Disney, Harry Potter, Mario Kart... the best activities to keep your children occupied in Paris

Your children are on their 12th ride in the Parc de la Villette and you're starting to wonder if you're having a waking nightmare. Don't panic, we've got the solution for you! Paris is full of fun activities to keep your little ones occupied. And why not treat them to a bit of magic with experiences inspired by Star Wars, Harry Potter or Mario Kart? They'll be transformed into little Jedi, wizards or racing drivers in no time! In this article, discover the best activities to keep your children entertained and avoid going on merry-go-rounds for the rest of your life.

© ilikeyellow/chrisdorney / Shutterstock

Battle Kart: life-size Mario Kart

Is your toddler being clever and beating you at Mario Kart? OK, take him out into real life and see who's laughing. Battle Kart gives you the chance to challenge your family and friends to a game of karts, complete with items and bonuses just like in the famous game. There's a choice of game modes, from classic racing to Splatoon-style colour battles and on-track billiards. You'll never get bored of all these options. Each game lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Several slots can be booked in a row to try it all out. It's also possible to reserve a private slot so you can play against your friends!

Practical information

📍 Location: Paris-Villepintes

⏰ Times: 4pm to 10pm

👛 Prices: €24 per game, then sliding scale prices for subsequent games (€20 and €18)

Disney Village: it's free!

Since the closure of the Disney Store on the Champs-Elysées in May 2023, are you finding life sad, insipid and uninteresting? Don't wait any longer, take your children to Disney Village to rediscover a bit of magic. On a more serious note, the good news is that Disney Village is the only free entrance to DisneyLand Paris. The Village is also now the only place in France to buy official Disney products. There are also several play areas, restaurants, bars, shows and even a cinema! Just seeing the park's scenery for €0 is worth the trip, even by RER.

Practical information

📍 Location: In the heart of DisneyLand Paris

⏰ Times: 8am to midnight

👛 Admission: free!

🚌 How to get there: the RER A will take you right to the gates of the village.

Harry Potter exhibition: for Muggles of all ages

Perhaps you've already thought about sending your child to wizarding school for a bit of peace of mind, but it may not be too late. The Harry Potter exhibition invites adults and children of all ages to discover the mysteries of the legendary saga and Hogwarts through an interactive journey designed for everyone. Whether they're fans of the films, fans of the books or immersed in the Hogwarts Legacy game, they'll all be amazed. From filming secrets to immersive experiences, you'll enjoy a visit filled with magic and magic spells. There are no limits to Harry Potter fans, whether you're creating your own potion or feeling like a misunderstood wizard in the cupboard under the stairs.

📍 Location : Paris Expo Porte de Versailles 1 Pl. de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France Pavilion 2.1

⏰ Times vary from day to day, so it is advisable to book your ticket in advance by choosing a time slot.

👛 Prices: Monday to Thursday from €15 for children and €19 for adults Friday to Sunday from €19 for children and €25 for adults

Temporary and recurring activities

Many short-lived events are held in Paris around pop culture, a theme that attracts young and old alike. These are often held at the Parc expo, the Parc de la Villette or even the Parc de Bercy, like the recent Stranger Things Experience or the events surrounding the release of Hogwarts Legacy. Other events, such as Japan Expo and the opening of the Pokémon Center, often take place in July and August.

by Faustine PEREZ
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