Kids are bursting with energy and have a curiosity we can only envy. Whatever their personality (artistic, adventurous, scientific…), there’s plenty to do in and around Lyon. Here are a few ideas for activities to do with your kids, nieces, godchildren, or grandkids… in short, there’s something for everyone!
Reach new heights with your family
It’s impossible to miss the climbing craze that’s been sweeping the city for the past decade. In Lyon, the mountains are never too far away, but there’s no denying it: indoor climbing gyms are popping up everywhere. Good news: climbing is for all ages. Several gyms offer introductory workshops as well as classes for safe family climbing. Trust us, nothing beats a good climbing session to calm down even the most hyperactive kid!
📍 A few spots to check out: Climb Up in Confluence and Gerland, Mroc in Part-Dieu, or Block’Out in Limonest
📅 Hours: vary by gym, but most are open for climbing every day 🙂
Become a budding scientist
Science Expériences is ready and waiting to help you unravel the mysteries of the universe and test the laws of physics in all their forms, through over 850 m² of immersive and fun experiments. This multi-science museum has already captivated more than 250,000 visitors of all ages. Here, you can let off steam, experiment, learn, and above all… have fun over and over again. In short, the must-do family activity in Lyon!
📍 Location: Science Expériences, 32 Rue Thomassin, Lyon 2
📅 Date: multiple dates
Take advantage of the February break for a family getaway
©Polignac City Hall
Who says you can’t enjoy the villages and sites around Lyon in winter? Whether you head to the Alps, the Beaujolais, 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 in Lyon. And with kids, it’s even more magical. Our latest favorite? The village of Polignac!
Come see Lyon’s oldest village!
© Musée des Confluences
At nearly 120,000 years old, it’s the oldest known resident of Lyon to date!The Choulans Mammoth has an incredible story to tell and can be rediscovered at the Musée des Confluences. One of the top activities to do with kids in Lyon.
Take a dip at the Lyon Aquarium
And with both feet in! Discover fish from all over the world through the impressive aquariums, and learn about this underwater world that we rarely get to see. Don’t miss the yellow-fronted angelfish, the humphead wrasse, and the porcupinefish. And for the more daring visitors seeking a breathtaking spectacle, head to the shark tank for a glimpse of some of the most impressive species.
📍Lyon Aquarium, 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, La Mulatière, 69350
📅 Date: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM (be sure to check for any special closing days)
Relive the magic of Guignol
It has been a Lyon institution since 1966. Guignol is an integral part of French popular culture and our heritage. Why not come and revisit it in 2026? Located in the heart of Old Lyon , the theater is a little gem in itself. In fact, 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. A great experience for the whole family—and a chance to revisit (it feels good, too) the memories of our childhood…
Théâtre le Guignol, 2 rue Louis Carrand, Lyon 5
Explore 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 the kids, it’s often the simplest pleasures that make the biggest impression. What could be better than a delicious Praluline or some tasty bugnes, to enjoy while strolling through Croix-Rousse or along the riverbanks? Perfect for this winter season!
And give in to the queen of indulgence
It’s obviously the crêpe! From morning to night, you could eat them by the bucketful. We’ve selected our top 5 spots but we could have gone much further in our selection, of course. We’re telling you, you won’t find anything better to brighten up an afternoon with your kids.
Meet all your big-screen heroes
Step into the Cinema & Miniature Museum, a one-of-a-kind place where the magic of cinema comes to life! Across more than 2,000 square meters, discover over 10, 000 original artifacts: miniature sets, costumes, and plenty of treasures straight from your favorite movies. The museum is housed in a 15th-century building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has even welcomed director Wes Anderson! Get ready to run into Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Spider-Man, and Batman, and to experience a fun, surprising, and magical adventure at every turn of the exhibition!
📍Cinema & Miniature Museum, 60 Rue Saint Jean, Lyon 5
📅 Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 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 explore detailed scenes full of surprises. A fascinating miniature world for young and old alike to discover. New for 2025: come explore the fantastic landscapes and beaches of the French Riviera to help us beat the heat this holiday season.
📍 Mini World, Pôle du Carré de Soie, 3 Avenue de Bohlen, Vaulx-en-Velin
📅 Hours: Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Spend an afternoon at one of Lyon’s ice rinks
Did the recent Olympics spark some new passions at home? What better way to take the bull by the horns than by heading out to one of Lyon’s ice rinks? Whether it’s the Charlemagne or Baraban rink, both should be able to help you burn off some energy. We recommend checking the opening hours and booking online for convenience.
Go on a hunt for… murals!
Fancy a fun stroll? Set out to explore the city streets on this treasure hunt that will guide you to Lyon’s most beautiful trompe-l’œil murals! Is it a painting or a real person? How many windows on this building’s facade are real? These are just some of the questions that will cross your mind during this walk that will make you question reality…You’ll also get to enjoy murals paying tribute to Lyon’s most famous figures.
Take a break in one of Lyon’s parks
A day at the park remains a must-do activity with kids. And we’ll admit it, the Parc de la Tête d’Or is hard to beat—it’s an excellent place to spend a family day, strolling among the animals at its free zoo before enjoying a delicious homemade picnic. And if they’re on their best behavior, you can even treat your kids to a waffle or a crepe at one of the stands. But it’s not 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!
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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 a special exhibition designed for the whole family. Giant reconstructions, immersive video animations, and 3D views that make you feel like you’re right there. Don’t miss it!
Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate
Whether it’s cold or freezing, you can’t resist a good hot chocolate. The spots we’re recommendinghave got it right and have taken the concept even further by offering you the “haute couture” of hot chocolates. Be warned—your kids will be asking for more!
Attend a Candlelight concert
Why should the famous Candlelight concerts be just for adults? If the experience has already won over the Lyon audience, it’s only fair that kids get to enjoy it too! From movie and anime soundtracks to tributes to Coldplay or Queen, there’s plenty to choose from! If it helps, the candles set up at Candlelight concerts don’t actually burn… They just beautifully decorate the room. Book your tickets here!
Enjoy a movie screening at the best price
We all have a memory tied to a movie theater. Whether it’s a film that left a lasting impression or a Smurf candy we chewed on during the trailers, going to the movies remains a timeless pleasure. And even more so when you can do it at the best price! By buying your tickets online, you’ll get a significant discount at Pathé or CGR theaters. It’s enough to make you want to go to the movies more often and give the seventh art the recognition it deserves!
