Wandering in the French streets with your family, enjoying the attractions specifically made for children and taking pictures of these moments is so be precious.
However, it needs great preparation beforehand. That is why we prepared you a list of the best things to do with kids in Paris. Some days are perfect to go to a green park with playgrounds or some others present opportunities for a thematic venue with the family.
Paris is child-friendly and provides many activities for free or reduced price for families. In fact, parents from all around the world pick this destination for their holidays and have a great time !
Let's discover the many possibilities that might spirit up the little travelers and starting with the most famous one.
1. Disneyland Paris
Formerly known as Euro Disney, Disneyland Paris, is a world-famous attraction and most visited theme park in Europe. Located slightly outside of the city, the large Disney complex includes two theme parks, Disney Nature Resorts, multiple resort hotels, places for shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as a golf course and recreational venues.
The theme parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, have hosted over 320 million people since opening 25 years ago. During the seasonal months, the park hosts different celebrations for Halloween and Christmas. Its recommended to buy the fast pass in order the avoid the long lines.
Popular Ticket Options:
2. Zoological Park of Paris
The Zoological Park of Paris has undergone years of renovation work and is finally open to the public. Part of the renovation plans included creating bigger and more natural spaces for the animals on display to live in, and to create protected homes for those which are endangered species. Also known as the Zoo de Vincennes, it has a large woodland space, an aviary, a greenhouse and multiple different biozones.
3. Canal boat trip
Take a two-and-a-half hour cruise on a canal boat and explore Paris from the water's point of view. The tours are offered in several languages, the trips can also be enjoyed on rainy days, as the boats are protected.
The rides start and end in Villette Park. Passengers are driven through the old locks of Paris. Since the rides start or end at the park Villette, you should definitely spend some time in this child-friendly Park too.
4. Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens have a full day of entertainment to offer, from pony rides to puppet shows, as well as a massive playground. After paying a small entry fee, the children can enjoy many obstacles to run, climb and jump on. The enclosed playground renovated in 2019 offers a safe space for children to play while parents wait outside.
The gardens are also home to the city’s oldest and most famous carousel. Fun fact, the architect who designed the Opéra Garnier is also the creative mind behind the carousel.
5. Grevin Wax Museum
Located centrally in the 9th Arrondissement, The Grévin wax museum is a great stop for those who would like to view historical figures to celebrities, forever cast in wax. Founded in 1882 and predating Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, the Grevin offers a funny way to explore French culture. This easy to access museum has displays of figures such as Napoléon and Céline Dion, as well as 450 more mannequins. On the weekends the museum offers a workshop where children can dive into French history and explore the personalities represented by the wax mannequins.
6. Aquarium de Paris
For those who love marine animal life, the Aquarium de Paris is a great destination. Located across from the Eiffel Tower, in the Palais Chaillot, visitors will see endless types of fish and marine animals, however no big mammal shows because the place is small.
Every day the employees hold educational demonstrations and workshops to teach visitors about the marine life on display. While visiting you can also catch one of the films being screened, watch a pirate show or children can join in various activities.
7. Tuileries Gardens
The Jardin des Tuileries is a great location to spend the afternoon as it has a huge playground for children, a carousel and beautiful royal gardens for adults. The former greenhouse, Orangerie contains Monet's masterpieces.
Meanwhile, the playground in the park has many features on which to bounce, run, jump, slide, climb and swing. In the summertime a giant Ferris wheel is operated here, where riders can enjoy views of the city around them.
8. Villette Park
This park promises an exciting afternoon for children as it is complete with fun and wacky features for all ages. There are multiple different types of jungle-gyms and slides as well as a giant kid-sized hamster wheel to spin in.
Visitors can also enjoy ziplines, carnival rides and games and their favorite amusement style snacks. Located on the banks of the canal, it offers a relaxing area for parents to sit as children play.
9. Parc Astérix
If you’re looking for a fun alternative to Disneyland Paris, Astérix theme park is a great option loved by local children. The park has been divided into different sections for Ancient Greece, Egypt, Land of the Vikings, the Roman Empire and the undefeatable village of Gaulish. There are giant roller coasters for older riders and some water rides for younger attendees. A fun afternoon guaranteed !
10. Cité des sciences et de l'industrie
Here is a unique and spectacular place for children in Paris inside the park La Villette (see below). This experimental museum teaches a large number of secrets of science and gives the opportunity to try unusual experiences, plunge into the infinite possibilities of Science and industry. Young and less young French people love this place where thousands of discovery are to be made. The Cité des enfants offers two exhibitions (2-7 years and 5-12 years) to learn by playing : building a house, playing with water... Even parents have a great time !
11. Parc André Citroën
This park is unique in Paris as it is known for its modern appearance and features. Visitors can see not only dancing fountains but also gardens with computerized sounds. There is also an elevated reflecting pool, thick glass houses, waterfalls and a variety of smaller gardens, each with its own specific color.
Set in the location of a beautiful neighborhood, this park offers the unique experience of a hot air balloon ride. It’s a great alternative to the Eiffel Tower and offers a view just as nice. In addition, lines will be shorter and the price is about the same. It’s recommended that visitors check the weather ahead of time before buying tickets.
12. Flowers & Birds Market
Located beside the Cité metro station is the Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux Cité. While the flower market is open daily, each Sunday this area also becomes home to the Bird Market. Walking through here, visitors will see many different types of birds, from parrots to chickens to canaries. There are also other animals being sold at the market, such as dwarf bunnies, ferrets and mice.
13. France Miniature
As the name explains, this park is a miniature replica of the country. It is located in Élancourt, only a five-minute train ride from Versailles. The park extends over twelve acres and showcases 116 hyper-realistic models. Visitors will explore the different areas of France, such as the castle walls of Carcassonne, the Chambord castle or the port of Saint-Tropez. A great way to see what the country offers, just by being in Paris !
14. Natural History Museum
The Museum of Natural History is a great pick for children who are interested in animals. It has different areas dedicated to the various animal families, of both past and present times. In the Gallery of Evolution are many different animals that have been stuffed for preservation. There are also exhibitions for dinosaur bones and fossils found in the palaeontology building.
15. Bois de Vincennes
Known as the biggest park in Paris, the Bois de Vincennes offers an afternoon of endless entertainment. There are lakes for boating and water fun, a racetrack, restaurants and cafes, a Buddhist temple, a small farm and even a baseball field.
Visitors can also enjoy the botanical garden and amusement park called the Parc Floral. If you are visiting during the summer, make sure to catch one of the weekend jazz concerts.
16. La Promenade Plantée
This gorgeous park is a great place for an hour or two walks along a trail elevated above the streets. Built on former train tracks, it is the inspiration for the famous New York City’s Highline. The trail takes visitors through wooded areas, tunnels and a changing landscape. It’s a great, nature-focused experience without the distraction of added games and entertainment.
17. Cats Café
Located in the Marais neighborhood is Paris’s first cat café. Inspired by the cat cafes which started in Japan, earning a global reputation, Parisians wanted one of their own.
In this café customers can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee with a pastry as they play and cuddle with the many cats who live here. Le Café des Chats occupies two floors and has plenty of lounging space, with couches and comfy seating for guests and felines.
18. Bouillon-Chartier
Hungry and looking for a great place to grab a bite ? The most popular dishes of French cuisine can be found for reasonable prices at this old-world style brasserie. The family can try delicacies such as foie gras or escargot without spending an arm and a leg. The resturant has maintained its century-old décor and children will be entertained by the way the waiters scribble on the table clothes as they take your order.
19. Musée des Égouts
Started in 1896, this attraction is truly for the daring, as it takes adventurers on a trip through the sewers of Paris. No need to be scared, as the underground tunnels are safe to explore and tourists will stay relatively dry as they learn about the underworld of the city and how it functions. As visitors explore the different paths they will experience various smells and odors which drift down from homes and restaurants.
20. Choco-Story Paris - Chocolate Museum
If you thought you knew everything about chocolate, be ready to get some additional information while testing the best chocolates in town. Discover the history of chocolate, meet French chocolatiers, make your own chocolates and have fun with your family.
21. L’Atelier des Lumières
Dedicated to digital art, this studio is a stimulating experience for children of all ages. What was once a former iron foundry, it now functions as an almost thousand square foot museum.
It was created by the foundation, Culturespaces, which envisioned it as the city’s first center for digital art. The studio focuses on famous artists, such as Vincent van Gogh and Gustav Klimt, by projecting their art onto thirty-two-foot walls using high-end lasers. Read more about the Atelier des Lumières.
Popular Ticket Options:
- Buy your Open Ticket to Atelier des Lumières here in advance!
- Hand-picked combinations: Atelier des Lumières: Timed Entrance - Limited Availability Per Day + Fondation Louis Vuitton
22. Jardin d’Acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is one of the largest and most fun parks in Paris. It offers endless activities, such as pony rides, workshops, an acrobatic obstacle courses, nature attractions, puppet shows, physical activities, a farm, rides and a 200-bird aviary. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to come here to cool off with one of the many water activities.
23. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is the perfect place to take your children, as they can enjoy an entire day playing in the streams and gazebo. Near the pond, children can also participate in carnival games and donkey rides. There is a giant waterfall and a suspension bridge to run across and the big hills in the park are great for kids to run and make great terrain for tumbling and rolling down.
24. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
The Museum of Hunting and Nature is a taxidermy center located in an old mansion in the 3rd Arrondissement. On display are animal trophies from various noblemen’s quests to Africa and other foreign destinations. Visitors can also view a large collection of rifles, crossbows and other hunting devices.
The exhibits aim to show the relationship of man with the natural environment, through the means of hunting. With three divisions to explore, weapons and hunting accessories, painting and sculptures and hunting products, there is a lot to learn, for children and adults alike.
25. Saint-Ouen Flea Market
Located in Montmartre Quarter in Paris, close to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge, is one of the largest flea markets in the world. Shoppers can browse through endless winding streets which offer items for sale, such as antique jewelry, vintage clothing, old books, furniture and records. The market is hosted by many antique trade dealers who can help you find whatever your heart desires.
26. Bateaux-Mouches
The guided boat tours of Bateaux-Mouches take riders on a journey along the Seine river. The hour-long tours are all-weather friendly and allow guests to stand outside as they pass the many historical sites of the city.
Riders can catch one of these tours at multiple locations, such as the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf bridge, Notre-Dame and Pont de l’Alma. Most popular with the children is the Enchanted Cruise, in which costumed actors perform popular dramas through music. It is recommended that those interested book tickets in advance.
27. Paris Plages
Under the direction of Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, in 2002 city planners in Paris began transforming areas along the Seine river to be more recreationally friendly.
Sand was brought in to create beaches, which were later filled with lounge chairs, cafes and areas for beach volleyball. The beaches were for locals and tourists alike, who found themselves in the city during the summer time. These beaches offer a great option for those who would like to indulge in an afternoon of watersports, sunbathing and picnicking.
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More InformationDid you make your choice ? What would your children like to do on this list ? Don't forget to book tickets to Disneyland Paris, the Zoological Park or even a wonderful cruise on Seine River with your kids in our official Paris ticket shop and enjoy the beauty of Paris easily.
If you are planning your trip, don't miss our list of 100 things to do in Paris and our recommendation of 25 affordable 3 star hotels in Paris.
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