Paris is a city that holds a special place in the hearts of many, and it’s not just adults who can appreciate its beauty and charm. Taking your kids to the “City of Light” can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there are plenty of activities that will keep your little ones entertained and engaged. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best things to do in Paris with kids and give you some tips on how to make the most out of your family vacation. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure, because Paris is waiting for you and your family!
The best things to do in Paris on a family trip
- Visit the Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor to Paris, and kids will love the elevator ride to the top for panoramic views of the city.
- Explore the Louvre Museum: The Louvre is home to many famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa. While some of the art may not be suitable for young children, the museum offers audio guides and family-friendly tours that can make the experience more enjoyable for kids.
- Take a boat ride on the Seine River: A boat ride on the Seine River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get a glimpse of some of Paris’ famous landmarks.
- Visit Disneyland Paris: A trip to Disneyland Paris is a great way to make your kids’ vacation extra special. The park offers a wide range of rides, attractions, and shows that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
- Visit the Jardin des Plantes: This botanical garden offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city and is a great place to take a stroll and explore the different plants and animals on display.
- Visit the Cité des Enfants: This interactive science museum is designed for children aged 2-12, and it will keep them entertained for hours with hands-on activities and experiments.
- Visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers: This museum is dedicated to science, technology, and industry and is a great place for older children who have an interest in these subjects
- Visit the Catacombs of Paris: This underground ossuary is an eerie but fascinating place to visit and is suitable for older children.
- Visit the puppet theater: Many puppet theaters in Paris offer shows that are suitable for children and can be a fun and interactive way to experience theater.
- Visit the Luxembourg Gardens: These gardens offer a great place to relax and play, and they also feature a playground, a puppet theater, and a carousel.
1. Visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids
Visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids can be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance and plan your visit for the early morning or late evening, when the tower is less crowded. To avoid a long climb, you can take the elevator to the top, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city. The Eiffel Tower has three levels, each with its own observation deck, and the second level has a glass floor that offers a unique view of the city below. You can also take a guided tour, which provides information on the history of the Eiffel Tower and its construction and can make the visit more engaging for kids. But before planning a visit, keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower is not recommended for children under 4 years old, and for older children, the stairs might be too steep and the height could be overwhelming. Also, plan for the weather, as the Eiffel Tower is open all year round, but it can get cold and windy at the top, so be sure to dress accordingly and bring a jacket for the kids. And don’t forget to take a picture, it’s a great opportunity to make a memory with your children.
2. Explore the Louvre with kids
Visiting the Louvre Museum with kids can be a fun and educational experience. To make the most of your visit, plan your route in advance and decide which galleries and exhibits you want to see. To make it more interactive and engaging, you can take a guided tour for families, or use audio guides, which are available in multiple languages, including child-friendly versions. Pack some snacks and water to keep your kids energized and hydrated during the visit, and take breaks when needed. Keep in mind that the Louvre is a vast museum with many galleries and exhibits, and it can be difficult to see everything in one visit, so allow for flexibility and don’t be afraid to skip an exhibit if it’s not holding your kids’ attention. Also, encourage your kids to ask questions and keep an open mind when looking at the art, but keep in mind that some of the Louvre’s artworks may not be suitable for young children, and the museum can be overwhelming for them, so it’s important to consider the age of your children when planning your visit.
3. Boat ride on the Seine River
A boat ride on the Seine River is a popular way to see the sights of Paris, France. The Seine is the main river that runs through the city, and it is lined with many famous landmarks and attractions. Some of the famous landmarks you can see during a boat ride include the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musée d’Orsay. You can also see many of Paris’s famous bridges, including the Pont Neuf and the Pont des Arts.
There are many different boat tour companies that operate on the Seine, and they offer a variety of different tours, from short sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises. Some boat tours include live commentary and provide audio guides in multiple languages. You can also book a boat ride in the evening to experience the city lights of Paris.
Many of the boat rides are available year-round, but some are only available during the summer months. Some companies also offer cruises on smaller boats called “bateaux mouches”, which are open-air boats that provide a different perspective on the city.
4. The best things to see at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a magical destination that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best things to see and do at Disneyland Paris with kids:
- Enjoy the Disney parades: Disneyland Paris is known for its spectacular parades featuring Disney characters, floats, and music. Be sure to catch one of the parades during your visit.
- Ride the Disney rides: Disneyland Paris offers a variety of rides, from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly rides. Some of the most popular rides include Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and It’s a Small World.
- Meet Disney characters: Meeting Disney characters is a highlight of any visit to Disneyland Paris. You can meet your favorite characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy, at different locations throughout the park.
- Experience Disney shows: Disneyland Paris offers a variety of shows that are suitable for kids, such as Disney’s Lion King, Disney’s Aladdin, and Disney’s Frozen.
- Explore Fantasyland: Fantasyland is one of the most popular areas of Disneyland Paris, and it’s perfect for families with young children. Here you can find kid-friendly rides such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and “it’s a small world”.
- Visit Adventureland: Adventureland is a perfect place for older children, it offers a more thrilling experience and you can find rides such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Adventure Isle.
- Visit Discoveryland: Discoveryland is perfect for children who have an interest in science and technology, it offers a variety of attractions such as Star Tours, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.
- Have a family meal: Disneyland Paris offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to families, from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
5. The Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes, also known as the “Jardin des Plantes de Paris” is a botanical garden located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is the main botanical garden in France, and one of the oldest in the world. It was first created in 1626 as a royal garden for medicinal plants and was opened to the public in 1640.
The garden covers an area of about 28 hectares and is home to more than 17,000 different plant species from around the world. It is divided into several different sections, including a greenhouse complex, a rock garden, a rose garden, and an arboretum. It also has a large collection of medicinal plants, as well as a herbarium and a library.
The Jardin des Plantes is also home to several museums, including the National Museum of Natural History, which features a wide variety of natural history exhibits, including fossils, minerals, and animal specimens. The Museum of Evolution, which has a display of various evolution facts and fossils of extinct species.
The garden also has several other notable features, including a large lake, a traditional French garden, and a children’s garden. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon in Paris.
The Jardin des Plantes is open to the public daily and the entrance to the garden is free. Some of the museums and greenhouses may have an entrance fee. It’s a great place to visit for nature lovers, botanists and for people interested in history and science.
6. The Cité des Enfants
The Cité des Enfants is an interactive science museum in Paris that is designed for children aged 2-12. The museum is divided into two sections, one for children aged 2-7 and another for children aged 5-12. Each section offers a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities that allow children to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way.
The section for children aged 2-7 is called “La Cité des Petits” and it is designed to introduce young children to the concepts of science and technology through play. It features exhibits on topics such as light, sound, and movement, with interactive elements that allow children to experiment and learn through hands-on activities.
The section for children aged 5-12 is called “La Cité des Méchants” and it is designed to help older children develop their understanding of science and technology through experimentation and observation. It features exhibits on topics such as electricity, mechanics, and robotics, with interactive elements that allow children to explore and experiment with different concepts.
Some of the exhibits and activities at the Cité des Enfants include:
- Building and programming robots
- Exploring the human body
- Experimenting with light and sound
- Learning about different forms of energy
- Building structures and machines
Additionally, the museum offers workshops and activities that are designed to enhance the learning experience and encourage children to think critically and creatively. These workshops and activities are usually led by trained facilitators and are available in different languages.
The Cité des Enfants is a great place for children to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way, and it’s a perfect place for families to spend a morning or afternoon during their trip to Paris.
7. Musée des Arts et Métiers
The Musée des Arts et Métiers, also known as the “National Museum of Arts and Crafts”, is a museum located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, France. It is devoted to the history of science and technology and is considered one of the oldest science museums in the world. The museum was founded in 1794 and it moved to its current location in the former Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory in 1863.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers has a vast collection of over 80,000 objects, covering a wide range of scientific and technological fields, including mechanics, energy, materials, transportation, communication, and navigation. The collection includes many important scientific instruments, such as the first steam engine built by James Watt, the original model of the Foucault pendulum, and the first airplane built by the Wright brothers.
The museum also has an important collection of early scientific instruments, including telescopes, microscopes, and scientific measuring devices. It also features a collection of models and prototypes of inventions, as well as a section devoted to the history of industrial design and architecture.
One of the main highlights of the museum is the Galerie des Machines, a large hall that houses a collection of steam engines and industrial machinery, which gives visitors an insight into the history of mechanization and the industrial revolution.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is open to the public daily, and it has an entrance fee. Audio guides are available in several languages. It is a great place to visit for people interested in science, technology, engineering, and industrial history. The museum also offers several workshops and activities for children and families.
8. The Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris, also known as the “Les Catacombes de Paris”, are a network of underground tunnels and burial chambers that are located beneath the streets of Paris, France. The tunnels were created in the late 18th century as a solution to the city’s overcrowded cemeteries, which had become unsanitary and dangerous.
The Catacombs contain the remains of approximately six million people, including famous figures such as Danton, Robespierre, and Desmoulins, who were executed during the French Revolution. The bones were exhumed from the city’s cemeteries and transferred to the Catacombs between 1786 and 1814.
The Catacombs are divided into two sections, the “Denfert-Rochereau” and the “Montparnasse” quarries, visitors can only visit the Denfert-Rochereau, which is around 2 kilometers long and is located 20 meters underground.
The Catacombs are a unique and eerie experience, with bones arranged in intricate designs along the walls and floors of the tunnels. Visitors can also see inscriptions and sculptures made from bones in the tunnels.
The Catacombs of Paris are open to the public daily, but they have limited opening hours, and they can be closed on some days. It is a popular but also a creepy attraction, and It is not recommended for people with claustrophobia or those who are not comfortable with the dark. Visitors should also be aware that the tour requires a lot of walking and stairs as the tour goes underground. It is a unique place to visit for history and macabre enthusiasts.
9. Puppet theaters
Paris has a rich tradition of puppet theater, with a number of venues and companies that specialize in puppet shows and performances. Some of the most notable places to experience puppet theater in Paris include:
- Théâtre de la Marionnette: This is one of the oldest and most well-known puppet theaters in Paris. It was founded in 1885 and has been presenting puppet shows for children and adults ever since. The theater offers a variety of shows, from traditional marionette performances to more modern and experimental productions.
- Théâtre de la Poupée: This puppet theater was founded in 1952 and it is also known for its high-quality productions for children and adults. The theater offers a variety of shows, from traditional marionette performances to more modern and experimental productions.
- Théâtre des Marionnettes du Petit Musée: This puppet theater is located in the heart of Paris and offers a variety of shows for children, including classic fairy tales and stories.
- Maison des Arts et Métiers: This is a museum of science and technology that also has a puppet theater. The theater offers shows that explore different scientific concepts, such as electricity and mechanics, in a fun and interactive way.
- Théâtre de la Main d’Or: This is a theater that specializes in puppets and marionettes performances for children and adults. They offer a variety of shows and workshops for different age groups.
These venues and companies offer a diverse range of puppet shows and performances, from traditional marionette performances to more modern and experimental productions. Whether you’re looking for a fun and entertaining show for your kids or an engaging and thought-provoking performance for adults, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste in puppet theater in Paris.
10. The Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens, also known as the “Jardin du Luxembourg”, is a large public park located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. The park was created in 1612 by Queen Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France, as a private garden for the Luxembourg Palace, which is now the seat of the French Senate.
The Luxembourg Gardens cover an area of about 25 hectares and features many beautiful gardens and landscaped areas, including formal French gardens, a large pond, and a large lawn known as the “Grande Pelouse”. The gardens also feature several statues and sculptures, including a statue of the queen, who commissioned the gardens, a fountain and many sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses.
The garden is also home to the Luxembourg Palace which is now a senate building and it is not open to the public, but visitors can admire the palace from outside.
The Luxembourg Gardens are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and they are a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon in Paris. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens, enjoy a picnic on the lawn, or take a seat on one of the many benches and enjoy the scenery. The garden is also popular among children, as it has a playground, a puppet theater, and a carousel.
The gardens are open to the public daily, and the entrance is free. It’s a great place to visit for families and people who enjoy nature and art. The garden is also a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Best Places to Eat
Paris is known for its world-class restaurants and delicious cuisine, but it can be challenging to find a place that caters to the whole family, especially when travelling with kids. Here are some of the best places to eat in Paris with kids:
- Le Pain Quotidien: This bakery and café offers delicious organic breads, pastries, and sandwiches, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the café has high chairs and booster seats available.
- Les Enfants Terribles: This restaurant is a themed restaurant that is designed for kids, and it serves a variety of dishes that kids will love such as pasta, pizza, burgers, and ice cream. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a playground and other activities to keep kids entertained.
- La Cantina: This restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes that are perfect for kids, such as tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and the staff is friendly and accommodating to kids.
- Crêperie des Arts: This restaurant serves a variety of sweet and savory crepes that are perfect for kids, as well as sandwiches, salads and ice cream. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the staff is friendly and accommodating to kids.
- Le Pain de Sucre: This restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are perfect for kids, such as pasta, pizza, and burgers. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the staff is friendly and accommodating to kids.
Our suggestion of itinerary for your family trip
Here’s our suggestion for an itinerary for a family trip to Paris:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel
- Take a stroll around the Champs-Elysées and explore the famous avenue
- Have lunch at a family-friendly restaurant such as Le Pain Quotidien
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and take a ride to the top
- Have dinner at a traditional French restaurant such as Les Enfants Terribles
Day 2:
- Start the day with breakfast at a local café
- Visit the Louvre Museum and see famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa
- Have lunch at a family-friendly restaurant such as La Cantina
- Visit the Jardin des Tuileries and enjoy a picnic or play in the playground
- Take a boat ride on the Seine River and see the city from a different perspective
- Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant such as Crêperie des Arts
Day 3:
- Start the day with breakfast at a local café
- Visit the Cité des Enfants and explore the interactive science exhibits
- Have lunch at a family-friendly restaurant such as Le Pain de Sucre
- Visit the Luxembourg Gardens and rent a boat or play in the playground
- Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant such as McDonald’s
Day 4:
- Start the day with breakfast at a local café
- Visit the Théâtre de la Marionnette or any other puppet theater in Paris
- Have lunch at a family-friendly restaurant such as Le Pain Quotidien
- Visit the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the top for a view of the city
- Have dinner at a traditional French restaurant such as Les Enfants Terribles
Day 5:
- Start the day with breakfast at a local café
- Depart Paris
This is just an example itinerary and it can be adjusted to suit your family’s needs and preferences.
Paris is a beautiful and magical city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. With its world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and beautiful gardens, Paris is the perfect destination for a family trip. However, it can be challenging to find family-friendly activities and places to eat, so it’s important to plan ahead.
This blog post has highlighted some of the best things to do in Paris with kids, including visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Luxembourg Gardens. We’ve also provided recommendations for family-friendly restaurants, such as Le Pain Quotidien, Les Enfants Terribles, and La Cantina, as well as other options like McDonald’s.
Additionally, we provided a sample itinerary for a family trip to Paris, which can be adjusted to suit your family’s needs and preferences. The itinerary includes a mix of iconic sights, educational activities, and fun experiences that will keep kids entertained and engaged.
With a little planning and some research, you can create a memorable and enjoyable trip for your family in Paris. From visiting the Eiffel Tower, to enjoying the art at the Louvre, or watching a puppet show, Paris has something for everyone. Don’t forget to also take a break and enjoy a meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants the city has to offer.
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