The Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids
Paris may be famous for its world-class museums, elegant boulevards, and romantic atmosphere, but it’s also one of Europe’s best destinations for families. Beyond the iconic landmarks, the city is full of parks, playgrounds, boat rides, interactive museums, and unforgettable experiences that can keep children entertained while giving parents the chance to enjoy everything Paris has to offer.
The secret to a successful family trip isn’t trying to see everything. Instead, it’s choosing activities that match your children’s age, energy level, and interests. A relaxed day with a balance of sightseeing, outdoor play, and interactive experiences is often far more memorable than rushing from one attraction to another.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for a weekend or planning a longer family vacation, this guide will help you discover the best things to do with kids, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time in the French capital.
Travelling with older children instead? Read our complete guide: Things to Do in Paris with Teenagers, where you’ll find activities, museums, and experiences designed specifically for teens visiting Paris.
Quick Guide: Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids
| Activity | Best Age | Time Needed | Indoor / Outdoor | Budget | Why Kids Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | 5+ | 2–3 hours | Outdoor | $$ | Incredible views and exciting elevator ride |
| Seine River Cruise | All ages | 1 hour | Outdoor | $$ | Relaxing way to discover Paris |
| Tuileries Garden Carousel | 2+ | 30–60 min | Outdoor | $ | Classic Parisian fun |
| Luxembourg Gardens | 3+ | 2 hours | Outdoor | Free | Playgrounds, boats and open spaces |
| Jardin d’Acclimatation | 4+ | Half day | Outdoor | $$$ | Rides, animals and attractions |
| Louvre Museum | 8+ | 2–3 hours | Indoor | $$ | Treasure hunt experience |
| Musée d’Orsay | 8+ | 2 hours | Indoor | $$ | Art made fun through challenges |
| Jardin des Plantes | All ages | 2–3 hours | Outdoor | Free | Nature, gardens and family walks |
| Seine Picnic | All ages | Flexible | Outdoor | $ | Relaxed family time with great views |
| Montmartre | 6+ | 2–3 hours | Outdoor | Free | Streets full of artists and hidden corners |
Why Paris Is Such a Great City for Families
Unlike many large capitals, Paris is surprisingly easy to explore with children. Many of its most famous attractions are located close together, public transport is reliable, and almost every neighborhood offers parks, cafés, or open spaces where kids can take a break.
Another advantage is the incredible variety of experiences. One day your family can climb the Eiffel Tower, the next explore one of the world’s greatest museums, and later relax in beautiful gardens while watching children sail miniature boats across a pond.
Parents often worry that Paris is “too cultural” for younger visitors, but that only happens when museums and monuments are approached like a checklist. By mixing iconic landmarks with hands-on experiences, outdoor activities, and plenty of free time, children usually enjoy the city far more than expected.
Visit the Eiffel Tower
No family trip to Paris feels complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Even children who aren’t interested in architecture immediately recognize the city’s most famous landmark, making it an exciting first stop.
If possible, book your tickets in advance and visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds.
The elevator ride itself is often one of the highlights for younger visitors, while older children enjoy spotting famous landmarks from the observation decks.
Family Tip
Instead of spending hours inside the tower, combine your visit with time at the nearby Champ de Mars. The large green spaces are perfect for a picnic or simply letting children run around after waiting in line.
Take a Seine River Cruise
After walking around Paris for several hours, a river cruise offers the perfect opportunity to rest while continuing to explore the city.
Children love seeing famous monuments from a completely different perspective, and parents appreciate the chance to sit down while still sightseeing.
Most cruises pass landmarks such as:
- Eiffel Tower
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Louvre Museum
- Musée d’Orsay
- Pont Alexandre III
For younger children, choose a daytime cruise. Evening cruises are beautiful but can be long after a busy day of sightseeing.
Ride the Carousel at the Tuileries Garden
Sometimes it’s the simplest experiences that children remember the most.
The historic carousel in the Tuileries Garden has delighted families for generations and sits in one of the most beautiful parks in Paris.
After the ride, children can enjoy the open spaces while adults relax nearby with coffee or pastries from one of the garden cafés.
The gardens also make an excellent stop between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, helping break up a full day of sightseeing.
Explore Montmartre Like an Adventure
Montmartre feels completely different from the rest of Paris.
Its narrow streets, hidden staircases, artists painting in the squares, and panoramic viewpoints make it feel like an adventure rather than a traditional sightseeing visit.
Instead of following a strict route, encourage children to become explorers.
Challenge them to find:
- The famous pink restaurant La Maison Rose.
- Street artists creating portraits.
- Hidden staircases.
- Small cafés decorated with flowers.
- The best view of the city from Sacré-Cœur.
Turning the neighborhood into a simple discovery game keeps children engaged while parents enjoy one of Paris’s most charming districts.
Before leaving, stop for ice cream or crêpes in one of the nearby cafés. Sometimes these small moments become the memories children talk about long after the trip is over.
Parks Where Kids Can Burn Off Energy
After exploring Paris’s famous landmarks, children usually need time to run, play, and simply be kids. Fortunately, the city is home to some wonderful parks where families can slow down, enjoy nature, and recharge before the next adventure.
Adding one of these parks to your itinerary helps create a much more balanced day, especially if you’re planning to visit museums as well.
Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the best family-friendly parks in Paris.
Children can spend hours sailing traditional wooden boats across the central pond, climbing in the playground, watching puppet shows, or simply running across the wide open spaces.
Meanwhile, parents can relax in the famous green chairs scattered throughout the gardens or enjoy a coffee from one of the nearby cafés.
If you’re travelling with younger children, this is an ideal place to take a break between sightseeing.
Highlights
- Large playground
- Traditional sailing boats
- Puppet theatre
- Pony rides
- Beautiful picnic areas
Plan to spend at least two hours here—you’ll probably end up staying longer.
Jardin d’Acclimatation
If your family enjoys amusement parks but doesn’t want to dedicate an entire day to Disneyland Paris, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is an excellent alternative.
Located on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, this family park combines classic rides, playgrounds, splash areas, gardens, and small animal attractions in a much more relaxed environment.
It’s particularly suitable for children between four and twelve years old.
Parents often appreciate that it feels spacious and far less crowded than many larger theme parks.
Jardin des Plantes
For families who enjoy nature, the Jardin des Plantes offers a quieter side of Paris.
Originally created as a botanical garden, it now combines beautiful gardens with educational attractions that appeal to curious children.
Nearby you’ll also find the National Museum of Natural History, making this an excellent area for families interested in animals, plants, and science.
It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for a slower-paced afternoon away from the busiest tourist attractions.
Museums That Kids Will Actually Enjoy
Many parents worry that museums will be the least exciting part of the trip.
In reality, children don’t usually dislike museums—they dislike wandering through endless galleries without knowing what they’re looking for.
When museums become interactive, children become active participants instead of passive visitors.
Paris offers two world-famous museums that can be genuinely enjoyable for families when approached in the right way.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is one of the world’s greatest museums, but trying to see everything is almost guaranteed to end in tired children and frustrated parents.
Instead, focus on a small selection of masterpieces.
Children naturally enjoy searching for famous artworks, spotting hidden details, comparing paintings, and asking questions about what they see.
Some family favourites include:
- The Mona Lisa
- Venus de Milo
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
- The Egyptian galleries
- The Glass Pyramid
Rather than aiming to “complete” the museum, think of your visit as a treasure hunt through history.
Make Your Visit Interactive
If your children enjoy puzzles, mysteries, or escape rooms, Escape The Museum – Louvre offers a completely different way to experience the museum.
Instead of simply following a map, your family solves challenges inspired by the artworks, encouraging everyone to observe more carefully and work together.
Many parents discover that children stay engaged for much longer when every room has a purpose.
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is often easier for families than the Louvre.
Housed inside a spectacular former railway station, the museum is smaller, easier to navigate, and filled with colourful Impressionist masterpieces that naturally capture children’s attention.
Paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas provide plenty of opportunities to ask questions, compare styles, and encourage children to describe what they notice.
The magnificent clock overlooking Paris is also a favourite photo spot for families.
Turn Art Into a Family Adventure
Families looking for a more interactive visit can also explore the museum with Escape The Museum – Orsay.
The experience transforms the galleries into a self-guided adventure filled with puzzles, clues, and observation challenges.
Instead of asking children to quietly admire paintings, it encourages them to become explorers searching for hidden details throughout the museum.
It’s an excellent way to make one of Paris’s greatest cultural attractions memorable for the whole family.
Turn Your Paris Museum Visit Into a Family Adventure
Visiting the Louvre with kids? Turn the galleries into an interactive family adventure. Follow a story, search for hidden details and solve challenges together — at your own pace, with no guide and no fixed schedule.
A Sample One-Day Family Itinerary
If you’re only spending one full day in central Paris, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic attractions, outdoor activities, and family-friendly experiences.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Visit the Eiffel Tower |
| 11:30 | Take a Seine River Cruise |
| 1:00 | Lunch near the Tuileries Garden |
| 2:30 | Explore the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay |
| 5:00 | Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens |
| Evening | Dinner followed by a walk along the Seine |
Remember that children don’t need to see everything.
A relaxed day with time to play, explore, and discover together will almost always create better memories than rushing between attractions.
Practical Tips for Visiting Paris with Kids
A little planning can make a huge difference when visiting Paris as a family. The city is generally easy to navigate, but knowing a few practical tips in advance will help you avoid unnecessary stress and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Don’t Try to See Everything
One of the biggest mistakes families make is trying to fit too much into a single day.
Paris is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Instead of rushing between attractions, choose two or three major activities and leave time for spontaneous discoveries, playgrounds, or simply enjoying a crêpe in a local square.
Children rarely remember how many monuments they visited—but they do remember how they felt during the trip.
Use Public Transport
Paris has one of Europe’s best public transportation systems.
The Metro is fast, affordable, and reaches almost every major attraction. Older children usually enjoy travelling underground, while buses offer a chance to continue sightseeing between destinations.
If you’re travelling with a stroller, keep in mind that not every Metro station has elevators. In some situations, buses may be the more convenient option.
Buy Tickets in Advance
Popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum often sell out during peak travel periods.
Booking online before your trip can save hours of waiting and make it much easier to plan your day.
This is especially important during school holidays and summer vacations.
Mix Culture with Play
A successful family itinerary alternates between learning and fun.
For example:
- Visit the Eiffel Tower in the morning.
- Enjoy lunch in a nearby park.
- Explore a museum during the afternoon.
- Finish the day with a playground, carousel, or ice cream.
Keeping this balance helps children stay engaged throughout the day.
Pack the Essentials
Comfort makes a big difference when exploring Paris on foot.
Don’t forget to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks for younger children
- A lightweight rain jacket
- Portable phone charger
- Small backpack for daily essentials
Even if you’re planning a relaxed itinerary, you’ll probably walk much more than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris a good destination for kids?
Absolutely.
Paris offers an excellent combination of famous landmarks, beautiful parks, family-friendly museums, river cruises, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces. With a well-planned itinerary, children of almost any age can enjoy the city.
How many days do you need in Paris with kids?
Three to five days is ideal for most families.
This gives you enough time to visit the main attractions while keeping the pace relaxed and leaving room for breaks and unexpected discoveries.
Is the Louvre suitable for children?
Yes—but only if you approach the visit differently.
Rather than trying to see the entire museum, focus on a handful of famous masterpieces and encourage children to explore through observation, storytelling, or interactive challenges.
Experiences like Escape The Museum – Louvre help transform a traditional museum visit into an engaging family adventure.
What can families do in Paris when it rains?
Paris has plenty of indoor activities for rainy days.
Some of the best options include:
- Louvre Museum
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée en Herbe
- Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
- Shopping galleries such as Galeries Lafayette
Many cafés also welcome families, making it easy to take a break while waiting for the weather to improve.
What is the best area to stay in Paris with children?
Many families choose neighborhoods close to the main attractions to reduce travel time.
Areas around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, and the first arrondissement provide easy access to museums, parks, restaurants, and public transportation.
Choosing accommodation near a Metro station also makes getting around much easier.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best things to do in Paris with kids if you want a trip that combines iconic sights, outdoor fun, and unforgettable family experiences.
Paris is much more than a destination for art lovers and couples. It’s a city where families can create unforgettable memories together, whether that’s watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower, sailing toy boats across the Luxembourg Gardens, discovering hidden streets in Montmartre, or solving mysteries inside some of the world’s greatest museums.
The best family trips aren’t about ticking attractions off a list—they’re about sharing experiences that everyone will remember long after returning home.
If you’re planning to visit the Louvre Museum or the Musée d’Orsay, make your visit even more memorable with Escape The Museum.
Our self-guided interactive adventures transform world-famous museums into exciting treasure hunts filled with puzzles, observation challenges, and stories designed for curious families. It’s a unique way to keep children engaged while helping adults discover the museums from a completely new perspective.
Ready to Experience Paris Museums Differently?
Make your visit to the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay more engaging with our interactive museum adventures. Work together, solve clues, and discover masterpieces in a fun and memorable way.