Are you looking for an original idea for a family outing this summer? Cinema, exhibitions, outdoor events, amusement parks, zoos… Here is a wide selection of summer outings to entertain young and old in Ile-de-France.
Long holidays are conducive to summer outings with family ! As of Saturday July 8, your children will be out of school for two months until the start of the school year. You have taken a few weeks of vacation, and inevitably, you have to find ideas to occupy the whole tribe. If you don’t have plans, don’t panic. This summer, in France, many outings are offered for families. You have the choice between sessions at the cinema, lively outdoor outings, exhibitions in museums or even a day in an amusement park or a zoo. Here is 30 outing ideas to do as a family with children.
What to see at the cinema with the children?
The next cinema releases are sure to please your children. At the end of June, there is the latest film from Disney and Pixar studios, Elementary, which is released in theaters, followed by the animated film Ruby the Teen Kraken or the film Miraculous, scheduled for July 5, 2023. To make the cinema session a little more original, you can also find out about open-air cinema sessions. Some cities rebroadcast old films or new releases free of charge in an outdoor location, set up for the occasion.
The original outings of the moment with children
Miraculous Cruise
There miraculous cruise in Paris is back. Fans of Ladybug and the Cat Noir will be able to visit the capital differently on the Seine and live a unique experience by participating in a mission to save the emblematic monuments of the city. Until August 31, 2023. More information and reservations on the website www.lacroisieremiraculous.fr.
Disney 100: Friendship is Wonderful
On the occasion of Disney’s 100th anniversary, “Disney Experience 100: Friendship is Wonderful” will stop over this summer at the CentQuatre space to immerse visitors in a multisensory experience. Go with the family to discover the mysterious garden of Alice in Wonderland, find your balance on the shores of Ohana Bay with Lilo & Stitch by participating in a surf session to test your balance, dive into the Oasis orchestral performance of the Lion King with the swing “Hakuna Matata”. And that’s not all: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto will create an interconnected work of art, before your eyes, and will celebrate friendship with you in all circumstances. LECENTQUATRE-PARIS: 5 Rue Curial, 75019 Paris, from June 30 to July 9, 2023.
“Disney 100: Friendship is Wonderful”
Our ideas for outdoor outings with children
An outing to the racecourse
Until November 15, 2023, France Galop opens a new season of its event The Family Hippodrome. In Auteuil, Chantilly, Deauville, ParisLonchamp and Saint-Cloud, children and parents are invited to admire the hair and enjoy the green surroundings, but also to take part in activities such as pony rides and attend horse races. There are also carousel rides, inflatable structures, investigation games, creative activities and much more. During the Easter holidays, go to Paris Lonchamps and Auteuil racecourses. Dates and reservations on www.francegalop-live.com. Free admission for children under 12, from 5 euros in presale for adults.
An outing on the canals in the Paris region
You want to go on a complete outdoor outing and try out several family activities ? Canal Summer, organized by Seine-Saint-Denis Tourisme, returns to its quarters for its 16th edition on the Canal de l’Ourcq, the Canal Saint-Denis and the northern loop of the Seine. A rich program awaits you: water parks (canoes, pedal boats, etc.), cruises with commentary on street art, floating concerts, walks, bike rides or scooter rides with guides. To get around and get to the entertainment venues, river shuttles will be chartered. From July 8 to August 13, 2023. More details on the website www.tourisme93.com.
An outing to the GoodPlanet Foundation
To make children aware of ecology and nature, the GoodPlanet Foundation by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a fun family outing! Installed at the Domaine de Longchamp, parents and children are welcomed in the heart of the 3.5 hectare park in which are offered workshops and educational games accessible to the youngest (exhibition and educational vegetable garden, compost, nesting box, beehives, etc.) . GoodPlanet Foundation at the Domaine de Longchamp. 1, Carrefour de Longchamp, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 PARIS. More information on the site www.goodplanet.org.
A Street Art outing
For a free ride family, we advise you to see the Street Art Avenue which runs along the Canal Saint-Denis, from Paris La Villette, Aubervilliers to Saint-Denis. For its 7th season, the event unveils more than thirty painted works, including 15 never before seen, affixed to walls, factory silos or street furniture. 5 km course which can be done on foot or by bike. More details on the route on the site www.tourisme-plainecommune-paris.com.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can also opt for a children’s festival which usually brings together a whole bunch of entertainment for all ages. Here is our selection of festivals throughout France:
What shows to see with the children this summer?
Several shows are to do with the children this summer including:
Cinderella by Deborah Durand
This interactive show invites children to participate in the story of Cinderella. In a kingdom, little Cinderella finds herself stuck in the home of the evil Lady Tremaine, and her two daughters. To respond to their ever more demanding whims and demands, Cinderella will be able to count on her faithful friends the mice and on you. From 2 years, prices from 21.90 euros. Cinderella show by Déborah Durand, La Comédie Oberkampf, Paris. July 6 to July 3 September 2023. Ticket office on the site www.fnacspectacles.com.
The Eagles of the Ramparts
The medieval city of Provins, in Ile-de-France, offers this summer a majestic spectacle that plunges the public into the era of the Middle Ages and falconry. An aerial ballet of birds of prey in free flight (eagles, buzzards, falcons, owls, owls, etc.), in harmony with horses on the ground, will be animated. At the end, visitors will be able to discover the aviaries. Free for children under 4, family passes. Rates and reservations on the site www.fnacspectacles.com. Show The Eagles of the Remparts – Equestrian Falconry. Ramparts of the course to animals – 77 160 Provins. From June 27 to September 1, 2023.
The Wizard of Oz
If you want your children to discover a classic, go to The Wizard of Oz show, presented by the company La Sixième Atmosphere. A little girl Dorothée and her dog Toto find themselves in a strange country after being swept away by a tornado. To find their home and their loved ones, they will have to go to the city of Emerald and ask for help from the great Wizard of Oz. The public is transported into a magical universe, with mythical songs and where universal values are passed on to children. From 3 years old, prices from 20 euros. Show The Wizard of Oz – Children of Paradise, Paris. From July 1 to 30, 2023. Reservations on the site www.fnacspectacles.com.
The mysterious cities of Gold
To tickle your child’s imagination, take him to see the musical show The Mysterious Cities of Gold. He will embark with Estéban, Zia and Tao on a lively journey through the past to find forgotten civilizations. A whole staging has been thought out for the occasion with choreography, cult songs and fights. From 4 years old, prices from 15 euros. The Mysterious Cities of Gold, The Musical Show – Théâtre des Variétés, Paris. From October 8, 2023 to February 25, 2024. Ticket office on the site www.fnacspectacles.com.
The best outings to a zoo or an amusement park
An afternoon or a day in a zoo or an amusement park is always an ideal outing to fill and spend young and old. In France, there is a wide choice of animal parks and leisure parks, such as the Asterix Parkwhich inaugurated a brand new area of attractions called “Festival Toutatis” which includes the fastest roller coaster in France, or the Futuroscope parkTHE Beauval Zoo, etc. Here are the top zoos and amusement parks to try this summer.
What exhibitions to see with the children?
Harry Potter, the exhibition
The universe of the Harry Potter saga is finally unveiled to the French public. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the sets and relive certain key moments from the various films thanks to the characters, costumes and accessories present. Children and adults will also be able to learn more behind the scenes of the cinema. Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 15th district. From April 21 to October 1, 2023. Prices from 15 euros.
Ramses, the gold of the pharaohs at the Grande Halle de la Villette
After the success of Tutankhamun, the Treasure of the Pharaoh and Machu Picchu and the treasures of Peru, the Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition inaugurates its European circuit at the Grande Halle de la Villette from April 7, 2023. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, and from the temples of Abu Simbel to Karnak, young and old alike will be able to take part in a journey which began 3,000 years ago in the ancient city of Memphis. They will be able to explore the life of Ramses II, warrior, builder, diplomat and economist, and finally guide in the Egyptian afterlife. Ramses, the gold of the pharaohs, Grande Halle de la Villette, 211, avenue Jean Jaurès 75019 Paris. From April 7 to September 6, 2023. Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets from 20 euros on sale at www.expo-ramses.com.
Felines at the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History offers a new exhibition dedicated to felines. The idea is to discover the stories and characteristics of the 38 species of felines that are on Earth. Passing by the domestic cat, the lion, the panther and less known species, such as the flat-headed cat or the guigna. With this exhibition, you may no longer look at felines the same way. Felines exhibition, National Museum of Natural History, 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire – 75005 Paris. Until January 7, 2024.
The Metamorphoses exhibition at the City of Science and Industry
The City of Science and Industry presents Metamorphoses, its new temporary exhibition dedicated to children aged 6 to 11. Like Lewis Carroll’s heroine, Alice, the children grow, evolve and question their own transformations and those of the world around them. The exhibition invites them to explore various metamorphoses – natural, marvelous or even personal – by creating a dialogue between science and imagination. It also encourages children to observe, marvel and question while stimulating the imagination of young and old. Metamorphoses exhibition, City of Science and Industry, 30 avenue Corentin-Cariou – 75019 Paris. Until November 24, 2024. From 9 euros.