Yes, it’s really spring: the flowers are blooming, the parks are greening up, and the May bank holidays are just around the corner. No ideas on how to enjoy the May bank holidays with the kids? Here are all our ideas for family fun!
Relive the poetic adventures of the Little Prince at the Atelier des Lumières
“What is essential is invisible to the eye; we can only see well with the heart”. The poetry of the novel The Little Prince, a true cultural phenomenon, comes to life in an immersive exhibition thanks to Atelier des Lumières. In an absolutely magnificent space in the heart of the vibrant 11ᵉ arrondissement, L’Atelier des Lumières, (re)discover Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s universal work.
📍 Location : L’Atelier des Lumières
📆 Date: multiple dates
🎟️ Price: from €11 to €18
Visit the astonishing mosaic-covered Picassiette house
@shutterstock Maison mosaïques
Located in Chartres, 1 h from Paris by train, this listed house, a former refuge of Picasso, has been entirely covered in mosaics by its former owner. From floor to ceiling, including the furniture and even the outdoor areas. An unusual getaway at the gateway to Paris not to be missed!
📍Location: 22 rue du repos, Chartres 28000
Take a trip back in time aboard this strange carousel
Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Dodo Manège is certainly the most atypical carousel in Paris. It lets you ride on… extinct species. A mammoth, a dodo, a saber-toothed tiger… A very strange ride!
📍 Location: 57 rue Cuvier 75005 Paris
💶 Price: two euros
Get lost at the Paradox Museum
A sudden urge to leave terra firma behind? The Paradox Museum, temple of illusion, is waiting for you on boulevard des Italiens. Through a series of immersive experiences, dare to defy the laws of gravity, notably in the Zero Gravity Room, where you can literally walk with your feet on the ceiling. And to top it all off, take a gourmet break at Hans & Gretel, a veritable sweet heaven, ideal for recharging your batteries!
🌀 One Saturday a month, don’t miss the Midnight Paradox, a nocturne with even more illusion, where hypnotists, paradox storytellers and magicians follow one another to blow your mind! 🌀⚠️(the next one will take place on May 9 and 10, the 8th being a public holiday)⚠️
Take part in an immersive Viking experience at Carré Sénart
Vikings have taken over the Westfield Carré Sénart shopping center. Cité Immersive Viking plunges visitors into an impressive immersive experience perfect for families. On the program: several themed rooms with 360º projections, as well as a collection of artifacts and participatory activities such as a Viking dinner, for total immersion. Free gift: tickets for children under 6 are free.
📍 Location: level 0, next to the BERSHKA store and next to exit/entrance 1B, Westfield – Carré Sénart All. du Préambule, 77127 Lieusaint, France
Visit the first permanent Pokémon store and stock up on cards
https://youtube.com/shorts/Im0jLOEqioI
Located in the Le Coin des Barons store, this pretty, immersive boutique is sure to become your children’s favorite spot. You’ll find trading cards, plush toys and a rich program of events throughout the year.
📍Location: 48 bis rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Admire the sublime hidden rose garden at Chaalis Abbey
Located 45 minutes from Paris, in the immense Ermenonville forest, the Abbey of Chaalis hides a sublime rose garden. From April to June, enjoy the flowers of this sublime and little-known estate.
📍 Location: Dom. de Chaalis, 60300 Fontaine-Chaalis
🗓️ Date: Open every day from April1 to September 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Discover the secrets of science with your family
In the heart of Bercy Village, embark on an immersive journey to the heart of science. In a unique 850 m² space, a multi-science trail opens its doors to you: Science Expériences. Thanks to an innovative concept at the cutting edge of new technologies , juggling virtual reality, projections and immersive techniques (including a hologram of Albert Einstein!), you and your family can enjoy a 100% fun experience.
📍Location: Science Expériences – Bercy Village, 16 Cour Saint-Émilion, 75012 Paris
Admire amazing works of art in a museum
Yes, some museums are open on public holidays. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn new things and discover amazing works of art. And you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy culture! In fact, some of the museums that are open are completely free! Such is the case of the Musée du Parfum Fragonard, one of our favorites, where you can learn a little more about the art of perfume.
📍Location: 9 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
See wild animals in one of Paris’ zoos
Why not take advantage of the bridges to visit one of Paris’ zoos? These privileged places will enable you to observe wildlife a little more closely, while learning more about the animals. For a great day out, we recommend Thoiry Zoo. Here you can admire elephants, zebras and giraffes… from the comfort of your car! A unique and fun experience for the whole family.
📍Location : Paris
Experience the thrill of a theme park
What could be more fun than spending a day in an amusement park? A place of celebration and magic where all dreams seem to come true. We love going there to see our favorite cartoon characters, admire the park’s enchanting scenery or try out the attractions. Will you dare to face your fears on the thrill rides? Either way, you’re sure to have a great day at one of the theme parks near Paris!
📍Location: Paris
See the most beautiful monuments in Paris
If the weather’s fine, we suggest you take a stroll through the city to admire its monuments. The Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur and Arc de Triomphe are all within easy walking distance, and can be seen day or night. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover a little more of Paris, its charming corners,bucolic streets and passageways… and feast your eyes!
📍Location: Paris
Picnicking in one of Paris’s parks during May bank holidays
Did you know that Paris has 531 parks, gardens and squares? Here’s a good reason to make the most of them during the May bank holidays. If the sun is shining, why not organize a picnic in one of the city’s parks with your family? You’ll be able to stretch your legs, admire nature and even run a few meters if you’re so inclined!
📍Location: Paris
Take a dip in one of Paris’s swimming pools on May bank holidays
Feel like taking a dip? On May 1st, some pools remain open. Take the Roger Le Gall swimming pool, for example. It boasts large pools for indoor and outdoor splashing. It’s the ideal place to swim a few laps when the weather’s fine!
📍Location: 34 boulevard Carnot, 75012 Paris
Admire the lakes near Paris
There’s much more to Paris than Haussmannian architecture. The city also boasts some beautiful natural spots. Such is the case of its lakes, which you can admire all year round. May bank holidays are the ideal time to take full advantage!
📍Location: Paris
Book a creative workshop at Be Bearz
Have you heard of pouring painting? This painting technique allows you to mix several colors before applying them to your canvas. The mixture retains a marbled look that makes this technique unique. It doesn’t require a paintbrush, making it accessible to even the youngest painters. At Be Bearz, you can customize cute teddy bears and bunnies to your heart’s content. We advise you to reserve your place in advance to make the most of it!
📍Location: 40 Av. Bosquet, 75007 Paris
Reserve a table in a restaurant for May bank holidays
We don’t always think about it, but every now and then a little family restaurant is a great way to get together! During the May bank holidays, why not book a table at a kid-friendly restaurant in Paris? Whether you’re looking for brunch or lunch, we promise you’ll find what you’re looking for!
📍Location: Paris
Rent a tree house and fall back into childhood
During these May holidays, you may be thinking of taking to the open seas. Here’s a great idea that’s sure to delight young and old alike: rent a tree house. Perched several meters high, you’ ll enjoy a spectacular view of nature. You’ll come away with a head full of memories!
📍Location: just outside Paris
Getaway to the most beautiful villages near Paris during the May holidays
You may not have known it, but less than 1 h from Paris lie some magnificent medieval villages. These green settings, such as Provins, Gerberoy or Giverny, will make you forget the dreariness of Paris. So don’t hesitate to take the time to visit these charming villages, just a few minutes from the capital. A change of scenery and the chance to unwind!
📍Location: just outside Paris
Become a budding soigneur for a day
This vacation, let your children become “soigneurs en herbe” for a day. It’s a magical experience that will allow your little ones to get up close and personal with rare animals. At Parrot World, they can feed them, help clean their enclosures and observe them for half a day. Don’t panic: your little angels will of course be supervised by an experienced guide throughout the day. This activity is open to children aged 7 and over, so don’t miss out!
📍Location: Parrot World: Route de Guérard, 77580 Crécy-La-Chapelle