Yes, that’s right— spring is truly here: the flowers are blooming, the parks are turning green, and the May holidays are just around the corner. Don’t have any ideas for enjoying the long weekends in May with the kids? Here are all our ideas for family fun!
Visit the amazing Picassiette House covered in mosaics
Located in Chartres, just an hour from Paris by train, this historic house—once Picasso’s refuge—was entirely covered in mosaics by its former owner. From floor to ceiling, including the furniture and even the outdoor spaces. An unusual getaway just outside Paris that’s not to be missed!
Take a trip back in time aboard this strange carousel
Located in the Jardin des Plantes, the Dodo Manège is certainly the most unusual carousel in Paris. It lets you ride on… extinct species. A mammoth, a dodo, a saber-toothed tiger… A truly quirky carousel!
A sudden urge to leave dry land? The Paradox Museum, a temple of illusion, awaits you on Boulevard des Italiens. Through a series of immersive experiences, dare to defy the laws of gravity, particularly 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 true sweet paradise, perfect for recharging your batteries!
Admire the sublime hidden rose garden at Chaalis Abbey
Located 45 minutes from Paris, in the vast forest of Ermenonville, Chaalis Abbey hides a sublime rose garden. From April through June, enjoy the ancient flowers of this sublime estate, which remains all too little known.
Want to enjoy the May long weekend in Paris without falling back on the same old plans? Good news: the capital is brimming with perfect experiences to get away for a long weekend without leaving the Île-de-France region. For a cultural getaway, head to the Atelier des Lumières in the 11th arrondissement, where two spectacular exhibitions await you: Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs, for an XXL face-to-face encounter with these extinct giants, and a fascinating immersion in The Renaissance, featuring masterpieces and monumental frescoes. All presented through 360° projections that transform the walls and floor into a blank canvas.
Want to make the most of the May long weekend to get out and about without leaving the Paris region? Head to Parrot World, an immersive wildlife park that transports you right into the heart of the Amazon… just a few kilometers from Paris. Here, colorful parrots, jaguars, and otters roam in settings that feel a world away, but the real highlight is the immersive experiences: you can actually become a zookeeper for a day and go behind the scenes at the park. Feeding, care, special encounters…an adventure that’s as fun as it is educational, perfect for the whole family this long weekend. Perfect for getting some fresh air!
To make this May long weekend legendary, let’s board the Titanic. Head to “The Legend of the Titanic: The Ultimate Exhibition” at the Grande Halle de la Villette, a spectacular immersive experience that takes you back in time to 1912. Through 360° projections, period artifacts, virtual reality, and poignant stories, you’ll relive the fate of the legendary ocean liner as if you were there. From the Grand Staircase to the first-class cabins, right up to the final, heart-wrenching moments, everything is designed to fully immerse you in this tragic shipwreck that left its mark on history.
It’s the perfect opportunity to gently teach your children a lesson! The Cité Immersive des Fables hosts a poetic experience that blends literature and technology. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Jean de La Fontaine and his gentle fables. Here, they come to life through 3D projections, an immersive set design with lighting and scent effects, and a spellbinding soundtrack (by Bon Entendeur), for a true sensory journey. Young and old alike will rediscover the fabulous animals portrayed by well-known actors thanks to a five-star cast (Alexandre Astier, Marie S’Infiltre, Arielle Dombasle…). In short, you’re in for a whole host of surprises!
In the heart of Bercy Village, embark on an immersive journey into the world of science. In a unique 850-square-meter space, a multi-science journey awaits you : Science Expériences. Thanks to an innovative concept at the cutting edge of new technologies that blends virtual reality, projections, and immersive techniques (including a hologram of Albert Einstein!), you and your family will enjoy a 100% fun experience.
Don’t miss the Zoo Art Show, an immersive exhibition dedicated to street art that transforms a raw space into a true playground for contemporary artists. 500 graffiti artists and muralists —including giants of the genre—take over the walls with XXL works, often created live, in a vibrant and ultra-creative atmosphere. The exhibition evolves over the weeks, making every visit unique. The result: a truly vibrant artistic experience.
Embark on an action-movie-style mission in a 600-square-meter immersive maze right in the heart of Paris. To keep the kids busy during the May holidays, try a next-generation escape game: a new escape game spanning nearly 600 m² has opened in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, plunging you into the heart of Area 51 to prevent a device from detonating. Expect about two hours of gameplay, spectacular sets, and total immersion.
26,000 tulips bloom in the spring in this remarkable garden just two hours from Paris. To enjoy a family holiday away from the hustle and bustle of Paris, head to Saint-Paul (Oise): André Van Beek’s private garden spans over one hectare and offers a colorful stroll featuring seven ponds, waterfalls, and a wide variety of flowers. Designated a “remarkable garden,” it features 26,000 tulips in the spring and attracts visitors seeking a break from the Parisian crowds.
A unique, magical garden that opens its doors only twice a month—book now! To enjoy the long weekends in May with the kids, head to Le Moulin Jaune: a dreamlike garden created by artist Slava Polunin in Crécy-la-Chapelle, about an hour from Paris. A surreal and ephemeral place, it opens its doors only twice a month, featuring poetic installations along the water.
In Médan, wisteria transforms the streets into an idyllic green setting. To enjoy the long weekends in May with your family, plan a getaway to the countryside: in spring, the wisteria in Médan typically blooms between mid-April and early May, transforming the village streets into an idyllic floral setting. Easily accessible by train from Villennes-sur-Seine, the trip combines nature and heritage, with Émile Zola’s house to explore while you’re there.
The largest artificial lake in France, perfect for a nature getaway. For a change of scenery during the May holidays, head to Lac du Der. Located in Haute-Marne, about 3 hours from Paris, it covers 48 km² and offers sandy beaches, 150 km of bike paths, 250 km of marked hiking trails, and numerous water sports.
The Catacombs of Paris reopen on April 8, 2026, with a redesigned tour and an immersive exhibition. If you’re looking for an outing that’s a change from parks and museums during the May holidays, take note of this good news: The Catacombs of Paris will reopen on April 8, 2026, after several months of renovations, featuring a redesigned 1.5-kilometer tour, new exhibits, and an immersive audio experience. Online reservations are recommended, with time slots available and booking opening one week before the visit.
Enjoy a free 360° view of Paris from the Philharmonie’s terrace. During the May holidays, opt for a simple yet spectacular outing: the Philharmonie de Paris, designed by Jean Nouvel, offers a public observation deck with a 360° panoramic view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. In addition to concerts and the museum, you can stroll through the outdoor areas for free and have lunch on the 6th floor to enjoy the panoramic view.
The Hill of Élancourt, the highest point in Île-de-France, offers 12 km of trails and spectacular views—and it’s free. For a change from city outings during the May long weekends, head out for a nature excursion to the Hill of Élancourt. Rising to 231.61 m, it is quite simply the highest point in Île-de-France. Located about an hour from Paris, it offers 12 km of trails (hiking and biking) with a 55-meter elevation gain, a remarkable panorama, and even served as a venue during the Paris Olympics.
A unique bridge where boats literally float above the Loire. To enjoy the May holidays with the kids and get a change of scenery from Paris, head to the Briare Canal Bridge. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and located in the Loiret department, it allows boats to cross the Loire at a height of 11 meters over a span of more than 600 meters. Renovated in 2017, it remains accessible on foot and by bike and is a little-known gem of heritage.
The magic begins at dawn in the new frozen kingdom at Disneyland Paris. If you’re looking for a spectacular outing idea during the May holidays, head to the brand-new World of Frozen land at Disneyland Paris. This report from the press opening of the new World of Frozen land at Disneyland Paris introduces you to the Frozen Ever After attraction, meet-and-greets with Anna and Elsa, spectacular nighttime shows, and tips for seeing Olaf.
