Planning a trip to Paris with kids can feel overwhelming—how do you balance iconic sights with things your kids will actually enjoy (without meltdowns along the way)?
The good news? Paris is surprisingly family-friendly when you know where to go.
After living in Paris for over 20 years and raising two children here, I know what truly works for families. If you’re worried Paris will be boring or stressful with kids, here’s what’s actually fun—and what’s not worth your time.
In this guide, you’ll find fun attractions, sights, hands-on museums, and unique experiences that both kids and adults will love—so you can plan a trip that keeps everyone happy.
Including my kids’ favorite park in Paris and one popular attraction I’d skip.
Iconic Paris Attractions Worth It With Kids
Paris is busy year-round, and waiting in line is the fastest way to ruin the day with kids (we learned this the hard way).
That’s why I always book tickets in advance — it saves time, avoids stress, and makes the experience much smoother for everyone.
If you only pre-book one thing, make it the Eiffel Tower.
Here are the key attractions where it’s absolutely worth booking ahead:
- Eiffel Tower – Skip-the-line summit tickets (lines can easily hit 1–2 hours)
- Louvre – Timed-entry tickets (we keep visits under 1.5 hours with kids)
- Catacombs – Book well in advance (often sells out days ahead)
- Versailles – Pre-book tickets (especially important in high season)
I personally use GetYourGuide for these — the flexibility and easy refunds make it much less stressful when plans change with kids.
The Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids
If you’re visiting Paris with kids, the key isn’t to see everything—it’s to choose activities that keep them engaged and excited.
From experience, the best moments aren’t always the “must-see” sights, but the ones where kids can explore, play, or feel involved.
Here are the activities that actually worked for us—and that I’d recommend to any family visiting Paris
#1 Best for all-day fun: Jardin d’Acclimatation
This is one of the few places in Paris where my kids never wanted to leave.
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is one of our favorite Sunday afternoon spots—a versatile park with themed areas that make it perfect for a full family day out.
There are several playgrounds (all different enough to keep kids interested), a small zoo with goats, sheep, and birds, and even a wildlife enclosure with deer—all included in the entrance fee.
There’s also a funfair with rides for all ages (paid separately), and you can get an unlimited ride pass if your kids love that kind of thing.
What makes this place stand out is how easy it is to spend the whole day here without feeling rushed. We usually bring a picnic and relax while the kids run between playgrounds—it’s one of the most stress-free outings in Paris.
In summer, the water playground is a huge hit.
If your kids need a break from sightseeing, this is where I’d go first. ➜ Get the unlimited ride pass here (worth it if your kids love rides)
Bonus: there’s an Angelina café inside, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton is right next door if you want to mix in something for adults.
#2 Stroll along the Berges de Seine (Free Activity)
This was our go-to spot when the kids needed to run around after visiting museums or a restaurant visit.
The Berges de Seine is a long riverside promenade built on a former freeway between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre—perfect for walking, scootering, or just letting kids move freely.
Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, floating gardens, and even small activity zones. It’s an easy, low-stress place to spend time without planning anything.
In summer, it turns into Paris Plage, with pop-up beaches and extra activities—my kids always loved that.
➔ If you’re looking for a free, easy win in Paris with kids, this is it.
For more budget things to do in Paris with kids, also check out these posts:
- 70+ Free & Fun Things to do in Paris
- 5 most convenient Ibis Hotels in Paris
- 21 Simple Ways to Save Money in Paris
#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. Read here about our Saint-Martin Cruise
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
⪼ also see the fun wishlist for family-friendly activities & attractions that I created for GetYourGuide
#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
#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:
#17 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
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.
Final Tips for Visiting Paris with Kids
Paris is an incredible city to explore as a family—but the key to enjoying it is to slow down and choose experiences your kids will actually enjoy.
From my experience, it’s not about seeing everything, but about finding the right balance between iconic sights and time to play, relax, and explore.
If you plan ahead (especially for popular attractions), leave space for breaks, and stay flexible, your trip to Paris can be just as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you.
👉 Focus on a few great experiences—and you’ll create memories your family will actually remember.
Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️
À bientôt,
Lena
Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
- I use Omio to compare flight fares & connections
- Airport transfers I book through Welcome Pickup
- For car rentals, I use AutoEurope. It’s easy to compare prices
- Train Tickets, you can book through Omio
- Here’s my Parisian Metro Guide
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris
- 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
- 37 Hidden Gems in Paris: Secret Spots to Explore
- How to Get Around in Paris: Your Quick Guide
- Where to Stay in Paris: A Local’s Best Picks
- Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
- 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
- Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons
FAQ Paris with Kids
Is Paris worth visiting with Kids?
Paris is a great destination for families with children thanks to the many activities that are kid friendly. For example the Eiffel Tower (no brainer, is it?), the little train of Montmartre, or again the Jardin du Luxembourg.
How many days do you need in Paris with kids?
I recommend staying with children in Paris for around 5 days. This gives you the opportunity to travel a bit slower and plan breaks and playtime, while still having enough time to explore the sights of Paris.
Is London or Paris better for Kids?
London is great for children, but Paris is as well. In Paris, most museums are free for children, and seeing the Eiffel Tower is a remarkable event. Paris has also many parks and pedestrian areas, which is good for kids to take a break.
Is the Louvre worth it with Kids?
While you can spend days visiting the Louvre, you can also follow the free masterpieces tour. It’s a self-guided tour that shows you the most famous artworks of the Louvre and lasts around 1h30.
It’s perfect for families with children to see the quintessence of the Louvre without running out of patience. You get the itinerary for free at the museum.
Do Children pay for the Metro in Paris?
Children from 0-3 pay no charge in the Parisian Metro. From 4 to 9 kids pay a reduced fare and from 10, the normal fee applies.
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