Fun activities in Paris for teens: must-see and entertaining ideas

🖼️ Discover the interactive museums of Paris

No, not all museums are dusty! In Paris, some cultural venues focus on interactivity, technology, and immersive experiences to engage younger generations.

Among the must-sees:

• L’Atelier des Lumières: giant digital exhibitions that plunge into hypnotic visual universes (currently, the immersive version of The Little Prince).
• The Museum of Illusion: perfect for challenging your perceptions and filling your photo gallery with mind-bending illusions.
• The Cité des Sciences: scientific experiments to try yourself, in a playful and high-tech setting.

And to go further, here is a complete guide to the best exhibitions in Paris right now — perfect for planning a family outing, even with grumpy teens.

Note: most of these museums offer workshops or paths specially designed for young people, especially during school holidays. Be sure to book in advance!

🎢 Explore amusement parks and thrill rides

If your teenager needs to move, scream (with joy), or let off steam, head to the amusement parks and play areas of the capital!

Our suggestions for a well-filled day:

• Jardin d’Acclimatation: a modernized Parisian classic, with rides, treetop courses, a small train, and even a aviary. Ideal for ages 10–16.
• Illucity in La Villette: a virtual reality center where teens can immerse themselves in cooperative VR games, futuristic escape rooms, or galactic battles.
• Parc Astérix or Disneyland Paris (a bit further but accessible by RER): for a big day of thrills and selfies with mascots.

And if you're looking to plan an outing during a specific period, here are some ideas for activities to do during school holidays in Paris — enough to keep even the most jaded entertained!

Some places also offer evening events, special animations, or reduced rates for young people… not to be missed.

🎨 Participate in creative and artistic workshops

Not all teens are adrenaline junkies: some prefer to create, imagine, make. Paris is full of workshops where they can express their creativity, away from screens.

Among the top picks:

• Wecandoo: craft workshops led by real professionals (ceramics, sewing, engraving, cooking…). They leave with their own creation — guaranteed pride.
• Les Ateliers de Paris: often free, they offer sessions for young people in the fields of design or fashion.
• Graffiti and supervised street art: in some neighborhoods, collectives offer workshops to learn urban techniques legally.

This type of activity is also ideal to fit into a weekend. To spot the current good deals, take a look at this selection of things to do in Paris this weekend.

It’s fun, stimulating, and allows for a different reconnection to the city — through hands and imagination.

🛹 Getting into Urban and Extreme Sports

Need to blow off some steam in an urban way? Paris offers a great variety of spots to practice dynamic sports that can sometimes be a bit risky (but always supervised!).

Must-try:

• Skateparks: Bercy or La Villette are must-visit places to ride freely.
• Urban climbing: venues like Climb Up or Arkose offer courses for beginners and advanced climbers.
• Parkour and freestyle: collectives organize initiations in the streets of Paris (yes, just like in your teen's favorite YouTube videos).
• BMX & scooter: some skateparks are suitable for these activities — guaranteed thrills.

These disciplines are not only fun but also super trendy among young people. They can even be the gateway to a lasting passion.

And why not combine this activity with a cultural outing? You will also find a list of the best museums in Paris to alternate between sport and brain activity in the same day!

🔐 Dive into the coolest escape games in the capital

Want to challenge your teenager with puzzles and secret mechanisms? Parisian escape games are a perfect playground to test their observation skills, teamwork spirit... and logic.

Some experiences not to be missed:

• The Game: ultra-immersive rooms in various universes (heist, abandoned subway, prison...).
• HintHunt: one of the first brands in Paris, still at the top with well-crafted scenarios.
• Pandore & Associés: known for its ultra-realistic sets and special effects.

And to step a bit off the beaten path, why not book a session in an unusual neighborhood? Some escape games are set in historical or alternative locations. To learn more about the places to explore, take a look at this guide to the most iconic neighborhoods of Paris — it might also guide your choice!

Bonus: most rooms offer "teen-friendly" levels starting at age 12, with or without adult supervision. A great way to have a wonderful adventure with family or friends.

🛍️ Visit the trendy neighborhoods and their stylish shops

Teens love to stroll, spot looks, find unique clothes, or just wander in a neighborhood "that has the vibe." Paris is full of urban and cool spots where you can shop, chill, snack, and take stylish photos.

Neighborhoods not to miss:

• Le Marais: trendy thrift shops, concept stores, small galleries… The paradise for teens seeking style.
• Canal Saint-Martin: relaxed atmosphere, street food, independent shops, and perfect benches to discuss the world.
• Rue de Charonne & Bastille: for young designer brands, trendy cafes, and an artsy atmosphere.

If you want to gather ideas for stylish walks and must-visit addresses, check out this top of the most romantic places in Paris — some of them are also very popular with teens for their setting, atmosphere, and Instagram potential.

Note: some neighborhoods also organize festivals, clothing swaps, or creative markets, especially on weekends. This adds an eventful touch to urban exploration!

🎭 Enjoying cinemas and shows tailored for teens

Paris is also a city of shows. And it's not just for fans of classical theater! Many venues offer screenings and shows designed for teens, blending humor, thrills, and new technologies.

To try based on preferences:

• Independent cinemas like Louxor or Grand Action: to watch films in their original version, discover gems of world cinema, or attend film debates.
• Stand-up shows: Point Virgule, République, or Paname Art Café often feature young artists and Generation Z jokes.
• Immersive or unusual cinema: like special screenings at Grand Rex (with backstage tours), or projections on boats and rooftops when the weather is nice.
• Musicals & urban shows: for a dose of singing, dancing, and rhythm that resonates with teens.

Some venues also offer reduced rates for those under 18, and even youth subscriptions — perfect for enjoying cultural outings without breaking the bank.

And between two shows, why not improvise a little film debate on the way back? Spoiler: even the quietest teens can turn into passionate critics after a good movie!

🍔 Savor culinary specialties in trendy food courts

We know it: a hungry teenager is a grumpy teenager. Fortunately, Paris is full of stylish food courts where everyone can eat what they like, without any hassle. Gourmet burgers, Asian cuisine, revamped tacos, or giant pastries: there’s something for every taste — and every appetite.

The popular spots:

• Time Out Market (Saint-Lazare): a large hall gathering a selection of Parisian chefs, perfect for a quick lunch or a lively dinner.
• Ground Control (12th): industrial and relaxed atmosphere, with food stalls from around the world, a pétanque court, a bookstore, and exhibitions as a bonus.
• Food Society (Les Ateliers Gaîté, Montparnasse): modern space with regular events, DJ sets, and even a mini karaoke room.

These kinds of places appeal to teenagers for their friendly atmosphere, their “self-service” aspect, and of course, their Insta potential. And parents also find what they need with healthy or veggie options.

Little tip: some spots organize musical events, workshops, or pop-up markets — perfect for turning a meal break into a cool and unexpected moment.

🚤 Taking a cruise on the Seine, but for teens

Taking a boat ride on the Seine? Yes, but not just any way. To appeal to teens, we forget the boring commentary on the microphone and opt for original and modern cruises, with fun, music... and breathtaking views.

Some options that appeal to young people:

• Musical or aperitif cruises (soft version): chill atmosphere, trendy playlist, and a sunset over the Eiffel Tower as a bonus.
• Electric boats without a license: to rent with friends or family, for a self-guided and quiet trip on the Seine or the Ourcq canal.
• Modern boats with interactive screens: to discover Paris in a different way, through content tailored for teens, featuring historical anecdotes and pop culture information.

It’s the perfect activity at the end of the day, to relax, admire Paris from the water, and take some panoramic shots that will be a hit on social media. As a bonus: even the most jaded are amazed (without admitting it too much, of course).

🌿 Discover the gardens and green spaces of the capital

Because sometimes you don't feel like running or consuming, sometimes it’s just about finding a cool green spot to relax. And once again, Paris delivers.

Teenagers' favorite spots to chill:

• Buttes-Chaumont: with its slopes, its perched temple, and its slightly wild atmosphere, it’s THE park to hang out with friends.
• Parc Rives de Seine: by the river, perfect for a scooter ride, a skate session, or a picnic at sunset.
• Coulée Verte René-Dumont: an elevated walk above the city, peaceful and photogenic.
• Parc de la Villette: huge, full of nooks, and often lively (open-air cinema, concerts, street art…).

These green spaces are not just places to rest: they are also spots for life, creation, and meeting. The perfect place to catch your breath between activities or to end the day gently.