 to discover Jean Faucheur’s new exhibition. Titled “à suivre” (To Be Continued), the installation will showcase around 200 drawings he has produced since 2022. [Read more]

Visuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine - Hôtel de MatignonVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine - Hôtel de MatignonVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine - Hôtel de MatignonVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine - Hôtel de Matignon Heritage Days 2026: discover the Hôtel de Matignon, the Prime Minister's residence in Paris
Why not take advantage of Heritage Days to come and discover the Hôtel de Matignon and its magnificent garden, on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026? Sign up for a free, exceptional tour of the Prime Minister's offices. [Read more]

Cité Montmartre-aux-artistesCité Montmartre-aux-artistesCité Montmartre-aux-artistesCité Montmartre-aux-artistes Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: studio tours at the Cité Montmartre-aux-artistes
Not far from Montmartre Hill hides a true artists’ enclave, the largest in Europe! During Heritage Days 2026, we’re off to discover this astonishing, inspiration-filled place in the heart of Paris’s 18th arrondissement, this coming weekend of September 19 and 20. [Read more]

Current family exhibitions on display:

Bricks of Wonder, l'exposition à l'espace ChamperretBricks of Wonder, l'exposition à l'espace ChamperretBricks of Wonder, l'exposition à l'espace ChamperretBricks of Wonder, l'exposition à l'espace Champerret 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]

Cité des sciences : Esprit critique, l’expo qui bouscule nos certitudesCité des sciences : Esprit critique, l’expo qui bouscule nos certitudesCité des sciences : Esprit critique, l’expo qui bouscule nos certitudesCité des sciences : Esprit critique, l’expo qui bouscule nos certitudes Cité des sciences: Critical thinking, the exhibition that unsettles our certainties — our photos
The Cité des sciences hosts the exhibition Critical Thinking, a journey designed to help children and adults question their certainties and the way they reason, running from July 7 to August 29, 2026. [Read more]

We are (still) here : l'exposition gratuite d'art urbain à ne pas manquer au Petit Palais cet étéWe are (still) here : l'exposition gratuite d'art urbain à ne pas manquer au Petit Palais cet étéWe are (still) here : l'exposition gratuite d'art urbain à ne pas manquer au Petit Palais cet étéWe are (still) here : l'exposition gratuite d'art urbain à ne pas manquer au Petit Palais cet été We are (still) here : street art takes over the Petit Palais in a free exhibition this summer
After a first edition in 2024, the We are here exhibition is back at the Petit Palais: enjoy a rich urban-art journey right in the heart of the Fine Arts Museum. The exhibition is free to visit from June 20 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]

Admirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en HerbeAdmirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en HerbeAdmirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en HerbeAdmirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en Herbe Summer 2026 holidays: Paris’s top 15 exhibitions to visit with the kids
When the holidays arrive, family-friendly exhibitions offer a welcome alternative to long days outdoors: you discover, you observe, sometimes you handle objects, and you share a cultural moment designed for children. [Read more]

Aura, un spectacle son et lumières qui illumine le Dôme des Invalides - photos et vidéoAura, un spectacle son et lumières qui illumine le Dôme des Invalides - photos et vidéoAura, un spectacle son et lumières qui illumine le Dôme des Invalides - photos et vidéoAura, un spectacle son et lumières qui illumine le Dôme des Invalides - photos et vidéo AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [Read more]

Le Petit Prince, l'odyssée immersive : un voyage poétique et coloré à vivre à l'Atelier des LumièresLe Petit Prince, l'odyssée immersive : un voyage poétique et coloré à vivre à l'Atelier des LumièresLe Petit Prince, l'odyssée immersive : un voyage poétique et coloré à vivre à l'Atelier des LumièresLe Petit Prince, l'odyssée immersive : un voyage poétique et coloré à vivre à l'Atelier des Lumières The Little Prince, an immersive odyssey: a poetic family journey back to the Atelier des Lumières
During the peak summer holidays, from July 3 to September 13, 2026, dive back into Saint-Exupéry's iconic work and embark on a magical, immersive journey alongside the Little Prince at the Atelier des Lumières. [Read more]

Exposition Van Gogh à l'Atelier des Lumières, les photosExposition Van Gogh à l'Atelier des Lumières, les photosExposition Van Gogh à l'Atelier des Lumières, les photosExposition Van Gogh à l'Atelier des Lumières, les photos Van Gogh, Starry Night: the immersive exhibition lands this summer at the Atelier des Lumières
First shown in 2019, the Atelier des Lumières invites us back into Van Gogh’s world for an immersive exhibition open three days a week from July 3 to September 13. Wander through Van Gogh’s finest paintings, rediscovering the genius that was misunderstood in his own time. [Read more]

Campagne #36615 - Bouhddahs 3500 2325 maxCampagne #36615 - Bouhddahs 3500 2325 maxCampagne #36615 - Bouhddahs 3500 2325 maxCampagne #36615 - Bouhddahs 3500 2325 max Heritage in Resistance: From Timbuktu to Odessa, an Exhibition at the City of Architecture.
Sponsored - In Paris, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine presents the exhibition Patrimoines en résistance : de Tombouctou à Odessa, running from May 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a look at heritage in wartime, where destruction, safeguarding, and rebuilding come into play. [Read more]

Admirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en HerbeAdmirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en HerbeAdmirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en HerbeAdmirez-les tous, Pokémon à l'honneur dans une exposition ludique et régressive au musée en Herbe Admire them all: Pokémon take center stage in a playful and nostalgic exhibition at the Musée en Herbe
The Musée en Herbe marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with an exhibition that is as artistic as it is playful, on view from April 16 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Friday: open
Saturday: open
Sunday: open
Monday: open
Tuesday: open
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Thursday: open

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