First weekend of 2026, Parisians! Looks like a major end-of-season push for some festive fun. Don't miss the very last chances for holiday-themed shows like Le Grrôle de Noël or diving into the interactive world of Voûtes et volutes before it closes Sunday. Time to use up those Christmas gift vouchers!
Quick Picks
Voûtes et volutes
Grand Palais
A stunning, free interactive textile installation perfect for a visual treat.
Mon Premier Ballet – La Belle au bois dormant
Théâtre Mogador
A kid-friendly version of the classic ballet, ideal for staying dry and enjoying culture.
Little Bébé
La Villette (Little Villette)
A multi-sensory play area with cinema and motor skills games specifically for the very little ones.
Isao Takahata
A look into the work of Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. If your older kids or teens love animation, this is a deep dive into a master's visual world.
Why we picked it: It's a deep dive into a significant figure in animation, running until Jan 24th—a great cultural outing for older kids.
Amazônia. Créations et futurs autochtones
Explore the cultural richness of Indigenous peoples beyond clichés. It’s a visually rich exhibition that's good for sparking conversations with your school-aged kids.
Why we picked it: A unique cultural look that runs until Jan 18th, offering substance beyond typical family fare.
Voûtes et volutes
This is a gorgeous, interactive textile installation that moves overhead—it feels very dreamlike. Free entry and guided tours are available at specific times.
Why we picked it: It's a rare, free, large-scale immersive experience that closes this weekend (Jan 4th)!
Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hultén
A major retrospective featuring kinetic art and striking sculptures. Great for older kids who appreciate art that moves or has a provocative edge.
Why we picked it: A huge, high-profile exhibition closing on the 4th—last chance to see this set of iconic modern artists.
Festival des Lanternes - Le Japon en lumières
The lantern festival is back with stunning light displays inspired by Japan. This is best experienced after dark, so layer up!
Why we picked it: It's a magical winter spectacle that makes the most of the dark evenings.
Mon Premier Ballet – La Belle au bois dormant
An accessible, beautiful version of *Sleeping Beauty* ballet, perfect for introducing younger kids to classical dance. It’s a fantastic, high-quality indoor option.
Why we picked it: Last chance for this magical production, closing on the 4th—a lovely way to start the new year with culture.
Le Grrôle de Noël
The Grrôle thinks kids today are too spoiled—a funny musical show about the spirit of Christmas. It's wrapping up this weekend, so grab tickets ASAP!
Why we picked it: Final weekend for this seasonal show that wraps up the Christmas magic.
Ateliers famille à la Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé
They're running family workshops linked to cinema, possibly silent film and live music! A brilliant, slightly quirky option for cinema-loving families.
Why we picked it: New workshops starting this weekend, offering a blend of art and film history.
Ciné-spectacles en famille à la Cinémathèque
The Cinémathèque often mixes classic film with interactive elements or workshops. Check their calendar for a 'Ciné-spectacle' happening this weekend for a unique movie outing.
Why we picked it: A great indoor activity, often pairing a screening with an engaging follow-up activity.
Cité des Enfants 2-7 ans
Always a solid bet, this section of the Cité is designed for younger kids to explore science through play. Remember to book your 90-minute slot in advance!
Why we picked it: A reliable, interactive science playground perfect for the pre-school crowd.
Digital Abysses - Au coeur de l'océan
An immersive digital art experience by Miguel Chevalier exploring the ocean depths. It’s visually stunning and great for screen-time you *approve* of.
Why we picked it: A colourful, modern, and engaging digital exhibition perfect for a slightly younger family crowd.
Dinosaures - L'expérience immersive
The immersive dinosaur experience is still running! It’s loud, massive, and definitely a crowd-pleaser for kids who love giant prehistoric beasts.
Why we picked it: Immersive, loud, and educational—a great choice for dinosaur fanatics of all ages, running until Feb 28th.
Chiens et chats
The Cité is running their long-term exhibition about our favourite pets. It's super interactive and a guaranteed hit for animal lovers of any age.
Why we picked it: A solid, educational, and fun indoor option that runs all year, but great for a post-holiday cool-down.
Little Bébé
This is a dedicated space for the littlest ones with soft-play, motor skill games, and maybe even a tiny cinema experience. Perfect for a sensory morning for your toddler.
Why we picked it: Dedicated programming for under-5s at a great family spot, though specific dates need confirmation.
Peinture & Eveil aux Grands Peintres
An art awakening workshop focused on painting and great masters, running on Saturday too. If you're looking for a dedicated creative hour, this is it.
Why we picked it: A structured, creative session that starts its run on this weekend for little artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Paris this weekend (Jan 3-4)?
The best genuinely free option this weekend is the interactive textile installation Voûtes et volutes at the Grand Palais, which is accessible free of charge (check guided tour times). We also noted that the Centre Pompidou's 'Salon Seine' within the Grand Palais offers free activities for families.
Which kids' activities are ending this weekend (Jan 4th)?
You need to rush to catch the end of the festive season! Mon Premier Ballet – La Belle au bois dormant at Théâtre Mogador, Le Grrôle de Noël at Théâtre Gaîté Rive Gauche, and the Voûtes et volutes installation at the Grand Palais all conclude on Sunday, January 4th.
Where can I take my toddler (under 5) on Saturday or Sunday?
For the little ones, check out Little Bébé at Little Villette (though specific dates need confirming, it's designed for them) or the Cité des Enfants 2-7 ans at the Cité des Sciences, where you must book a 90-minute slot in advance.