Looking for something truly local and unique this weekend in Lyon (Jan 24-25)? Skip the usual spots! We’ve dug up hands-on workshops, community cinema days, and a massive reading festival happening across the city's libraries.
Quick Picks
Festival of Learning
Maison de l'Environnement (Lyon 7)
A totally free Saturday dedicated to planet-friendly games and workshops.
Family Movie Day: 'Vive la Famille'
MJC Montchat (Lyon 3)
An entire day of diverse family films, perfect for cozying up indoors.
Family Movie Day: 'Vive la Famille' (Morning Session)
MJC Montchat (Lyon 3)
The 10:00 AM screening is specifically for children aged 3 and up.
· January 24
5FAMILY MOVIE DAY: 'VIVE LA FAMILLE' : Spend the day at MJC Montchat with four different screenings! Start early with shorts for toddlers, then catch *Migration*, *The Mitchells vs. the Machines*, and finish the night with *Wolf Children*.This is a great deal if you want to see multiple films, especially the slightly more niche animation choices like *Wolf Children* later on.
FESTIVAL OF LEARNINGFREE : Head to Lyon 7 for the 'Festival de l'Apprendre'! It's a whole day focused on ecology, featuring fun games, hands-on craft workshops, and film debates about taking care of the planet.It's entirely free and focuses on active participation (workshops/games) which is perfect for curious kids who love getting involved.
NUITS DE LA LECTURE (NIGHT OF READING)FREE : The city's libraries are hosting their 10th 'Nuits de la lecture' across multiple venues until January 25th. It’s a chance to discover special, one-off literary events happening after hours.This is a true local cultural event that spreads across the city, offering unique, non-standard library programming.
THE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD : See a modern, happy-ending adaptation of the classic Grimm tale, *Le Petit Chaperon rouge*, performed by the Das Plateau company. Great for younger theatre-goers this weekend.It’s a classic story tailored for young audiences and runs only until Sunday, making it a great weekend theatre outing.
CARTOON OR DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! : If your older kids need something high-energy, check out this show at TNG Vaise. It promises explosive colour, humour, and magic set in a slightly 'unusual' family universe.The blend of colours and humour suggests it hits the sweet spot for families with tweens/teens looking for something less standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the free activities for kids in Lyon this Saturday?
The best free option on Saturday, Jan 24th, is the 'Festival of Learning' at the Maison de l'Environnement (Lyon 7), featuring workshops and games.
Where can I find theatre shows suitable for very young children this weekend?
The adaptation of 'The Little Red Riding Hood' at Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse is aimed specifically at a young audience and runs until Sunday.
Are there any special cultural events running over the whole weekend?
Yes, the 'Nuits de la lecture' runs across various libraries until January 25th, offering unique literary programming in different neighbourhoods.