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This article about things to do in Paris with Kids was last updated on the 24th of September 2022 by Lena
Are you searching for fun and engaging things to do in Paris with kids? Look no further! I raised two kids in Paris, and I know all the cool places to keep your kids entertained and to make your Family trip to Paris a success for your entire family.
In this article, I am sharing my favorite activities in Paris for families. But also hotel recommendations that consider families of 5 and some more valuable tips, for example where to eat in Paris with children.
Visiting Paris with family is wonderful. As simple as that. Already the obvious sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, or Montmartre are fun spots to see with your kids, but there is so much more to explore.
In fact, Paris has so much to offer, that it’s impossible for them to get bored. But visiting a city like Paris with family requires more than just sprinting from sight to sight. It’s rather the opposite, to avoid a possible cultural overkill.
No one wants to drag cranky kids through a staggering capital like Paris. It’s not fun for either of you.
Kids also need activities where they can be what they are: kids! Where they can run and play, be as loud as they want, and with the possibility to discover Paris on their terms.
For your family trip to Paris, you’ll also be interested in these posts:
My two boys are born in Paris. At first, I could hardly imagine raising them here; I am not a countryside girl, but Paris is truly something else. Well, it was a wee too much city for my idea of raising a child. But, with time I learned that Paris offers so much for children, you just need to know where to look for it.
Family trip to Paris: Preparation is all!
If your family’s trip to Paris will be a success, heavily depends on how well your kids are prepared for their big trip. The more they know, the more excited they are and the more they are eager to engage in their destination.
Just imagine, they might even never have heard of Paris until now, and there’s absolutely no better time for some Paris hype than before actually leaving with your kids to Paris!
So, what about a Paris-themed movie night?
Movies about Paris your kids will love
Books and Travel Guides about Paris for Children
To best prepare your family trip to Paris and show your children all the fantastic things to do in Paris for kids, get them one of these Paris travel guides for extra for kids.
Top Paris attractions your family shouldn’t miss
There are some attractions, you should not miss when visiting Paris – no matter if you have 5, 35, or 65 years under your belt.
However, a word of advice. Paris is at most times of the year very busy and tickets to attractions sell either out quickly or you stand in line for hours to get access. So, we all know that the patience of most kids is countable in minutes at best. Save your kids and yourself from standing in line and also a disappointment, and buy your admission tickets in advance.
Important: Book your attraction tickets in advance!
For your convenience, I listed below the sights and landmarks that are either often sold-out weeks in advance or require long waiting times. I also add a link to GetYourGuide, where you can easily purchase your tickets online.
Personally, I regularly use GetYourGuide for tickets for my family, and it was so far always a smooth experience. I find their 24h refund policy very reassuring because plans can change, and knowing that I won’t lose money, is peace of mind that I really like to have.
Anyway, here are the most popular sights in Paris where I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your tickets in advance:
The Best Activities & things to do in Paris with kids
1. Visit the Jardin d’Acclimatation
Click here to get your day pass with unlimited rides
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is one of our favorite Sunday afternoon outing spots in Paris. It is a very versatile park with different themed areas that are super fun to discover if you are on a family vacation in Paris.
Firstly, there are several playgrounds, that are all a little different and sure keep your kids busy. But there is also a little zoo with goats, sheep, and birds and a big wildlife enclosure with deer. All those are included in the entrance fee.
And then there is the fun fair: various Merry-go-rounds and activities for all ages that are charged extra. You can buy a ticket for unlimited rides here, though
What we like about this park is that you can easily hang out there the entire day without spending more than the entrance fee. You can bring your picnics and relax in one of the deck chairs that are free to use, while your kids have fun on the playgrounds.
In summer, they even have a little water playground.
But it is not only for kids: In the Jardin d’Acclimatation is a café from the very famous Angelina Franchise and also the Foundation Louis Vuitton, one of the most popular Modern Art Museums in Paris!
Access: The Jardin d’Acclimation is located within the Bois de Boulogne area. During peak times between 2 and 5, it can be tricky to find parking if you’re coming by car. Otherwise, you can always take Metro Line 1 until Les Sablons. For more info, check out our post about the Jardin d’Acclimatation!
2. Stroll along the Berges de Seine (Free Activity)
This public park along the banks of the Seine is located on a former freeway between Eiffel Tower and Louvre. The 2.3km long promenade is nice for having walks or going for a run. It’s also really great for skating!
The area is also equipped with several floating gardens, picnic areas, exhibition spaces, playgrounds, sports facilities, and some cafés (many are closed during winter though). The Berges are a great destination if you are looking for some less costly things for your family trip to Paris.
During summer, the Paris Plage is hosted on the Berges.
For more budget things to do in Paris with kids, also check out these posts:
3. Take a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in Paris
Book your this sightseeing bus tour here
When you arrive in a new and unfamiliar city and probably have to fight a jet lag as well, there is truly nothing better than a bus tour. Especially if you are traveling with kids.
Bus tours are great to familiarize yourself with Paris. But it’s also a really convenient way to really see everything without much effort.
Because let’s be honest – it’s very possible that your kids don’t share your sightseeing aspirations and rather visit the Disney store on the Champs-Élysée or the playgrounds at the Jardin du Luxembourg. And every trip is just as good as the mood of your unhappiest child.
4. Cruise the Locks of the Canal St. Martin
Book this wonderful channel Cruise here
While it’s almost standard to take a cruise on the Seine while being in Paris, including the lesser-known Canal St. Martin, it is quite a unique experience. I took this Canal Cruise earlier this year with my younger son (he’s 10) and he absolutely loved it!
This very interesting and fun cruise sails you down the Seine until you enter the Canal St.Martin. After a first lock, you continue your journey through a 1.2 miles (ca. 2 km) long tunnel under the Bastille before following the channel until Parc La Villette.
Your journey leads through a non-touristic part of Paris, along with brides and chestnut trees, until Parc La Villette where you could continue your trip by visiting the Science Museum.
It was really a fantastic tour and my child loved the locks, while I was more blown away by all the interesting facts the live commentator shared.
For schedules and rates, check this tour here on GetYourGuide.
5. Visit the Louvre Museum
Book your family & kid friendly Louvre Tour here
Believe it or not, the Louvre is great for families and kids because this famous museum is very accessible.
First, there is their audio guide, which comes in the form of a Nintendo DS and helps you navigate the massive exhibition and the different premade trails are making sure you’re not missing a thing.
The trails are actually a great tool to efficiently visit the museum. If you don’t get the audio guide, the Masterpieces Trail is also available as a free paper version directly at the museum. It’s a self-guided tour that doesn’t take longer than 1,5h and you see every important piece of art in the museum.
They even give out free little Louvre Passports with stickers, where the kids can check off what they’ve seen.
To show your kids what they should watch out for, see my article about the most famous paintings at the Louvre.
But whether you are opt-in for a family-friendly Louvre tour or you are visiting the world’s biggest museum on your own, do make sure to arrange your visit in advance. The waiting time at the entrance can be long, so booking ahead of time is definitely worth it. Click here to reserve your tickets.
(Kids under 18 have free access, so no need to get a ticket for them!)
Access: As the Louvre is very central, public transportation is your best choice: Metro Line 1, Palais Royal Musée du Louvre.
The museum is free for everyone under 18.
Tip: The waiting times at the security checks at the entrance through the iconic pyramid can be really long. There is another entrance inside that is usually less busy. If you are pregnant or traveling with a small infant, don’t hesitate to approach the security guards, you are entitled to priority access!
6. Hunt down the Space Invaders of Paris
If you wander through the streets of Paris, you inevitably notice the little mosaics that you find attached to many houses and walls. It’s a street art project and currently, there are more than 1400 Space Invaders splattered all over Paris and the best: you can collect!
Just download the Flash Invader App to your smartphone and scan them as soon as you spot one! It’s super easy and fun, and I guarantee you it makes your child WANT to walk around Paris!
7. Visit the Cité des Sciences et l’Industrie
Reserve your entrance Ticket here in advance
The name does not tell, but one section of this science exhibition is solely dedicated to kids; the Cité des enfants.
2 permanent exhibitions (one from 2-7 years and the other from 5-12) that are running in sessions of 1,5h are allowing your child to experiment and experience science in the most interactive way possible. An educational and fun way to spend a day.
Access: within Parc de la Villette, Metro Line 5 or Tram 3b, exit Porte de Pantin
8. Take a Cooking Class
Activities are the best way to make memories – why not in form of a cooking class with your family?
If you are traveling with kids older than 10, you have plenty of options. What about learning how to bake Croissants and impress your family at home? Get more info here
You could also go on a Sweet & Chocolate Family Treasure Hunt, where you will not only be able to taste 10 of France’s best sweets, but your kids will also make their own chocolate bar! Click here for more info, prices, and schedules
9. The Natural History Museum: La Grande Galerie de l’Evolution
The Grande Galerie de l’Evolution is the Natural History Museum of Paris. This massive gallery was created as a museum in 1793 and has a huuuuge collection of species from all over the world, from all eras, and of all sizes.
Exploring the 5 levels of the exhibition can easily take you a couple of hours and more. It ́s dedicated to kids, and you can find activities all around to interact with the exhibits; there are puzzles, fun activities, or educational programs on iPads everywhere.
Access: The museum is located very centrally, close to St. Michel and la Sorbonne. However, the closest metro station might be Place Monge of Line 7.
10. Take a Miraculous Cruise on the Seine
Secure your spot on this family-friendly Seine Cruise here
Taking a Cruise on the Seine is one of the nicest things to do in Paris. It’s also an activity that adults and kids enjoy alike, and therefore perfect for families.
But when a normal Seine Cruise is already a great experience, there is also the family and kid-friendly version of it. Animated by two characters, Ladybug and Cat Noir, your child will discover Paris and solve immersive puzzles while you can enjoy the beautiful Parisian Panorama from the comfort of your seat. The tour is in English and French!
Click here for rates and schedules of this fun Seine River Cruise
11. Have Breakfast on the Tour Montparnasse
The Tour Montparnasse – ugly as it is – is one of the nicest view points in Paris because you have a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower. But while you could just take the lift to the visitor’s platform, you also could enjoy a really lovely breakfast at the Restaurant Ciel de Paris, that is located just a couple of floors beyond the observation deck.
Budget Tip: The dinner is pricey, but the (delicious) breakfast is, in fact, cheaper than if you’d book a ticket to the observation deck. And the fact that you can enjoy your breakfast in peace and quiet while your children are watching the miniature life going on 53 floors below them? Priceless.
12. Have a Photo Shooting with a professional Paris Family Photographer at the Eiffel Tower
Book your professional photographer for your unique souvenir here
Professional Paris Family Photos are a wonderful way to remember your family trip to Paris for a lifetime. They make a remarkable souvenir and quite frankly, they are beating your usual selfie stick photos by lengths! (no offense lol)
13. Visit the Palais de la Découverte
This is the perfect place for every little nerd out there. This science museum has permanent exhibits and hands-on activities about chemistry, astrology, geology, physics. It even has a Pi-room! Just know that most explanations and animations are in French only. For more info, check here.
Access: Metro Champs Elysée Clemenceau – Line 13 and 1
14. Aquarium tropical du Palais de la Porte Dorée
There are 2 Aquariums in Paris . This is the lesser-known one and in my opinion the nicest one. It’s maybe not as fancy as the big Aquarium in Trocadero, but the building is no less impressive. It has a broad selection of fishes, (little) sharks, turtles, and crocodiles. The Museum is also hosting partially free temporary exhibitions, cloakrooms are free of charge as well. Admissions are family-friendly, at the time of writing it’s 8€ per adult, kids under 18 are free.
Access: The Aquarium has no assigned parking places, and it can be tricky at times to find a place, especially if you are not familiar with the area (we always found a place though).
However, it ́s just next to Metro Station “Porte Dorée” on Line 8.
15. Get enchanted at the Musée de la Magie
This rather small and privately run museum has a very interesting collection of historical magic devices and materials and entertains its visitors also with a magic show. It’s a big hit for most kids and inner kids – no matter if you are into magic or not.
Access: The Musée de la Magie is very centrally located between Notre Dame and Rue Rivoli with the best Metro accessibility; Line 1 exit St.Paul or Line 7 Sully-Morland. Click here for more information.
16. Visit Disneyland Paris with kids
Buy your day pass for Disneyland Paris here and save time at the entrance
To visit Disneyland Paris when you are in Paris with children is of course the ultimate experience for every little Disney Fan out there. If Disneyland Paris is one of the things plan on doing with your kids, don’t miss our designated Disneyland articles to help you plan your trip:
16. Visit the many Parisian Parks
Paris is full of exciting sights but lucky as well generous with its green spaces and parks. Perfect for a break for your kids between museums and attractions. But the Parisian Parks are also a good place for lunch picnics or for outdoor Apéritifs (read here what belongs to a typical French Apéro)
My favorite Parks in Paris to visit are these:
- Parc Georges Brassens (local vibes & Playgrounds and you can right away head over to the Petit Ceinture)
- Park Floral in the Bois de Vincennes, easily combinable with the Château de Vincennes
- Jardin Luxembourg for the traditional boats and as well a (not free) playground
What’s the best place to stay in Paris with Family?
I know that finding a hotel that accommodates the needs of a family can be so tricky! It needs to be easily accessible, clean, with enough space, and of course in a safe area, centrally located and close to the sights. Probably, you might even look for a hotel in Paris for a family of 5.
Below, I assembled for you a list of hotels that are great for families, and hopefully, you find them available on your travel dates.
Midrange Hotels in Paris for Families
Yuna Les Halles – Serviced apartment in the heart of Paris with kitchenette, AC, and separate bedroom. Check your travel dates now on booking.com or Agoda.
Hotel du Levant – located in the Latin Quarter close to Notre Dame, very central with AC and minibar. Check your travel dates now on booking.com or Agoda.
Hotels in Paris for Family of five
Hotels that cater to families of 5 are rare in Paris. Especially if you want to avoid booking 2 rooms. However, I could find a few hotels that fulfill the requirements and have enough room for larger families in Paris.
Budget Option: Altamira – Apartment with kitchen and washing machine for an unbeatable price. Close to transport, shops, and restaurants. Check your travel dates no on booking.com
Le Matissia – Cute Appartment with 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6! With kitchen, incl. dishwasher. Check availabilities and rates on booking.com or Agoda
Les Jardins du Luxembourg – Parisian Appartment Hotel in the Latin Quarter with a small kitchenette AC and minibar, one double bed, and 3 individual beds. Check their availabilities now on booking.com or Agoda.
Voilà! If you have questions or need additional information, don’t hesitate to join the private Salut From Paris Facebook group!
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