Make Their Day: 10 Things to Do in Paris with Kids

Make Their Day: 10 Things to Do in Paris with Kids

Paris is bursting with family-friendly activities—from climbing the Eiffel Tower to exploring interactive science museums.

Paris offers families various experiences, from climbing iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, to exploring interactive museums. There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris with kids, whether you’re discovering history at world-famous attractions or enjoying fun activities for kids in beautiful parks.

For younger kids, sail toy boats at the Luxembourg Gardens or explore interactive exhibits at the Cité des Sciences. Looking for fun things to do in Paris with teens? They will love a scenic Seine River cruise or thrilling theme parks like Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix. With so many things to do with children, Paris promises an unforgettable family trip.

The best things to do with kids in Paris at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Paris: Sail toy boats in Luxembourg Gardens—children will love guiding classic wooden sailboats across the pond.
The best activity for teens in Paris: Discover Parc Astérix—thrilling rides and live shows based on the famous comic series
The best free, family-friendly experiences in Paris: Enjoy the city’s parks and playgrounds like the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc Monceau.

t29942. Paris - Eiffel Tower Fully Guided Tour with Summit Option-nr4_ - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Bernelee Kritzinger

Discover breathtaking views of Paris from the iconic Eiffel Tower.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

Experience the magic of Paris’s most iconic landmark. Kids will love the adventure of ascending the Eiffel Tower by elevator or climbing the stairs to the second level. The panoramic views of the city are breathtaking and make for a memorable family photo.

Recommended For

Kids aged 4 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

guilhem_vellut_25186734204_ce51c47389_o - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Guilhem Vellut

Sail miniature boats on the pond at Luxembourg Gardens—a classic family activity.

2. Sail Toy Boats in Luxembourg Gardens

Head to the Luxembourg Gardens, where children can rent classic wooden sailboats to float in the Grand Basin pond. With a stick in hand, they’ll guide their tiny vessels across the water like generations of Parisian kids before them. Don’t miss the playgrounds and carousel nearby.

Recommended For

Kids aged 2 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006. Garden open daily from 7:30 AM to dusk; boat rentals open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 6 PM in summer, from June to August, and during school vacations.

4983158350_284b9991bb_o-LOW RES.jpg

photo: George Kiwi

Explore La Géode at Parc de la Villette.

3. Explore the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

Ignite your children’s curiosity at Europe’s largest science museum. Interactive exhibits cover everything from space exploration to biology. The Cité des Enfants (Children’s City) section is designed for younger visitors and offers hands-on activities that make learning fun.

Recommended For

Kids aged 2 to 12.

Address and Opening Hours

30 Av. Corentin Cariou, 75019. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

soyoung-han-hf4h4o3g2C0-unsplash-edit.jpg

Let the magic of Disneyland Paris captivate your kids with a fairytale adventure.

4. Visit Disneyland Paris

Just a short trip from the city center, Disneyland Paris brings fairy tales to life. Kids will treasure a full day of magic at the park, where they can meet beloved characters, enjoy rides, and watch spectacular parades and fireworks.

Recommended For

Kids of all ages.

Address and Opening Hours

Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray. Open daily; hours vary by season, typically from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

t459219. Paris - 3-Course Italian Meal Seine Cruise-nr4_ - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Bernelee Kritzinger

Enjoy a family meal while cruising the Seine with Paris landmarks all around.

5. Take a Seine River Cruise

See Paris from a new perspective on a Seine River cruise. It’s a relaxing way to visit famous landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Musée d’Orsay. Many cruises offer kid-friendly commentary, making it both entertaining and educational.

Recommended For

Kids of all ages.

Address and Opening Hours

Various departure points along the Seine River. Cruises typically operate daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

t2901.-Paris-Parc-Asterix-Full-Day-Entrance-Ticket-edited-LOWRES.jpg

Thrills and laughter await at Parc Astérix—perfect for family fun just outside of Paris.

6. Discover Parc Astérix

For a theme park with a Gallic twist, visit Parc Astérix. Based on the famous French comic series, it offers roller coasters, live shows, and attractions suitable for all ages. It’s less crowded than other parks and provides a unique cultural experience.

Recommended For

Kids aged 4 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Parc Astérix, 60128 Plailly. Open from April to early November; hours vary by day and season.

statue-red-clothing-toy-theatre-doll-846868-pxhere - LOWRES.jpg

Dive into Parisian culture with a charming puppet show your kids will adore.

7. Attend a Puppet Show at Théâtre des Marionnettes du Luxembourg

Experience traditional Parisian entertainment with a puppet show in the Luxembourg Gardens. The Théâtre des Marionnettes du Luxembourg presents classic stories that captivate young audiences. The performances are in French, but the lively action transcends language barriers.

Recommended For

Kids aged 2 to 10.

Address and Opening Hours

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006. Performances on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays at various times.

Musee_Grevin_(10257156414)-LOWRES.jpg

photo: David Stanley

Discover the dazzling Hall of Mirrors at Musée Grévin.

8. Visit the Musée Grévin

Step into a world of wax figures at the Musée Grévin. Kids can pose with lifelike representations of their favorite celebrities, historical figures, and superheroes. Interactive exhibits make it more than just a walk-through museum.

Recommended For

Kids aged 5 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

10 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009. Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; weekends and public holidays from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

t410991. Paris - Centre Pompidou Ticket and Seine River Cruise-nr6_ - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Aurélien Cubeddu

Spark your kids’ creativity at the Centre Pompidou, where art meets architecture.

9. Explore the Centre Pompidou

Beyond its striking architecture, the Centre Pompidou houses a wealth of modern art. The Children’s Gallery offers interactive workshops and activities that encourage creativity. The view from the rooftop terrace is a bonus.

Recommended For

Kids aged 5 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004. Open Wednesday to Monday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM except on Thursday when it closes at 11 PM—closed on Tuesdays.

moktarama_Jardin_dacclimatation_-_Paris_(2018) - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Moktarama

Whirl into fun at Jardin d'Acclimatation—a delightful mix of nature and rides in Paris.

10. Enjoy the Jardin d’Acclimatation

The Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne is the perfect spot for kids. With over 40 kid-friendly attractions, including rides, a miniature train, and a petting zoo, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The park also hosts seasonal events and workshops.

Recommended For

Kids of all ages.

Address and Opening Hours

Bois de Boulogne, 75116. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Randy_Connolly_14985534958_48527c9b33_o - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Randy Connolly

Discover Paris on two wheels.

11. Take a Family Bike Tour

Explore Paris on two wheels with a guided family bike tour. Safe routes take you through picturesque neighborhoods and along the Seine. It’s an active way to see the city and discover hidden gems that might be missed on a typical tour.

Recommended For

Kids aged 8 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Tours depart from various locations in Paris; operating hours vary by provider.

Dustin Gaffke Two_children _Musee_du_Louvre _Paris_2014 - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Dustin Gaffke

Look world-famous masterpieces inside the Louvre Museum with your little art enthusiasts.

12. Participate in a Scavenger Hunt at the Louvre

Turn a museum visit into an exciting quest with a scavenger hunt at the Louvre. Specialized guides lead families through the galleries, using riddles and clues to engage kids with the artwork. It’s a fun way to make art appreciation accessible to younger minds.

Recommended For

Kids aged 6 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; closed on Tuesdays.

ludovic_Palais_de_la_decouverte_March_8 _2011 - LOWRES.jpg

photo: ludovic

Spark curiosity at the Palais de la Découverte.

13. Visit the Palais de la Découverte

Dive deeper into the wonders of science at the interactive Palais de la Découverte museum. Live demonstrations and hands-on exhibits cover astronomy, physics, and chemistry topics. The planetarium shows are a highlight that will leave kids starry-eyed.

Recommended For

Kids aged 6 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on Mondays.

t539729. Paris - French Croissant Baking Class with a Chef-nr13.-Lowres.jpg

photo: Bernelee Kritzinger

Roll up your sleeves for a family cooking class in Paris.

14. Take a French Cooking Class

Unleash your inner chef with a family-friendly cooking class in Paris. Learn to make classic French pastries like macarons or croissants under the guidance of a professional. It’s a delicious way to be immersed in French culture and create lasting memories.

Recommended For

Kids aged 6 and above.

Address and Opening Hours

Various culinary schools across Paris; class times vary.

Manuela_Saudrais_du_Musee_en_Herbe20080614184638 Exposition_Bruegel_Rue_Herold - LOWRES.jpg

photo: Manuela Saudrais du Musée en Herbe

Dive into history at the Musée en Herbe, where kids can enjoy hands-on fun.

15. Explore the Musée en Herbe

Introduce your kids to the world of art at the Musée en Herbe, Paris’s only museum designed specifically for children. Interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops make learning about art fun and engaging.

Recommended For

Kids aged 3 to 12.

Address and Opening Hours

'23 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the top family-friendly attractions in Paris?

Top family-friendly spots include the Eiffel Tower, where children can marvel at panoramic city views. Disneyland Paris brings fairy tales to life with rides and character meet-and-greets. The Jardin d’Acclimatation is an amusement park featuring rides and activities suitable for all ages. At the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, interactive exhibits make learning fun.

What are the best museums for kids in Paris?

Going to a museum in Paris is one of the best things to do with children in the city. The Cité des Enfants at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie offers hands-on exhibits for younger visitors. The Musée en Herbe is designed for kids aged 3 to 12, featuring interactive art exhibitions that engage young minds. For art enthusiasts, the Louvre offers family-friendly tours and scavenger hunts.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Paris?

Paris has plenty of outdoor activities fun activities for kids. Sailing toy boats in the ponds of the Luxembourg Gardens or the Tuileries Garden is a classic. Parks like the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are perfect for picnics, bike rides, and strolls.

Are there any free kid-friendly activities in Paris?

Yes, there are several free activities for kids in Paris. Many of the city’s parks and gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc Monceau, offer playgrounds and open spaces for children to enjoy. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night is a magical experience that costs nothing. Exploring the historic neighborhoods or strolling along the banks of the Seine can also be enjoyable, educational, and free.

What day trips from Paris are suitable for families with kids?

Visiting the Palace of Versailles allows children to explore grand gardens and historic rooms. Parc Astérix theme park offers rides and shows based on the famous comic series, providing a fun alternative to Disneyland. For animal lovers, the ZooSafari de Thoiry offers a drive-through safari experience. Another option is a trip to Giverny to see Claude Monet’s gardens.

Read more about Paris