kidsinparis

Rainy Day Adventures: Indoor Activities for Families in Paris

When the rain comes pouring down in Paris, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Embrace the charm of the City of Light with these engaging indoor activities recommended by our vibrant Facebook community. 1. Indoor Climbing at Arkose For an exhilarating adventure on a rainy day, head to Arkose, Vertical Art, or Climb Up Gym for indoor climbing. Channel your inner adventurer and conquer climbing walls with your family. It’s a fantastic way to stay active and have a blast. 2. Musée des Arts Forains (Victoriana Carousel Museum) Uncover the magic of a bygone era at the Musée des Arts Forains, often referred to as the Victoriana Carousel Museum. Step into a world of whimsical carousels and carnival wonders. It’s an enchanting experience that will captivate both young and old. 3. Atelier de Lumière Explore the world of art at Atelier de Lumière, where immersive exhibitions and dazzling light displays create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Perfect for art enthusiasts, this venue promises an engaging and visually stunning rainy day escape. 4. Family Cinema Trip Take a break from the rain with a family cinema trip. Choose a film that everyone can enjoy and create lasting memories together in the cozy confines of a Parisian cinema. 5. Aquarium de Paris Dive into the depths of the ocean without getting wet at the Aquarium de Paris. Marvel at the fascinating marine life and discover the wonders of underwater worlds. For a perfect follow-up, head to the nearby Trocadero and treat your family to a delightful meal at Mokus, where even the bathrooms have a surprise in store. 6. Ice Skating at Bercy Surprise your family with a twist – indoor ice skating at Bercy! Whether it’s Bercy Arena or Bercy Village, lace up your skates and glide gracefully across the ice. It’s a unique and enjoyable activity for all ages. 7. Palais de la Découverte Unleash the curiosity in your kids at the Palais de la Découverte. This science museum offers interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and hands-on activities that make learning a joyous experience. 8. Mad Golf at Boulevard Sébastopol For a quirky and entertaining indoor activity, try Mad Golf at Boulevard Sébastopol. This indoor mini-golf course promises laughter, challenges, and a fantastic time with your loved ones. 9. La Tête dans les Nuages Discover the joy of indoor leisure at La Tête dans les Nuages. With locations in Paris, Aéroville, Nice, and Lyon, this entertainment center offers a range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Keep these suggestions in your back pocket, and the next time the rain clouds gather over Paris, you’ll have a treasure trove of indoor adventures to explore with your family. Rain or shine, Paris is always ready to delight and entertain!

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Take off at the Paris Air and Space Museum

The Paris Air and Space Museum, also known as Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace, is a fascinating destination for families, offering an immersive experience in aviation and space exploration.  Here are some of our favorite parts to enjoy an amazing visit: 1. The main hall The first room of the museum gets you into the spirit of the day with models of the first airplanes to take flight, the first hot air balloons, and a short summary of the evolution of flight. The kids were in awe. Be careful not too spend too much time in the first room as the actual museum is immense. You will find yourself running out of energy later on and regret it because this is only about a tenth of what there is to see and do! 2. The space exploration hall: Entering the big exhibition where you can see rockets hanging all around, learn about shuttles and satellites, and explore the international launch locations via an interactive map. The exhibits even includes space capsules and informative displays about the history of space travel. My little ones loved navigating the many levels of this hall to learn about space and its exploration. 3. Fighter Planes: WW1 and beyond Explore the many types of fighter planes including models from World War 2 in which kids can match the symbols from these planes with those on the key to determine which country each was from. Outside, there are examples of more modern planes as well. This was a highlight of our visit. 4. Boarding real planes In addition to looking at planes from the outside, the museum aims to be interactive with the chance to board a variety of planes, including a model of the concord jet! This was a highlight for the parents! The museum is kid-friendly with a cafe, gift shop, and family rooms for changing diapers and feeding. Many exhibits feature interactive elements, allowing children to press buttons, manipulate controls, and engage with the displays. This hands-on approach makes the museum particularly appealing to young visitors. Check it all out on the Musée Air + Espace website: https://www.museeairespace.fr/en/family-visits/

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Kid-Friendly Museums in Paris TO Explore Art, History, and Fun!

Are you planning a family trip to Paris and wondering about the best museums to visit with your curious 5-year-old? Look no further! Our community has shared some fantastic suggestions, making sure your little one has a memorable and enriching experience. Let’s dive into the world of art, history, and discovery with museums that cater specifically to young minds. 1. Louvre – Unveiling Ancient Wonders The Louvre, with its vast collection, might seem overwhelming, but fear not! Several parents recommend the Louvre for its engaging Egyptian section, perfect for children who have recently learned about ancient Egypt in school. One mom even shared a delightful anecdote about her 5-year-old giving her a personalized tour, complete with unexpected twists in historical narratives. Be sure to check out the Egyptian treasure hunt for an extra layer of excitement. 2. Centre Pompidou – A Modern Marvel The Pompidou Centre offers a modern twist on art and culture. While not specifically tailored for young children, its vibrant and unconventional architecture captures the attention of little ones. The colorful pipes and unique design provide a visually stimulating experience. It’s a great opportunity to introduce your child to contemporary art in an imaginative setting. 3. Arts et Métiers – Where Innovation Meets Fun For a hands-on experience, Arts et Métiers is a top pick. With its interactive displays and captivating exhibits on science and technology, this museum is an excellent choice for inquisitive minds. The engaging atmosphere and informative workshops make it an ideal destination for families. 4. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature – Animal Adventures in Le Marais Located in the charming Le Marais district, this museum offers a unique experience with its focus on animals. From stuffed polar bears to animal paw prints and poo, it’s a small, welcoming space where your child can explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. 5. Musée de l’Illusion – A World of Deception and Wonder Step into the Musée de l’Illusion, where reality takes a fascinating twist. This museum plays with perception, offering optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits. It’s an entertaining and educational experience that will leave your child in awe of the power of illusion. 6. Musée du Chocolat – Sweet Creations and Culinary Delights Indulge your child’s sweet tooth at the Musée du Chocolat. Beyond the delicious exhibits, families can participate in chocolate-making workshops, allowing your little one to create their own sweet masterpieces. 7. Musée en Herbe – Nurturing Artistic Mindssée du Chocolat – Sweet Creations and Culinary Delights Tailored specifically for children, Musée en Herbe introduces young ones to the world of art through interactive exhibitions and workshops. The museum aims to make art accessible and enjoyable for even the youngest visitors. Paris is a treasure trove of museums, each offering a unique experience for families with young children. Whether your little one is fascinated by ancient civilizations, modern art, science, or the animal kingdom, there’s a museum in Paris waiting to spark their curiosity and create lasting memories. Happy exploring! Note: Ideas all original. Some text generated with IA.

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Miraculous The Movie: Visit all the Paris Landmarks

So you’ve seen the movie and the kids now want to see all things Miraculous while in Paris? No problem! Here are the top places to visit while in the City of Lights to truly experience Miraculous. 1. The High School: Every Miraculous visit should start at the main location, Marinette’s school, Collège Françoise Dupont. While this school does not really exist, it is said to be inspired by the Lycée Carnot High School, located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. 2. The Bakery: Marinette’s parents own a bakery in Pairs. Boris Lumé Boulangerie is not completely copied, but was used as inspiration for the bakery in the series. Make a visit to this beautiful shop for a tasty treat. 3. Place des Vosges Park Many of the outdoor park scenes from the show take place in the Place des Vosges, which is right outside the high school. Visit this real-world park and the surrounding area to relive some of your favorite episodes.  4. Trocadéro/Eiffel tower: So much of the action in the show revolves around the Eiffel tower and even the nearby Trocadero plaza quick offers a beautiful view of the tower. Visit up here for iconic views of the tower and a delicious crepe from one of the many stalls. 5. Arc de Triomphe: In the middle of one of the busiest roundabouts in Paris, this monument has a view straight towards la Defense and is accessible for visits. 6. The Louvre: An iconic location of all movies. This important museum is the center of a beautiful district. Before or after, be sure to travel to the nearby Pont des Arts bridge featured in season 1 of the show. 7. Notre Dame: In the new Miraculous movie, viewers are now introduced to the Notre Dame cathedral. While currently being remodeled after a fire, this is a beautiful area to visit despite not entering. Explore the many bridges nearby and watch the boats pass by. Not only do these locations play a pivotal role in the Miraculous movie, but they also serve as the very essence of an unforgettable trip to Paris. This meticulously crafted itinerary is a seamless blend of enchanting spots that cater to the interests of both children and adults, ensuring a perfect experience for visitors of all ages.

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Futuroscope: Family Fun Just 3 hours from Paris

Paris is amazing but sometimes a family getaway outside of the city beckons. Recently my family and I ventured to Futuroscope, near Poitiers, to fill this call. This futuristic amusement park is no Disney, it does not have the rides, the lines, nor the complete marketing overload Disney has to offer. Yet it has a different charm, like a gigantic day in the park with the family, discovering science-themed topics, and enjoying hands-on learning. The idea is a science and technology theme and this shines through in the many options that are offered. Here was what we enjoyed most with our two boys.  Attractions: 1st Pick: Futuropolis: This area of the park is completely dedicated to little people. There is a slash-pad area so if weather is nice, pack your swim trunks. There is also a giant sand area with construction and digging machines as well as a smaller area with buckets and shovels. In that same space, there are child appropriate rides that you can enjoy with your child or allow them to enjoy alone. My favorite was the Leonardo Da Vinci inspired flying bicycles (Wings of Da Vinci) while my kids enjoyed a reproduction of real traffic as they drove around the track in their own little cars at the Budding Drivers attraction. They also enjoyed the jumping area, the pneumatic power firetruck challenge, mini boats, and the airport themed gigantic playground. This area of the park in itself was a special treat for the kids and entertained them a big part of the day.  Beware that rides have different height requirements with 90cm being a very minimum for rides, accompanied by an adult. Children who are 120 cm will be able to ride most rides in this area unaccompanied, but what’s the fun in that? Bracelets are given to children with colors to show their height and a guide of Futuropolis height requirements is found here.  2nd Pick: The Extraordinary Journey: We added this to our top list because of the amazing images on screen. It is a 4D adventure in which you fly from one beautiful world landmark to another.  3rd Pick: IllusiO, a magical destiny: I’m not usually into magic shows but this one was great! After getting a magic kit from Santa for Christmas, my 7 year old is really into the art of illusion and loved the show as well. The show was very appropriate for both adults and children and also included some audience participation.  4th Pick: Inside the building with the giant ball on top, there are giant slides called Astra Fun Xperiences and this was a highlight for my big kid – and also a challenge for my hubby who joined him! There are three options of slides, depending on each person’s height and their individual need for speed but even the slowest one was exciting as my seven-year-old reported riding down the side of the slide most of the time as he twirled down the spins. Consult the website to see the height requirements. Food:  Food options are plentiful in the park but I discovered a few secrets to pass along to others.  First, as mentioned before, there is plenty of picnic space. Thus if you want to save money or have picky eaters, pack a picnic and there are plenty of spaces to enjoy and no restrictions on what can be brought into the park.  For parents who want to enjoy an afternoon beverage or an extended meal while watching the kids play, La Table d’Arthur offers a great all you can eat style meal overlooking a multi-age playground. Get a table out front and enjoy keeping an eye on the munchkins while you relax a bit. At the end of a long day, this is heaven….  Yet for an even more heavenly experience, try to get a table in front of Le Quai Gourmand. The restaurant has a beautiful patio overlooking the water attractions with white hanging linens which really give a beach feel. Cocktails are on the menu as well as kid-friendly beverages, making it a perfect place to park a bit on a sunny afternoon.  Accommodations: The park and the area offer a lot of options in this area. Yet I wanted to give my seal of approval for the Pirates park hotel. This hotel stay comes in a family bundle at a super bargain price so we decided to give it a try and were not disappointed. It is not luxury by any means, but offered a standard double bed, single, and two bunks. It was clean and spacious and offered a complimentary continental breakfast, making it a great option for families. 

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2 Exciting Seine River Cruises You and the Kids Will Love

Whether you’re just visiting Paris or you live here, taking a ride on the Seine River with the kids on one of the famous Paris boats is a great way to spend part of an afternoon. These famous boats may go by the name vedettes, bateaux-mouches, or peniches and there are a variety of options out there from different starting points. Yet all generally highlight the main landmarks from the Eiffel Tower area to a bit beyond Notre Dame Cathedral. Yet two that I recently took and enjoyed are highlighted here. A standard ride that doesn’t include dinner will take about an hour, so it’s great to couple it with another activity. Two of my favorite boat rides that I’ve been on within the last year are as follows. Leaving from near the base of the Eiffel tower, Vedettes de Paris (https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr) will allow you to catch a boat eastbound past Notre Dame and back. The tour I joined was given by a live guide who speaks both English and French. Yet there’s also an option on the boat to scan a QR code and get the tour and a language of your choice. The audio guide covers the main landmarks along the river with additional historic information as well. This story is a particularly good option on a sunny afternoon. Arrive as soon as boarding starts so you can get the best seats on the side for an unobstructed view and photo taking. Remember that the boat will turn around and retrace most of it’s path, so if you are on the wrong side for that perfect picture, it will probably come back around. The best seats on a dry and warm day are on the upper deck, but if it’s sunny I’d recommend bringing a baseball cap along to keep the sun out of your eyes. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on the boat and bathrooms are available as well. Explore some of the Eiffel tower area highlights before and after the boat tour. The Vedettes de Pont Neuf (https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/) bridge tour, leaving from Pont Neuf, highlights the 37 bridges and footbridges that cross the Seine River in Paris, as well as general information about the museums and monuments along the way. This tour is also in both French and English with has a much larger boat than the one above. Try to catch the tour around sunset to not only get the Eiffel tower with nice evening lighting, but also to see the lights from the many bridges illuminate the intricate arches above and create a romantic evening, even with the kids in tow. The little ones will enjoy shouting for their echo when they enter the big bridges and waving at the sightseers on the banks. It’s a great evening for everybody. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on the boat and bathrooms are clean. If you’re looking for a more complex tour, or perhaps something with a meal, there’s a wide variety of options available from these companies. Perhaps a snack cruise, a dinner cruise, a happy hour cruise? Check their websites for times, prices, and locations.

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5 Amazing Reasons to Visit the Jardin d’Acclimatation

The Jardin d’Acclimatation, in the northwest side of Paris, is a great place to spend a day as a family, enjoying the rides, gardens, playgrounds. There are activities for all ages. Here are just five of the best things to do there. 1. Explore the gardens: The Jardin d’acclimatation features over 18 hectares of gardens with a wide variety of trees, plants, and flowers. Kids of all ages will enjoy a stroll through the gardens.  2. Visit the animals: The park is home to over 400 animals, including birds, goats,sheep, donkeys, cows, and rabbits. You can visit the animal enclosures and even feed some of the animals. 3. Ride the rides: The park has a variety of rides and attractions with a wide variety of challenge levels. Older children will be enthralled by the roller coaster, chair swing ride, or ferris wheel, while smaller kids will enjoy the mini train, lazy river ride, or the carousel. During the summer months, there are also water attractions to enjoy so bring your swimwear. 4. Enjoy the playgrounds: There are several playgrounds throughout the park, including a large wooden fortress with rope bridges, slides, and tunnels. There is also a smaller playground designed specifically for toddlers. 5. Try the activities: The Jardin d’acclimatation offers a variety of activities for visitors, including archery, pony rides, and mini-golf. There is also a science museum and a puppet theater. While enjoying the park, note that there is a wide variety of food for purchase throughout the park. Or bring your own food and have a picnic in one of the many grassy areas.

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A VISIT to Park Alsace in Levallois – Northern Suburb

Do you find yourself for the day in the So West area of Levallois and want to take the kids for some outdoor time? Park Alsace to the rescue! The Park Alsace it’s a nice neighborhood park, more than likely designed for the residents of the area. But located right outside the So Ouest mall, it creates the perfect option for families to shop and play, allowing little ones to get some energy out. There’s also a Starbucks coffee and Chipotle burrito across the street which I thoroughly enjoyed. There is a dedicated exercise area, that includes a nice variety of equipment. Then there’s a complete playground for the bigger kids and a nice one for the smaller kids. There are also toilets on site which makes for a great day outing, as well as a multi-court (basketball or futsal), ping-pong tables, and green space for a nice picnic. The Green space in this park is a little less than other locations, not allowing for a large place to kick a soccer ball or to ride the bikes around, but there is a dedicated rocky path around the park that can be used for bikes and scooters. It ticks all my boxes for a pleasant park outing. The kids thoroughly enjoyed our quick visit and I got a burrito across the street which made it more than amazing!

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All the Secrets to Visiting the Eiffel Tower with Kids

No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. It is the symbol of the city and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. But is it doable with kids? Absolutely! My own children absolutely adored the journey to discover the many levels of the tower, and loved the view from the top. Here’s everything you need to know about the visit.  The Eiffel tower is located in the middle of a larger esplanade, called the Champ de Mars. At one end, there is a grassy space ideal of picnics, games, or just relaxing in the sun. At the other end is the Seine River, and the Trocadero Gardens. The area itself can provide a full day for families as there are a few nice playgrounds, food stands, a carousel, boat rides nearby, and Trocadero Gardens not only offers a nice plaza at the top of amazing pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but it also houses the Paris Aquarium.  To go up the Eiffel Tower, you will have to first enter into the Eiffel Tower fenced area, surrounded by a glass wall on each side. The entrance to this area is FREE and provides a beautiful view from under the tower. Inside the glass walls, there are souvenir shops, bathrooms (long lines), and a snack bar. Tickets can be purchased here or online to go up the tower, either by climbing the stairs to the 1st or 2nd floors or to reach any of the levels by elevator. The climb is cheaper and can be an adventure but beware that the climb to the 2nd level is 674 steps! Note that children under four are FREE and child rates or a fraction of adult prices. A ticket to the top requires two elevators. First, an initial elevator can be taken at one of those four pillars that make up the tower base. This takes passengers to the second floor, which the option of also stopping at the first. This level offers great views, bathrooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop. But this is where one of four elevators to the top can also be caught. This final elevator takes passengers to the tippy top, where a view of the entire city will take your breath away. While I was expecting the spectacular views, I did find a few surprises at the top, including a bathroom and a champagne bar!  The visit was a huge success with my little ones and they were convinced that they needed to buy an Eiffel Tower figurine from one of the many vendors outside the tower walls, to remember this special visit.  Other Useful Info: The two playgrounds mentioned are at the two ends of the Champ de Mars area. You can find one in Trocadero, to the left of the esplanade when looking from the tower. The other is on the southwest side of Champ de Mars, near the Ethiopian Embassy (Ambassade d’Ethiopie). Website: Visit the official Eiffel Tower website for more information and to buy tickets online. 

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Petit-le-Roy in Chevily-Larue

If you find yourself in the southern suburbs of Paris, the Petit-le-Roy Park, located in Chevily-Larue is a great place for the kids to let off some energy! We were here for the day visiting some friends who lived nearby and really enjoyed a picnic in the park and a bit of sunshine. As a very expansive park, it definitely can keep the family entertained for hours. Apart from sprawling green spaces ideal for football games, frisbee throwing, volleyball, or whatever one may choose, the park also offers an large play area tailored for school-aged children. Climbing structures, numerous slides, bridges, and tunnels create a desert castle-themed adventure zone. For younger kids, there’s a smaller play area featuring rocking horses and a sandbox. The park’s thoughtful design extends to a trail that encircles the premises, catering to biking enthusiasts. Along this scenic path, you’ll encounter workout stations equipped with pull-up bars, dips, and sit-up opportunities – a bonus for those looking to incorporate a bit of fitness into their outdoor escapade. While the park provides a public bathroom at its center, it’s advisable to bring along snacks if you plan to indulge in a longer stay, as there are limited businesses in the immediate vicinity. Petit-le-Roy Park stands as a testament to the simple joys of outdoor recreation, offering a perfect blend of play, relaxation, and exploration for families seeking a memorable day in the southern suburbs of Paris. The park also offers a small splashpad in the summer! So vive l’été !

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