Things to do with kids in Lyon

How to read this guide

This guide gathers 65 selected places to go with children in Lyon, for example Parc de la Tête d'Or, Musée des Confluences and Musée Cinéma et Miniature. They are sorted by type of outing rather than by neighbourhood, so you can quickly find an idea by age, weather and mood.

The Lyon places are tested by local parents and then checked (address, photo, opening). Ratings and review counts shown are Google's. Always check hours before you go.

Family-friendly cafes and restaurants in Lyon

Les Papas Sucrés : Tea room and brunch spot on rue Sala run by two pastry cooks, with pancakes, avocado toast and homemade pastries. The mood stays calm and cosy, which suits well-behaved children or babies in strollers.

Little Petits Gâteaux : Small tea room in Ainay specialising in homemade cupcakes and cakes, with breakfast, lunch and brunch options. Local tourism sources mention high chairs and a changing table, so it is easy to visit with a baby or young child.

Milk & Pug : American-style brunch café in Old Lyon with fluffy pancakes, bagels and waffles in a warm setting. CitizenKid lists kids' brunch options.

Joséphine : Artisan ice cream parlour and tea room on place Sathonay, with brunch, salads and crêpes. According to CitizenKid, high chairs, small tables with paper and coloured pencils and a changing table are available.

The People Lyon, restaurant : Restaurant-bar of a hostel set in a former Croix-Rousse school, with a courtyard terrace. It describes itself as kid friendly with a dedicated kids' menu, and family directories list a weekend brunch.

Anahera : Coffee shop and urban oasis in La Guillotière with vegetarian food, a designer shop and Saturday brunch. The venue is listed as stroller accessible and hosts private events such as birthdays.

Creative workshops for kids in Lyon

Mirette Café Céramique : Ceramic café where you paint pieces and model clay, with modelling workshops open to both adults and children.

Centre Kapla Lyon : An activity centre where children build with Kapla wooden planks, in workshops open on Wednesdays and Saturdays by reservation.

OSE Ateliers créatifs : A large creative studio of about 200 sq m in Lyon 3 where kids draw, paint, sculpt and try a different technique each session.

Atelier Nouveau (Laure) : A ceramics studio in the Croix-Rousse where a ceramicist runs 90-minute parent-child sessions: modelling basics and creating a three-dimensional shape.

Le Laboratoire : An artist's studio on the banks of the Saone offering drawing and painting classes plus holiday workshops for kids and teens.

Djogo : 5 hours: pastry, chocolate, concrete, leather, wood or gilding, with four workshops that rotate every two months.

Parks and playgrounds in Lyon

Parc de la Tête d'Or : A huge 105-hectare park in the heart of Lyon, free and open to everyone. It has several playgrounds, a large lake, carousels, mini-golf and a Guignol puppet theatre, enough for a full day out with children of all ages.

Parc Bazin : A park of over 2 hectares in the 3rd arrondissement, with big lawns, a slide, rocking horses, ping-pong tables and a pétanque court. Best for children from about 3.

Parc de Gerland : A large park with a wide play field, themed play squares separated by hedges, a skatepark and a misting system to cool off in summer.

Parc Blandan (La Vague des Remparts) : The park is built around La Vague des Remparts, a 1,000 m2 play area on three levels, from wooden horses for 3 to 4 year olds up to secret passages and tube slides for 8 to 12 year olds.

Caterpilou, Station Mue Confluence : A big caterpillar-shaped play area of about 1,200 m2 with swings, trampolines and misting arches for hot days, also accessible to children with disabilities.

Aires de jeux de la place Bellecour : Two separate small play areas for younger and older children, with huts, slides and climbing games right in central Lyon.

Parc de la Cerisaie (parc Chazière) : 5-hectare park on the Croix-Rousse slopes with two play areas, statues and a nice view over the city.

What to do on a rainy day in Lyon

Musée des Confluences : A science and society museum in a striking building at the tip of the Presqu'île. It offers family activities and workshops, and works well for a rainy-day outing.

Musée Cinéma et Miniature : A museum in Old Lyon dedicated to miniature dioramas and film sets and special effects, in a Renaissance house. The tiny scenes fascinate curious kids, and the narrow spaces are tricky for strollers.

KidzzWorld Lyon : An indoor mini-city where children aged 3 to 10 role-play as bankers, mechanics or doctors in small supervised groups.

La Petite Académie Lyon 4 : An art leisure school offering year-round classes from age 4: drawing, painting, sculpture, theatre, comics or mixed techniques. Adults have their own classes, so parents and kids can both take part.

Les Ateliers Terreaux : A visual arts studio near the Croix-Rousse slopes, with year-round junior classes and occasional workshops.

Froggy Art : A Lyon art studio founded in 2005 offering drawing, painting, modelling, comics and theatre classes for all ages, on weekdays or weekends. Themed workshops run during school holidays for children, teens and adults.