The school vacation period is always a tricky time for keeping children busy, getting out and about, doing activities and, of course, having fun. To help you figure out what to do during this long period, we’ve come up with a few ideas for things to do and do again during the winter vacations in and around Lyon!
Take part in a fascinating immersive experience in the world of Van Gogh
We recommend a visit to Studio 24 ‘s Pôle Pixel to take part in this captivating immersive experience at the heart of Vincent Van Gogh’s work. You’ll discover it like never before thanks to a 360-degree digital show using the latest 4K technology, a virtual reality experience unique in the world that lets you travel through 8 paintings and a second room dedicated to the artist’s inspirations.
Location: Pôle PIXEL, Studio 24 – 24 Rue Emile Decorps, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Date: open daily during the winter vacations.
Prices from €16.90
Become a real budding scientist
During the February vacations, more than ever, Science Expériences opens its doors to you to unravel the mysteries of the universe and explore the laws of physics in all their forms. This immersive, interactive museum, which has already attracted over 250,000 visitors, offers a fun and exciting adventure for all ages. Here, you can experiment, discover, marvel… and above all, have fun! Each room has been designed for total immersion, guaranteeing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Location: Science Expériences, 32 Rue Thomassin, Lyon, 69002
Date: open daily during winter vacations.
Prices from €22
Enjoy a Lyon specialty during Carnival
Winter vacations mean carnival… and carnival means bugnes ! This Lyon specialty is eaten all year round, but especially during Mardi Gras. Crunchy or chewy, bugnes have been the pride and joy of the Lyonnais for many, many years. Still not sure where to find the best ones? Don’t panic, just follow the guide…
Take to the ice at Lyon’s skating rinks
Got some hotheads at home, but don’t have the chance to go skiing this year? Lyon’s ice rinks offer a good compromise for your winter vacations. An activity that should calm the nerves of some back home.
La patinoire Charlemagne: 100 cours Charlemagne, Lyon 2 / La patinoire Baraban: 52 rue Baraban, Lyon 3
📅 Open during school vacations:
– Monday: 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 5:30pm
– Tuesday to Friday: 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 5:30pm and 8:30pm – 10:30pm
– Saturday: 2pm – 5:30pm and 8:30pm – 10:30pm
– Sunday: 10:30am – 1pm and 2pm – 5:30pm
🎟️ Prices :
Rates: €4 full, €2.70 concessions
Prices with skates: €7.30 full, €6 concessions
reservation recommended
Dive into the Lyon Aquarium
Dive into the fascinating world of fish from all over the world in our impressive aquariums, and discover an underwater world as mysterious as it is captivating. Admire rare species such as yellow-fronted angelfish, humpback grouper and porcupine fish. And for the more adventurous, don’t miss the shark pit, where a breathtaking spectacle awaits you, featuring some of the oceans’ most impressive species!
Aquarium de Lyon, 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, La Mulatière, 69350
🕘 Opening hours: open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (please check for special closing days)
🎟️ Price: €18 full price
Home-made crêpes for an XXL snack
What could be better than a crêpe or two after a fun-filled afternoon? It’s so easy to make your own batter, and the results are always delicious. What’s more, you’ll never be happier at home if you get everyone to pitch in. Our recipe tip? Don’t be stingy with the butter in the pan!
Visit the new “Trop Forts!” exhibition at the Musée des Confluences
But how do they do it? We don’t think much about it, but some animals survive and reproduce in extreme conditions that human beings couldn’t endure for even an hour. The penguin braves freezing temperatures of -60°C, the camel can go for days without food or water, and the llama adapts to high altitudes despite oxygen-poor air. A captivating exhibition that also prompts us to reflect on climate change and our own capacity to adapt. A must-see for the whole family!
📍 Location: 86 Quai Perrache, Lyon 2
📅 Date: from February 19, 2025
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm.
🎟️ Price: €12 full price
Visit “Mini World
Located in Vaulx-en-Velin, <shortcode data-tag=”trackLink” 0=”” target=”_new” 1=”rel=”noopener”>https://miniworldlyon.com/””>Mini</a> World</shortcode> <strong>is France’s biggest miniature park</strong>! Young and old alike can admire meticulously detailed scenes of life, packed with surprises and amusing winks. <strong>In 2025, a brand new attraction awaits you: immerse yourself in fantastic landscapes and the sunny beaches of the Côte d’Azur, a perfect immersion to escape the winter greyness!</strong><br /> <br /> <img class=”emoji” role=”img” draggable=”false” src=”https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f4cd.svg” alt=”📍” /> Mini World, Pôle du Carré de Soie, 3 Av. de Bohlen, Vaulx-en-Velin
🕘 Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 7pm
🎟️ Price: €16.50 full price