Exciting activities for spring break in Paris
As the spring vacation approaches in Paris, children will be free from school for two weeks! This time is traditionally spent with grandparents, or when parents must work, schools often provide recreational activities at the “centre aéré”. Some parents choose to take a break from work for a family getaway while others seek local activities in Paris. If you’re searching for fun and educational activities for kids, here’s a curated selection that promises not only enjoyment but also learning experiences in a fresh environment with peers.
Full-day activities to consider:
Equestrian centre at the Jardin d’Acclimatation
If your child is a horse enthusiast, the Equestrian Centre offers an exciting pony riding camp designed for children aged 4 and up. Running from April 29 to May 3 and May 6 to May 10 from 9 AM to 5 PM, lunches are included. This camp provides an excellent chance for young horse lovers to dive into pony anatomy, care, feeding, saddling, and even activities like walking and running! The centre also hosts mini classes available from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM without lunch, sorted by age and skill levels (Shetland Baby for ages 4 to 7, Shetland Gallop level 1 and 2, Double pony starting from age 8, and Double Pony Gallop levels 3 and 4).
Vacance des Rêves (Dream Vacation) at the Centre des Arts Vivants
The Centre des Arts Vivants welcomes children to an exhilarating program filled with modern dance, singing, and theatre. Over five days, your kids will enjoy dance, singing, and acting led by talented instructors, complete with a delicious lunch. A highlight of this program is the Friday evening performance, showcasing the kids’ efforts to parents and guests. This one-week workshop comes highly recommended and has been tried and tested by Yoyo Mom!
For English-speaking enthusiasts:
The Roaming Schoolhouse
The Roaming Schoolhouse Spring Camp is scheduled from April 28 to May 3 at the newly remodeled Ecole Sainte Catherine on Rue des Bernardins. The theme is “The City,” focusing on Spring. Weather permitting, participants will likely visit a park or the Jardin des Plantes. Other offered classes include sports, drama, music, science, and art. Registration is €350 per child with a 10% discount for siblings.
Activities for younger kids
Finding vacation activities for younger children around the age of 3 can be challenging, but for parents seeking short workshops, consider:
Poum-Poum Tchak!
Poum-Poum Tchak! presents the “Les Ateliers du Club de Musique” from April 29 to May 10, tailored for kids aged 3 to 10. Children will get the chance to explore various musical instruments within a real recording studio, culminating in their own music recording! This workshop has been tried and tested by Yoyo Mom! Listen to the amazing recordings created by kids:
Local Parisian animation centers
Local animation centers in Paris provide a variety of one-hour activities for kids aged 3 and older, including circus skills, dance, yoga, and more!
Workshops lasting 1-2 hours for kids 4 and up:
Kapla Centre workshops
For young building enthusiasts, the Kapla Centre in Paris offers 1.5-hour workshops for children age 4 and above. While 1.5 hours may be long for younger kids, they successfully created impressive dinosaurs from Swedish Kapla wooden blocks. Older groups have even built castles, villages, and replicas of the Eiffel Tower! The animateurs provide ample assistance in crafting designs that might be challenging to achieve at home—another great experience validated by Yoyo Mom!