Enchanting parks, playgrounds, and special attractions specifically designed to delight and entertain children of all ages make Paris a wonderfully family-friendly destination. Venues across the city cater to les enfants (children) with workshops, exhibitions, and many restaurants offer kids’ menus.
This four- to seven-day itinerary highlights the best Paris has to offer for families. Explore how to Go Beyond the Flight and get more from your vacation experience. Here you’ll find just a sample of accommodations available that are perfect for families – plus easy transfer options and, most importantly, one-of-a-kind activities both on and off the beaten path.
Whether it’s an elevated experience at a well-known tourist destination or an under-the-radar gem, there’s something special for every family in the City of Light.
Day one – Left Bank favorites
Begin your family adventure with an overview of the city. A Seine Cruise, Eiffel Tower & City Tour experience is a triple-treat, combining a panoramic tour of Paris; priority access to the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd floor (where story windows provide an insight into the lifts’ mechanics, and a vision well lets you gaze all the way down through glass panels to the ground); and a one-hour cruise on the Seine. From the boat, you’ll be able to play “I spy” with numerous other standout Parisian landmarks such as the city’s famous cathedral, Notre Dame, which survived the 2019 fire and is poised to reopen in late 2024.
Having ticked off some of the city’s most famous sights, heading off the beaten track to lively street rue Daguerre, in the 14e arrondissement, will give you a real snapshot of local Parisian life, lined with food shops and cafes. Nearby, fearless teens might be intrigued by Les Catacombes, a spine-tingling walk through passages tightly packed with skulls and bones, evolving at the turn of the 19th century when overflowing Parisian cemeteries exhumed remains and relocated them to this dark, damp abandoned quarry. (Skip a visit here if your children are young, or if anyone in your party gets claustrophobic; it’s definitely not for the faint-of-heart.)
Up in the fresh air, a winner with the whole family in the St-Germain neighborhood, 6e, is the city’s loveliest park, the Jardin du Luxembourg. Dedicated to the children of Paris by Napoléon, it’s filled with delightfully old-fashioned activities. Kids can prod 1920s-design toy sailing boats with a stick on the Grand Bassin octagonal pond, ride the beautiful carousel, and enjoy the antics of marionettes at the park’s little puppet theatre Thèâtre du Luxembourg. Also here are pony rides and modern playgrounds, with kiosks selling snacks like candy floss and cold drinks. Alternatively, bring a picnic, as Parisian bakeries not only produce crunchy, elongated baguettes but also filled sandwiches and savory staples like quiches.
Round out the day in the neighboring 5e arrondissement, better known as the Latin Quarter. A wonderous candy store, Le Bonbon Au Palais, is even educational, themed like a school geography classroom with traditional artisanal sweets from all over France. Close by, overlooking the Seine in front of square René Viviani, English-language bookstores offer dedicated sections for children, alongside cozy cafes.
Day two – Eastern Paris adventures
Meeting lions, giraffes, vivid-pink flamingos, and white rhinos makes for a memorable start to the day. You can see these and many other creatures at the Parc Zoologique de Paris.
This zoo is at the edge of Paris’ extensive eastern forest, the Bois de Vincennes. In warm weather, it’s well worth exploring if you have time in your schedule. The centerpiece for families is the botanical Parc Floral de Paris, featuring magnificent flower displays, playgrounds, and various concerts and shows for children. Once royal hunting grounds, the forest also houses the moated, fortified Château de Vincennes. Older kids might enjoy hiring a rowing boat on the forest’s Lac Daumesnil.
Paris’ efficient, easily navigable underground rail, the metro, will zip you to the mainline train station, Gare de Lyon, where the spectacular art-nouveau restaurant Le Train Bleu creates a fabulous backdrop for lunch. Its children’s menu features smaller portions of traditional French dishes.
Hop back on the metro to reach another superb family destination, northeastern Paris’ Parc de la Villette. This attraction is so much more than a park; it’s a giant cultural center where attractions include a science museum with a special children’s section and a planetarium. Budding musicians will love the Citée de la Musique complex, which hosts workshops and events for children aged four to ten.
Day three – Paris activities
Foodie families will want to make a beeline to Montmartre in northern Paris, one of the best areas for food-shopping streets and specialized gourmet boutiques. Additionally, some of the most exciting dining venues in Paris today, run by a new generation of creative chefs, are found here. An ideal way to discover the area is through a small-group food tour.
If you’re inspired to make your own culinary creations in the kitchen, Montmartre offers cookery schools running short sessions with English-language instruction by professional chefs. Classes are available for children of various ages, allowing the whole family to participate.
From Montmartre at the western edge of Le Marais, the “inside-out” Centre Pompidou cultural center is undergoing a multiyear renovation, yet still offers great exhibitions. As this cultural hub hosts art workshops for kids, it’s a must-visit, especially for young art enthusiasts.
If your family trip coincides with the colder months, catch clowns, trapeze artists, and acrobats at the city’s winter circus, Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione. Le Marais’ plethora of restaurants includes many popular options for families, serving authentic Breton savory galettes and sweet crêpes.
Days four to seven – Out-of-town explorations
Kids fascinated by princesses and princes, alongside adults interested in history, will be wowed by the Château de Versailles. The Sun King, Louis XIV, transformed his father’s hunting lodge into this 700-room palace with ornate gardens. Visiting Versailles with a guide helps put its historical significance into context.
Other day trips from Paris include guided tours to see impressionist artist Claude Monet’s house and colorful gardens in Giverny. Extra days provide opportunities for trips to family highlights like the amusement park Jardin d’Acclimatation, located in Paris’ western forest.
Farther out, Disneyland Paris offers an immersive experience featuring classic rides and beloved characters. Another amusement park a day trip from the city is Parc Astérix, based on classic French comic books.
Where to stay in Paris for families
Families will find plenty of accommodation options in Paris to fit their needs, but planning ahead is always beneficial, especially during busy holiday periods. For hassle-free transfer to and from the airport, consider arranging a private van transfer.
An ideal home base for seeing the sights of Paris is the Paris Marriott Champs-Élysées. Situated right on the iconic avenue, it offers family-friendly rooms and suites, as well as babysitting services.
Providing space, privacy, and practicality for families traveling with children, boutique hotels often include kitchenettes, enabling meals sourced from local food shops and markets. Additionally, hotel amenities generally include swimming pools for added convenience.
