Things to do with kids in Lyon

Things to do with kids in Lyon

1. See

   Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

   Museum of the Resistance during World War II

   This museum in the former Gestapo regional headquarters depicts the daily life in Lyon under the German occupation and keeps memories of this tragic period. Often holds exhibitions (mostly photography).

   Wed-Sun 09:00-17:30, closed on holidays·€3. Free for children under 18

2. See

   Musée Miniature et Cinéma

   Miniature and Movie Museum

   Created by artist Dan Ohlmann, this private gallery shows about 120 miniature models of all kinds of scenes: houses, restaurants, workshops, schools, etc., from Lyon or elsewhere, historical or contemporary. The accuracy of the models is astonishing and some sections will be real fun for children. Movie sceneries, models, costumes, masks and props are also presented, including a wand from the Harry Potter films and the Alien Queen from Alien vs. Predator. The gallery is in a large 16th-century building called Maison des Avocats (Lawyers' house).

   Daily 10:00-18:30 (ticket sales close at 17:30)·€9.50, senior €8, student €7, under 15 €6.50

3. See

   Musée urbain Tony Garnier

   This museum was created during the renovation of the États-Unis neighbourhood in the 1980s and 1990s, and the inhabitants were strongly involved in the project. The museum comprises a recreated apartment of the 1930s, which shows how life was like in these very modern housing units, and the 25 wall paintings depicting Garnier's work and ideals. You can also see the walls on your own but you will miss the interesting comments on the history of the area and the social project behind it.

   Visitor centre: Tue-Sat 14:00-18:00, guided tours Sat at 14:30 or by appointment for groups of 10 or more·Guided tours: €6, under 18 €4, children under 5 free; audioguide: €5, under 18 €3, children under 5 free

4. See

   Musées Gadagne: Historical museum of Lyon and International puppet museum

   These museums dedicated to the history of the city and to puppets (like the famous Guignol from Lyon). The building is a magnificent Renaissance palace that is worth a visit. A nice garden and cafe have also been created at the top of the building (free access). Unfortunately there is no view, however. Temporary exhibitions are shown. The puppet museum is mostly for kids and is skippable if you don't read French and don't have a fascination for either the local puppet tradition or seeing a small number of typical pieces from the most known and easily collected traditions (Turkey, Java, Japan, Siam). Wheelchair or pram access is possible to the historical museum through a labyrinthine series of lifts, though only to portions of the puppet museum.

   Wed-Sun 11:00-18:30 except public holidays·1 museum: €6 including audioguide, 2 museums: €8, 2 museums + temporary exhibition: €10. Under 26 and disabled: free

5. See

   Parc de la Tête d'or

   Completed in 1862, this English-style garden is one of the largest and arguably one of the most beautiful urban parks in France. It is a popular place for families as well as joggers. The highlights of the park include the large greenhouses, the botanical garden, the rose garden and the "African plain" in which animals wander in a natural-style environment, perfect for children.

   15 Oct–14 Apr: 06:30–20:30, 15 Apr–14 Oct: 06:30–22:30·free of charge

6. See

   Place du Change

   The largest square in the area has two remarkable buildings. The Loge du Change, on the west side, was partially built by the great architect Soufflot. It is now a Protestant church known as Temple du Change. It can be visited on Saturdays. Religious services on Sundays, 10:30. Opposite is the Maison Thomassin, with its Gothic-style 14th-century façade. The Thomassins were a powerful merchant family in the Renaissance. Above the 2nd floor windows are the arms of the King of France, of the Dauphin (heir of the Kingdom) and of Duchess Anne of Brittany. Unfortunately, the courtyard is closed to the public.

7. See Not mapped

   Car museum of Rochetaillée

   Has a very nice collection of modern and old cars. The main attraction of the museum is Adolf Hitler's armored car.

   Open Tue-Sun 09:00-19:00 in July and August, Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00 the rest of the year. Closed on Christmas and New Year·Fees: Adults €5, free for children under 18

8. Do Not mapped

   Théâtre le Guignol de Lyon

   Compagnie des Zonzons

   The largest Guignol theatre, showing original creations for children and adults.

   €9, child under 15 €7

9. Do Not mapped

   Véritable Guignol du Vieux Lyon et du Parc

   Especially intended for children, this outdoor theatre is in the park, near the lake and the zoo.

   Wed Sat Sun, bank and school holidays 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00

10. See

    Lyon Zoo

    Jardin zoologique de Lyon

    Nov–Mar: 09:00–17:00 daily; Apr–Oct: 09:00–18:00 daily; May–Sep: 09:00–18:30 daily·free of charge

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Lyon (CC BY-SA 4.0).