Paris with Kids: 2026 Parades, Festivals & Family Fun
Paris is gearing up for a vibrant season of family-friendly events and entertainment, with a diverse lineup of parades, festivals, and unique experiences planned for 2026. From spectacular street performances to immersive artistic explorations, the city promises a wealth of opportunities for both residents and visitors to create lasting memories.
Coup de Coeur
The upcoming year will be filled with music, color, and a touch of whimsy. Options range from family outings to Vincennes (Val-de-Marne) and the energy of the Techno Parade to the unique atmosphere of Halloween celebrations. A wide array of parades and events are set to revitalize the capital, encouraging everyone to prepare their costumes and join the festivities.
Rendez-vous
On fait du bruit
The BRUIT festival uniquely blends music and theater. Parents will be pleased to know that this year’s program features three performances specifically designed for children, allowing them to introduce their adults to captivating visual and auditory experiences. Fusées, a moving and joyful tale by Jeanne Candel, is among the featured shows, recommended for ages 6 and up.
On écoute de belles histoires
The 19th arrondissement will host the Month of the Book and Early Childhood. Libraries will offer readings, rhymes, and playful workshops designed to stimulate the senses of very young children (ages 0-3). This provides an ideal setting for sharing moments of tenderness in a welcoming and free environment.
Sport et nature
On se prend pour un Jedi
Young Padawans and fans of distant galaxies will converge at Bellevilloise (20th arrondissement), transformed into a futuristic arena for the Saber Tour Finals. Spectators can witness an epic battle royale where top sport lightsaber combatants will clash in spectacular duels, offering an intense and original experience.
On regarde vers le ciel
Wondering why there are so many seagulls in Paris during the winter? The Maison Paris Nature (12th arrondissement) offers insights into these birds colonizing the city’s green spaces. A brief presentation on identification is followed by observation with binoculars in the Parc floral (12th arrondissement), providing a refreshing walk to become an expert on the lifestyle and journeys of these fascinating birds, recommended for ages 8 and up.
Spectacles et musique
On bricole
Zig-Bang, a collaboration between a burlesque diva and a weightlifting champion assembling a massive kit, promises an unpredictable performance. This playful spectacle, part of the Radio France family concerts, transforms words into music and objects into living creatures, offering a joyful and quirky immersion into the world of composer Georges Aperghis, suitable for ages 7 and up.
On mène l’enquête avec Pompon
The beloved polar bear of François Pompon comes to life and escapes his pedestal! For the Musiques et M’ômes festival, the Musée d’Orsay (7th arrondissement) welcomes Pascal Parisot with a sparkling and humorous pocket musical comedy. Accompanied by prestigious guests like Rosemary Standley and Albin de la Simone, Pompon the bear will encounter the monsters of Chauveau and the snake charmer of Henri Rousseau, recommended for ages 4 and up.
Cinéma
On participe à un ciné-conte
Forget the Big Bad Wolf! The Benoîte-Groult library (5th arrondissement) invites children to discover fun and endearing wolves through a kamishibaï ciné-conte session. Combining storytelling with a wooden theater and short film screenings, this animation explores the many facets of this fascinating animal, offering a perfect break for young viewers, recommended for ages 4 and up.
On découvre un nouveau monde
CinéKids’ “Éclats de rire” cycle will screen Flow, a gem of animation telling the adventures of a courageous cat who finds refuge on a boat with other animals to escape floods. Without dialogue, but with immense poetry, this film is a true sensory experience. As always at the Forum des images (Paris Centre), the screening is followed by a discussion and a snack, recommended for ages 8 and up.
Activités et ateliers
On partage ses idées
Learning can be fun at the Académie du Climat (Paris Centre)! The Parisian Festival of Education invites families to explore this theme in all its forms, with creative workshops, inspiring debates, and activities for children and teens. It’s an ideal opportunity to discover new ways to grow together, share civic ideas, and open up to the world of tomorrow.
On s’initie au manga
The Violette-Leduc library (11th arrondissement) offers young people the chance to try their hand at manga. Accompanied by illustrator Thomas Bouveret, children will learn the basics of manga, such as how to give movement to a character, design an expression, or cut out a scene. This is a unique opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes of this art form and leave with their own creations, recommended for ages 8 and up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups are catered to by these events?
The events cater to a wide range of ages, from infants (0-3 years) with the Month of the Book and Early Childhood, to older children and families with events like the Saber Tour Finals and manga workshops (ages 8 and up).
Where can I find the musical performance featuring Pompon the bear?
The musical comedy featuring Pompon the bear will be held at the Musée d’Orsay (7th arrondissement) as part of the Musiques et M’ômes festival.
Are any of these events free of charge?
The Month of the Book and Early Childhood events at the libraries are described as being free and convivial.
What kind of lasting impact could these diverse cultural offerings have on the young people of Paris?