Lyon is an interesting city to visit with kids with lots of activities and history to explore! We’ve put together the very best family fun in our 10 Best Things to do in Lyon with Kids. 

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#1. France Adventures, Lyon

Climbing ropes, net bridges and skateboarding through the trees- super fun for everyone at this aerial adventure park! The park has different circuits designed for different abilities and age groups and there is a little toddler section for ages two and up. Open from the end of March to November France Adventures is situated close to the city, just a 5min walk from Fourvière funicular (See #8. Theatres Romains below).

You might also like The Best Places to Eat in Paris with Kids.

#2. Hot Air Balloon Ride

For something very different, and an unforgettable family experience, take a hot air balloon tour over Lyon. Enjoy breathtaking views of this beautiful city from above. Available for children ages seven and up this is thoroughly unique thing to do in Lyon. You will love it!

#3. Beautiful Park with Zoo

FREE: One of the best things to do in Lyon with kids is Parc de la Tȇte D’Or. Big grand gates welcome you into this beautiful park, the largest city park in France. It has

• a small, free zoo
• several playgrounds
• a traditional carousel for the children to ride on
• a Green House with plants from around the world.

You can also rent electric bikes here or even a paddle boat for the lake if you like! If you forget to pack a little picnic there are many kiosks selling food and drinks. If visiting in November, don’t miss the spectacular Fête des Lumières.

#4. Learn About the Movie World

Something fun for older kids as well as the little ones is the Musee des Miniatures et Cinema where you can see a cute collection of miniature objects and sets used in the making of films. A great way to get behind the scenes, exhibits include the outfits of movie characters such as Batman, robots from the movies Alien and iRobot, and weapons and armour from Troy and Gladiator. German and French movies are represented also and tours are available in English, Spanish and German.

#5. Waterslides and Family Attractions

Touro Parc is situated 40 km north of Lyon and it’s a great place to spend the day with kids. Here you will find

• a zoo
• a small amusement park with train rides
• a waterpark with a toddlers splash area
• three giant waterslides for the kids.
• a museum showcasing life in the past in Lyon.

Visiting Paris too? Check out The Best Things to do in Paris on a Budget.

#6. Animated Doll Scenes

Musee des Automates is an interesting little place to bring your toddlers and little kids. There are 20 different scenes here in total including a wonderful Peter Pan scene and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. It’s open in the afternoons from 2-6 pm, but there’s a special tour on Wednesday mornings for kids in French.

#7. Aquarium de Lyon

A neat little aquarium with a large variety of fish and sea creatures including sharks, piranha and turtles. Staff are very friendly and nice at Aquarium de Lyon and there’s an area at the end where kids can hold some of the specimens and learn more about sea life and caring for their own home aquarium.

#8. Stunning Views of Lyon and Roman History

FREE: There are two Roman amphitheatres at Theatres Romains de Fourviere. The large one is the largest in France and in such great condition that it is still in use! Your kids will love riding the funicular up the hill and the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is just a few minutes’ walk away. There are superb city views from both attractions. Be warned if you have little ones that there are lots of stairs so don’t bring the pushchair.

#9. Explore the Old City

If the weather is good, you can’t beat a stroll through Vieux Lyon or old Lyon with the kids. This part of the city is so interesting and well preserved with alley ways and courtyards. The kids will love spotting the many gargoyles that adorn the buildings. This is a lovely area to have lunch or dinner also, with lots of choice for places to eat.

#10. Delicious Macaroons

Charming and delicious, make a little stop at  Sève Chocolats, at Quai St Antoine, and pick up some of their tasty chocolates, fabulous pastries and delicious macaroons. So good after a day spent exploring the city and just because everyone deserves a special treat every now and then!

If you are visiting other European cities, you will find more great ideas:

• 10 FREE Things to do in Paris with Kids
• 10 Fun Things to do in London
• 10 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Berlin
• Fun Things to in Dublin with Kids.

Over to you now! If you have visited Lyon recently, where would you recommend for kids? We’d love to hear your suggestions, so please let us know below.