BEST Things to Do in Lyon with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide
Visiting Lyon with kids? Great choice! Think of Lyon as a giant playground with beautiful parks, cool secret alleyways, and yummy treats. Located between two rivers, this French city is famous for its tasty food, but it’s also packed with fun stuff for kids and families.
If you’re wondering what to do in Lyon with a family, look no further. We’ll take you through the best things to do in Lyon with kids, accommodation recommendations, top tips, and even day trips and transportation advice. Let’s get started!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
Like many destinations in Western Europe, Lyon is excellent year-round, and it can be hard to pick when to go to be sure to experience the top things to do in Lyon. While any time is a good time, June and September are our personal favorite months for the best things to do in Lyon with kids.
Visit Lyon in June
June is a great time to visit France with kids. The weather in June averages about 70°F to 77°F – not melting! The nights are a bit colder, at around 55°F. The sun shines for 9 hours a day, though 10 days of the month will be rainy.
June is filled with festivals such as France’s National Day of Music and the Lyon International Fair!
Visit Lyon in September
September’s weather is very similar to June’s—about 68°F to 77°F, dropping to around 53°F at night. It’s just after tourist season, so things are much quieter and less crowded.
There are about 11 days of rain and 8 hours of sun per day, like in June. September is best for boat rides on the Lyon River and sightseeing.
For those who prefer, there are also plenty of things to do in Lyon in winter, including many festivals. Just be prepared for a bit more rain and cold!
How to Get to Lyon
Traveling to Lyon with kids doesn’t need to be hard! These are the best ways to get there.
By plane
Lyon has two main airports – Saint-Exupéry International Airport and the Business Airport of Lyon (Lyon-Bron). The main airport in Lyon for holidaymakers is the former.
Driving to Lyon
Driving to Lyon from London takes 10-11 hours via the Channel Tunnel. From Paris, it is about 5-6 hours.
View rental car prices and availability for your dates here >>>
Getting the Train to Lyon
From London, you can take Eurostar from London to Paris and switch stations to take the TGV to Lyon.
You can also take Eurostar to Brussels and take the TGV from the same station to Lyon.
These journeys take, respectively, 5 and 6 hours.
Where to Stay in Lyon, France with Kids
Lyon is very family-friendly no matter where you go! The three best areas to stay in Lyon with kids are Vieux Lyon (the Old Town), La Presqu’île (the city center), and Croix-Rousse, a village-like area of the city that used to be independent and has a more rustic feel.
These hotels are some of the best to visit near tourist places in Lyon.
Budget: The Warwick Reine Astrid – Lyon
The Reine Astrid is an ideal spot for Lyon shopping and things to see in Lyon, and it is near the train station for day trips from Lyon.
The hotel has an onsite coffee house, a fitness center, spa, and sauna, an outdoor terrace and garden, and 24-hour security.
Cots are available free of charge on request, as in an extra bed for a child up to 11 years old.
Mid-Range: Best Western Hotel du Pont Wilson
Hotel du Pont Wilson is situated right in the heart of Presqu’ile, making it great for your Lyon city break things to do. Parking and a parking garage are available for an extra fee.
The hotel offers a kid-friendly buffet, a coffeehouse on-site, accessible facilities for disabled travelers, laundry, and business services for an extra fee. Cots and extra beds are not available, so bring a pack-and-play or travel cot!
Worth a Splurge: Raddison Blu Hotel, Lyon
The Radisson Blu is one of the best 4* hotels in Lyon. Located at the edge of the city center, the hotel has a tram stop right outside that goes to the Old Town and is also close to the train station.
Their high-floor superior rooms with a view of the city will sleep two people. There are some family options available on request.
The hotel rooms offer views of landmarks and mountains as well as a living area. Amenities include a currency exchange, a fitness center and spa, and set kids meals. An extra cot is provided for free on request, as is an extra bed for children up to 6 years old.
Top 10 Things to Do in Lyon with Kids
These are some of the many things to do in Lyon with kids, including Lyon’s main attractions. It’s a good idea to invest in a Lyon City Card when visiting. This card gives:
- Unlimited access to most public transport
- Access to some boat trips
- Free access to several museums
- Discounts on many attractions
- A guided tour
- Huge shopping discounts!
The list below is some of our favorite things to do in Lyon as a family, and the card helps with almost all of them.
1. Parc de la Tête d’Or ( Park of the Golden Head)
This amazing urban park offers beautiful natural views, places to walk and hike, and an immersion in nature—it also has a small zoo with giraffes, deer, monkeys, and more, completely free of charge.
The large lake in the park is a popular boating site, and there are many sporting areas, including mini-golf. A mini-train can get you around the park, and you can even see the botanic gardens inside!
Why not try this bike tour of the park? Get your tickets here >>>
2. Lungdunum (Gallo-Roman Museum)
Lungdunum Museum is one of the best things to do in Lyon with kids.
This museum is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines art, museums, theatre, and archaeology! It focuses on the life of the Gauls in Ancient Roman times, including a mostly intact outdoor Roman theatre.
They also have an area of the museum specifically dedicated to children. Kids can dress up as Romans, eat what they used to eat, learn about Roman gods and goddesses, and more!
3. La Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
It’s a different Notre Dame from Paris – no Hunchbacks here! – but it has its own amazing history. This is an important landmark in Lyon, and there are many tours offered, including free options and fascinating rooftop tours.
There’s a tradition where you tie a ribbon around particular olive trees on the grounds and make a wish, and it should come true! There are also beautiful gardens, a permanent museum, rotating exhibitions, and concerts.
4. A River Cruise: One of the Top Lyon Children’s Activities
Consider embarking on a river cruise when considering what to do with kids in Lyon. Whether it’s a food voyage or a scenic barge journey along the Saône River, these cruises offer a unique perspective of the city’s highlights.
If you’re short on time, a boat trip efficiently showcases Lyon’s top sights, making it an unmissable addition to any family itinerary.
Get your guided boat tour ticket here >>>
5. Food tours
Some amazing things in Lyon satisfy any taste, from amazing gourmet Lyon restaurants to delicious French street food. Several tours allow you to go at your own pace through your smartphone, while others lead you with a professional Lyon food guide.
The best of these tours are in Vieux Lyon, which combines traditional food with a modern twist.
Get your food audio guide tour here, or book a guided food tour through Lyon here.
6. Traboules of the Old Town
Lyon is filled with secret passageways to explore! Dating back to the 4th century, the covered passageways are dotted around most of the city but are most common in the Old Town. Each is unique in color, with amazing Renaissance arches and stunning architecture.
The traboules twist through buildings, courtyards, and more, connecting places together. They even served as resistance hideouts during World War 2! While you can get a guided tour, finding them by yourself based only on hints is an exciting whole-day activity you can try as a family.
7. Musée de Confluences
Musee de Confluences is a combination of an anthropology museum and an amazing science center! You and the kids alike can learn about the origins of the universe, of humanity and animals, how we developed over time, and of human societies all around the world!
From the outside, it’s a pretty photogenic ‘floating cloud’ for picture opportunities – but inside is where the fun begins!
8. La Place Bellecour
This huge public square is something that can’t be missed! It’s the third-biggest square in France and the largest pedestrian-only square in Europe!
There are several historical statues and beautiful architecture. Many events and concerts are held here year-round! In winter, you’ll find an ice rink and a huge Ferris wheel that you can ride to see around the whole of Lyon.
9. Le Théâtre Guignol de Lyon
Guignol is an important part of French puppet theatre, and the performance of this puppet and his fellow marionettes is most associated with the amazing theatre in Lyon.
There are over 300 puppets, countless stories, and many shows. Some are dedicated to kids, and some are just for adults!
If you have a bit more cash, you can even pay for a private show for you and your family.
10. Urban Escape Games
Escape rooms are so popular with people of all ages these days – but what about an escape city?! One company offers three city-wide escape games that put you and the kids right in a story where Lyon is in your landscape, allowing you to explore uniquely!
You can try The Rise of the Dead zombie game, the Investigation detective game, or The Alchemist, a historical adventure. Who knows what you’ll find?
Lyon with a Toddler
Taking a toddler to Lyon? Prepare for a delightful mix of wonder and exploration. Here are some tips and recommendations to ensure both you and your little one have a fantastic time:
- Child-Friendly Attractions: Visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or – it’s not just a park. With its small zoo, gentle rides, and spacious playgrounds, it’s a toddler’s dream. The park also has lovely picnic spots for a family lunch.
- Stroller-Friendly Areas: Much of Lyon is relatively flat and offers wide pavements, especially in the shopping districts and along the Rhône riverbanks. However, be prepared for some cobbled streets in Vieux Lyon. A sturdy stroller would be ideal.
- Hands-On Activities: Lugik Parc is an indoor play area that’s perfect for toddlers, especially on rainy days. It has ball pits, soft play areas, and other fun features to keep the little ones entertained.
- Meal Times: Lyon has many bistros and cafes that offer high chairs and kid-friendly menus. Don’t miss out on trying some local pastries; your toddler might love the “tarte aux pralines”, a sweet and pink-colored treat.
- Stay Hydrated: There are several public fountains around the city where you can refill water bottles. Always handy for keeping your active toddler hydrated!
- Nap Times: The tranquillity of the Jardin des Chartreux or the serene banks of the Saône River can be ideal for a peaceful stroller nap.
- Shopping: Look out for children’s boutiques in the Croix-Rousse area. You might find lovely, unique souvenirs or toys that would be a hit with your toddler.
Where to Eat in Lyon for Families
France is well known for its food and gastronomic success, but while most people focus on Paris when they think of the country, Lyon has such a thriving culinary culture that it’s known as the gastronomical culture of the world!
Lyon is famous for its saucisson lyonnais à cuire (sausage with potato gratin), quenelle dumplings, and the sweet marzipan coussins de Lyon. If you’re looking for some classic Lyon tastes with the family, try:
Nosch – if you’re looking for something more gastronomic, this restaurant is top-rated for its service and delicious meals. A typical three-course meal might include homemade terrine, beef Bavette, and a chocolate mousse or cheese plate. It’s a busy, fun, upbeat place that’s always buzzing with life. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Terre Adelice – ice cream, sorbet, and dessert for your cool Lyon summer days! Sweet treats come in so many flavors your head will spin – 80 to 90 on a given day! You can grab a crepe, a waffle, or simply a cone and enjoy. Feel free to sample the flavors before you commit, too! View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
2 Days in Lyon Itinerary
My family and I have been to Lyon a few times, and every time is something new! Just 2 days in Lyon, France, is enough to taste the city, while 3 days or more in Lyon will help you find the best parts of the city!
Below, I’ve provided a rough itinerary of the individual days that my husband, myself, and our 12 and 7-year-old spent in the city. First is the Lyon 2-day itinerary to get you started!
Day 1: 1 Day in Lyon Itinerary
Morning: When we arrived in Lyon, the first thing the kids wanted to do was go sailing on the river. We booked a sightseeing lunch cruise that took five and a half hours along the water, and our amazing English-speaking guide described the whole city on the winding course. The lunch was amazing, too!
Afternoon: We spent the afternoon sightseeing on land, searching for the traboules of the Old Town. Though we’d previously gone on tours of these, my kids wanted to test their ability to find the ‘secret’ seals – it was a really fun couple of hours of wandering the city!
Day 2: 2 Days in Lyon Itinerary
Morning: On the 2nd morning, we headed to the Musée de Confluences. My son (12) is interested in how people lived back in the prehistoric age versus how they live now, and the museum was perfect for him to bridge the gap. My little one loved the exhibits, too!
Afternoon: We went to see one of the city’s famous puppet shows in the evening. Though my daughter was most excited about it, everyone was fascinated by the skill and laughed at the jokes, including myself and my husband!
3-Day Lyon Itinerary
On the third day, we decided to take a little side trip. We joined the tour early in the morning to the little alpine town of Annecy and the medieval village of Pérouges, two of the most beautiful places in France!
The kids loved the little sightseeing cruise and the special French food that awaited us. It was like stepping into another world! By the time we returned home, it was already time for dinner.
4 Days in Lyon Itinerary
Day 4 was a little quieter. We spent the morning at the Parc and the accompanying free zoo, much to my kids’ delight – who doesn’t love spending time with animals?
They ran around and played football in the grass to get some of their energy out. Later, the whole family joined an urban escape game and solved the mystery of Josyne, accused of witchcraft in 1555!
5 Days in Lyon for Kids
We spent our last day in Lungdumnum. The kids spent the whole day as French Romans, learning about the ancient gods and way of life. My husband and I really enjoyed some of the exhibits, too!
We splurged on a delicious meal at one of Lyon’s Michelin Star restaurants in the evening. It was the perfect treat to end a fantastic trip!
Places to Visit Near Lyon with Kids
When you’re in Lyon, it’s so easy to explore outside of it that you need to take at least a one-day trip! These are three of my personal favorites when traveling with kids.
Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland, is under 2 hours from Lyon by train! The train leaves Lyon city center and goes right to the center of Geneva, and from there, it’s easy to book a walking tour or find another way to explore the city’s many sights before returning to France.
Pérouges & Annecy
As I mentioned above, these two towns are must-see spots for anyone visiting Lyon. The former has a unique atmosphere and is considered one of the most beautiful places in France, and kids love feeling like they’re in a fantasy story.
The latter will show you the Alps and some stunning lakes!
Grottes de Cerdon
These astounding caves have been used for human homes since prehistoric times! They’re spectacular must-see geological formations, and more than that, they’re teeming with a history that will fascinate everyone in the family.
Several caves have been used to store mature cheese, while some have been used to serve as houses for leper colonies – and everything in between! There’s also an amazing outcropping that overlooks the entire Cerdon Valley.
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.