Paris is often seen as a city for couples, with all its fine dining and romantic activities, and if you have a young one in tow, that can feel a little intimidating.
But as a local who has explored this city inside out, I can tell you that Paris is actually a fantastic city to visit with children. Between the parks, the interactive museums, and the cool activities, there is genuinely no shortage of things to do in Paris with kids, and many of them are experiences your children will remember long after the trip is over.
So if you’re traveling as a family and wondering where to even start, we’ve got over 19 family friendly activities in Paris for you to choose from.
Visiting with teenagers instead? Here are the best things to do in Paris with teenagers.
Family Friendly things to do in Paris with Kids
Parks and Gardens
1. Sail Wooden Boats at Jardin du Luxembourg
If you’re visiting Paris with kids, Jardin du Luxembourg is a must. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in the city, and honestly, it holds up even when you’re traveling with a five-year-old who wants to touch everything.
The big draw for kids is the sailboat pond, the Grand Bassin. You can rent small wooden sailboats and let your kids push them across the water with long sticks. This tradition has been going on since the 19th century, so there’s something cool about the fact that kids are still doing the exact same thing generations later.
Beyond the pond, the park is full of sculptures and well-maintained flower beds, so there’s plenty for adults to enjoy, too. There’s also a dedicated playground called Ludo Jardin with slides, climbing structures, and enough space for them to properly burn off energy. While the park itself is free to enter, you’ll have to pay a few euros to access the kids’ playground.
The best part about Jardin du Luxembourg is that it can easily fit into your Paris itinerary since it’s close to the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés, making it the perfect place to take a break between sightseeing.
You can read our complete guide to visiting the Luxembourg Gardens here.
2. Sail Boats and Ride Carousels at Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden sits right in the heart of Paris, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, which makes it one of the easiest places to take a break when you’re in full sightseeing mode with kids in tow.
Honestly, adults will probably appreciate the garden more than the kids will, since it’s formally designed, full of sculptures and manicured paths, and very beautiful in that classic Parisian way. But that doesn’t mean kids won’t have a good time.
There’s a sailboat pond here too, just like at Luxembourg, where they can rent wooden boats and push them across the water. There’s also a carousel, a playground, and in the summer, a funfair sets up in the garden with rides, trampolines, slides, and food stalls. That alone makes it worth a stop if you’re visiting between June and August.
3. Spend a Full Day at Jardin d’Acclimatation
If you want to dedicate an actual full day to the kids, Jardin d’Acclimatation is where you go. It’s a proper amusement park inside the Bois de Boulogne, with rollercoasters, rides, merry-go-rounds, playgrounds, and animal areas. It’s been around since 1860, so it has that slightly old-world charm that makes it feel different from a typical theme park.
Just make sure you purchase this 1-day pass to access all 42 activities and rides in the Park.
4. Rent a Rowboat at Bois de Boulogne
If Jardin d’Acclimatation has worn everyone out, but the kids still have energy somehow, the good news is there’s more to the Bois de Boulogne than the amusement park.
The large lake inside the park offers rowboat rentals, which is a much quieter, slower-paced activity but one that kids genuinely enjoy.
The Bois de Boulogne itself is one of the largest parks in Paris, so there’s plenty of open space to wander or even have a picnic. Just keep in mind that this activity is only open in the spring and summer. You can find more info here.
5. Explore Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Like a Mini Adventure
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont doesn’t look or feel like the typical Paris park, and that’s exactly why kids tend to love it. There are steep hills to climb, suspension bridges, a waterfall, caves to explore, and wide open lawns. Kids can actually do fun things rather than just walk through something pretty.
You won’t find many tourists here, which means more space, a more relaxed atmosphere, and a more authentic slice of how Parisians actually spend their downtime.
The only kind of downside is that it’s in the 19th arrondissement, which is a bit far from central Paris and the main tourist areas, but if you have time and want to get off the beaten path, it’s genuinely worth the trip.
Iconic Landmarks
6. Climb to the Top of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of those landmarks that genuinely delivers for kids, but it depends a little on age. If your kids are old enough to appreciate the height and the views, taking the elevator up is an experience they’ll talk about for a while.
The panoramic views from the top are stunning, and the glass floor on the first level tends to produce a very specific reaction in children — equal parts excitement and absolute terror, which is half the fun.
Even if your kids aren’t that fussed about going up, the Eiffel Tower is still worth visiting. Taking pictures with it, walking around the Champ de Mars below, and if you stay till dark, watching it shimmer at night. The light show happens at the top of every hour after dark and lasts for about 5 minutes.
Just note that if you plan to climb the tower, book your tickets online well in advance, especially in summer, as they sell out fast. The queues without a ticket can be very long, and tired kids and long queues are not a combination you want. If tickets are sold out on the Eiffel Tower official website, you can opt for this one instead, which comes with a host.
Related article: Practical tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower
7. Cruise Down the Seine River
One of the fun things to do with kids in Paris is to go on a Seine cruise. In about an hour, you’ll cruise past the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and a string of beautiful bridges. And even if your kids don’t particularly care about the landmarks, they’ll still enjoy being on water.
You can book this standard 1-hour cruise, which works perfectly well, but if you want to make it more of an experience for the kids, you can opt for this cruise that includes a crepe tasting at the end of the journey.
8. Discover Science Hands-On at Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Paris that actually keep kids engaged for hours while also learning about science, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is one of the best options in the city.
Unlike most museums, where the rule is look but don’t touch, this one is built entirely around doing. There are hands-on science exhibits and interactive experiments, designed specifically for children.
It’s located in the 19th arrondissement in Parc de la Villette, which is a destination in itself with open lawns and playgrounds, a planetarium where kids can learn more about the universe through immersive films, and so much more, so you can easily make a full day of it.
While it’s quite underwhelming for adults, kids will absolutely love it. You can book your entry tickets here in advance.
9. Walk Through the Animal Kingdom at Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle
This is one of those places that works really well even for children who normally have zero interest in museums. While the museum has 4 galleries, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is the main draw — a large hall filled with hundreds of stuffed animals arranged as if they’re mid-migration, from tiny animals all the way up to elephants and giraffes. It’s genuinely impressive even as an adult.
But the highlight for most kids is the dinosaur skeletons. The collection is enormous, with fossils and skeletal displays that cover millions of years of prehistoric life. Between the animals, the dinosaurs, and the geology and mineralogy galleries, there’s easily enough to keep children occupied for hours while they’re actually learning something along the way.
It’s located in the 5th arrondissement in the Jardin des Plantes, which is a nice bonus since you can wander the botanical gardens before or after.
10. Pose with Celebrities at Musée Grévin
Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Musée Grévin is Paris’s famous wax museum, and it’s one of those things to do in Paris with kids that tends to go down very well regardless of age. The museum has hundreds of incredibly realistic wax figures of celebrities, athletes, historical figures, and world leaders, and kids absolutely love wandering through and finding people they recognise.
It’s located in the 9th arrondissement inside Passage Jouffroy, one of Paris’s covered passages. It’s not the biggest museum you’ll visit, but it’s fun, and it makes for great photos.
11. Explore the Underwater World at Aquarium de Paris
Located in the Trocadéro gardens, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, the Aquarium de Paris is a natural addition to any list of things to do with kids in Paris.
Inside, kids can see sharks, sea urchins, jellyfish, rays, and tens of thousands of fish across multiple themed tanks. There are also touch pools and interactive areas where kids can touch and feed the fish. It’s not the largest aquarium in the world, but the location and the variety of marine life make it a solid stop for families with kids in Paris.
It’s one of the more enjoyable indoor family friendly activities in Paris on a rainy day or when everyone needs a quieter, slower-paced break.
Here’s the ticket you’ll need to visit he Aquarium.
12. Do a Focused Visit to the Louvre Museum
I’ll be honest, the Louvre is probably not the easiest museum to visit with small kids, especially if you try to do too much in one go. The museum is massive, crowded, and there’s only so much walking most children can handle before completely losing interest. That said, it can still be a really fun experience if you approach it differently.
Instead of trying to “see the Louvre,” focus on a few things kids will actually care about. For most families, that usually means seeing the Mona Lisa, walking through the Egyptian antiquities section with all the ancient statues and sarcophagi, and simply exploring the building itself. Even the glass pyramid outside tends to be exciting for children.
If you want to make the visit genuinely engaging for the whole family, you can book this family friendly Louvre guided tour, specifically designed to make the art interesting and accessible for children, while adults will find they learn things they didn’t know either. It’s a much better experience than wandering on your own with tired kids.
Alternatively, if your kids are more into scavenger hunts, then this Louvre tour will work better for you.
Related articles:
Things to know before visiting the Louvre Museum
Famous paintings to see at the Louvre
Famous sculptures in the Louvre Museum
Hotels near the Louvre Museum
13. Go on a Scavenger Hunt at Musée des Arts et Métiers
Musée des Arts et Métiers is one of the lesser-known museums in Paris, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it great for families. It covers the history of science and technology through an impressive collection of inventions, machines, clocks, and early vehicles, and the displays are interactive enough to keep kids genuinely curious.
What makes it especially good for families with children aged 7 to 12 is the dedicated family trail — a scavenger hunt that takes kids through the museum on a child-friendly route designed to make the collection accessible and fun. It turns what could easily feel like a dry history lesson into something much more engaging.
It’s located in the 3rd arrondissement, in a beautiful former priory, and it’s far less crowded than the major Paris museums, which is a win when you’re navigating with children.
Cool Activities
14. Get A Portrait Done at Place du Tertre
If you’re already visiting Montmartre with kids, getting a portrait done at Place du Tertre can actually turn into one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
This square just behind Sacré-Cœur is filled with artists drawing and painting portraits all day long, and kids usually find it fascinating watching someone sketch them in real time. Some artists do quick pencil sketches while others create more detailed paintings, so there are different price points depending on what you want.
Even if you don’t end up getting a portrait done, the atmosphere alone is entertaining for children. There are artists everywhere, musicians performing nearby, cafés spilling into the square, and plenty happening at once without it feeling overly formal.
If your kids are patient enough to sit still for a little while, this can also end up being a really special Paris souvenir to bring home instead of another toy or generic gift shop item.
One thing to know is that Place du Tertre gets very crowded during the middle of the day, especially in summer, so mornings usually feel calmer and easier with children. You’ll also want to confirm the price with the artist before they start drawing, since rates can vary quite a bit, depending on the style and size of the portrait. And don’t be afraid to bargain a bit.
15. Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris
If you want a complete break from museums and monuments, Disneyland Paris is the obvious answer. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Paris with kids for good reason. Character parades, themed rides, fireworks, and all the familiar Disney attractions make it a day that children will not stop talking about.
It’s about 40 minutes from central Paris by RER A train, which makes it very accessible as a day trip. That said, it’s a full-day commitment, and it gets very busy during school holidays and weekends, so book your tickets here in advance and arrive early to avoid long queues. If your kids are Disney fans, it’s absolutely worth it.
Just keep in mind that if you’ve been to other Disney theme parks, you might find this one a bit smaller, but it’s equally enjoyable.
Here’s everything you need to know before going to Disneyland Paris, and how to get there from Paris.
16. Ride the Petit Train Through Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Paris, but it’s also on a hill, which means a lot of steep streets and steps. For younger kids, the Petit Train de Montmartre is the perfect solution.
It’s a small tourist train that winds through the neighbourhood’s streets and up toward Sacré Coeur, giving kids a fun ride while taking in the views without the climb.
It’s a short ride, around 30 to 40 minutes, but for little ones, it tends to be a highlight of visiting Montmartre. You can get more details about it here.
17. Jump on the Columns at Palais Royal
The Buren Columns (Colonnes de Buren) in the Palais Royal courtyard are one of those spots in Paris that kids discover and immediately lose their minds over.
The black and white striped columns are all different heights, and children instinctively want to jump from one to another, balance on them, and run between them. It’s free, it’s central, and it burns energy in a way that feels completely spontaneous.
It also happens to be one of the best photo spots in Paris for families. The columns make for great pictures, and since kids are already climbing and jumping around, you’ll end up with natural, fun shots rather than forced poses.
The Palais Royal is located just a short walk from the Louvre, so it’ll naturally fit into your Paris itinerary as you explore that part of the city.
18. Bake Macarons at a Family Cooking Class
One of the most fun and memorable things to do in Paris with kids is a macaron baking class. Paris is famous for macarons, so learning to make them here feels like the right place to do it.
Kids get to mix, fill, and assemble their own macarons under the guidance of a professional, and they leave with both the skills and the treats they made themselves, which is a much better souvenir than anything you’d buy in a shop.
19. Take a Day Trip to Versailles
Versailles is worth the trip, but the way you approach it with kids makes all the difference. The château itself is stunning but can feel overwhelming for younger children. The gardens, on the other hand, are where the real magic happens for families.
The grounds are enormous and genuinely fun to explore, with fountains, wide paths, and a maze that kids love getting lost in. The Grand Canal at the back of the gardens is where you can rent rowboats, which tends to be a highlight for children visiting Versailles. Just make sure you buy your entry ticket here in advance because the ticket queue can get insane on-site.
Versailles is about 40 minutes from central Paris by RER C train, making it an easy and very worthwhile family day trip from Paris.
Related article: How to get from Paris to Versailles
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Paris with Kids
Paris might not seem like the most obvious family destination at first, but it honestly has a lot more to offer kids than most people expect. Between the parks, playgrounds, boat rides, carousels, interactive museums, and endless crêpe stops, there are plenty of ways to keep children entertained while still enjoying the city yourself.
The biggest thing is simply slowing the trip down a little. Trying to rush through every museum and landmark usually ends up being stressful for both parents and kids. But when you mix sightseeing with gardens, snack breaks, and activities they genuinely enjoy, Paris becomes much more fun for everyone.
Hopefully, this guide gave you a better idea of what visiting Paris with kids actually looks like, along with a few activities your family will genuinely enjoy during your trip.
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris
- The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
- Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
- Important things to know before visiting Paris for the first time
- Best hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views
- Fun facts about Paris you probably didn’t know
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