Paris in the rain has its own unique charm, but when you have a five-year-old eager to explore, a downpour can feel like a challenge. Fear not! The City of Light is brimming with family-friendly activities to transform a rainy day into an unforgettable adventure. As a journalist and father living in Paris, here are my tried-and-tested recommendations.
Science and Discovery Adventures
Our favorite rainy day sanctuary is the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019) in Parc de la Villette. Take Metro Line 7 to Porte de la Villette, and you’ll find yourself at this interactive science wonderland. The Cité des Enfants is a dedicated space where little ones can experiment, play, and discover. My daughter particularly loves the water play area (bring spare clothes!). Pro tip: Book your time slots online, especially for weekend visits, and try to catch the first session at 10:15 – it’s notably quieter.
For older kids and teenagers, the planetarium shows are mesmerizing, and the submarine exhibition never fails to impress. The cafeteria can get crowded, but there’s a lovely local bistro, “Le Petit Resto” (5 minutes walk), that welcomes families with open arms.
Artistic Exploration
The Musée d’Orsay (1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007) isn’t just for adults – their family programs are exceptional. Take Metro Line 12 to Solférino, and you’ll find yourself at this converted train station that houses incredible art. Weekend workshops let kids create their own masterpieces inspired by the great Impressionists. Book these in advance on their website – they fill up quickly!
For a more hands-on creative experience, we love visiting Le Petit Atelier (14 Rue Servandoni, 75006). This charming art studio near Luxembourg Gardens offers drop-in sessions where children can paint, sculpt, or draw. The instructors speak English, and you get to take home your creations.
Magical Stories and Sweet Treats
While Notre-Dame de Paris was under renovation, the surrounding area still holds plenty of magic. Shakespeare and Company (37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005) has become our rainy day haven. Their children’s corner upstairs is cozy and welcoming, with English and French books. The staff don’t mind if little ones get comfortable and read for a while.
When energy levels start to dip, nothing beats a hot chocolate break at Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001). Yes, it’s touristy, but their thick hot chocolate is legendary, and they offer a special children’s menu. Visit before 11:00 AM to avoid the longest queues. For a more local experience, try Carette (25 Place des Vosges, 75003) in the beautiful Place des Vosges – their child-sized hot chocolate comes with a little extra whipped cream if you ask nicely.
Indoor Adventures
The Aquarium de Paris (5 Avenue Albert de Mun, 75016) near Trocadéro is our go-to spot when the rain gets heavy. The shark feeding sessions at 2:30 PM are a highlight, and the touch pools let kids get hands-on with sea life. Book tickets online to skip the queues.
For burning off energy, we head to Royal Kids (1 Rue des Anciennes Mairies, 92000 Nanterre). This indoor playground is worth the short RER A ride to Nanterre-Ville. It’s clean, well-maintained, and has separate areas for different age groups. Parents can enjoy decent coffee while watching their little ones play.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
The Forum des Images (2 Rue du Cinéma, 75001) in Les Halles regularly screens children’s films, many with English subtitles. The entire Les Halles complex is perfect for rainy days – you can stay dry while exploring shops, grabbing lunch, or visiting the excellent play area on Level -3.
For something truly Parisian, try the Théâtre de la Marionnette (73 Rue Mouffetard, 75005). Their puppet shows transcend language barriers, and the intimate setting makes it special. Book ahead for weekend shows.
Emergency Provisions
I’ve learned to always carry:
- Spare socks (Paris puddles are irresistible)
- A light raincoat (umbrellas are impractical with kids)
- Snacks and water
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
If you need to stock up, any Monoprix store will have children’s essentials, and most have clean bathroom facilities.
When You Need a Break
Sometimes, the best thing to do is embrace the cozy side of Paris. Many hotels, like the family-friendly Novotel Paris Les Halles (8 Place Marguerite de Navarre, 75001), have comfortable lobbies where you can relax with board games and hot drinks. The staff are used to families taking refuge from the rain.
A Final Note
Rain in Paris doesn’t mean the adventure stops—it just changes shape. Some of our favorite family memories have been made on rainy days, ducking from one warm, welcoming place to another, discovering hidden treasures along the way. And as my daughter often says when the clouds gather, “Papa, this means hot chocolate weather!” In Paris, she’s absolutely right.
Remember to check opening hours online, as they can vary by season, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions – Parisians are much friendlier than their reputation suggests, especially when you’re traveling with children.