Paris is a sprawling global hub, but it somehow works on a scale that kids can comprehend. Despite the Parisian reputation for treating tourists with disdain, the French love kids! Having your children with you will defuse any big-city ‘tude. There are plenty of kid-centric spots in Paris offering a variety of things to do from treasure hunts and boat rides to science museums and – the star of the show – Disneyland.
Interactive Museums and Engaging Art Galleries
The best Paris museums for kids include the first-class Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum), home to the inventive Galerie des Enfants – a science museum for younger kids; the magical Musée de la Magie; and the must-see Cité des Sciences, which boasts an impressive array of hands-on science exhibits.
On the arts front, the Centre Pompidou runs workshops for kids and teen events in dedicated studios. Moreover, the excellent Musée en Herbe is a specialized art museum for kids with engaging interactive displays. At the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, kids can embark on an arty treasure hunt with THATMuse.
Puppet Shows in Parks and Paris from the River
The parks and waterways in Paris offer plenty of fun. The gorgeously manicured Jardin du Luxembourg provides puppet shows, playgrounds, pony rides, and vintage sailboats bobbing on the pond. Additionally, the Parc Floral de Paris is well-suited for older kids, offering concerts, climbing webs, and exhilarating slides.
Down on the water, roam along the Canal St-Martin and watch the canal boats, or jump on a boat like those operated by Bateaux-Mouches and cruise along the Seine. Although these cruises are somewhat clichéd, there’s no better way to enjoy the sights of Paris from the water. On the western edge of Paris in the vast Bois de Boulogne lies the Jardin d’Acclimatation, an amusement park featuring boat and pony rides, movies, and art activities.
How to Make the Most of Disneyland Paris
While the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are popular attractions, from a kid’s perspective, the highlight of Paris is undoubtedly Disneyland Paris. Although visiting can be an investment, if you approach it with an open mind, it offers a magical day out for both kids and adults. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
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Unless you are keen on visiting Walt Disney Studios next door, a single day is typically all you need. Forget about pricey multi-day packages where you may feel like a captive audience.
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Arrive early. Gates generally open at 10 a.m. – be there promptly! This allows you some time before the real crowds arrive, and you’ll encounter shorter queues for popular rides.
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Download the app. It features an interactive map, lists the day’s performance schedules, character appearances, and wait times for rides.
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Catch the train from central Paris instead of booking a shuttle bus or attempting to drive. The RER A is affordable, quick, and drops you right at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station.
Spooky Sights for Teens
Teenagers may enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of the Les Catacombes filled with skulls, as well as the chance to explore the world’s most visited cemetery, Cimetière du Père Lachaise.
Getting Around
Using the Paris metro is a quick, reliable, and safe way to navigate the city with kids. The Paris Visite travel pass caters to visitors staying for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days and is available for both adults and children. Alternatively, consider purchasing a 10-ticket carnet for some savings (kids’ carnets are also available). Note that many ticket machines only accept coins or credit cards.
With metro stations in proximity to one another, encourage the kids to walk if they can manage it – you’ll discover much more life above ground. However, be prepared to carry the little ones on long platforms like at Châtelet, where distances can be quite substantial. Leaving the stroller at your accommodation is advisable, as maneuvering through crowds and on trains can be quite challenging.
Where possible, change lines at smaller stations, indicated by the white correspondance symbol on the metro map. Alternatively, for a more scenic route, consider the above-ground buses, which are easier to access with strollers.
The suburban RER trains are often less crowded than metro services, offering a swifter journey, and occasionally feature double-decker cars. For some unique sightseeing, take a ride on metro Ligne 2 or Ligne 6, both of which offer above-ground portions.
Finally, be aware that French children are generally well-behaved on public transport. If your children are more energetic, they might need to tone it down to avoid drawing the ire of Parisian commuters.
