If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Paris with kids in January, don’t let the chilly weather fool you. From ice skating rinks, kid-friendly museum exhibits to outdoor light festivals, Paris has lots of things to offer for little ones and parents alike. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly things to do in Paris this January 2025.
- 1. Celebrate Epiphany with Galette des Rois
- 2. Visit Museums with Kid-Friendly Exhibits
- 3. Visit the Re-Opened Notre Dame Cathedral
- 4. Attend the Music Day at La Philharmonie des Enfants
- 5. Go Ice Skating at Grand Palais
- 6. Visit the Lantern Festival: The Dinosaur Ball at Jardin d’Acclimatation
- 7. Marvel at the Winter Light Festival at Jardin des Plantes
- 8. Stroll the Covered Passages
- 9. Warm Up With Hot Chocolate
- 10. Hit the Winter Sales
1. Celebrate Epiphany with Galette des Rois
Kick off the year by indulging in a French tradition with the best Galettes des Rois in Paris! This delightful pastry, which translates to “Cake of Kings,” is a tribute to the three wise men (or kings) who brought gifts to baby Jesus on the Epiphany. In 2025, Epiphany is celebrated on Monday, 6 January, and throughout the month of January, Parisian bakeries are full of these flaky, buttery pastries filled with frangipane (a mixture of almond cream and pastry cream). Hidden inside each galette is a tiny surprise, called a “fève” (literally, a “bean”). Whoever finds it gets to wear the golden crown and is declared king or queen for the day.
Each bakery in Paris offers traditional classic versions of the galette. However, famous patisseries take it a step further, creating their own special versions for the holiday. These artisanal creations range from the traditional frangipane galettes to innovative varieties with chocolate, chestnut cream, and other exciting fillings. Each year, pastry chefs experiment with new tastes and flavors, making January the perfect month to sample a few different options.
If you’re on the hunt for the finest galette this year, the prestigious title of the best almond galette in the Paris region for 2025 goes to La Fabrique aux Gourmandises, located in the 14th arrondissement. This coveted award is part of the annual competition organized by the Syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris, which celebrates the artistry of this iconic French pastry. Read Where to Buy the Best Galettes des Rois in Paris in 2025 for more suggestions for where to buy these treats.
2. Visit Museums with Kid-Friendly Exhibits
There are plenty of kid-friendly museums to visit in Paris in January with kids, perfect for indoor activities on chilly days. Click here to explore my selection of the best Paris museums for kids. Below are some of the temporary exhibitions in Paris this month that would appeal to kids of various ages.
L’histoire en LEGO Briques (“History in Bricks”) exhibition at Musée de l’Armée)
Step into the “History in Bricks” exhibition at the Musée de l’Armée, featuring stunning LEGO and COBI brick creations until 12 January 2025. Explore miniature reconstructions of iconic historical scenes, from the Middle Ages to the Second World War, featuring figures like Louis XIV, Napoleon, knights, and musketeers.
Families can dive into creativity in a play area where they can build their own LEGO stories and take home a tutorial for recreating them. A treasure hunt adds an extra layer of fun as visitors search for hidden LEGO and COBI figurines in the museum’s collections.
Address: Hôtel National des Invalides, 129 rue de Grenelle, 75007, Paris
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Tickets: Buy your tickets here.
- Daytime price: €18 (€10 for 4-25 year-olds)
- Night rate: €21 (€13 for 4-25 year olds)
- Free for children under 4
The LEGO ticket also gives access to the permanent collections and the tomb of Napoleon I (Eglise du Dôme – except on night-time evenings).
Egyptian Pharaohs at the Atelier des Lumières
Running until 5 January, 2025, this immersive exhibition in Paris takes you deep into ancient Egypt. The Atelier des Lumières transforms its space with 140 projectors and sound, creating dynamic images on floors, ceilings, and walls. Visitors are surrounded by vivid depictions of daily life along the Nile, the grandeur of pyramids, and temples. It’s a 360-degree journey through three millennia of history.
Address: 38 rue Saint-Maur, 75011, Paris
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm daily
Tickets: €18 for adults, €11 for children (aged 3-11), free for those under the age of 3. Buy tickets here.
Astérix: Le Voyage Immersif at the Atelier des Lumières
Running until 22 January, 2025, this exhibition dives into the world of Astérix and Obélix. Marking 65 years of the iconic comic, this exhibition uses immersive projections to immerse visitors in the characters’ adventures.
Address: 38 rue Saint-Maur, 75011, Paris
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm daily
Tickets: €18 for adults, €11 for children (aged 3-11), free for those under the age of 3. Buy tickets here.
Dolce & Gabbana Exhibition at Grand Palais
If your teens love fashion, check out the new exhibition “Du Cœur à la Main: Dolce&Gabbana” at the Grand Palais in Paris, running from 10 January to 31 March 2025. It’s the first time the luxury brand’s unique creations, inspired by Italian culture and crafted by skilled artisans, are all in one place.
The exhibition takes you through the designers’ creative journey, showing how their ideas go from the heart to being beautifully made by hand. You’ll see incredible pieces that highlight Italy’s rich history, from art and architecture to music, opera, and “la dolce vita.” It’s a must-see for anyone into fashion or design.
Address: Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008, Paris
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm daily (later times available on select days)
Tickets: €24 for adults, €19 for children (aged 5-15), free for those under the age of 5. Buy tickets here.
Family workshops at Centre Pompidou
Inside the Pompidou Centre, you’ll find the Galerie des Enfants, a kids’ gallery designed for children aged four and over. It features fun and interactive exhibitions that change annually. While entry is free, booking a time slot is highly recommended. The latest exhibition, “Tenir Tête”, runs until 6 January 2025. Illustrator and author Marion Fayolle takes children on a poetic journey around the theme of nomadic encampments. Large tents host unique workshops, including shadow plays and animated projections.
In addition, art workshops and classes are available as part of the Atelier des Enfants, catering to children from 6 months to 10 years old. These activities are designed to introduce them to contemporary art. Teenagers have their own dedicated space, Studio 13/16, which offers free artist-led workshops and other events. For the youngest visitors (6 months to 2 years), the “Hexacolore” workshop runs until 9 February 2025, introducing kids to colors and shapes through immersive installations. Toddlers (3-5 years old) and older children (6-10 years old) can participate in the “Surréalisme, mais encore?” workshops run until 9 March 2025, which spark creativity using images, objects, and words.
There’s plenty to explore in the main part of the centre as well. Begin your visit on the top floor by riding the outdoor escalators to their highest point to take in breathtaking views of Paris’s rooftops, with the iconic Eiffel Tower rising in the distance. Once you’ve enjoyed the panorama, head inside to discover the extraordinary collection of modern art by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky, descending through the levels until you reach the ground floor.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou 75004 Paris
Opening hours: most workshops are run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check the official website for more details.
Tickets: each workshop is priced differently, about €8-15 per child. Reserve your tickets for workshops here and entry tickets to the Pompidou Centre here.
3. Visit the Re-Opened Notre Dame Cathedral
After five years of meticulous restoration, Notre Dame Cathedral officially reopened in December 2024. I was fortunate to go inside Notre Dame Cathedral during its first week of reopening and thouroughly recommend to visit the cathedral.
As of 10 December, 2024, Notre Dame Cathedral is open to the public for both worship and tourism. Access to the cathedral is free of charge every day during its opening hours, and reservations are not mandatory.
While reservations are not mandatory, it is highly recommended to reserve a time slot a day or two in advance, or even on the day of your visit. Without a reservation, you can still enter, but you may face longer wait times, especially during busy periods. New time slots are added regularly, so it’s a good idea to check the website frequently for updated availability.
To reserve your free ticket, visit the official website or a dedicated mobile app of Notre-Dame de Paris. Use the interactive reservation portal to select a time slot from the available options, and your digital ticket will be sent to you by email.
4. Attend the Music Day at La Philharmonie des Enfants
Families with children as young as 3 months are invited to enjoy a day full of exciting activities at the Philharmonie des Enfants in Paris (19th arrondissement) on Sunday, 12 January 2025. From 10am to 6pm, the Philharmonie des Enfants is hosting a festive event to celebrate three major anniversaries: 30 years of the Cité de la Musique, 20 years of the Médiathèque, and 10 years of the Philharmonie.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of free activities, including concerts, shows, workshops, and guided tours of the Philharmonie des Enfants. There will also be a special party to mark the occasion. All these activities are included in the price of the entrance ticket to the Philharmonie des Enfants. Advance reservations are not required—simply arrive on the day of the event and sign up for activities on-site.
The Philharmonie des Enfants
If you haven’t heard about the Philharmonie des Enfants before, this is a 1,000 m² space within the Philharmonie de Paris, designed to introduce children aged 4 and older to the fascinating world of music. From toddlers to pre-teens, this kid-friendly space offers something for everyone. This educational space allows young visitors to explore the magic of music through interactive experiences. Kids can discover how instruments work and what happens behind the scenes of musical performances. Activities include self-guided tours, guided tours, and hands-on musical workshops. Check out the program of musical concerts and events run throughout the year designed specifically for families and young children.
Address: 221 avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris
Opening Hours:
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 9.30am –12.45pm and 1.30pm–5.30pm
- Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm
- During the French school holidays, the venue is also open on Mondays.
Tickets: €15 for adults and children aged two and up; free for children under the age of two.
5. Go Ice Skating at Grand Palais
After a five-year hiatus, the massive indoor ice rink beneath the stunning glass dome of the Grand Palais in Paris is open again, running until 8 January 2025. The venue is gorgeous and it’s a great activity to do with kids this January. Your experience will vary depending on when you visit. Daytime is perfect for families, while evenings have a grown-up vibe with a live DJ, lights, and a party atmosphere.
For kids or beginners, there’s a separate practice area to help them get comfortable before joining the main rink. When we visited in the morning, the rink was buzzing with kids having a blast—it’s a fantastic family outing!
Ice skates are included in the ticket price, but don’t forget to bring gloves—they’re required. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, and even with pre-booked tickets, expect a short wait in line outside. The line may look long but moves quickly.
Daily Sessions:
- Morning: 10am–1pm (€25 adults, €15 kids aged 3+)
- Afternoon: 2pm–7pm (€30 adults, €18 kids aged 3+)
- Evening: 8pm–2am (€36 adults and kids aged 3+)
Tickets: Click here to buy tickets.
6. Visit the Lantern Festival: The Dinosaur Ball at Jardin d’Acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is hosting the Lantern Festival: The Dinosaur Ball, running until 2 March 2025. This stunning 6-hectare Christmas walk features 2,000 lanterns and illuminated displays, all centered around dinosaurs. Visitors can explore 40 Mesozoic-era dinosaur species, including tyrannosaurs and triceratops, along a breathtaking 24-stage illuminated trail.
To make the evening even more magical, the Jardin d’Acclimatation has introduced two new attractions: Jurassic Island’s VR Xperience, a dynamic virtual reality adventure, and 360° Xperience, an immersive film that transports you back to the age of dinosaurs. For thrill-seekers, there’s an exciting new addition—a Giant Ferris Wheel offering spectacular aerial views of the illuminated course.
Tickets: Click here to buy tickets.
- Adults: €18
- Children (4-11): €12
- Free for children under 4
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 6pm–9.30pm (last admission at 9pm)
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays outside French school holidays
7. Marvel at the Winter Light Festival at Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes offers year-round fun, this year transforming into a magical night time experience with beautiful light displays. Each year features a new theme, and this year, it’s all about Dinosaurs – Jurassic Illuminated at Jardin des Plantes is running until 19 January 2025. Stroll through illuminated gardens where monumental sculptures and paleoenvironments bring dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and early birds to life. The walk is outside so bundle up while you explore.
Tickets cost €18 for adults, €15 for children (aged 3-12), free for those under the age of 3. Click here to buy tickets.
8. Stroll the Covered Passages
On chilly days, Paris’ historic covered passages offer a warm and charming escape. Known as “passages couverts,” these iconic glass-roofed arcades date back to the 19th century and were among the first sheltered shopping malls. They provided elegant Parisians with protected walkways for browsing shops, cafes, and entertainment venues, reflecting a fascinating era of urban and social transformation in the city.
Today, these passages are lined with quaint boutiques, toy stores, and cozy cafes. Some of the best to explore with kids in Paris in January include Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage Jouffroy. Children can hunt for vintage treasures, discover unique books, and enjoy sweet treats at one of the many charming cafes. Don’t miss Si Tu Veux toy store inside Galerie Vivienne, offering traditional wooden toys, or Pain d’Épices in Passage Jouffroy, known for its extensive selection of miniature figures and dollhouse accessories.
9. Warm Up With Hot Chocolate
After walking around Paris this January, warming up in a cozy café is a must. Here are my recommendations for the best places to enjoy high-quality hot chocolate in Paris this January:
- Angelina: Located at 226 Rue de Rivoli, across from the Tuileries Garden, Angelina is a Parisian icon since 1903. Its Belle Époque decor, with chandeliers and mirrored walls, exudes timeless elegance. Known for “L’Africain” hot chocolate—rich, thick, and velvety—it’s a must-try, often paired with fresh whipped cream. A favourite spot for both locals and tourists.
- Carette: My favourite branch is at 25 Place des Vosges in the Marais district. With its Art Deco interior and picturesque location in Paris’s oldest planned square, it’s perfect for a break. The hot chocolate, served with a bowl of chantilly cream, is rich and indulgent. Established in 1927, Carette also has nice pastries and light meals, making it a popular spot for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
- Jacques Genin: Situated at 133 Rue de Turenne, Jacques Genin is a haven for chocolate lovers and one of France’s top chocolatiers. The sleek, minimalist shop doubles as a tea salon, where you can enjoy perfectly crafted hot chocolate made from premium cocoa beans. Don’t leave without picking up some of Genin’s famous caramels to take home with you.
10. Hit the Winter Sales
January kicks off with the highly anticipated “Soldes d’Hiver,” or official winter sales period, running from 8 January to 4 February 2025. These sales are a shopper’s dream, offering discounts on a wide range of items—from fashion and accessories to home goods and electronics.
Shopping with kids might sound challenging, but Paris’s iconic department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché have made it easier. Many feature play areas to keep little ones entertained and family-friendly cafés where you can take a break. While you’re browsing, look out for deals on children’s clothing, toys, and even family travel gear. These sales are the perfect opportunity to snag stylish outfits for your kids, fun games, or practical items for your next vacation. The famous French brands like my favourite Petit Bateau participate in the January sale promotions, offering substantial discounts across most of their ranges.
Have you done any of these activities in January or any other times of the year with kids? Share your favourite places and activities to discover in Paris this January in the comments below!
If you’re looking for Paris itineraries with kids, then check out my free Paris Itineraries with Kids. 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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