It’s the first weekend of the Spring school holidays in Lyon, making it a perfect time to dive into the massive Quais du Polar crime fiction festival! We also have Easter Sunday on the 5th, offering a mix of cultural happenings, interactive investigations, and plenty of theatre shows.
See our top picks
Rome at Lugdunum Museum
Lugdunum museum
Free entry to explore Roman history this Sunday only.
Noir Weekend at the Institut Lumière
Cinéma Institut Lumière
An indoor film celebration tied to the massive Quais du Polar festival.
Guignol and the Revolution of Smiles
Théâtre Le Guignol de Lyon
Classic puppet theatre suitable for ages 3 and up.
· April 4
7: Lyon's major international crime fiction festival is back for three days. It features authors, screenwriters, and illustrators, plus an urban investigation transforming the streets.This major city festival runs all weekend and always includes interactive elements perfect for older kids and teens interested in mysteries.
: Guignol and his friends want to throw a carnival but the authorities forbid it! This show, running throughout the holiday period, follows their effort to bring smiles back to the city.This is a classic Lyon tradition running right on Saturday, perfect for younger children.
: This is the big family event of the season, featuring playful activities, creative workshops, and interactive entertainment across a huge space.It’s a massive event dedicated solely to children's activities, running Saturday and Sunday.
FAMILY GRAFFITI WALK : Explore Lyon's street art scene with a guided walk through the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, discovering the city's urban art.It is a unique, short, and specific activity happening only on Saturday afternoon.
: A special shadow performance by a Japanese company celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Lyon-Yokohama twinning. It’s a unique, visual treat happening Saturday only.Unique cultural performance happening on Saturday morning and afternoon.
: Immerse yourself in extreme weather phenomena through a combination of science, images, and spectacle. Running all three days of the weekend.An engaging, science-based event perfect for curious kids running all weekend long.
: The ONL performs Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony alongside Strauss's Four Last Songs. Check if this orchestral concert is appropriate for your specific family age range.A rare chance to see the National Orchestra indoors on Saturday.
· April 5
3: As part of the Quais du Polar festival, the Institut Lumière hosts a dedicated weekend celebrating crime fiction.This offers a more structured, indoor cinema component of the larger crime festival, perfect for a rainy afternoon.
EASTER SUNDAY EGG HUNT ACTIVITIES : It's Easter Sunday! Expect chocolate eggs to be hidden by patisseries, and many families will be enjoying special spring lunches involving lamb and asparagus.The religious holiday is a cultural staple featuring chocolate and family traditions.
ROME AT LUGDUNUM MUSEUMFREE : Explore Roman history and dress up in the dedicated children's area. The best part: admission is free for everyone this Sunday!It's the first Sunday of the month, meaning free entry to the Roman history museum, perfect for an educational outing.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2FREE : Solve mysteries related to the permanent exhibition at the Gadagne Museum. It’s an interactive tour you can pick up anytime Saturday or Sunday.It's a permanent activity available both days, offering a structured way to engage older kids in a museum setting.
: Kids aged 6-11 can visit the current exhibitions and then create their own photomontage artwork using the theme 'Making new with old'.A specific, creative workshop for elementary-aged kids happening Saturday morning/afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Lyon this weekend?
The best free family option this weekend is the Rome at Lugdunum Museum, as admission is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month (April 5th). You can also explore many ongoing free activities at the Bibliothèques municipales de Lyon.
Are there any big festivals happening this weekend?
Yes! The huge Quais du Polar Festival is running all weekend across the city, featuring urban investigations and author events. Also, the KidExpo Lyon is on at Eurexpo, packed with hands-on activities for children.
What is happening on Easter Sunday (April 5th)?
Sunday is Easter Sunday (Pâques), marking a big family food moment with potential chocolate egg events. You can also visit the Lugdunum Museum for free as it's the first Sunday of the month.
