What to do in Paris with children when it rains? Our best indoor ideas

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When clouds cover the Paris sky and rain arrives for the day, Parisian families are faced with a recurring question: how to keep children busy inside without giving in to the screens? Whether it's a Wednesday afternoon, a rainy weekend, or school vacation, kids are bursting with energy, even in the rain. Fortunately, the capital is full of places designed for them, combining discoveries, games, awakening and safety. Among these places, Octopia, located in the 17th arrondissement, offers an answer particularly adapted to young children and their parents.

This article offers you a selection of 7 ideas for family outings in Paris when it rains, designed to meet the needs of children aged 0 to 8, while taking into account the comfort and organization of adults.

1. Exploring an immersive and sensory universe at Octopia

Octopia is an indoor space entirely dedicated to the development, creativity and motor skills of children from birth to 8 years old. Designed as a sensory discovery trail, the place is structured into 8 fun and educational areas: motor skills area, baby corner, creative zone, interactive digital space, workshops, reading corner, reading corner, shop and birthday area.

What makes Octopia unique is its global approach: everything is designed so that children can play, learn, move, create, and express themselves, all in a safe, clean, bright and warm environment. The place also offers creative and well-being workshops throughout the week, upon reservation. Whether you have an infant or a 6-year-old child, you will find an experience adapted, calm or more dynamic, depending on the mood of the day.

2. Participate in an indoor creative workshop

When the weather doesn't allow for outdoor play, manual activities become a great alternative. Children love to manipulate, create, invent. At Octopia, you can enroll your child in a painting, slime, collage, or clay workshop depending on their age. These workshops are supervised by specialized animators and allow children to develop their fine motor skills, their ability to concentrate, and their imagination. In addition, they leave with their creations, which adds to the pride of the shared moment.

3. Discover musical awakening and movement

One of the best ways to channel children's energy indoors is through movement. Musical and physical activities such as the Octomusic workshop or the children's yoga sessions offered by Octopia allow children to express their emotions, to discover their body, and to let off steam in a constructive way. Younger children can participate in musical awakening sessions with percussion instruments, nursery rhymes and small rhythm games, while older children love the choreographed workshops or dance battles offered in some birthday packages.

4. Read in a cozy reading corner

Sometimes when it rains, kids need to slow down, to refocus. The Octopia reading corner is designed for this: soft cushions, soft rugs, illustrated books adapted to each age group, and sometimes even stories told in small groups. This type of quiet time is often enjoyed by children who are more introverted or at the end of their exploration journey. It also allows parents to spend a few moments with the family, without pressure.

5. Offer a snack in a sheltered environment in a family setting

Rain can be an opportunity to share a gourmet moment with the family. Octopia offers a café-snack area where parents can enjoy a hot drink while the children play, or get together after a session for a sweet snack. On birthdays, this snack is prepared and served in a dedicated room, but the rest of the time, families can enjoy the relaxing corner while keeping an eye on their children.

6. Take advantage of a secure motor area

When parks are impassable, children always need to run, jump, and climb. The play area in the Octopia playground is designed for this: mini-climbing, foam structures, agility courses... everything is in place to allow children to move freely while being safe. This is especially useful for children aged 2 to 5, who need a stimulating environment to burn off their energy.

7. Organize a birthday indoors

You had planned an outdoor birthday party and the weather is changing your plans? Octopia offers several turnkey formulas to celebrate birthdays, even (and especially) when it rains. Thematic workshops, supervised entertainment, buffet included: everything is organized so that you only have to enjoy the moment with your child and his friends. And no need to think about cleaning or logistics, everything is planned.

Practical information

Octopia is located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, a stone's throw from the Porte des Ternes. The venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with 2-hour slots for free play sessions, and specific slots for workshops.

Address: 5 rue Émile Allez, 75017 Paris

Access: metro line 1 — Porte Maillot

Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday-Friday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Prices: 27€ for 1 child + 1 adult (2 hours) during the week and 29 at the weekend.

Booking recommended online

Explore: Sensorimotor activities for children aged 0 to 4 in Paris

Book: Yoga, music, creativity: the best wellness workshops for children in Paris

Book: Your game slot or workshop at Octopia

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