Summer 2026 is proving to be a blazingly hot one with Paris under 3 heatwaves as of this writing. But we can’t let the heatwave get us down right? The city is vibrant with concerts, exhibits and other fun activities for the whole family. Here’s a roundup of some of the fun activities to enjoy this summer 2026. Paris Plages (July 4- August 30) It’s not summer in the city without the Paris Plages. There are plenty of beach chairs and spaces where one can sit but there are

Summer Signals Children, Microbiomes & the Hidden Intelligence of Everyday Life Summer changes the atmosphere of family life almost without asking permission. Windows stay open longer. Children drift barefoot between rooms. Meals loosen. Markets become louder and more colourful. Watermelon appears on tables. Mint ends up in glasses. Bedtimes slide later into golden light and long conversations. Bodies move differently in heat. Children change with the season too. And somewher

If you're raising a family in Paris, you know that June can feel like a sprint. End-of-year performances and festivities. Final exams, deadlines, the race to secure next year's activities before spaces fill. And somewhere in between, the get-togethers where we all wish each other a relaxing summer. The inner pressure is real. The mental space, at full capacity. The June Pact I've been a member of Message Paris for seventeen years, and I've had my share of June Sprints. This w

“Everything is different now. I don’t do any of the things I used to do that made me me .” A new dad recently shared this with me in a therapy session. It’s a common experience, feeling like your whole identity has changed when you become a parent. The word ‘identity’ encompasses your interests, beliefs, experiences, and personal characteristics, and your overall sense of who you are. All these things can feel like they are in flux with the arrival of a new baby. It can be d

by Meg Gerner and Imelda The Message always has great activities even during the October break! This one was a fun storytime and art atelier. Just as you’re settled into the school routine and the dust has settled from the whirlwind that was the Rentrée in September, it’s time to take a break. Every October, the kids have a two-week break called the Vacances de la Toussaint. Now for families who spend the break in Paris, it can be a challenge finding fun activities and ways

Today bilingual and bicultural families are the norm (1) , making our families and communities more culturally and linguistically...

Bonjour friends! As August slowly comes to an end, and families make their way back home, everyone focuses on la rentrée or back to school. This is the time to sign up the kids (and even the grownups!)for different activities- from sports to arts. Maybe it’s also time for a wardrobe refresh as the weather turns cooler (or rainier). To help our families get over that hurdle, we gathered a few practical tips from different Message members to help you and your kid/s get ready fo

Christine Siler, Menopause Policy Advocate Looking back now, I wasn’t just embarrassed. I was scared. I didn’t recognize myself, and I...