
FAMILY SHOWS IN PARIS
Categories : Paris & Champs-Elysees, published on : 10/1/25
In Paris, show nights have a magic all their own. Behind the velvet curtain, children wriggle in their seats, caught between curiosity and impatience. For the length of a performance, they are swept away into whimsical, touching, or fantastical worlds to share with their parents. From musicals to ballets, from circuses to immersive experiences, the capital overflows with events that bring young and old together around the enchantment of live performance. Here are our highlights of the season.
TIMELESS CLASSICS
for young spectators
Some productions never lose their brilliance, year after year. They are the unmissable shows where the same spark lights up the eyes of both children and their parents. Classics to rediscover—where tradition meets modernity.
THE LION KING
It’s impossible to talk about family shows without mentioning the legendary musical that has lit up the Paris stage for several seasons. The Lion King transports audiences to the African savannah with dazzling sets, spectacular costumes, and songs that feel like a celebration of life itself. Children are captivated by Simba’s journey, while parents rediscover with emotion this universal tale of courage, heritage, and destiny.
Théâtre Mogador – All year round
PUPPET THEATRE
At the Théâtre de la Marionnette, the age-old art of puppetry is reinvented with poetic flair. Children and adults alike are charmed by delicate stories told through wooden, string, or paper characters. A timeless tradition brought to life through contemporary staging.
Théâtre de la Marionnette – Regular family programming
LA FAMILLE CROQUEMBOUCHE
A mischievous musical where ogres and a spirited little girl share the stage, this playful production blends humor and tenderness to explore self-acceptance. With catchy songs and endearing performers, it delights both children and grown-ups.
Théâtre Le Funambule, Montmartre – November 8, 2025 to February 15, 2026
LE MÉDECIN MALGRÉ LUI
Guaranteed laughter with this spirited reinterpretation of Molière’s comedy Le Médecin malgré lui. The witty dialogue and comical misunderstandings prove that classical theatre can be a joyous, light-hearted experience—perfect for introducing young audiences to France’s theatrical heritage.
Comédie Saint-Michel - September 10, 2025 to January 3, 2026
CIRQUE D'HIVER BOUGLIONE
A true Parisian institution since the 19th century, the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione continues to enchant audiences beneath its iconic big top. Each season, the Bouglione family brings the magic of the circus to life with breathtaking acrobatics, trapeze acts, clowns, and a live orchestra. A cherished tradition passed down through generations.
Cirque d’Hiver, 11th arrondissement – Annual programming, main shows in winter
© Stage Entertainment / Cirque d'Hiver
CONTEMPORARY CREATIONS
for the whole family
Paris is not only the capital of artistic traditions—it is also a living laboratory where new forms of performance emerge to captivate all ages. From immersive experiences to modern dance and digital universes, families can discover fresh ways to be moved together.
THE MYSTERY OF MOZART
Imagine a journey where Mozart’s music intertwines with dance, theatre, and immersive projections. The Mystery of Mozart invites families on a sensory promenade through the genius of Salzburg. Between the sparkle of The Magic Flute and the power of the Requiem, children and adults alike experience art as a multisensory adventure.
Collège des Bernardins - June 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
BABEL
Beneath the majestic glass roof of Le Bon Marché, contemporary dance takes flight. In Babel, choreographer Mourad Merzouki brings together acrobats and dancers in a poetic retelling of the Tower of Babel myth. A breathtaking spectacle that fascinates teenagers and intrigues parents alike.
Bon Marché Rive Gauche – September 4 to December 31, 2025
L'ATELIER DES LUMIÈRES
Here, paintings come alive and walls become canvases. The Atelier des Lumières presents immersive exhibitions where art is experienced differently—through monumental projections, enveloping music, and a 360° world. Children, mesmerized by the moving colors, rediscover Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt as if stepping directly into the works.
Atelier des Lumières, 11th arrondissement – Destination Moon, starting September 24, 2025
© Atelier Lumières / Le Mystère Mozart
STORIES AND LEGENDS
brought to life on stage
Literary classics and adventure tales alike find new life in live performance. These adaptations introduce young audiences to legendary characters while giving adults the pleasure of rediscovering timeless stories.
OLIVER TWIST
With its London backstreets, colorful characters, and rebellious spirit, Oliver Twist captivates both teens and adults. This energetic adaptation portrays a child’s struggle against adversity, with touches of humor and tenderness throughout. A wonderful opportunity for younger audiences to engage with classic literature through live theatre—and for parents to reconnect with their inner child.
Théâtre du Lucernaire – September 10, 2025 to January 11, 2026
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE
There’s nothing like a thrilling mystery to keep children on the edge of their seats. Accompanied by a live musician, Sherlock Holmes leads audiences through a theatrical treasure hunt across London to unravel the enigma: who is the criminal mastermind behind the mysterious Red-Headed League? Families are drawn into the investigation, delighted by both humor and suspense.
Théâtre de l’Essaïon – Until November 2, 2025
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE-DAME
The tale of Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Frollo has fascinated audiences for centuries. At the Théâtre de la Gaîté Montparnasse, Victor Hugo’s masterpiece is adapted in a way that resonates with families. Blending emotion, romance, and drama, the production immerses audiences in medieval Paris—an unforgettable introduction to French literary heritage for children.
Théâtre de la Gaîté Montparnasse – October 4, 2025 to May 25, 2026
SEASONAL
fairytales
The festive season brings a special enchantment to Parisian stages. From timeless ballets to whimsical new creations, these shows gift families with moments of pure wonder.
ORSO AND THE SECRET OF THE STARS
Inside the legendary Grand Rex, Orso and the Secret of the Stars whisks families into a poetic and energetic musical. With a rockstar Sandman, an overwhelmed fairy, and a flamboyant Sun, the story celebrates self-confidence and overcoming fears. Sparkling costumes, dazzling sets, and heartwarming characters create an unforgettable family adventure.
Le Grand Rex – September 24 to November 2, 2025
THE NUTCRACKER
Every winter, enchantment reaches its peak with The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, the ballet tells the story of Clara and her magical toy soldier, blending dreams with wonder. Staged in Paris’s greatest theatres and opera houses, this timeless masterpiece remains a cherished ritual for families, where parents and children share in the magic of dance and storytelling.
Various theatres and opera houses across Paris
To prolong the joy of an evening spent together, Hôtel de Sers, just steps from the Champs-Élysées, welcomes families into an elegant and warm atmosphere — the perfect retreat after a night at the theatre.