Paris is one of our favourite cities to visit as a family and each time we return, we find something new and fun to do in the city. Paris is packed with unique things to see and do that make it a perfect destination for families.
We’ve put together our favourite things to do in Paris with kids based on the trips we’ve spent exploring the Parisian streets and neighbourhoods with our children.
If you’re planning a visit with kids, this guide is packed with ideas to help you enjoy Paris as a family!
Planning a Family Trip to Paris
Before diving into the best things to see and do in Paris with kids, it’s worth pausing to consider how to make your Paris visit as smooth as possible. We find the shoulder seasons the best times to visit (spring or early autumn) as they bring pleasant weather, colourful parks, and fewer crowds than the peak summer season. Winters are also quieter and festive, though it can get chilly, especially in December.
Getting around the city is fairly straightforward. The Metro is efficient, though not all stations are stroller-friendly. If you have younger children, we recommend taking a baby carrier when possible, or a lightweight, collapsible buggy.
Choosing accommodation close to major parks or family-friendly neighborhoods can make a huge difference. Areas like the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the 7th arrondissement (home to the Eiffel Tower) are excellent for families—they’re central, charming, and full of bakeries, playgrounds, and safe streets to explore. We usually try to stay in Saint Germain when we stay in Paris as it’s central yet easy to get to most parts of the city and most sights in the city centre can be accessed on foot.
The Eiffel Tower
A trip to the Eiffel Tower is a must when visiting Paris with kids. We first visited the Eiffel Tower when our children were 6 months, 3 and 5, and they loved the experience. The elevator to the summit and the views from the top were the highlights for them.
We highly recommend booking tickets in advance as this is essential to avoid long waits.
Afterwards, enjoy a picnic or a play break at the Champ de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower. There are a few playgrounds nearby as well as the iconic carousel.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular things to do in Paris with kids. Disneyland Paris is only a 40-minute train ride from the city, so it’s an easy day trip to fit into your Paris itinerary. We are annual pass holders at Disneyland Paris and have visited number of times from the city. It’s a fun day trip and one the entire family will love.
There are two parks at Disneyland Paris: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. Even a single day will allow you a variety of magical experiences at Disneyland Paris, including the family-friendly rides of Fantasyland, the thrilling rollercoasters, the fun character meet and greets and the many dining options. Plan to arrive early to make the most of the data and if possible, stay for the stunning new nighttime show, Disney Tales of Magic.
Book your Disneyland Paris tickets now
Things to do in Paris with kids tip: We recommend booking your tickets in advance as you cannot purchase them at the park gates and the parks can also sell out during peak periods.
Jardin du Luxembourg -a Playground Paradise
Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the best-known and most loved parks among families visiting Paris. The park itself is beautiful and perfect for a walk, however it’s standout feature for kids is the playground, Ludo Jardin. There is a small charge for entrance but your kids will love it. There is a range of eco-friendly things to play on and ample seating for parents.
Jardin du Luxembourg is a great place for a family picnic so make sure to grab some snacks before you enter the park as there are no food options in the park.
Tuileries Gardens
The Tuileries Gardens, stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, are ideal for a midday break. Children can enjoy the playground during the summer months and there is ample seating to kick back and relax. For a special treat, grab an ice cream or a Nutella crêpe from one of the kiosks dotted throughout the gardens.
Our kids loved the playground at Tulieries Gardens, and it is always lovely to spend time outdoors after exploring the Louvre.
Seine River Cruise
A river cruise on the Seine is a must for families visiting Paris. These relaxed boat rides glide past Paris’ most beautiful architecture and landmarks, letting children and parents soak in the sights without having to walk the city.
Most boats have open-air seating and family-friendly commentary, making it a perfect way to get around the city. We loved taking the river cruise with our kids, especially after a busy morning exploring the city.
Musée des Arts Forains
The Musée des Arts Forains offers a magical journey into the world of vintage fairgrounds and is a museum that your kids will not get bored visiting! Located in the Bercy district, this private museum houses a unique collection of 19th and 20th-century fairground artefacts, including carousels, musical instruments, and games.
The museum provides interactive guided tours where kids can ride century-old merry-go-rounds and participate in vintage carnival games. Our family loved our visit here, so much that the kids didn’t want to leave. While the museum recommends kids from ages 5 and up, our 1 and 4-year-olds enjoyed the guided tour.
Visits are by reservation only, with tours mainly on Wednesdays, weekends, and during French school holidays. The tours last around 90 minutes and admission is €18.80 for adults, €12.80 for children aged 4-11, and free for those under 4.
Sacré-Coeur & Montmartre
The hilly Montmartre district in Paris is home to the stunning Sacre Coeur andis a great area of the city to explore with kids. The views from the Sacre Coeur are some of the best in the city and the cobbled streets of Montmartre are so much fun to explore. Place du Tertre, located close to the basilica, has a fun atmosphere and is usually busy with musicians and street performers that kids will enjoy.
Make sure to take the short funicular from the metro up to the Sacré-Coeur. Kids will love it and it avoids the big climb up the steps to the viewing area.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe might not seem like an obvious family stop, but our kids absolutely love it. Climbing to the top gives a different perspective of Paris, and older children especially love spotting landmarks from above. The rooftop terrace provides a panoramic photo opportunity that rivals the Eiffel Tower but without the same crowd levels.
Things to do in Paris tip: Visitors are not allowed to take strollers up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and must store them at the base. We recommend taking a small cable lock with you to secure it in the stroller parking
We advise booking your tickets in advance and allowing time to get to the Arc de Triomphe. There is a RER and Metro stop located directly beneath, which we used when visiting.
Parc de la Villette
For something more off the beaten path, Parc de la Villette offers wide open space, modern playgrounds. It’s the largest urban park in Europe and we easily spend a full day as there is so much to do. The largest science museum in Europe, Cité des Sciences, is also located here. If you’re visiting during summer, pack swimsuits and towels for the water play areas.
The Jardin du Dragon playground was a highlight of the trip and we love to enjoy a picnic by the canal. There are lots of food options too, with food trucks, food stalls and restaurants dotted around the park.
The Palace of Versailles
Versailles may not spring to mind as a trip for the family but we found it to be a perfect place to visit in Paris. The sprawling rooms and expansive gardens are great to explore with kids.
The train that runs through the grounds is a lifesaver for tired legs or you can rent one of the golf carts available once you pass through the Palace section of the tour. It’s a great way to explore the gardens without tiring out the kids too much and is such a fun experience.
We recommend arriving early at the Palace of Versailles to avoid the crowds and to purchase your timed entry ticket to the palace in advance. Self-guided Tickets start at €21 for adults, with entrance free for EU residents under age 26, or under 18 if a non-EU resident.
Versailles is most easily reached from Paris on the RER C which runs from the city centre and takes around 60-90 minutes.
Things to do in Paris with kids tip: We highly advise securing the first timed entry tickets of the day when visiting the Palace of Versailles when visiting the kids. The crowds are a lot lower in the mornings and you will have a much better experience.
