Rainy Day Back-Up Plans for Kids in Paris

Ah, Paris! City of light, love, and, let’s be honest, rain. You arrive with visions of sun-dappled picnics by the Seine, only to find the weather forecast reads like a soggy croissant. Paris is as prepared for drizzle as a Parisian is for ex

istential ennui. Here’s your essential guide to surviving (and maybe even enjoying) a rainy day in Paris with young kids.

The Aquarium: Where Sharks Are Less Dangerous Than Soggy Socks

If your children’s spirits sink faster than your umbrella in a Parisian gutter, head straight for the Aquarium de Paris at Trocadéro. Here, little ones can marvel at 43 tanks, a mesmerizing shark tunnel, and a touch pool - because nothing distracts from the weather quite like a toddler elbow-deep in starfish. Pro tip: Pack snacks. The only thing more relentless than Parisian rain is a child’s hunger in the presence of a gift shop.

Cité des Sciences: Science, Chaos, and Dry Socks

The Cité des Sciences is a temple to curiosity, chaos, and the blessed absence of puddles. Kids as young as two can explore hands-on exhibits, while you reflect on how your own brain now resembles a sponge. Don’t miss the children’s section, where experiments are encouraged and, unlike your Airbnb, nothing is breakable.

Grande Galerie de l’Évolution: Jurassic Park, Minus the Lawsuits

When the rain is biblical, seek shelter among the dinosaurs and taxidermy at the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. It’s part natural history museum, part Noah’s Ark, and wholly absorbing for kids who love animals (or simply need to run in circles without judgment).

Atelier des Lumières: Where Kids Can Touch the Art (Sort Of)

If your children think “museum” is French for “nap,” try Atelier des Lumières. This immersive digital art space projects masterpieces on every surface, so your kids can chase Van Gogh’s sunflowers across the floor while you pretend this counts as a cultural education.

Le Café des Chats: The Cat’s Pajamas of Parisian Cafés

For the parent who dreams of a hot coffee and a seat that isn’t a metro step, Le Café des Chats delivers. Twelve cats roam freely, providing entertainment for the kids and a soothing presence for adults. If your children are allergic, well, at least you’ll have an excuse to leave early and hit the next indoor spot.

Bonus Tip: Resist the Siren Call of the Louvre on Rainy Days

Before you grab your rain-soaked brood and make a beeline for the Louvre, pause. Every other family in Paris has the same idea, and the result is a queue that snakes through the courtyard like a soggy conga line, umbrellas jousting for space, and tempers fraying faster than your travel-sized poncho. Even with pre-booked tickets, you may find yourself herded from one entrance to another, standing in the rain, only to finally enter a museum so packed it feels like a Parisian metro at rush hour - except with more selfie sticks and fewer personal boundaries. Save the Louvre for a sunnier, less crowded day, and let others discover the joys of queuing in the rain.