Vacationing in Paris with children is one of the best things you can do to add a rich cultural experience to your family life. I have a 6-year-old son and we love creating itineraries of things to do while discovering the city. This February through March there is the usual French school vacation for Ile de France: February 14 to March 3 2014 – we’re ?planning on lots to do!
Remember this print-out I made of the French School system calendar? ?So I thought it would be a great idea to share with you some of the fun, and cheap ways to enjoy Paris with children, with some Winter relevant activities but also for the entire year. This list is also a great place to learn about some of the traditional kid friendly places in Paris.
For families who live here, or Anglophones visiting ?many of the places on the list also have a bilingual component or are great to know for future extended visits ( such as the Jardin D’acclimatation, Gaite Lyrique and Centre Pompidou Kid Gallerie).
Movie Festivals and Workshops:
Discover these kid friendly cinema – Louxor, Forum des Images? and Nouvea Latina – ?always have dedicated programs for kids.
1. The Louxor
: is a renaissance cinema that was recently redone in the 18th arr. a stones throw away from Sacre Cour, across from the metro Barbes.
2. Forum des Images:
is a concept cinema that focus on the art of film with a sociocultural impact. They also offer many Masterclass and Industry talks. Located inside Les Halles (metro Line 4) it’s easily accessible and many of the kids festivals are accompanied by a little treat session where Kids and Parents can mingle before and after.
- 1.?Le Cinema de Tout Petits is annually during the month of february and caters to tiny tots 18 months to 4 years old.
- 2.?Les Apr?s-midi Des Enfants – a continuous showing of films for kids of all ages (33 films) until March 29th 2014. every Wednesday and Saturday 3pm.?Forum des images – Metro (Les Halles, line 4) ?- 4? ? 6?
3.?The Nouvea Latina :
is a small independent cinema in the Marais, close to Hotel de Ville.
MUSEUMS with KIDDIE PROGRAMS and Workshops :
1.?La Gait? Lyrique -?Interactive?Games and Discoveries
Captaine Futur takes us on a interactive ride in this new technology museum – a favorite of my son because of the free video games! children’s exhibitions, workshops, and themed snack parties. For example this Sunday, February 23 at 4pm show up for a hide and seek treasure hunt.??Metro ( R?aumur-S?bastopol , lines 4 and 3) – 5?
2.?Mus?e du Quai Branly ?-??History and Music
For the winter vacations the Museum is proposing a musical voyage over 4 continents with walking tours and free workshops. February 22 to March 2.?-?Free???Metro (I?na)
BIG/ Annual EVENTS this February:
1.?Agriculture Trade Show/ Salon de l’agriculture?
More than 4000 animals from all over France. February 22 to March 2. Everyday from 9am to 7pm.?Paris Expo – Metro (Porte de Versailles) – ?6? to 13?, Free for kids under 6 years.
2. Paris Carnival / Carnaval de Paris
The streets of Paris will come alive Sunday the 2nd of March for a festive and colorful march starting at 1pm Place Gambetta in the 20th Arr. FREE Access via ?Metro Gambetta.
FREE:
1. Skate Sessions with?Paris Skate Culture?(PSC).
February 23 at?Jules Noel?from 1pm to 4 pm.??More info here in French?from their blog.
2. Ice Skating:?Place de l’H?tel de Ville
In the Center of Paris – Two section with one for kids under 6 years old. Until March 2nd ?- Metro ( H?tel de Ville) – Free to Skate. 5? ?to rent skate shoes.?Teacher will be on hand to help skaters at all levels. NB: Gloves must be worn for?security?reasons and you’ll need an ID if you want to rent shoes. Area closes at 9:30pm and cashier closes at 9pm.
(Other) PLACES TO KNOW that are Perfect for Kids:
1. Le?CENTQUATRE/ 104 – So much under one roof!
Museum, gallery space, library, 2 restaurants, food truck outside, kiddie space inside. Also great to just have the kids run around.
2. Jardin D’Acclimatation?- a massive garden dedicated to kids activities all year long, with seasonal programs. Programs in English too!
For this February vacation they have a workshop on StreetArt! 2hrs – 22 Euros. 10am to 12noon. or 2pm to 4pm. must make a reservation here?:?atelier@jardindacclimatation.fr?- Metro (Sablons)?
3. Palais de Tokyo / Little Palais
For the february school holidays they’ve created a dedicated program for the kiddies here. ?Some are bilingual!
4. Centre Pompidou / Kids Gallery – One of my best spots to go with children.
Usually exhibitions and workshops available in multiples languages, so perfect for visiting families! ?Also the terrain outside is always full of street artists, clowns, bubble blowers and just additional fun for you and the kids. ? What are some of the thing you have planned? ? If you’re looking for some help in planning your next trip to Paris with the little ones, send us an email to learn about our concierge services at myparisianlife (at) gmail.com