Metro: Porte Dorée (line 8)
It may not be very big but, housed in the beautifully maintained Art Deco building, Le Palais de la Porte Dorée, this small aquarium won’t disappoint. Learn about the richness and diversity of the aquatic world and the importance it represents. Its 84 aquariums contain about 5,000 animals, including 300 species of tropical fish and fauna.
Hidden away in a real greenhouse, you can admire the beauty of 40 different species of butterflies. It’s a wonderful new experience for your nature-loving children where you can witness the egg-laying, hatching and the metamorphosis of these beautiful insects.
Metro: Porte de la Villette (line 7)
Inside this modern Museum of Science and Industry you’ll find permanent exhibitions on the universe, mathematics, transportation and more, plus regularly rotating temporary exhibitions. Inside this big sister to the Palais de la Découverte, families will also love the fabulous Cité des Enfants, a totally hands-on science adventure playground with hands-on exhibits including a water zone, mock recording studio, construction zone and much more. There are two distinct areas, for 2-7 year olds and 5-12 year olds, so parents with kids in two different age groups better bring another adult! Reservations highly recommended.
Love science? Get an annual Universcience pass to visit both the Palais de la Découverte and Cité throughout the year.
A wonderful family activity just outside of Paris! You can pick your own fresh fruits and vegetables, visit the farm animals, and shop in the country store for homemade products. Think apples and pumpkins in the fall and strawberries and raspberries in the summer! They offer regular workshops and presentations for the whole family.
Metro: Porte Dorée (line 8)
Here’s a real cultural jewel. Learn about the immigrants who helped build France over the past two centuries at this fascinating multicultural museum. Discover a large collection of photographs, documents and video that trace the history, culture and contributions of the many ethnic groups that make up France today.
The museum is located in an exquisite Art Deco building, the Palais de la Porte d’Orée, built in 1931 for the International Colonial Exhibition in Paris. INSPIRELLE recommends this museum for adults and older children, but younger kids can fully enjoy the tropical aquarium on the lower level.
As mentioned in our article 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!