15 Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids
Several close friends have asked me before what are the best things to do in Paris with their kids, and even though I have been living in Paris for years – it’s always been hard for me to think of more than three things for families to do in Paris.
Truthfully, a lot of the allure of Paris is simply wandering around, basking in the sunshine in a park, or people watching in a café – all of which require a more adult taste that kids usually can’t appreciate yet, which could make Paris “boring” for kids. I honestly believe other bigger cities like New York, London, and even Tokyo are more kid-friendly than Paris.
View of Eiffel Tower in Champs Des Mars; July 2021
Is Paris Good for Kids?
Honestly, Paris isn’t the best place to take kids on vacation as its culture of cafés, leisurely walks, and history is bound to be unappreciated by most young children – but there are still many things you can do with them including taking them to Parc Asterix, seasonal fairs or festivals, and Disneyland Paris.
What Age is Best to Take Kids to Paris?
I think that the older you wait to take your kids to Paris, the better – meaning middle or high school aged. I personally think that kids in elementary school may be too young to fully enjoy the unique personality and charm of Paris.
I didn’t come to Paris for the first time until I was 18 and I think it was perfect, because I was no longer a little kid, but slowly coming into my formative years and could start appreciating what a city like Paris had to offer.
That being said, I think little girls, anywhere from their toddler to teen years, are easier to please in Paris. On the other hand, I think that boys are more likely to find Paris “boring” as the chic and romantic nature of the city may not appeal to them – meaning it’s a toss up whether your tween or toddler son will take a liking to Paris.
🧳 Who Enjoys Paris Most? Age & Gender Breakdown
| 👧 Girls | 👦 Boys | |
|---|---|---|
| 👶 Toddlers | 🎠 Easy to please — parks, sweets, and carousels can keep them happy | 🎢 Hit or miss — some love the adventure, others get bored quickly |
| 🎒 Elementary School | 🧁 Still likely to enjoy the whimsy and treats — good age for a lighthearted intro to Paris | 🛴 Often find the city “boring” unless engaged in active outings or interactive museums |
| 🧑🎓 Middle School | 👜 Start to love the aesthetic — cafés, fashion, photo ops | 🎨 Toss-up — some might connect with art or history, others may still be unimpressed |
| 🎓 High School | 💅 Ideal time to visit — more independence, deeper cultural appreciation | 📸 If interested in photography, fashion, or history — Paris can finally click |
| 🧑 Young Adults (18+) | ✨ Perfect time — romantic, reflective, and culturally enriching | 🌍 Better able to connect with the slower pace and charm of the city |
15 Best Things to Do in Paris With Kids
All of that aside, Paris is indeed a city where a lot of wealthy Parisians raise their families and there are lots of things to do in Paris with kids – from amusement parks, museums, seasonal festivals, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of my top 15 things to do in Paris with kids as someone who worked for several years in childcare and has been living in Paris for a while:
1. Fête des Tuileries
Fête des Tuileries is hands down the best thing to do in Paris with kids, as the wide array of family friendly games, bumper cars, claw machines, available sweet treats, and Ferris Wheel can keep kids entertained for hours.
Think of Fête des Tuileries as a minuature carnival or fair – it’s very small, but has several games, rides, and attractions perfect for a family trip to Paris.
Fête des Tuileries in Paris; July 2025
When is Fête des Tuileries Open?
However, it is important to note that Fête des Tuileries only happens twice a year – during the summer between June and August and again during Christmas time from late November to early January.
Is it Worth Going Up the Ferris Wheel in Paris ?
Yes, it is absolutely worth going up the Ferris Wheel in Paris! In fact, it’s one of the best views of Paris with its central location allowing you to clearly see several iconic monuments from the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Cœur, and the Eiffel Tower.
Check out the views from the Ferris Wheel in my Paris vlog below!
How Much Does it Cost to Go Up the Ferris Wheel in Paris ?
As of 2025, it costs a whopping 20€ per ticket to go up the Ferris Wheel in Paris – when in years past it used to be 15€. However, now that the price has increased – they finally accept a credit card for payment, when you only used to be able to pay by cash.
If you enjoy Ferris Wheels and scenic city views, it’ll be worth the 20€ – plus, you’ll get to be up at the top twice to allow for photo opprotunities !
Ferris Wheel in Jardin des Tuileries; July 2025
2. Miniature Boat Sailing at Jardin Du Luxembourg
Something only a local such as myself would be able to tell you, is that Jardin du Luxembourg is not only the most beautiful garden in Paris –but it also has the perfect activity for families in Paris near the biggest pond in the center of the park: miniature boat sailing.
How Much Do the Sailboats at Jardin Du Luxembourg Cost?
Families can rent a miniature sailboat in Jardin du Luxembourg for 6€ per 30 mins, and each little sailboat will have a different country flag –making this a both fun, local, and educational activity for kids in Paris!
Sailboats in Jardin du Luxembourg; August 2025
3. Angelina’s or Carette for Hot Cocoa
Everyone, including kids, loves a good hot chocolate – and two places known for this in Paris include Angelina’s and Carette.
My local friends have told me that while both places are expensive and catered to tourists, they are both well worth the visit and that the hot chocolate is good.
This could prove exceptionally interesting for little girls who enjoy “tea time” and want to try the other dainty treats available at places like Angelina’s.
4. Catacombs
Personally, I find the catacombs to be too morbid to take children to – but I had friends that took their 10 year-old-son and 8 year-old daughter and they claimed to have loved it.
If you have kids interested in history or alternative activities, the catacombs might be the perfect place to be.
5. Kid’s Cooking Class
One of the most wonderful things I align with and appreciate deeply about French culture is the deep passion and appreciation for food and cooking.
Many kids are not only food motivated, but interested in something tactile – making a kid’s cooking class one of the best ways to entertain your kids in Paris.
Eating out in Paris; July 2025
Cooking Classes in Paris
Places to take kids to a cooking class in Paris include:
Ateliers Macaroons: Conveniently located in central Paris at Galeries Lafayette Haussmenn, you’ll be able to make macaroons with your kids and learn about the process of how these infamous French treats are made.
Cook’n With Class: Another cooking class to make French pastries and homemade macaroons that you can take back to your hotel or to a park after the class and enjoy together as a family.
6. River Cruise on the Seine
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and while it’s very small and walkable – kids may feel differently, and get tired from walking long distances or up and down the stairs in the metro.
Luckily, one of the easiest ways to see some of Paris’s most famous landmarks including the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower Is to take a river boat cruise on the seine.
The Seine River in Paris, France; July 2025
How Much Does a River Cruise on the Seine Cost?
It only costs 15€ for adults and 6 euros for kids between the ages of 4 and 12, making this an affordable and family friendly activity in Paris that doubles as sightseeing without walking or pushing around strollers on cobblestone streets.
7. Kid Friendly Museums in Paris
I’m not going to lie to you, even as an adult in Paris – I easily get bored in Museums in Paris, as many of them are too big, crowded, and not air conditioned, all of which make them uncomfortable to explore for long periods of time.
However, there are a few museums in Paris that are less intimidating in size and require a shorter attention span that could prove good for kids:
Musée d'Orsay: One of my favorite museums in Paris and home to one of Van Gogh’s lesser known “Starry Night” paintings, the inside of Musée d’Orsay is beautiful itself, has a wonderful family-friendly gift shop (think coloring books and souvenirs for kids), and is less crowded than more touristic museums like the Louvre.
Musée Rodin: Also smaller than other museums in Paris, Musée de Rodin focuses on sculptures, which can be fun for kids to imitate their postures for family selfies. In addition to this, Musée de Rodin has a wonderful, private garden to relax in.
Musée de l'Orangerie: Another more approachable museum for kids in Paris, Musée de l’Orangerie is home to Monet’s water lily paintings and is surprisingly really pretty – to the extent I think it could even entice kids. However, it is important to note that this museum requires silence when viewing Monet’s paintings to respect his work – so this may not be the best place to bring kids in Paris if your children can be on the more rambunctious side.
View of Musée d'Orsay in Paris; July 2021
8. Disneyland Paris
This is of course one of the more obvious answers for things to do in Paris with kids, but if you need a full day of fun for kids in Paris – you can’t go wrong with a trip to Disneyland.
Roughly between a 45 minute to an hour journey outside of central Paris, and albeit smaller than the Disney World in Orlando Florida – there are plenty of fun rides, attractions, and characters to meet at Disneyland Paris to give your kiddos a trip to remember.
9. Parc Asterix
On the more local side, another theme park also outside of Paris is Parc Asterix – which is based off of a popular French cartoon.
Honestly, Park Asterix is a boat-load of fun and can be enjoy by parents and kids in Paris equally – with water rides, roller coasters, cinema viewing rooms, and even special themes around holidays such as Halloween.
I strongly suggest a day trip to Parc Asterix while in Paris with kids if they love adventure parks, but aren’t sold on the typical, more crowded and “fairy tale” image of Disneyland Paris.
Parc Asterix in Paris; October 2024
10. Top of Arc de Triomphe
I always see families opting to go up the top of the Eiffel Tower, but in truth – a view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in it is always better. I think besides the Ferris Wheel in Jardin de Tulieries, the top of the Arc de Triomphe is one of the best views of Paris – and it isn’t too challenging to get to the top for kids.
It’s the perfect place to take pictures with your kids in Paris, as the views are beautiful!
View of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France; July 2021
11. Canards de Paris Bus Bus Tour
While there are many different bus tours to choose from in Paris, the Canards Bus Tour is probably the most enticing for kids – as these buses can also go into the water and offers an exciting “splash” and entertainment factor for kids and parents alike.
12. Family Bike Tour
If you’re kids are older and enjoy bike rids, consider taking a bike tour around Paris with the kids!
As Paris is a city on the smaller side, one of the easiest ways locals themselves zip across town is by scooter or bike – which means taking your family in Paris on a bike tour could help to give everyone a more “Parisian” experience while in the City of Lights.
Several tour companies provide pre-planned routes safe for children, which will include passing iconic Parisian landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
Bikes outside Hôtel de Ville in Paris; December 2021
13. Parc Zoologique de Paris in Vincennes
Roughly three times the size of Central Park in New York City, Bois de Vincennes is a popular place for runners and people who live just outside of Paris to enjoy some downtime – and even has a zoo for kids in Paris!
All of Vincennes is clean, safe, and very family friendly – so feel free to hop on the line 1 metro towards Vincennes if you’re running out of things to do with kids in Paris in the city center.
Château de Vincennes; December 2024
14. Paris Aquarium
Conveniently located right near Trocadéro Gardens, which is a popular spot for tourists to view the Eiffel Tower – the Paris Aquarium is the perfect place to take kids in Paris who are interested in marine life without needing to travel for hours on train from Paris to the nearest Oceanside town.
This is best done in combination with a trip to Trocadéro Gardens and the Eiffel Tower – so kids can enjoy both the fountains, picnic space, and green grass to run on in addition to the mental stimulation of the Paris Aquarium.
View of Eiffel Tower from Jardins du Trocadéro in Paris, France; May 2019
15. Bubble Planet Paris
If you’ve seen Emily in Paris, then you might remember the scene where Emily and Gabriel sneak off to a pop-up near the outdoor movie they were watching, where they jump into a pool of plastic bubbles.
Well, it turns out Emily in Paris was actually extremely accurate here – because Emily, Mindy, Nico, and Gabriel were watching the movie near La Villette, which is close to where Bubble Planet Paris actually exists in real life!
Entry to Bubble Planet Paris lasts for around one hour and costs roughly 20 € per ticket.
In addition to Bubble Planet Paris, the nearby park, “La Villette” – has a very family-friendly vibe and is perfect for kids to run around.
FAQ: Visiting Paris with Kids 👨👩👧👦🗼
| 👶 What to do in Paris with the kids? | Paris offers family-friendly fun like 🧜♀️ aquariums, 🎡 theme parks (Disneyland Paris + Parc Astérix), and seasonal delights like the mini 🎠 carnival in Jardin des Tuileries (summer & Christmas). Don’t skip the classic 🛝 parks and picnic spots! |
| ⏳ What to do in Paris with kids for 3 days? | A 3-day family itinerary can include: ☕️ hot chocolate at Angelina’s or Carette, ⛵️ sailing mini boats in Jardin du Luxembourg, and climbing iconic monuments like the Arc de Triomphe 🏛️. Bonus: Montmartre's street artists are a hit with kids! |
| 🤔 Is it worth going to Paris with kids? | Honestly? It depends. Paris is about ✨ savoring the moment – sipping in cafés, strolling through gardens – which isn’t always ideal for young kids. But if your children love 🍰 food, 🖼️ museums, or exploring new cultures, it can still be magical. |
As the French say, bien voilà – those are my top 15 recommendations for things to do with kids in Paris.
Want to see some of these places in action? Check out my Paris vlog down below!
Looking for more information on Paris as you plan your family trip to France?
Click here to discover more, as I have several articles like this to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris and the rest of France.
Additional articles you may find helpful include:
Never want to miss out on my local Parisian tips? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to always hear the latest on what’s going on in Paris.
Last updated: August 3, 2025