Kids' shows in Paris at a glance
| Venue | Type of show | Suggested age | Price read on 30 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione (11th) | Circus, "Volte" show, about 2 hours with an interval | From 3, free from 0 to 24 months | Prices vary: see cirquedhiver.com |
| Guignol de Paris (19th) | Glove puppets, "La Citrouille magique" until 8 November 2026 | From 2-3 | About 6 to 7 € depending on the listing, sometimes cash only |
| Marionnettes du Luxembourg (6th) | Puppets in the Luxembourg Gardens | Roughly 3 to 8 | 7.30 € per person, adult or child |
| Espace Paris Plaine (15th) | Children's theatre: puppets, circus, songs | 3 to 12 | Depends on the show |
| Musée Grévin (9th) | Wax figures, a rainy-day idea | All ages | Single ticket, see below |
How to choose by age
Ages 0 to 3. Pick a short puppet show. Puppet shows are usually much shorter than a circus performance (confirm the running time on the show's listing). The circus is free up to 24 months but lasts two hours, so ask for a seat near the aisle.
Ages 4 to 8. The Cirque d'Hiver is the classic: up to five performances a day are listed at busy times (10:45, 14:00, 15:00, 17:15 and 20:30 according to event listings). Choose an afternoon show for children who go to bed early.
Ages 9 to 12. The children's theatre at Espace Paris Plaine, or a visit to the Musée Grévin with its costumed scenes, suits this age better than puppets.
Booking without surprises
Small puppet theatres often sell tickets on the spot, sometimes without card payment: carry cash. The Cirque d'Hiver books online through its official site; at weekends and in school holidays, buy a week or two ahead. For a rainy day, the Musée Grévin ticket can be bought online, with no queue. For the rest of the day, see our Paris with kids guide, the Cirque d'Hiver page and the Musée Grévin page.
FAQ
What age can a child go to the circus? From 3, according to the Cirque d'Hiver; children under 24 months get in free but sit on an adult's lap.
How much is a puppet show in Paris? Between 6 and 8 € a seat in the small theatres (Guignol, Luxembourg), based on the listings read on 30 October 2026.
Are there kids' shows in English? Puppet shows are easy to follow without French because the action is visual; for spoken text, rely on musical shows and the circus.
What if it rains? Choose the circus (a permanent building) or the Musée Grévin, both indoors.
