Family outings in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: free or inexpensive in January 2026

January 2026 brings with it a desire to get out and about, and a tight budget for many families. Paris and the Île-de-France region offer free family outings. What’s more, this guide is packed with simple, practical, child-friendly ideas.

January 2026: reliable ideas for going out without breaking the bank

The permanent collections of the museums of the City of Paris are free all year round for everyone. So you can make up your own free outings in the warmth of even the wettest weather. Just think of the Petit Palais or Carnavalet, accessible without a ticket in Paris.

At Le Bourget, the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace offers a wide range of fascinating, freely accessible exhibits. What’s more, the airplanes and fuselages will arouse the curiosity of the youngest visitors as soon as they enter. You’ll have to pay for admission to some of the halls, so check the map before your visit.

In Versailles, the Galerie des Carrosses can be visited without a ticket, often at weekends, close to Paris. Also, the scenography helps to tell thestory to children, without overload or fatigue. So anticipate the crowds and check the schedule the day before.

“A good family plan remains sustainable when you check access, times and route.”

Neighborhoods and parks: get moving without paying

At the Parc de la Villette, Little Villette offers free-access play areas for youngsters. These activities provide free outings with shelter in cold weather. In short, bring warm socks and a bottle of water.

The Berges de Seine, the Coulée verte René-Dumont and the Buttes-Chaumont offer safe and pleasant routes. So organize a mini treasure hunt, alternating walks and breaks. Then target a nearby playground to keep the group’s rhythm.

• Check opening hours and exceptional closures the day before
• Book if a gauge applies, even for free access
• Warm layers and a plan B for indoors
• Arrive early to avoid queues and waiting times
• Bring snacks, water and pre-loaded tickets

Museums and galleries: what’s often free

When it comes to art, the permanent collections remain a safe, free reference point in winter. The Petit Palais and the Musée d’Art Moderne, for example, are free outings with no surprises in store. These spaces are spacious and practical for strollers or baby-carriers.

What’s more, many arrondissement town halls program free-access exhibitions in their neighborhoods. These halls are ideal for short formats, useful between siestas and commutes. These places become useful free outings when the weather’s not cooperating.

Municipal libraries offer readings, creative workshops and games, often free of charge for all. Wednesdays and Saturdays are also the focus of family activities, some of which require registration. Check the age limits and rules for siblings before registering.

On the first Sunday of the month, many national museums in the Paris region open their doors free of charge. So plan a short itinerary for these free outings, and arrive early to minimize waiting times. In short, an early-morning slot offers more peace and quiet for children.

Small budgets: activities under €5

For a lower budget, take a look at the low-cost family workshops in Paris. Some heritage houses and the Tour Jean-sans-Peur are also affordable, depending on the season. Check the terms and conditions, as rates vary according to the season.

In the Paris region, several pools and skating rinks offer family rates in Paris and the suburbs. What’s more, some morning sessions cost less than afternoon sessions. But don’t forget to bring a cap and padlock to save time.

Practical tips for a successful month

When it comes to transport, optimize your journeys and parking times, just as you would with a car. Young people under 26 also get free admission to many museums. These advantages add to your free outings, even with a group.

January remains a cold and changeable month in Paris. So mix an outdoor stopover with a warm one. And don’t forget to leave room for snacks and a siesta.

Accessibility for families varies according to location and level. So be sure to look out for elevators, family toilets and stroller zones before you set off. This will help you avoid energy-intensive detours.

The weather, the crowds and the route can all change a day with children in an instant. So create a plan A and a plan B, flexible and short. In short, the most important thing is to share, at your children’s pace.

• free outings