Paris in May is one of the best times to explore the city with kids. Now is the perfect time to get outside – parks and playgrounds are in full swing – but there are also plenty of events and activities happening across the city worth checking out. Whether you want to ride a balloon over Paris, see a ballet in lights, bake pastries with a real chef, or discover art and culture in new ways, there’s plenty to do for all ages. Here’s my selection of things to do with kids in Paris in May.
- 1. Explore Panoramart at the Montparnasse Tower Observatory
- 2. Dive into Napoleon's History in Virtual Reality
- 3. Check Out the European Night of Museums
- 4. Check out the Exhibition Workshop at the 19M Gallery
- 5. Fly Above Paris with the Generali Balloon
- 6. Visit the Little Prince Immersive Exhibit at the Atelier des Lumières
- 7. Spend the Day at Jardin d’Acclimatation
- 8. Watch the Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan
- 9. Watch the Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
- 10. Book a Pastry Workshop for Kids at Lili & Clo
1. Explore Panoramart at the Montparnasse Tower Observatory
From 3 April to 31 October, 2025, the Paris Montparnasse Observatory takes art to new heights – literally – with Panoramart, a vibrant exhibition by French illustrator Aurélien Jeanney. Perched 210 meters above the city on the Observatory’s 56th floor, visitors can experience ten colourful, larger-than-life murals that blend optical illusions, trompe-l’œil, and futuristic urban dreams, turning Paris’s iconic skyline into a dynamic, interactive canvas.
Admission to Panoramart is included with a Montparnasse Tower Observatory ticket. Even better – kids 11 and under get free admission every Wednesday and Sunday from 6 April to 29 October, 2025, as long as they’re accompanied by a paying adult. Between spotting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur from the panoramic terrace, running around the open-air deck, and soaking in the colourful creativity of Panoramart, the Observatory makes for a fun family day out. Plus, when little legs get tired, there’s an on-site café for a quick recharge.
Address: Montparnasse Tower, 33 Avenue du Maine, Paris 75015
Dates: 3 April 2025 – 31 October 2025
Tickets: the standard access ticket to the Montparnasse Towers is €20.50 for adults, €15.50 (for ages 12-17), €10.50 (for ages 4-11), free for under 4. Buy your tickets here.
2. Dive into Napoleon’s History in Virtual Reality
Until 30 June, 2025, step inside history with an immersive virtual reality experience marking the 220th anniversary of Napoleon’s coronation. This one-hour journey begins with a mini-museum introducing key figures and milestones from Napoleon’s life, setting the stage for what’s to come. Then, after a quick safety briefing, you’ll slip on a VR headset and spend 28 minutes in a fictional museum where Napoleon himself recounts his great epics and personal memories.
Designed to be both educational and accessible, the experience offers a nuanced look at Napoleon’s legacy while prioritizing visual immersion over heavy historical detail. Visitors are free to explore the virtual scenes, ask questions via a conversational AI, and even leave with a personalized imperial portrait as a souvenir. The exhibition is open to ages 8 and up, making it a family-friendly activity for anyone curious about one of France’s most iconic figures.
Address: 22 rue du Départ, Paris 75015
Dates: Until 30 June 2025
Tickets: €22 for adults, €17 (for ages 8-15). Buy your tickets here.
3. Check Out the European Night of Museums
On Saturday, 17 May, 2025, Paris hosts the 21st edition of European Museum Night (Nuit Européenne des Musées), a cultural event launched in 2005. Over 80 museums in Paris – and thousands across Europe – stay open late for this one-night-only celebration. Entry is free, giving access to permanent collections, special exhibitions, and a wide range of cultural events. From 6pm until midnight, visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops, concerts, readings, films, and immersive light and sound installations.
Big names like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay will be taking part, alongside smaller gems such as the Palais Galliera. Many events are family-friendly, and while most are open entry, a few may require advance booking due to limited space. It’s a rare chance to see Paris’s cultural treasures in a festive atmosphere – and maybe even discover a few new favourites along the way. Full program details and participating venues can be found here.
Date: 17 May 2025
4. Check out the Exhibition Workshop at the 19M Gallery
From 13 March to 18 May 2025, Ornementa at Galerie du 19M offers a free, hands-on dive into the magical world behind Chanel’s haute couture. Families can explore embroidery, feathers, leatherwork, and more in a dreamy, interactive setting designed by Studio GGSV. Cutting, folding, assembling, and sewing turn into a playful journey through craftsmanship. It’s a rare, imaginative look behind the scenes of Parisian artistry, with a cozy on-site café to relax in afterward.
Workshops are free, but booking online is highly recommended – and be sure to arrive five minutes early to secure your spot. If you can’t snag a time slot for Ornementa, check the Galerie du 19M website for other kid-friendly workshops, like a special embroidered felt painting workshop running from 3 to 17 May 2025.
Address: 2 pl Skanderbeg, Paris 75019
Dates: Until 18 May, 2025
Tickets: Ornementa exhibition-workshop is free but you need to book your time slot in advance here.
5. 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, all in complete safety and near silence – 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.
6. Visit the Little Prince Immersive Exhibit at the Atelier des Lumières
From 11 April to 6 July 2025, the Atelier des Lumières unveils a brand-new immersive exhibition that brings to life the magical world of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Based on the beloved French classic Le Petit Prince – a poetic and philosophical tale of a young boy who travels from planet to planet, discovering the meaning of love, friendship, and what really matters.
Using state-of-the-art video projections and spatialized sound, the exhibition transports visitors into the heart of the story. You’ll wander through glowing deserts, encounter fantastical planets, and step onto the Little Prince’s tiny home, asteroid B612. With every surface lit up in motion and colour, it’s a fully immersive 360° journey that blurs the line between story and space. This innovative exhibition offers a new way to experience art, making it a perfect outing for all ages.
Address: 38 rue Saint-Maur, 75011, Paris
Tickets: €13 per person, free for those under the age of 3. Buy tickets here.
7. Spend the Day at Jardin d’Acclimatation
For a perfect family day out in warm weather, head to Paris’s only amusement park, Jardin d’Acclimatation, tucked away in the Bois de Boulogne. Open year-round, the park features over 40 rides and attractions, including carousels, pony rides, a mini-zoo, puppet shows, a splash park, and some of the best playgrounds in the city. There is plenty to keep kids (and parents) happily entertained all day long.
In April 2025, the park debuted an exciting new rollercoaster, The Dragon’s Challenge, perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a little extra adrenaline. And if you’re visiting on Sunday, 18 May 2025, don’t miss the park’s lively celebration of Holi, the Indian festival of colours, with music, dancing, and festive events running from 10am to 7pm.
Address: Bois de Boulogne, Carrefour des Sablons, Paris, 75116
Tickets: 1 Day Pass with unlimited access to the park and attractions: €48 adults and children taller than 80cm. Free for children shorter than 80cm. Buy your tickets here.
8. Watch the Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan
Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan is a one-hour family-friendly performance running on select dates at Théâtre du Gymnase Marie Bell. The show reinterprets J.M. Barrie’s classic story through contemporary ballet, with six local dancers wearing illuminated costumes to enhance the choreography. Suitable for children aged five and up, the performance combines classical dance and modern light technology to depict scenes from Neverland, including Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinkerbell. Doors open 30 minutes before the show starts, and seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each ticket zone.
There is an evening performance at 19.30pm on 14 May, followed by 5 June and 3 July 2025.
Address: 38 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris, 75010
Dates: 14 May 2025
Tickets: From €15 per person (depending on seating category). Buy tickets here.
9. Watch the Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty brings the legendary fairytale to life at Théâtre du Gymnase Marie Bell in Paris, combining classical dance with spectacular illuminated costumes. In this one-hour performance, dancers glide across the stage in breathtaking choreography, their costumes lighting up to create a dazzling fusion of color, movement, and magic. Suitable for families and children aged five and up, this reimagined version of Sleeping Beauty offers a fresh, visually stunning take on the beloved story. Performances run on select dates, with tickets available in advance and seating assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each ticket zone.
There is an evening performance at 19.30pm on 3 May and the next one on 6 June 2025.
Address: 38 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris, 75010
Dates: 3 May 2025
Tickets: From €15 per person (depending on seating category). Buy tickets here.
10. Book a Pastry Workshop for Kids at Lili & Clo
At Lili & Clo in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, kids join fun pastry workshops led by a professional chef. The chef has trained at Ferrandi and worked at the Ritz and Mandarin Oriental. Workshops last 1.5 hours and are limited to 5 to 8 children per session. Kids knead, mix, cut, and decorate on their own – everything is provided, including aprons, tools, and ingredients. Each session features a new recipe, from shortbread and madeleines to cupcakes or macarons. Children take home their creations in a proper pastry box – proud and ready to share (or not).
Workshops are held two Wednesdays per month, even during school holidays, between 2pm and 4.30pm, and are conducted in French. They do offer private cooking classes in English.
Address: 60 rue de Cléry, Paris, 75002
Prices: €39 per child. Book tickets on the Lili & Clo website.
May is such a beautiful time of year to be in Paris. I hope these ideas inspire you to explore the city as a family. Share your favourite places and activities to discover in Paris this May in the comments below!
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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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