FAMILY SHOWS IN PARIS

Categories : Paris & Champs-Elysees, published on : 10/1/25

TL;DR / Summary

Paris hosts many family-friendly shows that appeal to both children and adults. Timeless classics include The Lion King at Théâtre Mogador, puppet shows, and Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione. Contemporary experiences feature The Mystery of Mozart, modern dance at Le Bon Marché, and immersive art at L'Atelier des Lumières. Literary adaptations bring stories like Oliver Twist, Sherlock Holmes, and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame to life on stage. Seasonal productions include the musical Orso and the Secret of the Stars and the beloved Nutcracker ballet. Additionally, Hôtel de Sers near the Champs-Élysées provides a comfortable place for families to stay after enjoying these performances.

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

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes The Lion King a popular family show in Paris?

The Lion King has performed at Théâtre Mogador for several seasons. It features dazzling sets, spectacular costumes, and songs celebrating life. Children love Simba's journey. Meanwhile, parents connect with the universal story about courage, heritage, and destiny.

2. Where can families see traditional puppet shows in Paris?

The Théâtre de la Marionnette presents puppet shows with modern staging. The performances use wooden, string, or paper characters. Moreover, they tell delicate, poetic stories that charm both children and adults. The theater offers regular family programming.

3. What is La Famille Croquembouche about?

La Famille Croquembouche is a playful musical featuring ogres and a spirited little girl. It runs from November 8, 2025, to February 15, 2026, at Théâtre Le Funambule in Montmartre. The show blends humor and tenderness. Furthermore, it explores self-acceptance through catchy songs and endearing performers.

4. Why is Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione considered a Parisian institution?

Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione has entertained audiences since the 19th century. The Bouglione family continues this tradition with breathtaking acrobatics, trapeze acts, clowns, and a live orchestra. It's located in the 11th arrondissement. Consequently, it remains a cherished experience passed down through generations.

5. What makes The Mystery of Mozart unique?

The Mystery of Mozart combines Mozart's music with dance, theater, and immersive projections. It runs from June 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Collège des Bernardins. Families experience a sensory journey through Mozart's genius. Additionally, the show features pieces from The Magic Flute and the Requiem.

6. What can families expect at L'Atelier des Lumières?

L'Atelier des Lumières in the 11th arrondissement presents immersive art exhibitions. Paintings come alive on the walls through monumental projections and enveloping music. Children see Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt in a 360° world. The current exhibition is Destination Moon, starting September 24, 2025.

7. Where can families watch Oliver Twist on stage?

Oliver Twist plays at Théâtre du Lucernaire from September 10, 2025, to January 11, 2026. The energetic adaptation features London backstreets and colorful characters. It portrays a child's struggle against adversity. Therefore, it introduces younger audiences to classic literature through live theater.

8. What is special about the Sherlock Holmes performance?

Sherlock Holmes and the Curious Case of the Red-Headed League runs at Théâtre de l'Essaïon until November 2, 2025. A live musician accompanies the show. Audiences join the investigation across London. As a result, families enjoy both humor and suspense while solving the mystery.

9. When can families see The Hunchback of Notre-Dame?

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame performs at Théâtre de la Gaîté Montparnasse from October 4, 2025, to May 25, 2026. The production adapts Victor Hugo's masterpiece for families. It blends emotion, romance, and drama. Consequently, it introduces children to French literary heritage in an engaging way.

10. What makes Orso and the Secret of the Stars a good family musical?

Orso and the Secret of the Stars plays at Le Grand Rex from September 24 to November 2, 2025. The show features a rockstar Sandman, an overwhelmed fairy, and a flamboyant Sun. It celebrates self-confidence and overcoming fears. Plus, it has sparkling costumes, dazzling sets, and heartwarming characters.