Children are bursting with energy and have an enviable curiosity. Whatever their personality (artistic, adventurous, scientific, etc.), there is plenty to do in Lyon and the surrounding area. Here are a few ideas for activities to do with your children, nieces, godchildren, or grandchildren… in short, there’s something for everyone!
Reach new heights with your family
It’s impossible to ignore the phenomenon that climbing has been causing in the city for the past ten years. In Lyon, the mountains are never too far away, but there’s no denying it: climbing gyms are popping up like mushrooms. The good news is that climbing is suitable for all ages. Several centers offer introductory workshops and courses for safe family climbing. We promise, nothing beats a good climbing session to calm down any hyperactive child!
📍 Here are a few places to check out: Climb Up in Confluence and Gerland, Mroc in Part-Dieu, and Block’Out in Limonest.
📅 Opening hours: vary depending on the center, but most are open every day 🙂
Become a budding scientist
Science Experiences is waiting for you to unravel the mysteries of the universe and test the laws of physics in all their forms, through more than 850 m² of immersive and fun experiments. This multi-science museum has already attracted more than 250,000 visitors of all ages. Here, you can let off steam, experiment, learn, and above all… have fun again and again. In short, it’s the must-see family activity in Lyon!
📍 Location: Science Experiences, 32 Rue Thomassin, Lyon 2
📅 Date: multiple dates
Take advantage of the February vacation for a family getaway
©Polignac Town Hall
Who says you can’t enjoy the villages and sites around Lyon in winter? Whether you head for the Alps, the Beaujolais region, or along the Rhône, our region is full of small villages and towns to discover : Chanaz, Malleval, Cluny, Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, Pérouges… There are almost as many villages to visit as there are bouchons (traditional restaurants) in Lyon.And with children, it’s even more magical. Our latest favorite? The village of Polignac!
Dive in with the Lyon Aquarium
And with both feet! Discover fish from all over the world through the impressive aquariums, and learn about this underwater world that we rarely have the opportunity to encounter. Don’t miss the yellow-fronted angelfish, the humphead wrasse, and the porcupine fish. And for the more adventurous, head to the shark tank for a breathtaking spectacle and a glimpse of some of the most impressive species.
📍Aquarium de Lyon, 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, La Mulatière, 69350
📅 Date: open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (remember to check for exceptional closing days)
Relive the magic of Guignol
He has been a Lyon institution since 1966. Guignol is an integral part of French popular culture and our heritage. Why not come and revisit him in 2026? Located in the heart of Vieux-Lyon , the theater is a little gem in itself. Housed in the vaulted cellar of the Palais Bondy, the 260 puppets come to life in this setting with passion and fun. This year’s program promises to be rich and original. Discover it with your family and relive (it feels good too) the memories of your childhood…
Théâtre le Guignol, 2 rue Louis Carrand Lyon 5
📅 Information and reservations here
Stroll through the streets of Lyon and its many delights
If we love strolling through Lyon and its iconic neighborhoods so much, it’s as much for its picturesque streets as for the pleasure of savoring one of its many specialties! With children, it’s often the simplest pleasures that have the greatest impact. How about a delicious Praluline or tasty bugnes, to be enjoyed while strolling around Croix-Rousse or along the quays? Perfect for this winter season!
And why not indulge in the queen of gourmet treats?
We are, of course, talking about crêpes! They can be enjoyed from morning to night in every possible and imaginable way. In Lyon, there are several places to indulge, and we have limited ourselves to finding our top 5 addresses, but we could have gone much further, of course. Between us, you won’t find anything better to brighten up a moment spent with children.
Meet all your big screen heroes
Step inside the Musée Cinéma & Miniature, a unique place where the magic of cinema comes to life! Covering more than 2,000 m², discover over 10, 000 original objects: miniature sets, costumes, and lots of treasures straight from your favorite films. The museum is housed in a 15th-century building, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has even welcomed director Wes Anderson! Get ready to meet Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Spider-Man, Batman, and more, and experience a fun, surprising, and magical adventure at every turn of the exhibition!
📍Cinema & Miniature Museum, 60 rue Saint Jean, Lyon 5
📅 Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit the magical world of “Mini World”
© Mini-World Vaulx-en-Velin
Located in Vaulx-en-Velin, Mini World is the largest miniature park in France! Children can observe detailed scenes of everyday life full of surprises. A fascinating miniature world for young and old alike to explore. New for 2025, come and discover the fantastic landscapes and beaches of the French Riviera to help us combat the cold temperatures at the end of the year.
📍 Mini World, Pôle du Carré de Soie, 3 Avenue de Bohlen, Vaulx-en-Velin
📅 Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Go on a hunt for… frescoes!
Fancy a fun outing? Explore the city streets on this treasure hunt that will lead you to Lyon’s most beautiful trompe l’oeil paintings! Is it a painting or a real person? How many windows are real on this building facade? These are just some of the questions that will cross your mind during this walk that will make you question reality…You can also enjoy murals paying tribute to famous figures from Lyon.
Take a break in one of Lyon’s parks
A day at the park is a must-do activity with children. And we agree, the Parc de la Tête d’Or is hard to beat and is an excellent place to spend a day with the family, strolling among the animals in its free zoo before enjoying a delicious homemade picnic. And if they’re well-behaved, you can even buy your children a waffle or a crepe from one of the stands. But this isn’t the only park in the City of Lights where you can have a good time, so for a change of scenery, explore them one by one!
<shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” 0=”link_url=”
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“>Relive the incredible story of the Titanic
Ready for an icy adventure with Leonardo DiCaprio? No need to dive into the water: Titanic: An Immersive Journey brings the story of the famous ocean liner to life in an exhibition designed for the whole family. Giant reconstructions, immersive video animations, and 3D views make you feel like you’re really there. Don’t miss it!
Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate
Whether it’s cold or very cold, you can’t resist a good hot chocolate! <shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” 0=”link_url=”[trackLink” link_url=”https://lyonsecret.com/meilleur-chocolats-chauds-lyon/”><strong>The places we recommend</strong></shortcode> understand this and have decided to <strong>take the concept even further</strong> by offering you haute couture hot chocolate. <strong>Be warned, your children will ask for more!</strong><br />
<h2><shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” link_url=”https://feverup.com/fr/lyon/candlelight”>Attend a Candlelight concert</shortcode></h2><br />
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<strong>Why should Candlelight’s famous concerts be just for adults</strong>? While the experience has already won over <strong>the Lyon audience</strong>, children can enjoy it too! Film or anime music, tributes to Coldplay or Queen, there’s plenty of choice! If it makes you feel any better, the candles used during Candlelight concerts are not lit… They are simply used to decorate the room beautifully. <shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” link_url=”https://feverup.com/fr/lyon/candlelight”><strong>Book your tickets here!</strong></shortcode><br />
<h2>Enjoy a movie at the best price</h2><br />
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We all have memories associated with movie theaters. Whether it’s a film that left a lasting impression or a Smurf candy we munched on during the trailers, going to the movies is always a pleasure. And even more so when you can do it at the best price! <strong>By buying your tickets online, you can enjoy a significant discount at <shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” link_url=”https://feverup.com/m/80288″>Pathé cinemas</shortcode> or <shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” link_url=”https://feverup.com/m/159724″>CGR cinemas</shortcode></strong>. It’s enough to make you want to go to the movies more often and honor the 7th art as it deserves!<br />
<div class=”smn-tracklink-cta”>Also read on Lyon Secret: <shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” link_url=”https://lyonsecret.com/meilleur-chocolats-chauds-lyon/”>Neither in Canada nor New Zealand, this listed site is home to no fewer than 31 waterfalls, including two over 60 meters high, and is located 2 hours from Lyon – the spectacle is even more magical in winter</shortcode></div>