Planning a trip to Paris with your family? Instagram photos will flood your feed with smiling cherubs taking in the sites, walking hand in hand with their parents strolling down city streets in chic clothing. Pictures of kids sitting around a table at a cafe, dining on French cuisine, while laughing and enjoying each other's company is the exact dynamic you envision for your own crew. Deep down you may have that nagging feeling that your experience will probably not mimic the photos. Paris is a sophisticated city with tremendous art and landmarks to explore. Are your children up for the challenge of a grown-up vacation exploring one of the most romantic cities in the world? Well, while your own family photos may not be picture perfect, here are some must-do activities for kids in Paris that guarantee a lifetime of memories.
Tips for Navigating Paris With Young Children
Like most big trips with kids in tow, the devil is in the details. A well-planned excursion to a faraway destination makes all the difference. We suggest preparing a detailed itinerary for each day along with a list of wardrobe requirements and accessories for each family member based on what is in store. Comfortable walking shoes and the right clothing will make or break the day. A backpack with emergency supplies- like snacks, umbrellas, ibuprofen, bandaids, water bottles, and activity books- is also essential. Getting around Paris with kids is all about smart planning and realistic expectations. The city is perfect for walking, but it also has an excellent and efficient public transport system—just be aware that it isn't always stroller-friendly. A key tip is to know which popular attractions require booking tickets in advance and which you can simply enjoy at your own pace. Continue reading for some of the best tips and things to do in Paris with your kids.
(1) Find kid-friendly cafes in Paris.
Navigating Paris with kids is easier when you find the right cafe. While many traditional spots aren't set up for little ones, a new wave of family-friendly cafes is popping up across the city. These places often feature dedicated play areas, creative workshops, and menus designed specifically for children. For example, Ernestine Café, located near Montmartre, offers a cozy atmosphere with a unique, glass-enclosed playroom. This feature allows parents to relax and enjoy their meal while keeping a close eye on their children. The café also provides a kid-friendly menu. Additionally, with multiple locations throughout the city, Breizh Cafe is a great spot for families. It specializes in delicious Breton crepes and savory galettes, which are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. And perfect for a break after playing in the garden's playground, the cafes in the Jardin des Tuileries are located conveniently between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.
(2) Visit the Jardin du Luxembourg.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is arguably the most famous and beloved park for families in Paris. It's more than just a garden; it's a playground wonderland with an array of activities. At the heart of the park is a large pond where a classic Parisian tradition takes place: children can rent and sail small wooden sailboats. The garden also features a huge, well-equipped playground (for a small fee), a historic carousel, and pony rides. For parents, there are numerous cafes and kiosks, along with the park's famous green chairs, perfect for a relaxing break while the kids play. It's the ideal spot for children to run, play, and meet others.
(3) Ride a few iconic carousels.
To get a true taste of Paris, you can't miss the chance to ride one of its charming vintage carousels. They offer a delightful break from a busy day of sightseeing and are a huge hit with kids. The Eiffel Tower Carousel, located at the base of the Eiffel Tower, makes this carousel a picture-perfect spot. Imagine riding a classic carousel while the world-famous tower looms majestically overhead—it's an unforgettable moment for all ages. The ride is particularly magical in the evening when the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles. At the foot of the stairs leading to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, you'll find this picturesque, double-decker carousel called the Montmartre Carousel. It provides a beautiful backdrop and fits perfectly with the artistic feel of the area. A ride here is a wonderful way to begin or end your visit to the neighborhood. For a carousel with a twist, head to the Jardin des Plantes near the Natural History Museum where you will find the Dodo Manège. This unique ride features seats shaped like extinct or endangered animals, such as the dodo bird and the Tasmanian wolf, rather than traditional horses. It's a fun and educational experience that also sparks curiosity about nature.
(4) Hit Disneyland Paris for a fun-filled day of attractions.
If your kids love Disney, a day trip to Disneyland Paris could be the highlight of their French adventure. It's a high-energy, familiar escape from historical sightseeing. Disneyland Paris offers a special experience that blends classic Disney magic with a distinct European style. You'll feel the local culture, as many shows and announcements are in both French and English, even though English is widely spoken. What truly sets this park apart are its unique attractions. The Sleeping Beauty Castle is more than just a photo op; you can actually walk through it to see beautiful stained-glass windows and tapestries. For a spooky thrill, you can also discover a large, animatronic dragon in a dungeon beneath the castle. Additionally, the park features several exclusive walk-through experiences that let you dive into the detailed theming, including Alice's Curious Labyrinth, the dragon's lair (La Tanière du Dragon), and Aladdin's Enchanted Passage (Le Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin).
(5) Plan a strategic day at the Louvre.
Visiting the Louvre with kids can be a fantastic and memorable experience, but it requires a strategic approach. The museum is massive and can easily be overwhelming, so planning is essential for a great visit. Before you go, set a goal. Don't try to see everything. Instead, choose just a few key works, like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. A two-hour visit is a good length for most families. Book tickets online. This is the most important step. All visitors under 18 get in for free, but you still must reserve timed-entry tickets for them online to avoid long queues at the entrance. Choose the right entrance. The glass pyramid is the most famous entrance but also the busiest. Consider using the less-crowded entrances at the Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions. Make it a game. To keep kids engaged, consider a family-friendly scavenger hunt or a specialized tour. Many companies offer tours with activity books, riddles, and puzzles. The Louvre also has its own official family tours designed to make the art more accessible and fun.
(6) Take a Seine River cruise.
A Seine River cruise is a fantastic way to see Paris from a unique perspective. It offers a welcome break from walking and lets everyone sit back and relax while still sightseeing. Kids will love seeing famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre from the water. The experience of gliding under the city's beautiful bridges is especially memorable. A boat ride is an experience in itself. Kids can watch the city pass by and observe the lively scene along the riverbanks, from people picnicking to artists painting. Many cruises cater to families with live guides who engage children with riddles and games. Some even offer a "Captain's Diploma" at the end of the journey, turning the tour into an exciting adventure.
(7) Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
For a truly memorable family trip, going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a must-do for kids. Its immense size and the breathtaking views are a highlight for all ages. Standing high above the city and looking out over all of Paris is a thrill for children. They can spot other famous landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine River, from a unique, bird's-eye view. The tower itself is a symbol of Paris, and visiting it feels special. At night, watching the tower sparkle with thousands of lights is a magical moment kids will remember forever. The crowds, lines, and security checks can be overwhelming, so plan accordingly. The view from the top can be dizzying for some, especially younger children. The second floor often provides a better view for kids, as it's still high enough to be impressive but allows you to see landmarks more clearly. Be sure to bring snacks, water, and something to keep them entertained while you wait.
(8) Sign up for a macaron-making class.
Looking for a fun and delicious activity for kids in Paris? A macaron-making class is a fantastic choice, and many are designed specifically for families. These classes are a great way for a parent and child to work together and learn the secrets behind this iconic French pastry. Make sure to book ahead as these classes are very popular, especially during peak tourist season. Many schools offer classes in English, which is perfect for visitors from out of town. Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann offers a "Family Experience" macaron bakery class. This is a perfect activity for a parent and child (ages 5-12) to team up and learn how to create both macaron shells and fillings. For a professional and high-quality experience, consider Le Cordon Bleu Paris. The famous culinary school provides "Parents-Child Workshops" where you and your child (ages 6 and up) can work together to make a delicious recipe, offering a hands-on taste of a world-renowned culinary education.
(9) Schedule time at the Musée d'Orsay.
The Musée d'Orsay is a perfect museum for families in Paris, and it's far more manageable than the enormous Louvre. Housed in a stunning former train station, the building itself is a highlight—kids are often captivated by the massive clock faces and impressive architecture. What makes it so good for kids is the art. The museum focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, which are generally more relatable to children. Instead of ancient mythology, they'll see paintings of familiar subjects like ballet dancers, landscapes, and city scenes. This makes the art feel more accessible and engaging for young visitors.
(10) Stop by to rest and play at the Parc de la Villette.
Parc de la Villette is a fantastic destination for kids in Paris because it's so much more than a typical park—it's an interactive and modern playground. Its design combines themed gardens, a massive science museum, and unique play areas. The park is home to a series of creative gardens made for play. The most popular is the Jardin du Dragon (Dragon Garden), which features a huge, colorful dragon sculpture with a giant slide. Another favorite is the Jardin des Vents et des Dunes (Garden of Wind and Dunes), which has trampolines, zip-lines, and other padded areas for kids to explore. A major highlight is the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, one of Europe's largest science museums. It's built for hands-on learning, with interactive exhibits on everything from space to the human body. The park also has wide, open lawns for picnics or games, and you can even rent small electric boats to cruise along the Canal de l'Ourcq.
