Cité des Sciences et de L'industrie

When I found out there was a planetarium in Paris, why, I didn't hesitate for a moment to bring the boys! They came inspired to learn about the few bright stars beginning to show up in the late winter sky high above the rooftops...  

The planetarium is housed inside the Cité des Sciences et de L'industrie, Europe's largest science museum, established to spread scientific and technical knowledge among the public, particularly the youth, and to promote public interest in science, research and industry.

We marveled at the atypical Parisian architecture of the exterior and interior of the buildings that make up the museum - the space is contemporary and futuristic, filled with bright colors and tubelike structures. There was even a Minecraft (the building block video game) workshop along with other exhibits and activities, and we were lucky enough to catch the beautiful Climate exhibition by photographer Kadir van Lohuizen, highlighting awareness of the drama playing out within our marvelous blue planet...

La Cité des Sciences lies on the edge of Parc de la Villette on the northeast corner of Paris. This vast green space is normally teeming with families and picnickers during the warmer months when outdoor performances and festivals are common. It was too chilly for us to explore the parc during our visit, but it's a destination we and all families alike can add to their list of things to see and do!