So you’re planning a family trip to France, but as any parent knows, turning it into a kid-friendly vacation can be a challenge. After a string of museum visits, long walks down cobblestone streets, and one too many hushed cathedrals, even the most patient little travelers can hit their limit. The complaints start, the energy dips, and not even a Nutella crêpe can turn things around. The solution? Amusement parks.
Scattered across the country, France’s theme parks offer far more than just adrenaline. They strike a joyful balance between imagination, play, and cultural discovery. From a rollercoaster ride in the heart of Paris, to Viking battles at Puy du Fou and waterslides under the Riviera sun, these parks add a vibrant dose of fun to any itinerary.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best amusement parks in France, complete with ticket prices, standout attractions, and regional flavor. Whether you’re adding a quick detour or building a full itinerary around your mini daredevils, these destinations offer adventures that the whole family will enjoy.
14 French Theme Parks for Your Next Family Vacation
1. Jardin d’Acclimatation
Location: Bois de Boulogne, Paris
Ticket Prices: €15-€48 adult | Free for children under 80 cm (2.6 ft)
Overview: Did you know Paris has its own amusement park? Not Disneyland, but a true French original, set in a beautifully landscaped garden just west of the city center. The Jardin d’Acclimatation, founded in 1860 under Napoleon III, spans 47 acres in the Bois de Boulogne, offering a whimsical blend of nature, culture, and rides that feels both historic and refreshingly Parisian. This park blends traditional charm with lighthearted thrills: vintage carousels, flying chairs, a small roller coaster called Défi du Dragon, plus gentler attractions like riverboat rides, mirror mazes, and mini zip lines. There are 42 rides in total, designed with young children in mind, but with just enough energy to delight older kids and parents alike. Beyond the attractions, the park stays true to its botanical roots with themed gardens, an aviary, a small farm, and an alpine rock garden. A tiny train circles the grounds, and puppet shows, outdoor art, and food stalls add to the slow-paced magic. For parents craving a break from Paris’s high culture and fast pace, it’s a perfect half-day escape where the kids can run free and everyone can exhale a little.
2. Disneyland Paris
Location: Marne‑la‑Vallée, Seine-et-Marne (45 minutes east of Paris)
Ticket Prices: €133.80–€161.91 adult (12+) | €124–€152.91 children (3–11) | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: A realm where fantasy meets French flair, Disneyland Paris is more than just a theme park; it’s a cinematic dream world come to life. Spanning two distinct parks, Disneyland Paris, with its iconic pink-capped Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the reimagined Disney Adventure World (formerly Walt Disney Studios), this is Europe’s ultimate escape into imagination. In Disneyland Paris, guests travel from pirate coves and enchanted forests to frontier mining towns and outer space. The high-speed Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain ride blasts through galactic battlefields, while Big Thunder Mountain roars around an abandoned canyon. Over in Adventure World, the Avengers take center stage in Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, and Pixar magic comes alive in Ratatouille: The Adventure, a 4D dark ride that shrinks you down to the size of a rat for a dizzying kitchen chase. Beyond the rides, the park dazzles with Broadway-worthy stage shows, seasonal parades, and character meet-and-greets across its lands. Each night, Disney Dreams or the new Disney Tales of Magic shows bathe the castle and Main Street in a glow of synchronized drones, fountains, projections, and fireworks, a soaring finale to a day of enchantment. With seasonal celebrations, themed festivals, and world-class hospitality, Disneyland Paris offers a fairy-tale experience in the heart of Europe, equally magical for first-timers and lifelong fans.
3. Parc Astérix
Location: Plailly, Oise (one hour north of Paris)
Ticket Prices: €65 Adult (12+) Child (3–11) €57 | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: Colorful, fast-paced, and proudly French, Parc Astérix is a theme park like no other. It’s based on Astérix, France’s most iconic comic book series, created in 1959 by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. The stories follow the adventures of Astérix, a clever and pint-sized Gaul, and his best friend Obelix, a giant with superhuman strength, as they resist Roman occupation with a mix of wit, wild antics, and a magic potion that gives them a supernatural edge. Set in a playful world inspired by ancient history, the park takes guests through Roman arenas, Egyptian temples, Viking villages, and mythological landscapes, and it’s home to some of the most exciting rides in Europe. Toutatis is France’s fastest roller coaster, reaching 110 km/h, with four launches and more than 20 moments of airtime. OzIris, a sleek inverted coaster, flies through a fantasy version of ancient Egypt, while Tonnerre 2 Zeus delivers big wooden coaster thrills with updated twists and the option to ride backward. Live shows are a key part of the experience. Les Plongeons de l’Olympe features professional divers performing high-flying stunts, while Chronos blends illusions and comedy in a clever theatrical performance. The daily Gaulish Parade fills the cobbled streets with characters, music, and comic-book charm. With more than 40 attractions, Parc Astérix is a high-energy mix of roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly fun.
4. Puy du Fou
Location: Les Épesses, Vendée
Ticket Prices: €46-€58 adult | €33-€41 child (3-13) | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: With over 2.8 million visitors annually, Puy du Fou is France’s third-most visited theme park, behind only Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, but it’s unlike any you’ve ever seen. There are no rides, no characters, and no roller coasters. Instead, Puy du Fou offers an extraordinary lineup of open-air spectaculars and immersive historical shows that play out like blockbuster movies brought to life. Each production has its own custom-built arena and full cast of actors, horses, trained birds, stunt performers, and special effects. In 2025, the centerpiece is L’Épée du Roi Arthur, an epic reimagining of the King Arthur legend complete with magical lakes, sword fights, and a rotating stage. Come nightfall, Les Noces de Feu transforms the lakeside into a stage of fire, water, music, and moonlight. Other highlights include Roman gladiator duels in a 6,000-seat colosseum, Viking raids with flaming ships and live wolves, and a falconry show where eagles and owls soar inches above your head. More than 20 shows rotate throughout the day, each one steeped in theatrical magic and historical drama. Puy du Fou is a park designed for emotion, not adrenaline, a place where history is performed on a Hollywood scale.
5. Futuroscope
Location: Chasseneuil‑du‑Poitou, Nouvelle‑Aquitaine
Ticket Prices: €46-€56 adult | €38 child (5–12)
Overview: Futuroscope is not your typical amusement park. It’s a bold celebration of science, cinema, and imagination, where immersive technology takes center stage. Set among futuristic architecture and landscaped gardens, the park invites visitors of all ages to explore space, nature, and the limits of human invention through multi-sensory attractions and innovative experiences. Among its standout attractions is Tornado Chasers, a breathtaking motion theater experience that places you at the eye of a superstorm, featuring a 360-degree LED screen, a tilting platform, and surround sound. New for 2025, Mission Bermuda takes guests on a neon-soaked water coaster journey through the Bermuda Triangle, complete with backward launches, jungle wreckage, and cinematic effects. Thrill seekers can blast off on Objectif Mars, a spinning launch coaster simulating a space training mission, while younger guests enjoy interactive play zones and hands-on exhibits throughout the park. The new Aquascope offers a one-of-a-kind combination of indoor water slides and video projections, creating a vivid aquatic adventure unlike anything else in Europe. Futuroscope is where education meets excitement. It’s a place where you can chase tornadoes, dive into the deep sea, and journey to Mars, all in one day. Each experience is designed to spark curiosity, making it a must-visit for families, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who dreams big.
6. Nigloland
Location: Dolancourt, Aube
Ticket Prices: €34-€47 adult | €34-€45 child | Free for children under 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall
Overview: Tucked away in the heart of France’s Champagne region, Nigloland proves that the area offers more than just world-class bubbles for adults. It’s also home to one of the country’s most beloved family amusement parks, where children can find just as much joy as their parents. Surrounded by rolling hills and a forested countryside, this park combines adrenaline, nostalgia, and nature in a way that feels refreshingly laid-back. Nigloland welcomes nearly 700,000 visitors each year, and ranks among France’s top ten most visited theme parks. Its standout attraction, Krampus Expédition, is a €12 million water coaster that dives into the Alpine legend with jungle-like decor, backward plunges, and a splashy finale. Alpina Blitz, a towering mega coaster, offers smooth curves and plenty of airtime, while Donjon de l’Extrême challenges even thrill veterans with its dramatic vertical drop. Families with younger children will also find plenty to love here. The park features dozens of gentle rides, puppet shows, and friendly mascot encounters, all set along leafy walking paths and colorful flowerbeds. With short lines, warm hospitality, and a picturesque setting, Nigloland delivers classic amusement park fun with a distinctly French countryside soul.
7. Vulcania
Location: Saint-Ours-les-Roches, Puy‑de‑Dôme
Ticket Prices: €26.50-€32.50 adult | €21.50-€25 child (6–16) | Young child €7–€9 (3-5) | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: If you’re traveling through the Auvergne region, renowned for its dramatic landscapes formed by extinct volcanoes, Vulcania provides a fascinating opportunity to explore the science beneath your feet. Part natural history museum, part amusement park, it’s a hands-on, high-energy journey into the forces that shaped our planet. Set in the volcanic highlands of Puy-de-Dôme, Vulcania blends immersive exhibits with action-packed experiences. Namazu, the park’s star attraction, is a seismically-themed roller coaster that mimics the tremors of an earthquake with sudden drops and twisting turns. Inside the park, interactive displays and cinematic simulations guide visitors through volcanic eruptions, tectonic shifts, and planetary phenomena. Younger visitors can explore Abyss Explorer, a gentle dark ride that takes them into deep-sea volcanic vents, or take in spectacular visuals in the largest planetarium in France. Seasonal drone shows and outdoor installations add a layer of wonder to the park’s natural setting. Vulcania is both educational and exhilarating. It makes complex science feel playful and accessible, while offering a refreshing alternative to traditional theme parks. For families, science lovers, or anyone curious about the Earth’s fiery origins, it’s an unforgettable stop in the heart of the French countryside.
8. Le Pal – Zoo & Amusement Park
Location: Dompierre‑sur‑Besbre, Allier
Ticket Prices: €33-€39 adult | €28-€33 child | Free for children under 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall
Overview: If Vulcania sparks curiosity in older kids and teens, another option in the Auvergne region is Le Pal, which caters especially well to younger children, while still offering plenty to keep the whole family engaged. Set in the peaceful countryside department of Allier, Le Pal combines a full-fledged animal park with a charming selection of amusement rides, all in a setting that feels more like a nature retreat than a theme park. The park is home to over 700 animals, including lions, elephants, red pandas, and macaws, all living in spacious, well-maintained enclosures. It doubles as a wildlife conservation center, with an on-site foundation supporting animal protection projects both in France and abroad. Educational talks and animal feedings are offered throughout the day, making it an enriching stop for curious young minds. On the amusement side, Le Pal’s standout coaster is Yukon Quad, which mimics an off-road adventure through the Canadian wilderness. Other attractions like Azteka, Twist, and family-friendly water rides offer just enough excitement to keep things fun without overwhelming the park’s laid-back rhythm. With shady walking paths, picnic areas, and a tranquil atmosphere, Le Pal is an ideal spot to spend a relaxing day outdoors.
9. Terra Botanica
Location: Angers, Pays de la Loire
Ticket Prices: €21.50 adult | €18 child (3-17) | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: For travelers heading toward the Loire Valley, known for its châteaux and vineyards, Terra Botanica offers a refreshing and unexpected detour. Located just outside Angers, this one-of-a-kind park seamlessly blends nature, science, and soft adventure into an experience that’s as playful as it’s peaceful. It’s the first botanical theme park in Europe, and it’s still the most imaginative. Spread across 40 acres, Terra Botanica features over 500,000 plants from five continents, arranged in beautifully curated zones that feel more like a living museum than a theme park. Wander beneath towering ferns and giant lotus leaves in the Tropical Jungle, follow fluttering wings through butterfly greenhouses, or stroll through the Garden of Fragrances, where lavender, mint, and rosemary release their aromas into the breeze. But this isn’t just a park for plant lovers. Children can sail on the Captain’s Galley, a slow-moving water ride that drifts past floating gardens and curious sculptures, or climb aboard the Seed Collector’s Train for a gentle tour through forested pathways. Interactive exhibits let kids pot their own plants or discover how seeds travel, while older visitors can enjoy immersive 4D cinema experiences, such as Voyage au Centre de la Graine, where they shrink down to follow the secret life of a seed from soil to bloom. One of the park’s most iconic attractions is the tethered hot air balloon, which rises 150 meters (492 feet) for sweeping views of the Loire River, local vineyards, and the towers of Angers in the distance. Seasonal programming features butterfly releases, rare orchid displays, and nighttime garden shows illuminated by lanterns and projections.
10. France Miniature
Location: Élancourt, Yvelines
Ticket Prices: €29 adult (12+) | €23 child (3–11) | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: Have you ever wanted to visit all of France’s most iconic landmarks in a single day? At France Miniature, just outside Paris, you can do exactly that without ever boarding a train. Located in Élancourt, in the western suburbs of the capital, this unique park is Europe’s largest miniature village, and has been delighting visitors since its opening in 1991. Set across five hectares of landscaped gardens shaped like a map of France, the park showcases 117 detailed 1:30 scale models of castles, cathedrals, villages, ports, and natural wonders. From the Eiffel Tower to Mont Saint-Michel, from the lavender fields of Provence to the snowy peaks of the Alps, the entire country is represented. A network of more than four kilometers of model railway winds through the park, bringing trains to life as they cross bridges and pass through tunnels. Many of the miniatures feature interactive elements. Visitors can ring the bells of Notre-Dame, launch tiny sailboats in Brittany, or watch boats glide through the canals of Strasbourg. The experience is not just visual—it’s dynamic, tactile, and cleverly engineered for discovery. France Miniature also features several adventure zones, including rope bridges, mini zip lines, climbing nets, and gentle rides such as a spinning hot-air balloon and a pirate galleon swing. Educational games and challenges are scattered throughout the park, making it an engaging experience for both children and adults.
11. Parc Bagatelle
Location: Merlimont, Hauts‑de‑France
Ticket Prices: €27.90-€29.90 adult (12+) | €22.90-€24.90 child (3–11) | Free entry for children under 3 years old
Overview: Celebrating 70 years in 2025, Parc Bagatelle remains one of France’s most charming seaside amusement parks. Set amid pine forests just minutes from the beaches of the Opal Coast, this nostalgic park blends vintage fairground flair with modern family entertainment. The park features more than 40 attractions across three themed areas. Thrill-seekers can test their courage on Triops, a high-flying suspended coaster, or dive into the darkness of Spatiale Expérience, an indoor looping ride that simulates a deep-space mission. The water-based Raft ride offers splashes and laughs, while Silver Wings spins riders in dizzying aerial circles. Younger guests have their own corner of excitement with mini flumes, pony rides, and soft play zones. Attractions like Gaz’Express and the Monorail Safari offer gentle fun with great views of the park’s animal enclosures, where deer, goats, and peacocks roam. New for this anniversary year is the Illusions et Prestidigitation magic show, staged daily in the Chapiteau Theater. Combining sleight of hand, theatrical effects, and family-friendly humor, the show adds a sense of wonder and spectacle to the park’s already festive spirit. With its relaxed atmosphere, floral landscaping, and family-focused pace, Parc Bagatelle delivers a joyful and easygoing experience.
12. Aqualand
Location: Multiple locations across France (Cap d’Agde, Saint‑Cyr‑sur‑Mer, Fréjus)
Ticket Prices: €32 adult | €25 child (4–10) | Free entry for children under 4 years old
Overview: When the Mediterranean sun turns up the heat, Aqualand is France’s go-to destination for aquatic fun. With more than a dozen locations along the southern coast and Atlantic shores, this popular water park chain offers a reliable mix of thrills, splashy relaxation, and kid-friendly attractions, making it ideal for families on a summer road trip or holiday by the sea. Each Aqualand park is slightly different, but all offer a variety of attractions designed to entertain people of every age. Adrenaline-seekers gravitate toward high-speed slides like King Cobra, Tsunami, and Black Hole, where riders plunge down chutes in tubes, spin through funnels, or race side by side on mats. Wave pools and lazy rivers add something for everyone, while lagoon-style areas with waterfalls and sunbeds provide space to relax between rides. Children have their own dedicated zones with gentle slides, splash pads, and shaded playgrounds, making the parks especially appealing for families with little ones. Lifeguards are present throughout, and the facilities are clean and well-organized, featuring lockers, shaded picnic areas, snack bars, and ample sun loungers for breaks.
13. Walibi Rhône-Alpes
Location: Les Avenières Veyrins‑Thuellin, Isère
Ticket Prices: €29-€35 adult | Free for children under 1 meter (3.3 ft) tall
Overview: Tucked between the vineyards of the Rhône Valley and the foothills of the Alps, Walibi Rhône-Alpes may not have the international name recognition of Disneyland Paris, but it offers just as much heart-pounding fun in a far more relaxed setting. This regional favorite blends high-energy rides with a breezy mountain atmosphere, making it a perfect detour for families exploring southeastern France. The standout attraction is Mahuka, a newly launched Intamin Hot Racer that twists through a volcano-inspired landscape with rapid turns, airtime hills, and a gravity-defying roll. Mystic delivers a moodier experience, sending riders through a temple-like setting complete with a vertical lift and unexpected backward plunge. Timber, a classic wooden coaster, adds rustic charm and speed as it barrels through forested track. With over 30 attractions, the park offers something for everyone, including gently spinning rides for younger kids, interactive zones, and an impressive waterpark called Exotic Island. Spanning 140,000 sq. ft., it includes pirate ships, waterslides, and tropical touches that make it feel like a mini-resort. Seasonal events like Halloween Walibi add another layer of fun throughout the year.
14. Fabrikus World
Location: Vias, Hérault
Ticket Prices: €24 adult | €19 child | free cancellation | Free admission for children under 4 and seniors over 70
Overview: Fabrikus World was founded in 1985 as a classic summer funfair, and today it spans 7 hectares along the warm Mediterranean coast. With around 25 attractions, including bumper cars, spinning teacups, a family roller coaster, a haunted house, and a carousel, the park retains its delightful carnival atmosphere while offering a wide range of options for all ages. Thrill seekers can enjoy the high-flying Euroloop and the stomach-twisting Slingshot, which sends you soaring more than 50 meters into the air. Fans of nostalgia will appreciate Les Tacots de Fabrikus, a charming vintage car ride, and other family-friendly attractions, such as The Aircrafts and a Ferris wheel, the latter reaching over 30 meters in height for panoramic park views. In 2025, the park’s evening program features two live shows by the Gontelle family. The early evening Gontelle Show offers a collection of magic, aerial acrobatics, and playful burlesque acts. Later, around 10:30 pm, The Greatest Gontelle’s Show takes the spectacle to the next level with even more stunning tricks and visual flair. Both performances are designed for all ages and add a theatrical sparkle to the carnival experience.
French Theme Parks are Fun for the Whole Family
When museum fatigue kicks in and the youngest travelers start to wilt, it’s not a setback; it’s your cue to shift gears. France’s amusement parks aren’t just detours from culture; they’re part of the experience, offering joy, surprise, and a sense of adventure that stays with you. Years from now, your children might not remember which château had the prettiest tapestries, or which museum had the most paintings. But they’ll remember soaring through the sky on a roller coaster among Gauls, cheering during a knight’s tournament, and racing down a waterslide under the Mediterranean sun. Add one or several of these parks to your itinerary, and you’ll turn a great family vacation into an unforgettable one. Sometimes, the best way to discover France is with a little adrenaline, a lot of laughter, and just enough magic to keep everyone asking, “Can we go again?”
Mariam, originally from Paris, now calls the Bay Area home. A seasoned traveler and writer, she’s always on the lookout for exciting new restaurants, hidden bars, and offbeat experiences. By day, she works in tech in Silicon Valley, leading marketing and development efforts at the French cultural center, Alliance Française Silicon Valley. She has a passion for writing about travel, food, people, and all things unexpected. If you want to share your tips and events about Paris and France, feel free to send them her way at [email protected].
