Lyon is an excellent city for family outings. Between its parks, interactive museums, mysterious traboules and gastronomic experiences accessible to all ages, there is more than enough to keep children, and parents, busy for an entire weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Lyon with children, tried and tested by local families.
Every outing below is mapped. Tap “Show on map” to locate a place, or “Directions” to start navigating.
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Parc de la Tête d'Or
The classic: 117 hectares, a lake with rowing boats, a rose garden and a completely free zoo with giraffes and flamingos.
The little train loops the park, handy when legs get tired.
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Musée des Confluences
Dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, mummies and cabinets of curiosities inside a building that looks like a spacecraft. The Lyon museum that works best with children.
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Vieux Lyon traboules
Secret passages cutting through buildings, enough to turn a neighbourhood walk into a treasure hunt. Children love pushing the doors open.
Pick up the traboules map at the tourist office and let them lead the way.
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Fourvière funicular
Two minutes climbing through a tunnel, then out onto the finest view in Lyon. When you are six, the ride matters as much as the arrival.
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Musée Gadagne
Two museums in one: the history of Lyon and, above all, the puppet museum where Guignol was born. Regular shows and a hanging garden to catch your breath.
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Le Petit Musée du Vin Our place
The sensory route appeals to curious children: identifying aromas, understanding where the grown-ups' drink comes from, handling soils and vineyard tools. The tasting itself is for adults only.
Better suited to older children and teenagers. Allow an hour, at your own pace.
Metro D or Tram T1, Guillotière stop.
See the visit route -
Aquarium de Lyon
Sharks, jellyfish and a touch pool at the confluence, on the La Mulatière side. A safe bet on a rainy day.
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Parc de Miribel-Jonage
Twenty minutes from Lyon, a huge natural area with a supervised beach in summer, cycling and trails. The escape when the city feels heavy.
1. Parc de la Tête d’Or, the great classic
An absolute must with children. The Parc de la Tête d’Or (Lyon 6th) is one of the largest urban parks in France: a free zoo, pedal boats on the lake, a merry-go-round, a play area, a rose garden… Children can easily spend half a day here without getting bored.
Free entry · Open every day
2. Musée des Confluences, science and curiosities
The Musée des Confluences (Lyon 2nd) is spectacular both for its architecture AND its collections. Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, ethnographic collections from around the world, children love it. The temporary exhibitions are often highly interactive.
Check ticket prices and opening times before your visit
3. The traboules of Vieux-Lyon, exploring like adventurers
The traboules are perfect for an exploration game with children. These secret passageways that cut through Renaissance buildings have something almost magical about them. Pick up a map from the Tourist Office and set off on a trail of wooden doors.
Free · Ideal from age 5
4. The funicular up to Fourvière
Children love a funicular ride, and the view from Fourvière is spectacular. The basilica impresses with its scale and golden mosaics. Walk back down via the hillside paths for a stroll through the Renaissance houses.
Standard TCL fare · From age 3
5. Musée Gadagne, puppets and history
The Musée Gadagne in Vieux-Lyon houses one of the world’s most important puppet museums, and Lyon is the birthplace of Guignol! Children discover the universe of puppets across the centuries and cultures.
Often free on the first Sunday of the month, check before you go · Great for families
6. The visit to Le Petit Musée du Vin, for curious children
Yes, Le Petit Musée du Vin is open to children! The trail is designed to be sensory and interactive: visitors touch the soils (granite, clay, chalk), smell the aromas from the olfactory library and play with the touchscreen terminals in 8 languages.
Children love the “science lab” feel of the museum. And during the final tasting, a grape juice alternative is offered to under-18s.
Price: from €25 / adult, children welcome as accompanying visitors · Thursday to Sunday
7. Lyon Aquarium
The Musée-Aquarium de Lyon (Rochetaillée-sur-Saône, 20 min from Lyon) offers an underwater experience accessible to all ages: sharks, rays, tropical fish, a reptile room…
8. Parc de Miribel-Jonage, beach and nature
Twenty minutes from the city centre, the Parc de Miribel-Jonage offers a sandy beach, supervised swimming areas in summer, cycling, walking trails and picnic spaces. Lyon’s urban beach, in a sense.
Free entry · Ideal in summer
9. Creative workshop for children
Several Lyon studios offer pottery, drawing or cookery classes for children (from age 6). An original activity that makes a refreshing change from the standard museum visit.
10. Croix-Rousse market on Sunday morning
The marché de la Croix-Rousse is an experience in itself. Children discover local producers, taste cheeses and watch market gardeners at work. A wonderful way to awaken young palates.
Practical tips for a family outing in Lyon
- Getting around: the metro and trams are accessible with pushchairs. Vélo’v (Lyon’s bike-share) has child options on certain models.
- Restaurants: Lyon’s bouchons are family-friendly; some offer a children’s menu.
For a weekend outing, our guide to things to do in Lyon on a Sunday gives ideas suited to all ages, including the municipal museums that are often free on the first Sunday of the month. If you are planning several days in the city, our 2-day Lyon itinerary covers the most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Before visiting the museum, check the practical information for accessibility and opening times, and visit the museum page to understand the full experience.
Lyon with children is a city within reach of curiosity.