You've never been to Lyon, and all you want to do is discover its must-sees: the Parc de la Tête d'Or, the Musée des Confluences, the traboules and many others. Good news! All these activities, and many more, can be adapted for children or are specially designed for families. At Le Petit Futé, we don't just list the city's must-do's, without really thinking about the little ones. In this top 15 list of things to do in Lyon with children, discover outings and activities that are truly family-friendly.
1. A family getaway to the Parc de la Tête d'Or
The Parc de la Tête d'Or is undoubtedly one of Lyon's must-see places to visit with the whole family. One of the world's most beautiful urban parks, it offers a wide range of activities for children visiting Lyon. The small and large carousels are sure to delight the youngest visitors. The park can be explored in a variety of ways: on foot, by bike, or in a rosalie! Children under 6 also enjoy rides on the little train, the "Lézard du Parc", and pedal boats on the lake. Pedal quads, mini-karting and mini-boats round out this lovely getaway in Lyon's iconic park.
To remember : do you like to run before starting your day of sightseeing with the kids? Parc de la Tête d'Or is one of the best places to run in Lyon!
2. An unusual family portrait session
Whether you're in a nautical, vintage or Santa Claus universe, you'll find the perfect unusual setting for a crazy photo shoot! At Studio le Carré, in Lyon's 1ᵉʳ arrondissement, you choose the theme, we dress you up accordingly, then you have fun making faces and striking funny poses. The whole family is in for a treat, while creating tailor-made memories that will keep future generations laughing.
3. Test virtual reality in Lyon with your children
Virtual reality is available to children aged 8 or 9 and over at a number of virtual reality centers, including DreamAway, oVRdoze and E.Reel. Embark on a disconcerting virtual world, thanks to your VR equipment. Some worlds have been specially designed for younger children, such as Angry Birds, Hotel Transylvania or a pirate island adventure. So every member of the family can have fun in a world chosen and adapted to his or her age, for a full range of sensations.
Tempted? Click here to book your DreamAway experience in Lyon!
4. Visit the Petit Musée de Guignol with young children
Guignol is one of those beloved children's characters that has survived the generations without a single wrinkle. The proof is in the pudding: even parents laugh out loud when they watch a puppet show with their children. In Lyon, you'll find the Petit Musée de Guignol, where you can learn about the making of this legendary character through animated scenes. The voice box, puppet test and many other surprises await young and old in this unusual museum.
Petit Futé tip: buy your Lyon City Pass here, and you'll get unlimited access to the city's public transport system, as well asfree admission to 25 of the city's museums, including the Petit Musée de Guignol!
5. Take part in a family outdoor escape game in the streets of Lyon
Agents Family, get ready! You've been chosen to carry out a secret mission in the streets of Vieux Lyon. Your mission: to join a mysterious organization and protect the city as a family! This is an outdoor escape game full of mystery that will delight the whole family, including teenagers. Another scenario is possible at the Hôtel Dieu: decipher the riddles in an old grimoire found at the heart of this landmark building in Lyon. It's up to you!
Book my escape game in Vieux Lyon
6. Take part in a cake workshop with your children in Lyon
At Tonka Croix Rousse, you can enjoy a delicious cake in a cosy tearoom, but that's not all! Children and parents can also sign up for a cake-making workshop, which you can book here. Cup cakes, cookies, decorated shortbread and many other delicious workshops await you. For 45 minutes to 1 h 30, depending on the workshop, you'll make your own treats, accompanied by a professional pastry chef. Some activities are open to children aged 3 and over, so you can enjoy them even with young gourmands. All that's left to do is enjoy!
7. Paddle to discover Lyon differently with children
If you're used to visiting a city on foot, an interesting alternative solution is gaining ground in big cities: canoeing! Aboard your light craft, paddle quietly to discover Lyon, its banks and the surrounding city from the Saône or Rhône rivers. There are a number of routes to choose from, ranging from leisurely strolls to endurance courses, as well as outings accompanied by an instructor. For one to three hours, you and your children will have a great time in Lyon, while discovering the city in a whole new light. Are you tempted? Click here to book your canoe trip on the Saône near Lyon.
8. Family fun at Lyon's Illusion Museum
Frombewitching images to astonishing perspectives, the Musée de l'Illusion propels you into an unusual universe. What you think you see doesn't exist... What you do see may well mislead you... Let yourself be guided from room to room as you discover incredibleoptical illusions, explained as you go along. This is a great place to have fun with the whole family in Lyon, even when it's raining. Book your ticket here.
Book my ticket for the Musée de l'Illusion
9. Take part in a murder party with teenagers in Lyon
Depending on the themes on offer, a murder party is accessible to people aged between 10 and 16, so as not to offend unsuitable audiences. As a family, solve a murder or an investigation in a mysterious atmosphere. Several professionals offer this type of unusual family activity in Lyon, as a change from the traditional escape game. Do you dare? Click here to book your Murder Party Mobile "Un mort ce soir" in Lyon.
10. A children's area at the Musée Lugdunum
At the Lugdunum museum, an area has been specially designed to entertain children. Not only can they dress up like Romans, but they can also have fun discovering the habits and customs of days gone by:
- ancient games,
- cooking,
- divinities, etc.
By fully immersing themselves in daily life in Roman times, youngsters can learn while having fun.
If you buy your Lyon City Pass here, you'll enjoy unlimited access to the city's public transport system, as well asfree admission to 25 of the city's museums, including the Musée Lugdunum !
11. Facing up to dinosaurs at the Musée des Confluences
If you're planning a 2-day weekend in Lyon with your children, include the Musée des Confluences in your itinerary. Its exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, are sure to capture the attention of young and old alike. In fact, it's one of the most complete museums you'll find anywhere. From old cars and animal skeletons to ethnic artifacts and mummies , this is a 100% complete museum to discover with the whole family. Remember to book your Lyon City Pass right here: you'll enjoy unlimited access to the city's public transport as well asfree admission to 25 of the city's museums, including priority access to the Musée des Confluences !
Don't forget permanent and temporary exhibitions are free for under-18s!
12. See a children's show in Lyon at Acte 2
L'Acte 2, located on Quai Arloing, offers both classic theater and shows for children. Guignol, Captain Crochu and Aladin are just some of the themes familiar to children, recounted through theater adapted to a young audience. The subjects are vast, original and varied, offering a wide choice for families looking for a pleasant distraction in Lyon. In fact, some shows are open to children as young as 3 years old, to introduce them to the art of theater at an early age, while keeping them entertained at the same time. Click here to discover the program!
13. What to do in Lyon with children? Paddle on the Rhône
Water sports are one of the must-do activities in Lyon in summer, thanks to the presence of the Rhône River. We've already mentioned kayaking in Lyon, but did you know that you can also paddle on the Rhône by booking right here? It's time to work on your balance, whether you're big or small! Equipped with your oars, you're off to discover Lyon from this unusual craft. Will you be able to admire the beauty of the surrounding city as you balance? We're sure you can!
Clever tip: parents can also enjoy paddle yoga in Lyon.
14. Get lost in Lyon's traboules
Children love secret passages, and they'll find some real ones in this city full of surprises! Traboules are one of Lyon's not-to-be-missed free activities that will delight children and parents alike. In the past, they were used to easily connect several streets, but today they offer a picturesque activity in the heart of the city. Children will love moving from one to the other, playing hide-and-seek, discovering with interest what lies at the other end of the passageway... What fun! You can also book this private walking tour of Lyon's Traboules to discover lesser-known traboules hidden in the streets of Vieux Lyon.
15. Challenge yourself at Sensas, discovering our 5 senses
For families aged 7 and over, discover the immersive experiences of Sensas, one of Lyon's not-to-be-missed unusual activities. Deprived of one of your senses, usually sight, you'll experience unusual activities, guided by the Master of the Senses. Laughter is guaranteed, as are emotions and family bonding. This new concept, now present in a number of major cities, raises awareness of disability, while having a lot of fun in the process.
Want to try another fun activity in Lyon? Sign up for the Quiz Room, accessible from age 8, and challenge yourself as a family!
What family outings are there in the Lyon area?
The area around Lyon is also full of interesting family outings. The Planetarium is one of the best, offering a magical journey into the Universe. Children will also love the Lyon Aquarium, actually located in nearby La Mulatière. More than just visits, the aquarium sets itself laudable goals in species protection and visitor education, to ensure a better world for our aquatic friends.
Looking for some fresh air? Head for City Aventure, an accrobranche park in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, accessible from age 3. And adventure fans won't want to miss Ninja Warrior in Villeurbanne, where they can enjoy the same challenges as on TV!
What family outings are there in Lyon when it's raining?
Darn, you open the shutters in the morning and find it's raining! From our point of view, this is a great opportunity to organize a brunch in Lyon with your children. Once you've enjoyed the local specialities, you can get on with your visits, whatever the weather. Why not try out the Musée Cinéma et Miniature on a rainy day in Lyon? It's one of the best unusual museums in France, and well worth a visit! Miniatures, costumes and sets plunge you into the fantastic world of the 7th Art, arousing the interest of children and parents alike. In the "museums to visit when it's raining in Lyon" family, we also recommend the Musée de l'Illusion and the Musée des Confluences, to name but a few!
From unusual activities like Sensas or the Quiz Room, to discovery workshops and escape games, it's impossible to get bored when it rains in Lyon!
What to do in Lyon with a 6-year-old child?
Lyon is one of the ideal destinations for vacationing in France with children, even the youngest! At the Petit Musée de Guignol, you can learn how this famous puppet is made, while contemplating an exhibition that's more original than ever. To relax with the whole family, there's nothing like a stroll through the Parc de la Tête d'Or, which is packed with fun activities for youngsters. In addition to the playgrounds, children under 6 will love the carousel, the rosalie rides, the little train and the mini-boats.
Do you have budding artists? In the 5th arrondissement, you can take part in a parent/child painting workshop, where you can create your own work of art and take it home with you! Last but not least, l'Acte 2 offers shows specially designed for younger children: keep an eye on the program!
You've found the perfect place for an inexpensive family weekend in France. Lyon is a lively city, hosting one of France's best music festivals, as well as museums and other family-friendly activities. If you're lucky enough to travel in autumn, don't miss the Festival Lumière, named after the Lumière brothers, to whom a museum is dedicated. In summer, the Nuits de Fourvière illuminate your evenings with their magical entertainment.
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