Best Places To Visit In Paris With Kids

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Paris is an amazing city to visit with your entire family.  Whether you have an infant, toddlers, teenagers, or any kids in between, you can find entertaining things to do in Paris with kids.  Additionally, there are exciting things to do with kids in Paris in every season and type of weather – even winter!  It is easy to get around walking and using public transportation or less traditional methods like tour buses, bike tours, and river cruises.   Read on for some of the best places to visit in Paris with kids.

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Preparing For Your Trip

One thing you’ll want to purchase before you visit Paris with kids is the Mission Paris book.  It’s a thrilling scavenger hunt book that your kids can go through as you visit Paris attractions for kids.  It engages them in the full experience of each landmark as they search for clues and read stories about the places around them.  Mission Paris will certainly keep them on their toes!  The book can also give you a better idea of things to do in Paris for kids.

Best Places To Visit In Paris With Younger Children

When visiting Paris with young children, there are a few key things to look for to ensure the trip will be a success. Primarily, will there be enough to do to entertain my kids?  Little kids and toddlers have short attention spans, and a ton of energy so these Paris activities need to be engaging.  Also, will it be convenient for my young children? Are there bathrooms close? Places to eat?  Details like that make a huge difference to parents looking for things to do with young children in Paris.  These are some of the best things to do in Paris with toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. It also worth considering some family friendly Paris tours to help keep kids engaged and having fun!

The City of Children 

The City of Children is a children’s museum designed for kids ages 2-7.  The museum is all about exploration and allows young ones to discover objects, symbols, and words.  There is a toddler area, an exhibit where kids are encouraged to play together, an experimenting exhibit, and many more.

This is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s also really great as a rainy day or winter activity.  Tickets are 12€ per person.  For an extra fee, you can also participate in workshops or courses.  This is a perfect museum if you’re traveling to Paris with a toddler or school-age children.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg is so much more than just a park or gardens.  There are endless opportunities for entertaining little kids here!  The pony rides are extremely popular, as well as the puppet show, Puppets from the Luxembourg Gardens.

There are beehives to explore, the majestic Medici Fountain, and a pond where you can rent model sailboats.  Some kids won’t care about anything else except for the fantastic playground!  When you’re finished with all of the activities enjoy a picnic lunch on the well-maintained, gorgeous grounds.  Jardin du Luxembourg alone has so many things to do in Paris for children.

Carousel and Playground at Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower Carousel is not only beautiful but it’s also an amusing activity for your kids situated in one of the most scenic places in the world.  Ride along with them, or take some of the most amazing pictures of your trip with your kids riding the wooden horses and the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop!

Kids love a playground just about anywhere on Earth, so head to the playground at the Eiffel Tower and it will be an even more special experience.  Simple, free fun, and definitely something your young children will truly enjoy!

Place du Tertre at Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most popular tourist spots in Paris.  The village is home to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the Place du Tertre.  Place du Tertre is the town square with charming restaurants and a haven for artists with their easels.  

The notoriety of Place du Tertre comes from artists like Monet, Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh who created art and lived there.  That rich history attracts many artists to paint portraits.  You can easily get a beautiful portrait of your kids as a timeless souvenir.

Tuileries Garden

Nestled next to the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden is where the young princes Louis XIII and Louis XV once played. Activities include the boating lake -children can pick one and help the vessel navigate the waters with a stick. There is also a carousel (€3) , a play area (free) and trampolines (€3). Most activities are located to the north of the garden, on the Rue de Rivoli side.

Nelson Mandela Garden

Jardin de Nelson Mandela is a neat attraction for a few reasons.  It has stunning views (and therefore amazing photos) of Saint Eustache Church, the Bourse du Commerce, and the Canopy of the Forum des Halles.  But why will your kids love it?  The playground is a cool and unique spot for them to play and use some of their energy!

Sampling French Baked Goods

Paris is of course known for some of the most desirable treats found anywhere in the world!  Kids and adults alike love treats, so be sure to stop into some bakeries.  The entire family will love sampling pastries, crepes, and macarons as you stroll through city streets.  And it may sound clichè, but do not leave Paris, France without trying a baguette!

Best Places to Visit in Paris With Tweens or Teens

If you’ve traveled with your tweens or teens before, you know that they can be a tricky audience to keep occupied.  Activities need to be super engaging and age appropriate in order for them to have a good time.  With that in mind, here are some of the best places to visit in Paris with tweens or teens.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

Parks may seem more geared towards younger children, but the Jardin d’Acclimatation definitely has something for everyone.  This park has thrilling rides like a theme park, but also a farm, workshops, open-aired exhibits, and restaurants.

The attractions range from kiddie rides to roller coasters and a rafting ride for older children.  The website has minimum heights listed for each attraction so you can gauge which rides your own kids can safely enjoy.  The workshops are for ages 3-11 and feature music, sports, art, and theoretical lessons.

Jardine des Plantes

If you’re looking for a place with vast options to explore nature, Jardine des Plantes is your place!  It has a zoo and vibrant botanical gardens, plus indoor galleries, exhibitions, and libraries to visit.

The park is free to enter and you’ll be immediately greeted by the lush, green, and well-manicured grounds. The zoo is home to 1,200 animals, and the architecture of the habitats of the world’s second oldest zoo are impressive.   The zoo is free for children under 3, 10 € for kids 3-25, and 13 € for adults 26+.

The indoor galleries include the Grand Gallery of Evolution, the Children’s Gallery, and the Virtual Reality Cabinet.  These are great places to explore on a rainy or cold day if you need indoor activities in Paris.  There are also indoor and outdoor shows to check out.  

Bike Tour at Palace of Versailles 

Holidays that are active can be extremely fun!  A bike tour of the Palace of Versailles is a great way to get your tweens and teens moving and do some great sightseeing.  The tour company, like Fat Tire Tours, provides the bike, helmet, and of course your guide.

You get a guided tour of the Royal Grounds, access to some featured parts of the Palace of Versaille, and the ability to explore on your own.  Your family also gets to peruse the local market for picnic supplies for lunch.  It’s free for kids up to age 3, then 4-17 is 85 €, and adults are 99 €.

Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs may be too dark and macabre for younger kids, but fascinating for tweens and teenagers. Walking through the underground tunnels you can stare at the neatly stacked bones where it is estimated that 6 million skeletons of Parisian citizens from the 17th century are housed. Skip the line tickets are available from €29 pp

Hop On Hop Off Bus

There are a number of companies that operate Hop On Hop Off Bus tours in Paris.  This can be a great option for things to do in Paris with family because it’s such a convenient way to see the city.  You don’t have to figure out where to go in Paris with kids, determine how to get to any destination, and you definitely don’t have to walk everywhere.  You can see so many of the attractions you want to see on the bus routes.  Plus, you get either a live or audio guide!

Most of the major bus tour companies offer the option of a 1-day or 2-day ticket.  The buses have different routes depending on what you want to see.  For example, you can do a route that whisks you away to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe or a route that shows off the city’s artistic side that heads towards Montmartre. 

Prices are reasonable and you can find deals and promotions sometimes as well.  Some companies provide free ponchos and maps, others have free tickets for kids, but for many kids prices start around 20€. Adult tickets tend to start around 38€ for a day trip.

Palais Royal

If any of your kids are history buffs or enjoy architecture, don’t miss the Palais Royal or Royal Palace.  This palace housed all of the royal families until Versailles was built, and it is located within walking distance of the Louvre.

The architecture and sculptures are captivating, and the royal gardens are serene.  This is a great place to visit to get out of the hustle and bustle for a little while.  It’s also free to explore!

Places Just Outside Paris Which are Easy to Get To.

Parc Astérix

Plailly, France

If you’re looking for a unique experience for your family, Parc Astérix could be exactly what you’re looking for.  It is derived from the comic book Asterix, which is popular in French culture, and features the adventures of a Gaul named Asterix who fights Roman occupation in his village.  The park is a mix of roller coasters, loony characters from the Asterix comic, and history.  

Although there are many different rides and attractions at Parc Astérix, this theme park is best suited for tweens through adults in terms of age.  The thrilling roller coasters attract an older audience, and the historical element is more likely to appeal to those who understand it.  Expect a diverse experience when you show up to Parc Astérix. Parc Astérix is about 50 minutes drive from Paris or 1 hour 20 minute train ride away.

Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park

Chessy, France

Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular theme parks in all of France, and for good reason.  There is something for everyone at DLP. There are actually two parks, Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland has the traditional iconic castle, classic rides & parades and Walt Disney Studios has more newer aspects such as Marvel and Ratatouille. A short train ride will get you there in 30 minutes.

Finding The Best Places to Eat In Paris With Kids

There are so many amazing restaurants in Paris and numerous options for when you’re traveling with kids in Paris.  The best way to find places to eat near you is to use La Fourchette or The Fork.  It’s an online reservation service.  Book meals in advance so that you don’t have to worry about long wait times with hungry children.  

La Fourchette is super simple to use, and it’s great if you have a large party.  It has the most restaurants in the city so you can find the type of cuisine your family is craving. Additionally, you’ll often get discounts for the delicious meal you were already going to order!

Best Place to Stay in Paris With Kids

When you’re traveling to Paris with family, you want to make sure you stay somewhere convenient, comfortable, and within your budget.  If you need a place that can easily accommodate the whole family, consider staying at Yooma Urban Lodge.

Yooma Eiffel Tower has rooms that can accommodate 4,5, or 6 people, which is fantastic for a family, and not always easy to find!  There are bunk beds and free board games to use in the lobby so you know they’re in the business of welcoming families. Yooma is also only 1 km from the Eiffel Tower so the location could not be better! See here for other family friendly accommodation in Paris, which includes close to the Eiffel Tower, near Disneyland and more.

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