Paris in February with kids can feel quiet and chilly, but it’s actually one of the easiest months to get out and explore as a family. With fewer tourists, school holidays to plan around, and lots of indoor exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activities designed for children, there’s plenty happening across the city. Below is my round-up of family-friendly activities and events to enjoy in Paris with kids this February. I also share a new round-up each month, so be sure to check out my other posts for things to do in Paris with kids throughout the year.
1. Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Paris
Chinese New Year is always a highlight on the Paris events calendar. The Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday 17 February 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
The annual Chinese New Year parade returns to the Champs-Élysées on Sunday 1 February 2026, with what’s set to be the most ambitious edition yet. More than 600 performers from France and China will take part, double last year’s number, bringing together nine dragons, fifteen lions, and, for the first time, robots joining the procession. The procession will set off at 2pm from the corner of Avenue George V and will head along the Champs-Élysées up to the Arc de Triomphe. From there, participants will continue along Avenue Foch, Avenue d’Iéna, Avenue Victor Hugo, Rue Lauriston, Avenue Kléber, Rue Vernet, and Avenue Marceau. The event will feature a 15-minute stop in front of the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a free, outdoor event and an easy way to introduce kids to Chinese culture while enjoying one of Paris’s grandest avenues in festive mode.
Belleville and Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement have large Asian communities and therefore have several events planned throughout the month of February to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Belleville Food Market will take place on 19 February, featuring Asian cuisine, lion dance performances, and a lively festive atmosphere to mark the Year of the Fire Horse. Over in the 13th, there are events spread over two weeks, culminating in the iconic Lunar New Year Grand Parade on Sunday, 1 March. Most of the events are free but require pre-registration on the 13th District Town Hall website.
2. Discover the Art of Fashion Crafts at Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera is celebrating the decorative arts of fashion in a series of new exhibitions dedicated to the craftsmanship of fashion. From embroidery and weaving to lacework, printing, and floral embellishments, the first exhibition explores the intricate techniques that have adorned garments and accessories for centuries. Flowers take center stage as a motif, appearing in everything from 18th-century brocades to Chanel’s iconic camellia, highlighting the textures, colours, and details that make each piece a work of art. With over 350 items on display, including garments, accessories, tools, and textile samples, the exhibition gives visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that keeps Paris at the heart of fashion innovation. The Palais Galliera exhibition is perfect for kids interested in fashion and creativity.
For families, there are creative workshops designed for different age groups during the French school holidays:
- Flower-shaped fan making – 21 February, ages 4–6 (€8)
- Personalised bag workshop – 21 February, teens 13–17 (€16)
- Personalise your own canvas bag – 25 February, ages 8–12 (€16)
- Make your own floral brooch – 26 February, ages 7+ (€16-€20)
Address: 10 av. Pierre 1er de Serbie, Paris, 75116
Dates: 30 January 2026 – 10 October 2026
Tickets: €14 adults, €12 (ages 18-26), free for under 18. Buy your tickets here.
3. Explore the World of Manga at the Guimet Museum
This winter, manga takes over the Guimet Museum with Manga. A True Art Form!, a major exhibition spread across all three floors of the museum for the first time, running until 6 March 2026. Designed as a fun, interactive, and educational journey, the exhibition explores the history, techniques, and global influence of manga, from its roots in Japanese art to its impact on animation, fashion, and contemporary culture.
The exhibition is well suited to families, with playful displays, reading and drawing areas, quizzes, and audioguides for children aged 8–12. Kids can recognise familiar manga characters, compare traditional Japanese prints with modern comics, and better understand where these stories come from. One highlight is the immersive space dedicated to Hokusai’s Great Wave, linking classic Japanese art with manga, illustration, and haute couture.
February family-friendly workshops on offer:
- Family Tours (ages 6–12) – Saturday 7 February and Sunday 8 February at 11am
Story-led tours mixing humour and a touch of spooky folklore
€9 kids / €15 adults ⏱1 hour - Show: Yokaï Matsuri! – Saturday 7 February at 7:30pm
Theatre, dance, and music inspired by Japanese folklore
€7 kids / €16 adults ⏱1h15 - Family workshop “Yokai and Company” (ages 7–12) – Sunday 8 February at 2:30pm
Creative workshop inspired by spirits, monsters, and mythical creatures
€9 kids / €15 adults ⏱2 hours - Literary event: Yokai Monsters – The Origins of Manga – Sunday 8 February at 3pm
Free - Musical Awakening workshop (kids under 6) – Sunday, 15 February at 10:15am and 11:15am
- Free with admission, ⏱45mins
- Family workshop: The Art of the Miniature Garden (ages 7–12) – 21 February at 2:30pm
A hands-on workshop inspired by Japanese landscapes
€9 kids / €15 adults - Cinema screenings
– Night Is Short, Walk On Girl by Masaaki Yuasa – Saturday 14 February at 8pm (Free)
– Look Back by Kiyotaka Oshiyama – Wednesday 25 February at 8pm (Free) - Naïko show – 22 February at 5pm
A live-created black-and-white animated film, made in front of the audience
⏱45 mins – €7
Check the website for the full list of events. This exhibition is a great fit for kids and teens who love manga, drawing, or Japanese culture.
Address: 6, place d’Iéna, Paris 75116
Dates: 19 November 2025 – 9 March 2026
Tickets: €15 adults, free for under 26. Buy your tickets here.
4. Explore the Dragons Exhibition at the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum
Running until 1 March 2026, there is a Dragons exhibition at the Musée du quai Branly–Jacques Chirac, one of the Best Museums in Paris for Kids. The exhibition dives into the fascinating history of this mythical creature across cultures and centuries. From the earliest dragon figures carved into ancient jade and bronzes to imperial artworks and contemporary popular imagery, the exhibition shows how dragons have long symbolised strength, harmony, and the balance between earth and sky.
It’s a visually rich exhibition that works well with curious kids, especially those interested in myths, legends, and world cultures. For French-speaking families, the museum also offers year-round family-friendly activities linked to its exhibitions, including storyteller-led visits, guided tours, and hands-on craft workshops. Special guided tours for families are scheduled during February, making this a nice option for a cultural outing during the winter holidays.
Address: 37 Quai Branly, Paris, 75007
Dates: 18 November 2025 – 1 March 2026
Tickets: €14 adults, free for under 26. Buy your tickets here.
5. Discover The Count of Monte Cristo as a Musical at the Folies Bergère
From 5 February to 19 April 2026, the Folies Bergère hosts Monte-Cristo, the Musical, a new stage adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. Set in 19th-century France, this large-scale musical brings the famous story to life through powerful songs, dramatic staging, and an impressive visual backdrop.
The show follows Edmond Dantès, a young man betrayed and imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. After fourteen years locked away in the Château d’If, he escapes and returns to Paris under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo. What unfolds is a story of justice, revenge, and inner conflict, told through music and emotion rather than long dialogue.
This musical is best suited to older children and teens, especially those who enjoy theatre, history, or adventure stories. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to a major work of French literature in a more accessible, engaging format than the original novel.
Address: 32 rue Richer, Paris, 75009
Dates: 5 February 2026 – 19 April 2026
Tickets: €25-€99 depending on seating category. Buy your tickets here.
6. Explore Stones and Stories at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts
This winter, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, invites families to slow down and look closely at the natural world with Stones and Reveries: The Poetry and Minerals of Roger Caillois. The exhibition explores the fascinating mineral collection of French writer Roger Caillois, who spent more than twenty-five years collecting stones that inspired his poetic writing. Inside the exhibition, you’ll see nearly 200 remarkable minerals alongside excerpts from Caillois’ texts, revealing how shapes, patterns, and colours in nature sparked his imagination. It’s a calm, contemplative visit that works well with curious kids who enjoy science, words, or simply looking closely at beautiful objects.
To complement the exhibition, L’ÉCOLE is running a series of hands-on workshops for children of all ages, all inspired by stones, symbols, and creativity.
February family-friendly workshops on offer
- If Stones Could Talk… (ages 3–6) – 25 February at 10am
A gentle storytelling workshop with readings of imaginative tales from the world of stones.
⏱ 45 minutes · Free - Crowns and Swords (ages 6–8) – 28 February at 2:30pm
Children explore royal symbols from around the world and create their own crown or sword using mosaics, feathers, ribbons, and more.
⏱ 2 hours · €15 - From Stone to Poem (ages 9–14) – 26 February at 10am & 2:30pm
A creative writing workshop where minerals become the starting point for poetry and imagination.
⏱ 2 hours · €15 - Poetic Gemology (ages 12–16) – 25 & 28 February at 2:30pm
A deeper dive into minerals, blending observation, storytelling, and poetic expression.
⏱ 2 hours · €15
Address: Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, 16 bis, boulevard Montmartre, Paris, 75009
Dates: 26 November 2025 – 29 March 2026
Tickets: Free admission, upon reservation online here.
7. Build the City of Tomorrow at Little Villette’s Free LEGO® Weekend
If you’re looking for a free activity in Paris with kids this February, head to Little Villette for a playful LEGO®-filled weekend. On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026, Little Villette in the 19th arrondissement is hosting LEGO® – From Village to City, a special themed event to kick off the February school holidays.
Over two days, children are invited to imagine and build the cities of the future using LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks in XXL formats. Through hands-on workshops adapted to different ages, kids can design villages, neighbourhoods, transport networks, and greener cities, all guided by facilitators throughout the day.
Here’s what’s on the program:
- My Little Village (ages 2+)
Toddlers can build their own village with DUPLO® bricks, farm animals, and simple structures. - Build Your Neighborhood (ages 6+)
Create lively neighbourhoods and watch a shared LEGO® city grow as the day goes on. - Build the Change (ages 6+)
Imagine eco-friendly homes, green spaces, and new ways of moving around future cities. - The Little Handyman (ages 4+)
A playful building and repair workshop using tools and construction-themed LEGO® activities. - Cartography (ages 4+)
An open LEGO® wall where kids can map out an imaginative transport network
(Afternoon sessions from 2:30pm to 6:30pm)
Little Villette is a great go-to for families, especially during school holidays, and this LEGO® weekend is an easy, no-booking-needed option for letting kids create, build, and collaborate.
Address: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès, Paris, 75019
Dates: 21-22 February 2026
Tickets: Free
8. Unleash Young Inventors at Les Inventeurs Workshops
If your kids love hands‑on activities, Les Inventeurs in Paris’ 18th arrondissement is a creative space for DIY, making, and crafting. This workshop‑style studio is all about learning to create, repair, and build things yourself. There is everything from carpentry and mosaics to digital fabrication and metalwork, with tools and activities adapted for children, teens, and adults alike.
At Les Inventeurs, the philosophy is all about learning by doing. In a welcoming environment equipped with real materials and tools, young makers can explore the world of woodworking, electronics, 3D modelling, and more, with expert guidance from passionate instructors. Families can book workshops or join sessions throughout the year, with programmes that change regularly to keep ideas fresh and creative.
During the February school holidays, Les Inventeurs runs special holiday workshops for children and teens. In small groups, kids can work on imaginative projects tailored to their age. Whether it’s building a shelf, lamp, mini robot, catapult, or other object they’ll be proud to take home and show off.
Workshops on offer:
- DIY & Carpentry Workshop (ages 6–11) — Full‑day session where children learn basic woodworking and crafting techniques (usually with a picnic lunch included).
- Carpentry & Digital Fabrication (ages 12–15) — Afternoon sessions introducing teens to more advanced making tools and digital tech.
In addition to school holiday programming, Les Inventeurs offers a wide range of weekend and after‑school workshops, themed projects like Space Invader mosaic builds, Petit Train wooden creations, and more for children from around age 4 and up.
It’s a great place for kids and teenagers who love building, inventing, and putting their hands to work and leaving with something they’ve made themselves.
Address: 12 bis Espl. Nathalie Sarraute, Paris, 75018
Dates: check out this website for the full program of ongoing workshops and school holiday specials.
Prices: vary by workshop.
9. Get Splattered in Colour at Paint Invaders
A new immersive art space has recently opened in Paris and it’s all about getting messy. Paint Invaders lets both kids (from age six) and adults step into a fluorescent world where paint is projected, sprayed, and splashed in every direction. Located in the 9th arrondissement, this one-hour experience lets you create your own 50x50cm canvas using fluorescent paints that glow under black light. Everyone is given a poncho and overshoes before entering the studio to protect from splashes.
It’s part art workshop, part sensory adventure, and a wonderful way for families to play and create together. You can even book Paint Invaders for a children’s birthday party. See my Guide to Birthday Party Venues in Paris for more venue ideas.
Address: 4 boulevard Poissonnière, 75009 Paris
Dates: Tuesday to Friday, 4.30pm–9pm; Saturday, 12.30pm–5pm
Tickets: €39 for adults, €35 for teens ages 13-17, €29 for children ages 6-12. Buy tickets here.
10. Fly Above Paris with the Generali Balloon
For great views of Paris, head to Parc André Citroën and ride the Generali Balloon. This giant helium balloon rises 150 meters into the sky for breathtaking 360° views of the city. Operating since 1999, this family-friendly experience offers a ten-minute flight where you can spot Paris’s most famous landmarks from above. The balloon produces no emissions and is fully electric. It’s the third-highest viewpoint in Paris after the Eiffel Tower and the Montparnasse Tower.
No need to book tickets in advance (and you shouldn’t, since flights are weather-dependent and often cancelled if it’s windy). Simply show up, buy your ticket on-site, and hop aboard the next available flight. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just looking for a unique way to see the city, the Generali Balloon offers a fun, eco-friendly adventure high above the Seine.
Address: Parc André Citroën, Paris, 75015
Tickets: €19 for adults and children aged 12+, €14 for ages 3-11. Buy tickets here.
More on Paris
The Best Areas to Stay in Paris with Kids (and WHY!) – help with choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in.
Paris Itineraries with Kids – 8 free day itineraries that cover top attractions, family-friendly activities and restaurants.
What to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day – options for keeping children entertained and dry in the city.
Join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
My Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is also packed with family-friendly tips and recommendations on things to see and do in Paris.
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