Traveling to Paris with kids offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but what happens when the weather doesn't cooperate? Luckily, Paris has no shortage of fun and educational activities for families, even on the rainiest of days. Whether you're looking to stay dry while discovering the city's secrets or indulge in some hands-on experiences, here’s a guide to the best rainy day activities that the whole family can enjoy.
1. Explore the Covered Passages: An Enchanting Indoor Adventure
When the skies open up in Paris, one of the best ways to keep your kids entertained while staying dry is by exploring the city's famous Passages Couverts. These historic, glass-roofed shopping arcades date back to the 19th century and offer a unique blend of history, culture, and excitement that both adults and children will enjoy.
For an added layer of fun, join the From Paris with Fun treasure hunt set inside the Passages Couverts. This interactive adventure takes you and your family on a journey through Paris’ most charming hidden passageways, like the Passage Verdeau, Jouffroy, and des Panoramas, as you work together to solve a thrilling mystery. The experience is perfect for kids who love solving puzzles and exploring new places, and it’s a great way to keep them engaged while escaping the rain.
With the intricate architecture and vintage charm of the covered passages, parents will also find plenty to appreciate, from quaint cafés to antique bookshops.
2. Dive into the Aquarium de Paris
When it’s pouring outside, why not dive into an underwater world? The Aquarium de Paris, located in the Trocadéro Gardens, is one of the city’s most child-friendly attractions and a perfect escape from the rain. Housing over 10,000 sea creatures from across the globe, including sharks, jellyfish, and tropical fish, the aquarium offers kids an interactive and educational experience.
The highlight for many children is the large shark tank, where they can see these majestic creatures up close. Additionally, the petting pool allows kids to touch fish and even get up close to some of the smaller sea creatures. Throughout the aquarium, there are also interactive displays, making it a great spot for kids to learn about marine life in a fun and engaging way.
Since the Aquarium de Paris is fully indoors, it’s a fantastic rainy day activity to keep the whole family entertained while staying warm and dry.
3. Join a Chocolate Workshop for Kids
What better way to turn a rainy day into a sweet one than by joining a chocolate-making workshop? Paris is home to some of the world’s most renowned chocolatiers, and many of them offer hands-on workshops designed especially for kids.
During these workshops, children will learn the art of chocolate-making, from tempering chocolate to creating their own unique treats. They’ll also get to taste different types of chocolate and bring home their delicious creations as a souvenir.
One of the best parts of a chocolate workshop is that it’s not only fun but also educational, teaching kids about the history of chocolate and how it’s made from bean to bar. And, of course, parents can enjoy sampling the chocolates as well!
Several workshops are available throughout the city, with Choco-Story Paris being one of the most popular venues. Located in the 9th arrondissement, the workshop is easily accessible from the covered passages, making it a convenient stop during your rainy day adventure.
Chocolate making class : Debauve et Gallais (a discret Maison for connoisseurs : They used to be the suplliers of the King of France !) - 33, rue Vivienne- 75002 Paris
4. Museums to Explore on a Rainy Day
Paris is filled with museums that cater to all ages, and they’re a great way to spend a rainy day with kids. While the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are classics, you might want to visit some of the lesser-known museums that are especially engaging for children.
Musée des Arts et Métiers: This museum, dedicated to industrial design and invention, features hands-on exhibits that explain how things work. Kids can marvel at early machines, explore the evolution of technology, and engage with interactive displays.
Musée de la Magie: Tucked away in the Marais, this museum is dedicated to the art of magic and illusion. It features fascinating magic tricks, optical illusions, and even a live magic show, making it a perfect spot for kids to experience a bit of Parisian whimsy.
Musée Grévin: One of the oldest wax museums in Europe, the Musée Grévin is a favorite among families. Kids will love meeting life-sized wax figures of famous personalities from history, sports, music, and film, as well as wandering through the Hall of Mirrors, which offers an immersive, magical experience.
5. Cozy Up in a Café
Paris is famous for its cozy cafés, and they can be the perfect refuge from the rain. Why not take a break and treat your kids to a warm chocolat chaud and a pastry while you watch the world go by? Cafés like Angelina and Carette are famous for their decadent hot chocolate and child-friendly atmospheres.
Many Parisian cafés have small play areas or provide coloring materials for children, making them a great place to relax while waiting for the rain to pass.
Rainy days in Paris don’t have to be a washout. With plenty of indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained, you can enjoy the city no matter what the weather brings. From exploring the hidden Passages Couverts with a treasure hunt, diving into the underwater world at the Aquarium de Paris, to indulging in a sweet chocolate workshop, Paris offers endless rainy day adventures for families.
So, the next time the weather turns wet, take the opportunity to discover the city's rich indoor experiences with your kids — and don’t forget to enjoy a hot chocolate along the way!
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