Grande Galerie de l'évolution Muséum d'histoire naturelle

A long weekend with kids

And what if we told you that Paris is the perfect destination for a family-friendly weekend?
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  3. A long weekend with kids

Paris and its region are a terrific territory for adventure and discovery for all ages. Museums offer tailored activities for younger audiences, while the city's parks and gardens provide fun ways to learn about its geography and history. Here's a quick guide for a 3-day trip, with suggestions for accessible and fun outings and activities.

Day 1: Like Parisians

Start your day at the Jardin des Plantes. The Great Evolution Gallery at the National Museum of Natural History will teach your children about the incredible diversity of the living world with a fascinating collection of taxidermic animals… The famous animal procession in the central nave is filled with impressive wildlife, from the massive elephant and giraffe to the smallest birds of the African savannah! Allow around 1.5 hours for the visit.

Grande Galerie de l&%2523039;évolution Muséum d&%2523039;histoire naturelle
French National Museum of Natural History

You can have lunch at Les Belles Plantes restaurant, whose lovely terrace is just a short step from the museum.

Restaurant Les Belles Plantes
Les Belles Plantes

Next, head to the urban cultural park La Villette for a stimulating afternoon, just 25 minutes away by Metro (take Line 5 from Gare d'Austerlitz). Visit the science and technology museum the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and its permanent hands-on exhibition spaces for children, the Cité des Enfants comprising two different areas dedicated to ages 2-7 and 5-12. Here, children are encouraged to touch and engage with everything!

Cité des Sciences et de l&%2523039;Industrie
Cité des sciences et de l'industrie

Afterwards, the Parc de la Villette provides a perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon snack on the grass, beside the canal. The children will enjoy letting off steam in the park’s play areas, from the enormous dragon slide to the massive climbing frames. You can finish up the day in the free play area the Jardin des Dunes et des Vents, with its bouncy air mattresses!

Promeneurs au Parc de la Villette
La Villette Park

Day 2: The animals and knights of Vincennes

For your second day, head to Vincennes in the morning – an easily accessible journey from central Paris by Metro or RER train. The Parc Zoologique de Paris zoo in the Bois de Vincennes, is home to around 125 species and offers a fascinating, four kilometre safari-like trail. Adults and children alike won’t be able to resist the adorable b, otters, giraffes and lemurs. At lunch time, head for the Daumesnil lake to enjoy a picnic, in the shade of the trees, followed by an excursion in one of the pretty rowing boats.

Parc Zoologique de Paris%252C visiteur devant les Manchots de Humboldt%252C 2017.
Parc Zoologique de Paris

Devote your afternoon to the Château de Vincennes, a fortified medieval castle, complete with a moat and a keep – the tallest in Europe.

Try a guided tour to get a real sense of the history of France.

Cour intérieure du château de Vincennes
Château de Vincennes

Day 3: The Icing on the cake: Disneyland® Paris

For your last day, head to Disneyland® Paris, in Marne-la-Vallée. You can take your pick of the transport from central Paris: from the special Disneyland Paris Express shuttle bus, to the regular RER train.

Once there, devote your morning to theme park where such treats as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Phantom Manor, and many other attractions for all ages await you. The Star Wars™ rides will appeal to old and young (Hyperspace Mountain, Star Tours and the Starport), little ones will adore the Dumbo The Flying Elephant merry-go-round, while teenagers won’t want to get off the Indiana Jones™ rollercoaster.

Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant de Disneyland® Paris
Disneyland®Paris

After lunch in the western atmosphere of The Lucky Nugget Saloon, head to the second Walt Disney Studios® park, using your 2 -park access ticket. Dedicated to Disney films, a sensational afternoon is guaranteed here! From the Ratatouille chase, to the terrifying Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: the theme park guarantees a last day that will delight all the family!

And if you are taking a return flight home that evening, catch the Magical Shuttle bus, which takes visitors directly from the park to the Paris airports.

To add some fun to your family trip, consider downloading the free Paris Region Adventures app on your smartphone and embark with your kids on a unique experience to discover La Villette and the Château de Vincennes. Have fun together discovering these places during a giant treasure hunt where clues are hidden around you. Keep your eyes open!

The app is available on App Store and Google Play.

 
The Paris Region Adventures Treasure Hunt!

Other ideas for family outings in the Paris Region

France Miniature, Koh Lanta
France Miniature
Leisures
Only one day to cross the whole of France and take in all its major monuments? Relax: it can be done. Just head west of Paris to Europe’s biggest miniature park.
Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
Museum of Air and Space
Embark on a journey into one of the world’s largest aeronautic museums, and step into the heart of aviation and spaceflight exploration.
Ménagerie, le zoo du Jardin des Plantes - Fauverie, Paris 2010.
Ménagerie, the zoo of the garden of plants
Nature & outdoor Leisures
Part of the Natural History Museum, and located inside the dreamy Jardin des Plantes, this zoo is one of the oldest in the world. Don’t miss this walk on the wild side in the heart of Paris.
Le Speed Rockets Jardin d Acclimatation
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Nature & outdoor Leisures
Get ready for the most amazing day at the only amusement park in Paris!
Perroquet du Parrot World
Parrot World
Leisures
Walk among fascinating animals from South America at Parrot World wildlife park.

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  • Copyright image: Maisant / Hemis / CRT Paris Ile-de-France