Paris art with kids – and more quirky things to do
To say Paris is not short of art is like saying falling into the Seine is wet. The Mona Lisa. Venus de Milo. Monet’s Waterlilies. In fact, the whole of the Louvre, the entirety of the Musee D’Orsay, Rodin, medieval, modern – museums galore.
But while a baby might snooze and gaze in some of the quieter galleries, not too many are going to suit younger children. So instead of old masters, it’s worth trying something a bit more interactive if you’re looking for Paris art with kids.
I’ve found a couple of great options, along with open-air sculpture on my Paris buggy walk along with more ideas of things to do in Paris with kids, when I return with a slightly older daughter. Because one day, we will be back!
The Centre Pompidou
Free to enter and wander around, the whole building is brightly coloured and weird and wonderful enough for kids. And as well as changing exhibitions, the Centre Pompidou is home to the Galerie des Enfants.
Adults have to pay to enter – general entry fee covers this – and there are regular workshops. It’s worth checking exactly what’s on though. Some are aimed at ages two/three and upwards, but on our visit, the Frieda Kahlo activities were for children of five plus.
Just around the corner is the sculpture of the Stravinsky Fountain, free to enjoy and with bold shapes and primary colours that toddlers will love too.
Part of a programme to build seven contemporary fountains with sculpture in different squares of Paris, all the works are based on compositions by Stravinsky – although with the water splashing and spraying and the sunlight illuminating everything from an elephant to a huge red pair of lips, you don’t need to know anything about the music to enjoy them.
Le CentQuatre
Tucked away in the 19th arrondissement, this cultural centre is a fantastic find not far from the Bassin de la Villette. Designed to include all forms of art – theatre, dance, music, cinema, video, culinary, digital and urban – Le CentQuatre is an odd combination that somehow works.
In the large open hall upstairs, you can watch performance artists practising anything from juggling to all kinds of dance. Around the walls there are works by different artists, including photos and digital, and with enough of a background buzz that children can dip in and out of what’s on display without any hushed gallery atmosphere to shatter.
It’s also home to the Maison des Enfants, for children under six and their parents, designed to encourage artistic learning and experimentation. There’s space for up to 30 and no reservations are taken so if it’s full (as, sadly, it was when we visited) you can only wait and hope room opens up.
There’s space for children to play while you do, with books and room to run around in the petit salon along with cafes and a restaurant.
Paris with kids: next time
I don’t think I’ve ever travelled anywhere and not wished I’d had longer to explore (except an unpleasant few days Slovakia in the mid 90s – I’ve since even been back there, for a much better trip). And Paris is no exception.
We managed to fit in a huge amount from my ambitious list of things to do, despite Monday closing, but there were a few left, not least finding a traditional Guignol puppet theatre. So… for next time…
Cite des Enfants
Set within the Cite des Sciences, the Cite des Enfants is best for slightly older children than my toddler as the sections are split into two to seven years, and five to 12 (with around 100 activities in the latter).
It’s worth booking entry as there’s a limited number of children allowed in for the 90 minute slots. On a quiet Thursday in February, you might be fine but a summer weekend or Wednesday (when French kids aren’t at school), is likely to be busier.
Promenade Plantee
Paris’ equivalent of the New York High Line, the green space has been created on the old railway line running from Place de la Bastille.
With wilder sections and more park-like areas, the Promenade Plantee has tunnels and trenches and great views along the 3 mile stretch. But while we were lucky with the weather in February, I can’t help feeling this is best for a sunnier time of year.
Musee en herbe
A museum aimed at three (well, two and a half) to 103, there are activities for younger kids at the Musee en herbe – although these must be booked – as well as exhibitions. The key is that it’s all aimed at children, so you needn’t worry about hushed voices.
Palais de la Decouverte
This impressive science museum is home to a Planetarium (for over sixes), chemistry demonstrations (including a forensics lab) and a section where you can discover a bit more about electromagnetism first-hand – among other science-related sections at the Palais de la Decouverte. Perfect for budding scientists.
Images: copyright MummyTravels
