Family outings in Lyon
Lyon is a very pleasant city for families: a large park with a free zoo right in the centre, surprising museums and two rivers whose landscaped banks invite bike or scooter rides. The funicular climbing up to Fourvière amuses children and offers a view over the whole city. Public transport is efficient and most outings are easy to reach without a car.
Must-do activities
Parc de la Tête d'Or
A huge park with a free zoo, a lake, a little train, rides and greenhouses; you can spend the whole day there.
Musée des Confluences
Science and society in a spectacular building; dinosaurs and collections from around the world.
Aquarium de Lyon
Sharks, rays and river fish in La Mulatière; the aquarium has recently extended its visitor route.
Mini World Lyon
A large park of animated miniatures, with day and night scenes that fascinate children.
Fourvière and its funicular
The funicular, the basilica and the esplanade with panoramic views over the city.
Rhône riverbanks
A landscaped, car-free promenade with playgrounds and space for cycling or scootering. Free.
Free parks and playgrounds near Lyon
- 🌳 Jardin Général Charles Delestraint
- 🛝 Cour de l'école Lamartine
- 📚 Bibliothèque du 3e Duguesclin
- 🌲 Réserve de Crapauds
- 💦 L'eau de soie
- 🌳 Square Jussieu
- 🛝 Berges du Rhône Passerelle du collège
- 📚 Bibliothèque du 7e Guillotière
- 🌲 Micro-forêt des Alytes
- 🌳 Place Raspail
- 🛝 Berges du Rhône Renata Tebaldi
- 📚 Bibliothèque du 5e Saint-Jean
Making the most of Lyon as a family
Whether you live in Lyon or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Lyon
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Lyon, often with free cancellation.
See activities on GetYourGuide →See experiences on Viator →
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Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in Lyon on FamiSwipe
FAQ
What can kids do in Lyon when it rains?
The Musée des Confluences, the Aquarium de Lyon, Mini World and the Musée Cinéma et Miniature are safe bets in bad weather.
What are the free family activities in Lyon?
Parc de la Tête d'Or and its zoo, the banks of the Rhône and the Saône, Parc de Gerland and neighbourhood playgrounds. FamiSwipe shows the parks around you.
Is the Lyon zoo free?
Yes, the zoological garden in Parc de la Tête d'Or is free to enter, during the park's opening hours.
Is Lyon stroller-friendly?
The centre and the riverbanks are flat and easy. The slopes of Croix-Rousse and Fourvière are steep: the funicular and the metro help a lot.