Taking the kids on a trip to Paris is an adventure they'll never forget – but the more prepared you are, the more fun you'll all have!
From making-and-doing crafts to magical days out at Disneyland, here's how to get the most out of your family's visit!
A useful tip: bring your iRoamly France travel eSIM to stay connected and share your family moments easily.
10 Things to Do in Paris with Kids
Ten places and experiences that are perfect for families to enjoy together in Paris.
1. Macaron-Making Class
What to do: Eat – or cook – your weight in macarons!
France is known for its patisseries, and macarons are one of the most famous French foods. At some patisseries, children can try their hand at making the colorful confections – a fun, sticky experience, and they get to taste their hard work!
How to get there: Many places offer macaron-making classes – including the La Cuisine Paris cookery school, located near the Seine.
Tip: Wear aprons and expect a little mess – kids will love it, but it gets gooey!
2. Disneyland Paris
What to do: Experience the magic of Disneyland Paris!
From the Sleeping Beauty Castle to attractions such as “It’s a Small World” and meeting Mickey and co., Disneyland Paris is unforgettable. It's also a short hop from central Paris, making it an easy day trip.
How to get there: Take the RER A train from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée.
Tip: Arrive early to make the most of the day, and plan in a break for smaller children!
3. Jardin d'Acclimatation (Amusement Park and Playground)
What to do: Ride the rides and space to play!
This park is a great find for families. Mixing amusement rides, playgrounds, and a petting zoo, there are mini boats and a little train tour for your children to enjoy.
How to get there: Located in the 16th arrondissement near the Bois de Boulogne, the nearest Metro stop is Les Sablons on Line 1.
Tip: It's lower-key than Disneyland, making it great for a laid-back day with smaller kids.
4. Seine River Boat Cruise
What to do: Relax and enjoy a boat cruise along the Seine River.
The Seine is one of the longest rivers in France. While enjoying a boat cruise, you can not only admire the beautiful city views but also hear fascinating historical stories about the river, adding charm to this peaceful journey.
How to get there: Many boat companies have embarkation points lining the Seine, near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.
Bring a jacket – it can get breezy on the water, especially at night.
5. Eiffel Tower Playground
What to do: Play at the Eiffel Tower playground.
While adults marvel at the wrought iron wonder, kids can play in the small playground in the landscaped gardens underneath.
How to get there: It's located in the park below the Eiffel Tower, so it is hard to miss.
Tip: After playing, take a picnic lunch to the nearby Champ de Mars for a beautiful view of the landmark.
6. Louvre Pyramid (For Art Lovers Who Are Kids)
What to do: Explore the Louvre Museum’s pyramid and children-centered spaces.
While the Louvre stands as one of the largest art museums in the world, it also has a lot for its younger visitors, from interactive workshops to family-friendly guides. Make it a game and try to track down famous works such as the Mona Lisa or the Egyptian mummies.
How to get there: Located in the 1st arrondissement, the Louvre is easily reachable via the Louvre-Rivoli Metro station.
Only target a few exhibits to avoid overwhelming museum fatigue – the Louvre is huge!
7. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (Park With a Temple)
What to do: Visit a hilly park with a waterfall and a little temple, and let the kids loose.
This park tends to be less crowded than others and provides a host of distractions for the little ones, from the waterfall, a rope bridge, to the aforementioned temple on the hill. Perfect for the parents to sit back and relax.
How to get there: In the 19th arrondissement, hop on Metro Line 7 to Buttes-Chaumont station.
Tip: There’s a lovely café if you just want to watch your kids play over a chai latte.
8. Paris Zoological Park
What to do: Spend a day with the animals at the Paris Zoo.
A roaring good time for any animal-obsessed kids, the Paris Zoological Park is home to lions, giraffes and more in beautifully real and open settings.
How to get there: In the Bois de Vincennes, take Metro Line 8 to Porte Dorée.
Sun’s finally out? Bring sunscreen and water!
9. Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
What to do: Get hands-on with science and interactive displays.
An interactive science museum that caters to curious young minds. Kids can get hands-on to make their own science experiments, delve into space, or even catch a 3D film.
How to get there: In Parc de la Villette, ride Metro Line 7 to Porte de la Villette.
Tip: There’s an area of the museum dedicated for the little ones; ideal for family outings.
10. Montmartre and the Funicular
What to do: Ride the funicular up Montmartre and see the Sacré-Cœur.
Riding up the funicular is an adventure for the kids and offers a great view over the city as you ascend. At the top, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a calming moment.
How to get there: Hop on Metro Line 12 to Abbesses station and look for the signs to the funicular.
The area is hilly. Funicular = tired kids-free ride!
5 Foods to Try with Kids in Paris
Here are five tasty French foods that will delight kids:
1. Croissants – Flaky and buttery, a perfect breakfast option.
2. Crêpes – Thin pancakes filled with anything from Nutella to ham and cheese.
3. Macarons – colorful, sweet perfect bites of delight!
4. French Fries (Pommes Frites) – Golden, crispy and sure to please.
5. Chocolate Éclairs – A doughy pastry filled with creamy chocolate. Will satisfy any sweet tooth!
5 Souvenirs for Kids in Paris
Remember your Parisian trip with these great souvenirs:
1. Disney plushies – Pick up a stuffed toy from Disneyland Paris.
2. Eiffel Tower keychain – A light and simple reminder they can take with them everywhere.
3. Parisian story books for kids – Utterly Paris themed books that they can keep forever.
4. Miniature statues – replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe or other famous monuments in Paris.
5. French candy – pick up some nice caramels or other traditional French sweet treats.
Tips for Taking Children to Paris
Paris is a wonderful place to visit with children, though it can be a challenge. Here are some tips for a great family vacation:
Pack snacks – Kids get hungry at inconvenient times, so make sure you have snacks like fruit, crackers, or a little treat available to ward off grumpiness.
Be aware of the time difference – Jet lag may affect your little ones when you travel across time zones. Give them time to acclimatize to the new location and try to keep to regular sleeping hours.
Dress for comfort – Paris can be very walk-heavy, so make sure everyone has comfortable shoes. Prepare for variable weather, too.
Prepare for queues – Popular tourist spots such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre will have long waits. Keep your family hydrated, take breaks, and prepare to spend some time queueing.
Point out the positives – Although Paris is steeped in history, you might have a bored child to contend with. Point out things of interest to them, and try to strike a balance between sightseeing and their need to run and play.
Summary
Paris is a vast and enticing place for families with children.
In a city with so many activities for children from touchy-feely attractions to the magical wonder of Disneyland Paris, your visit will be unforgettable.
Don’t forget to sample some delicious food and pick up a trinket or two, too!