What to do in Paris in Autumn with the Family?

Autumn in Paris has a special kind of magic: the trees in the Luxembourg Gardens glow with warm colors, café terraces offer cozy blankets, and museums unveil their major fall exhibitions. It’s also the perfect season for kid-friendly activities that delight both parents and children. If you’re looking for family activities in Paris in autumn, here’s a complete guide inspired by the cultural calendar and seasonal highlights.

1. Explore Parisian Parks in Autumn Colors

From October onwards, Paris’s green spaces turn into picture-perfect landscapes. Families can enjoy walks and simple activities:

  • Luxembourg Gardens: its tree-lined paths are perfect for running and playing. Children will love the puppet theater and the traditional wooden sailboats on the basin.

  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: with its hills, lake, and suspension bridge, it’s a true adventure playground.

  • Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne: ideal for family bike rides and playgrounds galore.

The golden light and mild temperatures of autumn make these outings even more enjoyable.

Bois de Boulogne

2. Discover Fall Exhibitions

Autumn marks the start of the cultural season in Paris, with major exhibitions designed to engage families:

  • Musée d’Orsay: this year’s exhibition on Van Gogh is drawing large crowds, with family-friendly workshops to introduce kids to art in fun ways.

  • Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle: a must for families, with temporary exhibitions on dinosaurs and ecology that fascinate all ages.

  • Atelier des Lumières: immersive projections are especially captivating for children. This autumn, a program dedicated to Chagall and modern masters promises to amaze the whole family.

Musée d'Orsay

3. Enjoy Seasonal Events

Autumn in Paris also means festivals and special events:

  • Halloween: Parc Astérix and Disneyland Paris host special evenings with parades, shows, and themed decorations. Many museums and gardens also offer pumpkin-carving workshops and activities.

  • Fête des Vendanges in Montmartre (October): a family-friendly celebration with parades, concerts, and tastings in a festive neighborhood atmosphere.

  • Nuit Blanche (October): contemporary art installations light up the city, with some kid-friendly displays that make Paris feel like a giant open-air gallery.

Montmartre

4. Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

When the weather turns, Paris offers plenty of indoor family fun:

  • Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in La Villette has interactive exhibits and a dedicated Children’s City (ages 2–12).

  • Aquarium de Paris near the Trocadéro is perfect for exploring marine life, complete with shows and workshops.

  • Family escape games: more and more venues in Paris offer kid-friendly scenarios from age 6 upwards, ideal for teamwork and family bonding.

Cité des sciences et de l'industrie

5. Taste Autumn Delights

Autumn in Paris is also about cozy treats and seasonal flavors:

  • Angelina (Rue de Rivoli) for its legendary hot chocolate.

  • Parisian bakeries offering seasonal pastries, brioches, and viennoiseries — the perfect reward after a crisp autumn walk.

  • Paris markets, like Bastille or Aligre, are great for picking up apples, pears, and pumpkins to cook together at home.

Boulangerie Parisienne

With its colorful parks, inspiring exhibitions, festive events, and indoor activities, Paris in autumn is a dream destination for families. The city combines culture, entertainment, and warmth in a way that creates unforgettable memories. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, there’s always an activity to bring the family together.

So, if you’re searching for family-friendly activities in Paris this autumn, let the season’s colors and cultural calendar guide you. In autumn, Paris has never been more welcoming for families!

Credits: @Pixabay

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