Bonjour! Welcome to Lyon, the culinary capital of France, a city that offers endless possibilities for family fun.
If you are planning a trip 2 days in Lyon with children, you will find plenty of child-friendly activities in this beautiful destination. From exploring historical sites to delicious French cuisine, Lyon has something for everyone.
So pack your bags, hold hands with the kids and join us on an exciting adventure as we show you how to spend two unforgettable days in Lyon with the kids!
About Lyon
Lyon, France’s third largest city, is a fascinating historic site in the Rhône-Alpes region. Known for its cuisine (it’s the gastronomic capital of France!), its wine and its architecture.
Lyon is a great place to visit with children. Here are some fun activities for the whole family during a two-day stay in this beautiful city.
Day 1 Activities:
After breakfast in one of Lyon’s many excellent bakeries, head to the Museum of Fine Arts to spend a few hours exploring the galleries with your children.
Then go to the Resistance and Deportation History Center to discover the history of the war in Lyon.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through one of Lyon’s most beautiful parks, such as the Parc de la Tête d’Or or the Botanical Garden of Lyon.
If the weather is nice, you might consider renting a boat and paddling the lake in the park. End the day with dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Visit Lyon Cathedral
Lyon Cathedral, or Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon, is a beautiful Gothic church in the center of Lyon.
It’s one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The cathedral is huge, with two large towers and intricate details.
If you visit for 2 days in Lyon with children, they will be amazed by the size of the cathedral and all the lovely details.
Lots of activity in and around the cathedral. You can explore the church with free entry.
There are also several museums nearby, including the Musée des Confluences and the Musée Gadagne. If you’re looking for something more active, you can climb one of the towers for stunning views of Lyon.
Whatever you do while visiting Lyon Cathedral, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Rhône
Lyon is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do, but one of the best ways to experience its charms is by water. A scenic cruise on the Rhône is the perfect way to relax and take in the scenery.
You will enjoy superb views over the rooftops of Lyon and some of its most famous monuments, such as the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica.
A boat trip is also a great opportunity to learn about Lyon’s history and culture from an experienced guide.
Discover Fourvière Mont and its incredible cityscape
Fourvière Mont is one of Lyon’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason! The view from the top is simply stunning, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep the whole family entertained.
One of the best ways to discover Fourvière is to take the cable car to the top.
This is a great activity for kids as they can enjoy the view from the safety of the car. Once at the top, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities as well as great restaurants with great views of the city.
If you are looking for more active pursuits, there are many walking and hiking trails around the hills of Fourvière.
They are perfect for exploring at your own pace and admiring incredible landscapes. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable moments!
Have fun at Parc de la Tête d’Or
Parc de la Tête d’Or is the perfect place to take the kids for a day of fun. With expansive green spaces, playgrounds and picnic areas, the park has something for everyone. Best of all, registration is free!
Your children will love exploring the park’s many paths and trails. Be sure to bring a ball so they can play on the grass.
There are also several hills in the park that are great for exercising if you are looking for a more challenging hike.
When you’re ready for a break, head to one of the park’s two playgrounds.
- The first playground is located near the entrance to the park and includes climbing structures and slides.
- A second playground is located by the lake and includes swings and a sandbox.
If you’ve brought a picnic, there are plenty of tables and benches throughout the park.
Or, if you prefer, there are several restaurants nearby that offer outdoor seating (be sure to bring cash, as most don’t accept credit cards).
No matter how you spend your time at Parc de la Tête d’Or, your children are sure to have fun!
Second-Day Activities:
After a busy first day in Lyon, your family is looking for fun activities to refuel the next day.
Fortunately, there are many options! Here are some of the best:
- Visit Lyon Zoo: Located just outside the city centre, Lyon Zoo is a great choice for animal lovers of all ages. With over 1,000 animals from around the world, there is definitely something for everyone to see.
- Rhone Cruise: What better way to see the city than from the water? There are several cruise lines that offer trips to Lyon, so you can sit back and relax while taking in the sights.
- Explore the Old Town: The Old Town is full of narrow streets and historic buildings, making it the perfect place to stroll and explore. Be sure to stop at Place Bellecour, one of the largest public squares in Europe.
- Visit Fourvière Hill: For stunning views of the city, head to Fourvière Hill. If you’re feeling energetic, you can take the cable car or walk – either way, it’s worth the view at the top!
These are just a few of the many activities Lyon has to offer for families. With so much to see and do, your family is sure to have a great time exploring this amazing city!
Take a cooking class with one of Lyon’s traditional “bouchons”
If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, why not sign up for a cooking class with one of Lyon’s traditional “bouchons”?
These restaurants are known for their hearty home-cooked meals, and you’ll learn how to make some of their signature dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant food culture.
Discover the Parc de la Tê
Suppose you want to know more about the Parc de la Tê: The Parc de la Tê is a large park in the center of Lyon.
It’s perfect for a day out with the kids, as there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained. There are playgrounds, a petting zoo and a botanical garden.
There is also a stage in the park, where performances are held regularly.
