Exploring Paris with Kids: A Family Travel Guide
Paris is a fabulous place to travel en famille (as a family), with a host of specially designed activities for kids of all ages, both indoors for rainy days and outdoors in the city.
From the best places to go with kids to planning tips on accommodations and transportation, here is our guide to exploring the French capital with les enfants (children).
Is Paris a Good Place to Travel with Kids?
As Europe’s most densely populated city, Paris is well practiced in catering to both kids’ and parents’ needs. There are numerous parks and playgrounds, many restaurants with children’s menus, and plenty of hotel options that can arrange baby cots and interconnecting rooms. Additionally, various museums and cultural spaces have specific activities designed for kids.
Best Areas in Paris for Families
All of Paris’ arrondissements (city districts) are well connected, but the most central areas—from the 1st to the 8th arrondissement—are especially well-suited for families. This minimizes travel time and allows easy access to accommodations for supplies or naps. The 5th (the Latin Quarter) and 6th districts (St-Germain) are ideal for their proximity to family-friendly attractions like the Jardin du Luxembourg and delightful sweet shops.
Best Things to Do with Babies and Toddlers
Visit Jardin du Luxembourg: A Park Dedicated to Children
Paris’ most enchanting park spans 23 hectares and is protected by chestnut trees. Designed to delight children, the Jardin du Luxembourg offers old-fashioned fun such as sailing 1920s sailboats on its pond, pony rides, and marionette shows at its theater.
Enjoy Boat Trips on the Seine
For a memorable overview of the City of Light, a river cruise is exceptional. Families can choose from several options, including Bateaux-Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens, which provide scenic and informative experiences.
Attractions for Elementary School-Aged Children
Explore Gardens, Forests, and Playgrounds
The city’s botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, features a small zoo. Families can wander through the rambling forests of Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, which host various family-friendly activities. The Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park, located in the Bois de Boulogne, offers a wide variety of attractions that will delight younger guests.
Visit Engaging Art and Culture Museums
Numerous dedicated children’s museums, including the Musée de la Magie and the Musée en Herbe, provide interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops. These venues encourage creative engagement with art and science, making each visit enriching and enjoyable for children of all ages.
Activities for Tweens and Teens
Entertaining Science Museums
The Cité des Sciences in the Parc de la Villette is an engaging destination for curious minds. It features a planetarium and the Galerie des Enfants, appealing to children, tweens, and teens. Other venues like the Palais de la Découverte and the Musée des Arts et Métiers also cater to younger audiences with interactive exhibits.
A Day of Adventure at Theme Parks
A visit to Disneyland Resort Paris is a must for families seeking magic and excitement. Comprising both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, it offers thrilling rides and attractions suited for all ages. For more adventurous experiences, Parc Astérix, located north of Paris, features exciting rides and shows based on popular comic book characters.
Indoor Fun on Rainy Days
Cinéaqua is a fantastic option for families, featuring an aquarium filled with fascinating sea creatures and screenings of ocean-themed films. The Centre Pompidou also provides interactive experiences for younger visitors and teens, ensuring that no one misses out on the creative arts.
Planning Tips for Visiting Paris with Kids
Paris’ efficient public transport system makes navigating the city easy and affordable for families. Children under four travel free, and under-10s benefit from discounted fares. While the metro offers a fun experience, parents may prefer buses for greater accessibility, especially with strollers.
To ensure a smooth journey, avoid peak hours to sidestep overcrowded transport. It’s crucial to be vigilant when crossing roads, as traffic can be unpredictable. Furthermore, for families needing extra equipment, services like Kidelio provide stroller and car seat rentals.
Take advantage of seasonal events as well; from October to March, the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione entertains families with clowns and acrobats, adding to the joy of your Parisian adventure.
This guide was first published on May 4, 2021, and has been updated as of August 10, 2023.
