Children are so energetic and curious that we envy them! Whatever their personality, artistic, adventurous, scientific… Lyon has everything they need to express their imagination and satisfy their impatience. We’ve selected the crème de la crème of activities to do with kids, so you can plan your perfect family day out in the City of Light. There’s no need to worry, just follow our tips and have fun!
1. Visit the Aquarium de Lyon
Discover fish from all over the world in our impressive aquariums, and learn all about the underwater world we rarely get to see. Don’t miss the yellow-fronted angelfish, humpback grouper and porcupinefish. And for the more adventurous and a breathtaking spectacle, head for the shark pit for a sample of the most impressive species!
7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, La Mulatière, 69350
2. For rainy days, enjoy a day at Westfield La Part-Dieu
The Part-Dieu shopping center is no longer in the limelight, but since its recent renovation, we’d like to introduce you to the latest activities to enjoy with children. There are so many possibilities, you could spend the whole day here without leaving. Its many restaurants offer dishes from all over the world, its playful climbing gym lets you learn to climb in a fun, colorful setting, and its huge cinema is the perfect finishing touch to an emotionally-charged day.
17, rue du Docteur Bouchut, 69003
3. Taste the best hot chocolate
Hot or cold, we can’t resist a good chocolate! The few addresses we suggest have understood this and decided to take the concept even further, offering hot chocolates worthy of the greatest chefs for a gourmet snack bursting with flavor. Be warned: your children will be asking for more !
4. Eating ice cream in Vieux-Lyon: one of the best things to do with children
While we love Vieux-Lyon for its picturesque streets and medieval stores, we go back especially for Terre Adélice‘s ice creams. Elderflower, Red Bean, Agastache, Hibiscus – the ice cream parlour offers over 150 flavours! A godsend for those who tire easily, and a culinary discovery like no other in Lyon. Probably the best thing to do with children in Lyon!
5. Take a break in one of Lyon’s parks
A day in the park is still the must-do activity for children. And we grant you, the Parc de la tête d’or is hard to beat and makes a great place to spend a family day, wandering among the animals in its free zoo before enjoying a succulent home-made picnic. And if they’re good, you can even buy your kids a waffle or crêpe 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 scene explore them one by one!
6. Take a detour to the Cinema and Miniature Museum
Right in the heart of Vieux Lyon, on the lively Rue Saint-Jean, the museum opens its doors to you for an adventure in the magical land of cinema! Get ready to go behind the scenes as you explore authentic sets and exclusive objects from the world’s greatest film sets. And that’s not all! On the top floor, a surprise awaits you: breathtaking miniature worlds to delight your children. A chance to feel like a giant!
Maison des Avocats 60 rue Saint-Jean, 69005
7. Attend a show on water at Théâtre l’île Ô
This original theater sends conventions tumbling for children in a whirlwind of shows, each more magical than the last. Whether you’re a fan of classical theater, puppetry, shadow play , clowns or enchanting melodies, here’s a whole range of artistic possibilities awaiting you. You’ll also find incredible workshops for young and old, organized throughout the year and during the vacations, to transform every day into a moment of discovery and creation.
3 avenue Leclerc, sur les Berges Bertha Von Suttner, Lyon 7
8. Go on a fresco hunt!
Looking for a fun ride? Take to the streets of the city on this treasure hunt to discover Lyon’s finest trompe-l’œil! Is it a painting or a real person? How many windows are there on this building facade? So many questions will cross your mind on this walk that will make you doubt reality… You can also enjoy the frescoes in tribute to the great figures of Lyon.
9. Take a dip in a lake
We love our city, which offers us an incredible living environment! But the only thing we miss is the sea. So, to cool off in summer, we grab our best swimsuits and head for the region’s many lakes! Better than the sea, you can let your children play in the water without the danger of waves and currents, and if you bring a picnic, you can spend the whole day there. Don’t delay in taking advantage of the region’s magnificent scenery, swimming between mountains and fir trees.
10. Throw yourself into the trees at City Aventure
For the more adventurous among you, City Aventure has got you covered! Get away from city noise and cars for a day in nature. This accrobranche park is sure to delight your children, who can take on a complete course in the heart of a century-old forest. Let them slide on the zip-line over the Saonne, swing on the lianas, or try the Ultimate Mission course. And for the little ones, there are plenty of floor games to play with them. Arrive in the late morning, get your strength back in one of their food-trucks, and return in the late afternoon full of tiredness.
Chemin de la Croix Berthet, 69110, Sainte Foy-lès-Lyon
11. Attend a Candlelight concert for children
Why should Candlelight’s famous candlelight concerts be for adults only? The experience has already won over the Lyon public, and now it’s children’s turn to enjoy it! All your children’s favourite songs will be played on May 4 at 5 p.m. at the Théâtre L’île Ô ! Rest assured, though, the candles don’t burn… They just decorate the room beautifully. Book your tickets here!
3 avenue Leclerc, sur les Berges Bertha Von Suttner, Lyon 7