Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids (Fun, Easy & Stress‑Free Activities for All Ages)
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What Makes Paris such a Magical Place for Kids
Paris is one of the most kid‑friendly cities in Europe. With beautiful parks, hands‑on museums, boat rides, and easy walking routes, it’s a perfect destination for families. This guide breaks down the best things to do in Paris with kids, organized by age group and interest, with simple tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Top Kid‑Friendly Activities in Paris (All Ages)
1. Eiffel Tower + Champ de Mars
The Eiffel Tower is exciting for kids, but the real magic is the huge park underneath. Champ de Mars offers playgrounds, open lawns, and plenty of space to run around. It’s perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break between sightseeing.
Alternative Option (More Availability):
Check more time slots on GetYourGuide
Learn more here: Eiffel Tower with Kids
2. Seine River Cruise
A calm, scenic boat ride that requires zero walking. Great for tired kids or your first day in Paris. Choose a simple 1‑hour cruise rather than a long dinner cruise.
Best Family Cruise (Primary Recommendation)
Alternative Option (More Time Slots): See additional cruise options on GetYourGuide
Read the full guide: Seine River Cruise with Kids
3. Luxembourg Gardens
One of the best parks for families. Kids love the sailboats, carousel, and playground. Parents love the shade, seating, and peaceful atmosphere.
Paris Luxembourg Gardens Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour (Primary Recommendation):
Alternative Option (More Time Slots): See additional cruise options on GetYourGuide
4. Louvre With Kids (Kid‑Friendly Highlights + Easy Routes)
The Louvre can feel overwhelming for adults — but kids actually love it when you focus on the right sections.
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The best kid‑friendly highlights include:
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Egyptian Antiquities (mummies, sphinxes, statues)
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Medieval Louvre Moat (underground castle walls)
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Greek Antiquities (Winged Victory, Venus de Milo)
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Crown Jewels (sparkly, impressive, quick to see)
Parent Tip: Keep your Louvre visit to 60–90 minutes and follow a simple route. Enter through the Carrousel entrance to avoid crowds.
Best Family Tour (Primary Recommendation):
Alternative Option: Check more availability on GetYourGuide
Full guide: Louvre with Kids
5. Montmartre Funicular + Sacré‑Cœur
Ride the funicular up the hill (kids love it), explore the artists’ square, and enjoy panoramic views of Paris.
Why families love it: Funicular ride, street art, postcard views.
Tour ideas: Montmartre walking tour • Food tour • Paris highlightsWander Montmartre with a guide →
6. Jardin des Plantes
Home to the Natural History Museum, dinosaur skeletons, a small zoo, and beautiful gardens. A perfect half‑day activity.
Tour ideas: Paris museum passVisit Jardin des Plantes & Natural History Museum →
7. Tuileries Garden
Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this garden has a carousel, playground, fountains, and plenty of space to relax.
Tour ideas: Louvre + Tuileries comboSee the Louvre and gardens together →
8. Parc de la Villette
A massive modern park with themed gardens, playgrounds, and the Cité des Sciences — one of the best science museums in Europe.
Tour ideas: Paris museum passExplore Paris’ science museum with Paris museum pass →
9. Ice Cream at Berthillon
A simple treat that kids love. Walk around Île Saint‑Louis and enjoy the charming streets.
10. Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
Every hour after sunset, the tower sparkles for five minutes. Magical and free.
Best Things to Do in Paris with Toddlers (Ages 1–4)
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Carousels at Tuileries, Eiffel Tower, and Hôtel de Ville
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Luxembourg Gardens playground (paid but worth it)
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Jardin d’Acclimatation (rides, animals, shaded paths)
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Parc Monceau (quiet, stroller‑friendly)
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Short Seine cruise (1 hour max)
Parent Tip: Toddlers do best with one big sight + one park per day.
Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids Ages 5–10
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Cité des Sciences (hands‑on exhibits)
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Natural History Museum (dinosaurs!)
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Paris Zoo (Vincennes)
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Montmartre funicular
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Boat rides
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Louvre family highlights (Egyptian wing, medieval moat)
Parent Tip: This age group loves movement + visuals. Avoid long museum days.
Best Things to Do in Paris with Teens
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Catacombs
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Photography walk in Montmartre
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Cooking or pastry class
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Street art tour in Belleville
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Eiffel Tower summit
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Vintage shopping in Le Marais
Parent Tip: Teens love activities that feel “local” or “unique,” not just sightseeing.
Best Kid‑Friendly Museums in Paris
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Louvre (family route)
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Musée d’Orsay (short visit)
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Musée de l’Illusion
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Musée Grévin (wax museum)
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Cité des Sciences
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Natural History Museum
Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids
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Luxembourg Gardens
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Tuileries Garden
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Champ de Mars
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Parc de la Villette
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Jardin d’Acclimatation
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Parc Monceau
Kid‑Friendly Food in Paris
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Crêpes
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Croissants + pain au chocolat
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Berthillon ice cream
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Roast chicken + fries
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Falafel in Le Marais
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Pizza (always a safe option)
Sample 3‑Day Family Itinerary
Day 1
Eiffel Tower → Champ de Mars → Seine Cruise → Ice cream
Day 2
Luxembourg Gardens → Latin Quarter → Notre‑Dame → Île Saint‑Louis
Day 3
Jardin des Plantes → Natural History Museum → Montmartre funicular
Where to Stay in Paris with Kids
Choosing the right neighborhood makes your trip easier. Look for areas with parks, metro access, and walkable streets.
👉 See the Best Family Hotels in Paris
Final Tips for Parents
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Mix big sights with outdoor breaks
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Use the metro (kids love it)
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Book skip‑the‑line tickets
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Keep days flexible
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Paris works best with simple days, not packed schedules
How to Choose the Right Attractions for Your Family
Ages 0–4: Stick to parks, river cruises, and short visits.
Ages 5–9: Eiffel Tower, HOHO bus, Seine cruise, Tuileries, Luxembourg Gardens.
Ages 10–14: Louvre highlights, Montmartre, Orsay, Eiffel Tower summit.
Hot weather: Museums, river cruise, shaded parks.
Cold weather: Museums, covered passages, HOHO bus.
First‑timers: Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise, Louvre, HOHO bus.
FAQ
Do you need to book attractions in advance?
Yes — especially the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine cruises.
How to find the best family tours in Paris?
See our Best Family Tours in Paris.
Is Paris stroller‑friendly? Mostly yes, but some areas like Montmartre have hills.
Are museums good for young kids? Yes, if you keep visits short and focused.
A Final Note for Parents
Paris is an incredible city to explore as a family. You don’t need to do everything — just choose the experiences that fit your kids’ ages, energy levels, and interests. With a little planning and a few smart bookings, your trip will feel smooth, memorable, and full of joy.
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FAQ: Visiting Paris With Kids
Is Paris a kid‑friendly city for families?
Yes. Paris is very walkable, full of parks, playgrounds, and family‑friendly museums. Most major attractions offer free or discounted entry for children, and neighborhoods like the 7th, 15th, and 16th are especially comfortable for families.
How much walking should I expect with kids in Paris?
Paris involves a fair amount of walking, but you can keep days manageable by grouping attractions by neighborhood. Many family‑friendly areas are close to parks and cafés, making it easy to take breaks.
What’s the best way to get around Paris with children?
A mix of walking and the Metro works well. The Metro is fast and stroller‑friendly at many stations, and buses are great for shorter hops. Staying in a central neighborhood reduces travel time dramatically.
Which neighborhoods are best for families to stay in?
Families usually prefer the 7th (Eiffel Tower), 15th (quiet and residential), 16th (parks and wide sidewalks), and parts of the 1st and 6th for convenience. These areas are safe, central, and close to major attractions.
Are Paris hotels family‑friendly?
Many hotels offer family rooms, suites, cribs, and connecting rooms. Some neighborhoods have more spacious options, especially the 15th and 16th. Booking early helps secure larger rooms.
Are museums and attractions offer free entry?
While not all major Paris museums are free all the time some museums, including the Musée d’Orsay provide free access on first Sundays of the month in winter months, and the Louvre offers free admission on the first Friday evenings of most months.
Is Paris stroller‑friendly?
Yes, but with some caveats. Sidewalks are wide in many neighborhoods, and parks are easy to navigate. Some Metro stations lack elevators, so lightweight strollers are easiest to manage.
How many days do families need in Paris?
Three days is a great starting point for first‑time visitors with kids. It gives you time to see major highlights without rushing, especially when you stay in a central, family‑friendly neighborhood.
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