Observing the vastness of the Universe, drawing a star map, pretending to be an astronaut on a mission, or watching a play – there are countless ways to be swept up among the planets. Let’s take a trip to infinity and beyond …
The Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget – Seine-Saint-Denis
If your kids are fascinated by planes and rockets, they’ll love this museum created 105 years ago at the dawn of aviation and located on the historic site of Le Bourget airport. Prepare to have your neck craned, as everything is huge and you’ll have to look up again and again! A room dedicated to space exploration showcases the first objects to orbit the Earth. The exhibition presents models of the first rockets and tells the story of man’s first steps on the Moon, enough to spark the imagination of even the youngest visitors.
But the main attraction is Planète Pilote, an area for 6 to 12-year-olds, where kids can immerse themselves in the world of aviation and space in a fun way. Future Thomas Pesquet can learn about life on board the International Space Station in a simplified replica. Wearing a spacesuit or riding an exercise bike, they’ll feel like astronauts on a mission. The museum also has a planetarium showing films on the constellations and the solar system for children aged 6 and over. Finally, for families with young children, Le Cocon (the cocoon), an area for children under 4, offers a place to relax.
Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace, Paris-Le Bourget Airport (93). Price: €17 for adults, €8 for 19 to 25 year-olds, €6 for 4 to 18 year-olds (€5 for Planète Pilote).
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie – Paris 19th
The “Mission Spatiale” (Space Mission) permanent exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie offers a rich and educational journey through the history of planetary exploration. Divided into five thematic sections – exploration, journey, transit, stay and questions – this exhibition takes curious minds into unknown territory. In just one hour, and without leaving the 19th arrondissement of Paris, young visitors can walk on lunar soil, watch a rocket launch, or get a close-up look at a spacesuit, an astronaut’s shell that protects them from radiation and extreme temperatures. While the exhibition is designed for children aged 8 and over, younger visitors will be able to feed their imaginations thanks to original and attractive models and videos scattered throughout the 1,000-square-meter exhibition.
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