You're in Lyon with kids and the famous question comes up: "What are we doing today?" Don't worry, you don't need to look far. Between lush parks, hands-on museums, creative workshops, thrilling activities, and unusual discoveries, Lyon is packed with family activities for all ages and all tastes. So lace up your trainers, pack the snacks, and grab the camera: here is the ultimate guide to the best family activities in Lyon — tested and approved.
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1. Parc de la Tête d'Or
Let's start with the grand classic. Parc de la Tête d'Or is practically the official headquarters of parents in Lyon. 117 hectares of greenery, a free zoo, a botanical garden, rides, ponies, a mini-karting track, a lake, paths for scooters and bikes, lawns perfect for impromptu picnics… in short, it's a little paradise right in the heart of the city. The park even caters for the children's snack break with stalls selling churros, candy floss, granitas, and ice cream.
📍Parc de la Tête d'Or: Boulevard des Belges, 69006 Lyon
2. Musée des Confluences
Looking for an activity in Lyon to blow your children's minds? The Musée des Confluences is probably the place for you. This futuristic-looking building, perched at the tip of the Presqu'île where the Rhône and the Saône meet, impresses even before you walk through the door. With its spaceship shape and metallic reflections, the exterior alone is already a visual experience. Inside, the journey begins. From a life-size dinosaur to an Egyptian mummy, through rocks from outer space, every room makes the eyes of children and adults alike light up. The exhibitions are designed to spark curiosity: the origins of life, the diversity of species, human societies, and the future of our planet — always presented in a playful way.
The museum also offers activity booklets and creative workshops (collage, modelling, drawing) adapted to each age group. During school holidays, family-specific guided tours allow you to discover the collections in a new way — through treasure hunts, storytelling, or sensory exploration.
📍Musée des Confluences: 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon
3. Mini World
If you're looking for an original family outing, Mini World Lyon is a must. Located in Vaulx-en-Velin, this animated miniature park is a true concentration of magic and precision. Imagine entire villages recreated at 1:87 scale, miniature trains running, cars lighting up, planes taking off, and even a mini Lyon illuminated for its famous Fête des Lumières. Every corner is full of hidden details and funny scenes to spot: a skier falling over, a wedding in the middle of a field, a cat perched on a roof… Children go into detective mode: "Dad, look, there's a penguin on the roof!" And you find yourself playing right along with them. Mini World also puts on themed events throughout the year: Christmas settings, Jurassic mini world, Star Wars, Harry Potter… A great excuse to keep coming back.
📍Mini World Lyon: Centre commercial Carré de Soie, 3 Avenue de Bohlen, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin
4. Lyon Aquarium
It's one of the favourite outings for Lyon families — and for good reason: from the moment you step in, you're literally plunged into another world. Subdued lighting, colourful tanks, fish shimmering with a thousand reflections… The atmosphere is soothing, almost hypnotic. Children move from one window to the next, mesmerised by phosphorescent jellyfish or tiny sea horses, while parents enjoy that rare moment of silence (yes, it does happen). The aquarium houses more than 300 species and sometimes puts on special events for children: fish feeding, discovery workshops, or a "sea explorer" trail to complete.
📍Lyon Aquarium: 7 Rue Stéphane Déchant, 69350 La Mulatière
5. Escape rooms
Looking for an activity that's a step away from the park and museum? Escape rooms have become a must in Lyon, and good news — several are specially designed for families and children. The idea is simple: you're locked in a room and have one hour to solve puzzles, search, observe, cooperate, and… escape. A mix of adventure, logic, and laughter that appeals to young and old alike.
Impossible not to mention Intervalle, an escape room in the 7th arrondissement, known for its ultra-immersive scenarios and carefully crafted sets. The team offers two worlds: "L'héritage du sorcier" — a Harry Potter escape room — and "Mécanismes" in a Steampunk style. Everything is designed so that young players can actively participate without being sidelined. The puzzles are accessible and the special effects stunning.
📍Intervalle Escape Game: 235 Rue Vendôme, 69003 Lyon
📍Imaginarium Game: 12 place Jules Guesde, 69007 Lyon (children's scenarios: the otter revolt and L'Ofrenda)
📍Way out: 219 Rue Vendôme, 69003 Lyon (children's scenarios: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Treasure Island)
📍Clap Escape: 52 Rue Molière, 69006 Lyon (children's scenario: El Paso Loot)
6. The Pixel Rush Action Game (Us!)
Of course, it's impossible to talk about family activities in Lyon without mentioning our own immersive experience: the Pixel Rush Action Game! It's a one-of-a-kind activity somewhere between an escape room, an adventure course, and a life-size video game. The concept? You form your team — parents, children, teenagers, it doesn't matter — and dive into a series of physical, sensory, and logical challenges in a totally immersive setting. No padlocks to open or keys to find here: everything happens through action. You'll need to cooperate, run, and think to progress through the game. Each mission combines skill, observation, and teamwork, making it a perfect family activity. The Action Game is accessible from age 8, with progressively harder difficulty levels. And because we love great memories, everything is accompanied by a scoring system and light effects that genuinely make you feel like you're inside a film or a video game.
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📍Pixel Rush Action Game: 15 Rue de la République, 69001 Lyon
7. SENSAS
SENSAS Lyon is a unique sensory concept in France, perfect for families looking for unusual experiences. No puzzles or obstacle courses here. You move from room to room, plunged into complete darkness, with only your five senses as your guide. Yes, sight is banned — and that's what makes the adventure as fun as it is disorienting. Children discover they can find their way using touch or hearing, parents get caught up in the game, and everyone laughs nervously when it's time to plunge their hand into a "mystery" box. The course consists of a series of sensory challenges and wacky team missions. If you're not sure what to do in Lyon with your children, this activity will get everyone on board.
📍SENSAS Lyon: 7 Rue Mourguet, 69005 Lyon
8. Clara Pichon Chocolate Workshop
If you're looking for a gentle, creative, and delicious activity, the Clara Pichon chocolate workshop in Pierre-Bénite is a gem to try as a family. Over 1.5 hours, young and old alike put on aprons and become real apprentice chocolatiers. The experience starts with a sensory discovery of cacao: Clara explains how you go from bean to bar, sharing fascinating anecdotes about the origins of chocolate and the secrets of artisan production. Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for: creating your own chocolate bar! Pink praline, speculoos, hazelnut pieces, candied fruit, caramel or edible flower petals… children love composing their mix, while parents enjoy personalising their own just as much. The atmosphere is warm, the workshop smells wonderful, and everyone leaves with their own chocolate bar, carefully wrapped and ready to be enjoyed. It's an ideal activity for sharing a real moment of togetherness as a family. The workshop is suitable from age 10 and bookings can be made directly on the Wecandoo or Clara Pichon website.
📍Clara Pichon Chocolate Workshop: 20 Rue Paul Vaillant-Couturier, 69310 Pierre-Bénite
9. Rhône riverbanks
If there's one place in Lyon where the whole family can find something for everyone, it's the Rhône riverbanks. A true green corridor running through the city from north to south, it's the perfect spot for a stroll, a cycle ride, a picnic, or simply soaking up the sun with your feet in the grass. From the Cité Internationale to Gerland, the banks offer more than 5 kilometres of well-maintained walkway: cycle paths, play areas, terraces, fountains, and large lawns where children can run and play freely.
10. Farm visits as a family
For a day in the fresh air and a taste of nature away from Lyon's concrete, educational farms around the city are a must. As well as letting children discover farmyard animals, they offer a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature while having fun.
40 minutes from Lyon, Ferme de Briska is a real favourite. Here, families discover country life: rabbits, ponies, goats, hens, sheep… and llamas that always fascinate the littlest ones! Children can stroke, feed, and watch the animals, as well as take part in fun educational workshops: carriage rides, building insect hotels, gardening, and even creative recycling. The farm also hosts birthday parties and themed nature days.
A little further away, in Saint-Martin-en-Haut, the Ferme des Lamas et Alpagas de Lafayette offers an original and bucolic experience. You discover these fascinating animals in a green setting, complete with a visit to a mill, a kitchen garden, and wool workshops.
In Moiré, just 30 minutes from Lyon, Ferme des Gones wins hearts with its authenticity and educational approach. It's a family farm where you can join in with daily life: feeding animals, caring for them, and learning about agricultural crops (wheat, maize, rapeseed…). During school holidays, the farm opens its doors for guided tours and participatory workshops that delight children and parents alike.
Finally, for an even more immersive experience, Ferme d'Emmanuel offers genuine moments of farm-life sharing: goat milking, seasonal fruit picking, and even butter or bread making.
📍Ferme de Briska: Le Bourg, 01360 Béligneux
📍Ferme des Lamas et Alpagas de Lafayette: Les Places, 69850 Saint-Martin-en-Haut
📍Ferme des Gones: 400 Chemin des Combes, 69480 Moiré
📍Ferme d'Emmanuel: 1040 Route de Charnay, 69480 Marcy-sur-Anse
11. Ice rink
Looking for a fun, sporty, and refreshing family activity? Head to the Lyon ice rinks — perfect for having fun together, especially when it's too hot or too cold outside. Glide, fall, laugh, start again: it's the winning combination for an outing that will delight both young children and big kids (and parents who aren't afraid of looking ridiculous). The best known is Patinoire Charlemagne, located a stone's throw from the Confluence district. Family sessions are regularly organised there with upbeat music and small penguin- or seal-shaped supports to help the youngest ones keep their balance. For families in the north of the city, Patinoire Baraban is an ideal alternative: smaller, but friendly and very accessible for beginner children.
📍Patinoire Charlemagne: 100 Cours Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon
📍Patinoire Baraban: 52 Rue Baraban, 69003 Lyon
12. La Maison de Guignol
Impossible to talk about Lyon with the family without paying a visit to Guignol, the straight-talking hero born right here! At La Maison de Guignol, you'll find the spirit of Lyon's puppet tradition in lively, funny, and ultra-participatory shows: children shout "Watch out, Guignol!" The stories are short (45–60 min), perfect for little attention spans, with colourful sets, loveable characters (Guignol, Gnafron & Co.) and local references that always hit the mark.
📍La Maison de Guignol: 2 Montée du Gourguillon, 69005 Lyon
13. Vieux-Lyon guided tour for children
Why not discover Vieux-Lyon through your children's eyes? The "Secrets of Vieux-Lyon" guided tour is specially designed for the youngest curious minds (from age 6) and their families. Over 1.5 hours, an enthusiastic guide takes young and old on a fun, interactive adventure through the heart of the Renaissance district. On the programme: riddles, anecdotes, and surprises to uncover the mysteries of this fairy-tale setting. Children love searching for clues in the secret traboules and spotting hidden details on the colourful facades. The guide tailors the commentary to their age, blending culture and play to bring history to life and make it captivating. It's the perfect outing to introduce young ones to Lyon's heritage in a fun way, while (re)discovering the city from a new angle — even for parents!
📍Starting point: Place Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
14. The Museum of Illusions
Get ready to lose your bearings… for the whole family's delight! The Museum of Illusions in Lyon, located right in the heart of the Presqu'île, is one of the most playful and surprising places to visit with children. Everything here is designed to toy with your perception: optical illusions, trompe-l'oeil, distorting mirrors, upside-down rooms, holograms… Every space sparks curiosity and triggers fits of laughter. Children love taking photos in the upside-down room where the floor becomes the ceiling, or turning themselves into giants in the Ames room. The museum cleverly combines entertainment and education by explaining how our brain and eyes can be tricked. The visit lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours and suits all ages from 4–5 years.
📍Museum of Illusions Lyon: 1 Rue Bellecordière, 69002 Lyon
15. Cinema and Miniature Museum
To make children's eyes light up, head to the Cinema and Miniature Museum in Vieux-Lyon. It's a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes magic where you discover real costumes, scale models, and props from cult films. Monster masks, animatronics, superhero gadgets, letters, storyboards… You learn how practical special effects were created (before the all-digital era). Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
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📍Cinema and Miniature Museum: 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
16. VR Experience
Looking for an original activity that's out of the ordinary? Dive into the fascinating world of virtual reality as a family! Headset on, controllers in hand, each person becomes the hero of their own adventure. In seconds, you leave Lyon for a futuristic, fantastical, or even historical world. Children love exploring unknown planets, fighting dragons, or solving team puzzles, while parents rediscover the pleasure of play. VR is a perfect blend of gaming, emotion, and technology that promises laughs and thrills. An immersive experience that will delight the whole family — whether for a fun outing, a birthday, or simply an adventure to share together.
📍Vortex Experience: 2 Av. Simone Veil, 69150 Décines-Charpieu
📍DreamAway: 7 Rue Ferrandière, 69002 Lyon
17. Ninja Warrior course in Villeurbanne
Want to test your reflexes and challenge your children on a Ninja Warrior-style course? Head to the indoor obstacle course in Villeurbanne — a 100% fun activity that combines sport, agility, and family laughs! Here, everyone can step into the shoes of a real adventurer: jumping, climbing, scaling, swinging, crawling… All in a safe and playful environment. Children love competing against timed courses, while parents try (often in vain 😅) to keep up. The structures are adapted to all levels, with easy zones for younger children and more technical challenges for teenagers and adults. It's a perfect activity for burning off energy, improving coordination, and sharing a real bonding moment as a family. And after the effort, a relaxation and refreshment area lets everyone recover over a well-earned snack.
📍Ninja Concept Villeurbanne: 51 Rue du 1er Mars 1943, 69100 Villeurbanne
18. Indoor skydiving simulator
For families in search of thrills, the indoor skydiving simulator is an experience not to be missed! No need to jump from a plane to feel the adrenaline of freefall: here you float in a large glass tube where a powerful airstream recreates the sensations of a parachute jump. Guided by experienced instructors, children (from age 5) and parents alike learn to stabilise their flight, perform simple moves, and enjoy the magical feeling of flying freely. It's an impressive yet completely safe activity, with overalls, a helmet, and a briefing before take-off.
📍IFLY Lyon: 2 Rue Tronchet, 69360 Saint-Priest
19. Tree climbing (accrobranche)
Ready to play squirrels as a family? Tree climbing is the perfect combo: fresh air, zip lines, monkey bridges, and non-stop laughter. The courses are progressive (from age 4–6) with continuous safety lines so you can climb in total confidence, while the more adventurous test themselves on vertiginous jumps and mega zip lines.
📍City Aventure – Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon: Chemin de la Croix Berthet, 69110
📍France Aventures – Fort de Bron: 10 Chemin Vieux, 69500 Bron
📍VanciAventure – Fort de Vancia: Fort de Vancia, 69140 Rillieux-la-Pape
20. Fluorescent painting workshop
Dive into a luminous, creative world with this fluorescent painting in the dark workshop! A magical experience where children (and curious parents) swap conventional brushes for colours that glow under UV light. Guided by an encouraging facilitator, children learn to mix shades, dare to create light effects, and express their imagination without limits. No need to be an artist — here everything goes: you paint, laugh, marvel, and leave proudly carrying your glowing canvas to hang at home.
📍Fluoween Lyon: 23 Rue du Dauphiné, 69003 Lyon
📍Paint Inside: 15 Rue Pizay, 69001 Lyon
21. Pottery workshop in Lyon 4th
For a calm and creative activity, head to a family pottery workshop. It's the perfect opportunity to get hands in the clay and let imagination run free. Children discover the magic of hand modelling: shaping a bowl, a small sculpture, or even a personalised mug. Guided by a potter craftsperson, they learn the basic techniques — ideal for stimulating concentration and creativity. Workshops are accessible from age 5 or 6 and some even offer parent-child sessions at weekends.
📍Atelier Terre d'Art Lyon Croix-Rousse: 8 Rue du Chariot d'Or, 69004 Lyon
📍Atelier Céramique & Compagnie: 10 Rue Dumont, 69004 Lyon
22. Karting session
For an adrenaline outing, treat yourselves to a family karting session! Helmet on, safety briefing done, and you're off for 10 to 15 minutes of pure fun on the track. Children get the hang of it quickly and chase their best lap time. Most tracks offer "kids" karts from around age 7–8 (or from 1.30m approximately), provided equipment (helmet, hair net), and family slots at weekends.
📍OnlyKart (Dardilly) – 195 Avenue de l'Industrie 01120 Dagneux
23. Trampoline Park
Want to top up the family's energy? Head to Trampoline Park Lyon in Saint-Priest! This large indoor park of more than 1,500 m² is a paradise for children. On offer: giant trampolines, inclined walls, a dodgeball zone, a foam pit, and even a mini Ninja Warrior course. Little ones from age 3 can have fun safely, accompanied by an adult. Between jumps, there's time for a break at the snack bar or in the relaxation area.
📍Trampoline Park Lyon: 151-153 Route de Grenoble, 69800 Saint-Priest
24. Indoor surfing
Looking for an original activity with a holiday vibe? Try indoor surfing as a family! In Lyon, it's possible to surf all year round — no sea or natural waves needed — thanks to an artificial wave technology that recreates the gliding sensations of a real surf spot. Young and old can learn safely, guided by passionate instructors who adjust the wave power according to age and level. Children love throwing themselves into it and trying their first moves, while parents get just as caught up in the challenge. No surfing expertise needed — the goal here is to have fun, glide, and share an unusual moment together!
📍Wake Up Lyon – Indoor Surf: 5 Rue Paul Montrochet, 69002 Lyon
25. The planetarium
Reach for the stars! Comfortably settled under a 360° dome, you set off as a family on an immersive journey through the Solar System, constellations, and galaxies. Sessions are designed for all ages (children's programmes, astronomy stories, spectacular films), and fun workshops let children tinker, build, and discover the mysteries of space while having a great time.
📍Planetarium of Vaulx-en-Velin: Place de la Nation, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin
26. Firefighters Museum
Do your children want to be firefighters? Then this visit will blow their minds! The Lyon Firefighters Museum is a true temple dedicated to these heroes of the flame. Discover more than 250 years of history through a unique collection of red fire engines, uniforms, shiny helmets, and old hand pumps. Children can get up close to the emergency vehicles, understand how techniques have evolved, and imagine themselves putting out fires. The place is both educational and fascinating: scale models, authentic objects, and stories from real firefighters make the visit lively and interactive. An ideal outing for learning while having fun and inspiring future vocations!
📍Lyon Firefighters Museum: 358 Av. de Champagne, 69009 Lyon
27. Canoeing
For a water outing, nothing beats a family canoe trip! In Lyon, it's possible to paddle gently along the Saône or the Rhône while enjoying a unique view of the city. It's a relaxing and discovery-filled activity for young and old alike.
📍Lyon Canoë Paddle: 4 Rue Jonas Salk, 69007 Lyon
28. Indoor climbing
Indoor climbing is perfect for working off energy as a family. Depending on the venue: low bouldering walls on mats (ideal for beginners from about age 4–5), auto-belay routes for climbing "solo" safely, fun walls, and guided introduction sessions. Children develop balance, coordination, and confidence. A great activity all round.
📍Climb Up Lyon Confluence (in the Confluence shopping centre): 112 Cours Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon
29. Parent-child cooking workshop
Cook in a duo and delight the whole family! Depending on the date, the menu could include pastries, sushi, fresh pasta… Everyone rolls up their sleeves, learns simple techniques, and leaves with their creations (and the recipes). The "parent-child" sessions are designed to be fun and accessible even for the youngest participants.
📍Chefsquare Lyon: 11 Rue du Champ de Mars, 69007 Lyon
30. River bus on the Saône
Why not discover Lyon differently? The river bus is a fun and soothing way to explore the city with children. This river shuttle on the TCL network links Vaise to Confluence via Vieux-Lyon and Bellecour — a mini-cruise that delights the whole family. Little ones love boarding and watching the riverbanks drift by, the barges, the bridges, and the swans gliding on the water. Meanwhile, parents enjoy a peaceful moment and a stunning view of Fourvière hill and the lively quays. It's an original, relaxing, and accessible outing that turns a simple journey into a real Saône river trip.
📍Recommended departure: Confluence (near the shopping centre), heading to Vaise — several intermediate stops on the TCL "NaviLys" river line.
Practical tips for a successful family outing in Lyon
Transport & logistics
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Use the metro/tram with a pushchair or child bike: easy and practical.
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Parking: opt for a park-and-ride + public transport to avoid stress.
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Book paid activities in advance (e.g. Mini World, museums, escape rooms).
Children's ages & adaptation
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For very young children (0-4): favour parks, green spaces, museums with baby workshops (e.g. Musée des Confluences "Le Nuage des Petits" for ages 2-6).
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For ages 5-10: Mini World, family escape rooms, Vieux-Lyon tour.
Budget & bookings
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Check "family" rates or adult-child duo packs (e.g. Mini World FAMILY PACK 2 adults + 2 children).
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Consider a free half-day + one paid activity.
Meals & breaks
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Plan a snack or well-earned break after the activity: children tire faster than you think.
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A restaurant at the end of the day is a great way to finish on a positive note.
Safety & weather
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Opt for comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the activity.
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If it rains: go for indoor activities (museum, action game, escape room).
Family activities in Lyon: conclusion
Lyon is a true playground for families. Between nature, culture, thrills, and unusual discoveries, every neighbourhood hides an activity to enjoy together. Whether your children are little adventurers, budding artists, or insatiable explorers, there's always something new to discover — and you'll never be bored. From Parc de la Tête d'Or to the Planetarium, through creative workshops, escape rooms, action games, interactive museums, and Saône river escapes, Lyon manages to please every generation. So the next time your children ask "What are we doing today?", you'll know exactly what to say: in Lyon, ideas are never in short supply.
How about finishing with a session at Pixel Rush?
If you could only choose one activity, head straight to Pixel Rush Action Game: an ultra-fun mix of adventure course, sensory challenges, and team logic — perfect for parents, children, and teenagers (from age 8). Wednesday, weekend, and school holiday slots fill up fast. Book now to secure your session 👇
BOOK YOUR SESSION AT PIXEL RUSH!
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