Things To Do In Paris With Kids
Things To Do In Paris With Kids
Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world with activities to keep you busy all day and all night.
The city of light is not only for fashionistas, art enthusiasts, and foodies, Paris also has a lot of activities that kids will enjoy doing.
Today I am sharing a round-up of activities that you can do with kids in Paris. These are all activities we did, with the exception of two, during our month in Paris.
Things To Do In Paris With Kids
Best Things To Do In Paris
There are so many activities for kids in Paris but here are some of London’s favorites.
Tuileries trampolines
The Tuileries is full of several activities for kids, one being the trampolines. If you have children who need to get some energy out then head for the trampolines. Be prepared though, they aren’t free.
In fact, they cost around 3eruros for 5 minutes and if you want a longer time, you will have to pay additional money. However, if all it takes is 6euros for my child to burn off some energy while having fun doing it, I am all in. Plus, your child is able to say they jumped on the trampolines in the Tuileries in Paris, who can say that?
Nighttime Bike Tour
Take a nighttime tour around Paris on a bike with Fat Bike Tours. We have done this tour several times and it’s a great way for kids to be able to see the city of light at nighttime. The tour even ends at the Eiffel Tower, where you can see the lights sparkle.
Seine River Cruise
Take a river cruise down the Seine on the Batobus and see some of the most historic sights in all of Paris. You can hop on and off the boat as much as you’d like during the day.
This is a great way for the kids to get a boat ride and be able to see some sights at the same time. It’s very affordable ranging from 9 to 19 euros a person.
Climb To The Top Of The Sacré Coeur
If you’re spending the day in Montmartre, you can head to the top of the Sacré Coeur, 300 steps high, for an incredible view of the city.
Free Things To Do In Paris
Paris has an incredible amount of free things you can do with kids. Everything from gardens to museums(adults pay), and even rooftop views.
Museums
Most museums in Paris are free for 18 and under and I recommend ordering online ahead of time if you know what museum you want to visit.
The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are the most popular ones and might have paintings your kids will recognize or maybe you put together a scavenger hunt to do in the museum. Just make sure your kids know not to touch the art.
I recommend going early when the museums first open and heading right to the artwork you want to see first before anything else.
London lasted about an hour and a half in the Louvre and that was just fine. We saw what we wanted to see(Mona Lisa) and then moved on to something else.
Eiffel Tower
To go up the Eiffel Tower does cost, although kids under 4 are free and kids over 4 receive a reduced rate.
However, to go sit on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower is completely free. You can go for a picnic or watch the lights sparkle at night.
Beware, there are people all over the park of Eiffel Tower trying to sell you light-up Eiffel Towers, which are not cheap and your kids will probably want one, and lots of other souvenir items.
Arc De Triomphe
Kids under 18 are free and you can walk up the Arc de Triomphe, which is a total of 330 steps up to the rooftop view.
There is an elevator that takes you up to the Attic Room but you will still have to climb more than 40 steps to get to the rooftop. Make sure you’re wearing the appropriate shoes.
This is a beautiful view of all of Paris and it’s very pretty if you go at dusk. Make sure to buy tickets online in advance, this is definitely worth the climb up.
Tuileries garden
After you visit the Louvre, you can head over for an afternoon of fun at the Tuileries Garden. Kids can rent mini-sailboats to push around the pond, an iconic activity dating back to 1850.
There is also a little play area complete with slides, swings, and a rope bridge. Children can take a ride on the beautiful carrousel located in the garden.
And of course, the trampolines as well to jump on. The trampolines and carrousel are each 3 euros per child.
Luxembourg Garden
Our favorite park as there are so many activities for kids in the Jardin Du Luxembourg. They can play at the kids’ playground, The Ludo, it’s a gated area specifically for kids. It does cost 3 euros for children and 1 euro for adults to enter.
Children can rent one of the famous mini-sailboats to push around in the central pond, at the time of publication they are 6 euros to rent. This is only open during warmer months.
Kids can also go on pony rides, watch a puppet show, and play in one of the tiny kid pools.
Jardin Des Plants
A wonderful garden that most people don’t think about going to. The garden literally means garden of plants because it has 11 gardens that make up the Jardin des Plantes. It has a zoo (think small animals), along with lots of other beautiful wonders to discover for kids.
Have A Picnic
What could be better than having a picnic in Paris at any one of the main parks? Yes, the food will cost you but it doesn’t cost a thing to sit on the lawn of the park. Bring a deck of cards or a book to read, while the kids are playing you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Palais Royal
The Jardin du Palais Royal, is a short walk distance from the Louvre, literally across the street. It’s tucked away on a street behind some arcades and shops. You can’t see it from the street.
There’s a beautiful garden to explore but also part of the garden are these amazing striped columns which are fun for kids and adults to run around.
Parc Rives de Seine
There is a stretch along the Seine on both the right and left banks that provide areas for children to play, there are playgrounds, climbing walls, and places to have a picnic.
Rooftop Views
There are several places in Paris for FREE rooftop views but we love to head to the top of Galeries Lafayette. You get an incredible panoramic view of the city facing the Palais Garnier and if the kids are hungry, you can grab something from the food hall inside Galeries Lafayette.
Unique Things To Do In Paris
catacombs
Kids love going to the Catacombs, although I am fine with just going once. It’s basically an underground gravesite for miles and miles holding the bodies of about 6 million people. Truth be told, it’s a very interesting story about how it came to be and it’s very nicely done.
I wouldn’t describe it as scary at all, it’s just underground and a bit musty and damp. You can buy tickets online and request times only 7 days in advance.
Disneyland Paris
If you’re a Disney fan you can head to Disneyland Paris for the day, which is only 40 minutes by train. We haven’t done this yet but it’s on our list for next time.
Jardin d’Acclimatation
The city of light has only one attraction and amusement park, the Jardin d’Acclimatation, which is located in the 16th arrondissement, and has 42 attractions. This is also on our list for next time.
Dior Galerie
If you have a child who is interested in beautiful dresses, fashion, or art, the Dior Galerie is where you want to take them to see something special. It’s an exhibition dedicated to the life of Christian Dior and the mark he made on the fashion world, It also includes over 200 dresses on display.
Ride A Carousel
There are around 20 carousels spread throughout the city of Paris in the different arrondissements. Beautiful and grand these carousels are not like the ones I used to ride that’s for sure. The ones you are more likely to spot will be at the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Tuileries.
Where To Eat In Paris With Kids
Pink Mamma Paris
A lively, vibrant, and fun place to take kids to eat in Paris. Pink Mamma dishes out amazing Italian food and the restaurant itself is beautiful with each floor a different color and decor.
They are now offering a tea service which makes for a lovely few hours for moms and daughters. Make sure to make a reservation as this place books up quickly.
Le Relais de L’Entrecôte
If your child is a steak and fries lover, then you want to eat at Le Relais De L’Entrecôte. It’s a Parisian establishment only serving two things: steak and frites. Kids think it’s fun and love the food.
Fair warning, You will have to stand in a long line to get in here as they don’t take reservations and it’s on a first come basis. There are several locations throughout the city.
Chez Bartolo
For great Neapolitan Pizza, head to Chez Bartolo in Saint Germain. All the pizzas are wood-fired and the restaurant and menu are both very kid-friendly.
Also, make sure to book a reservation ahead of time if you can. They also accept walk-ins as well.
Berthillon
What kid doesn’t love ice cream French glacée tastes incredible, according to my 10-year-old. Head to the world-famous Berthillon to cool off on a hot day and enjoy one of the delicious flavors.
Laudurée Champs Elysées
Ladurée is a gorgeous restaurant to take kids to for a semi-fancy French treat. They can order entrees such as Pain Perdu with Chantilly Lace, which is basically French toast with whipped cream. Or you can just stop in the shop to buy macarons and pastries.
Any Crêpe Stand
There are numerous crêpe stands all over Paris, especially near big tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
You can choose between ones with ham and cheese or more dessert options but these make easy and affordable snacks or even dinner.
London loved the sucre (sugar) crêpe as well as the configure (jam) crêpe and at only 3-5 euros a piece who can complain?
Most Cafés
You can take kids to most cafés which will have continuous dining all day. Most of them do not have a kid’s menu but you might find one or two that do. A great option is always steak and fries or you can share plates as well.
Trips Outside Of Paris For Kids
There are numerous day trips outside of Paris you can take with kids.
Palace of Versailles
Absolutely, one of our family’s favorite things to do in Paris is a Fat Bike Tour excursion for the day.
We took the bike excursion out to Versailles for the day which involved biking around the beautiful grounds, getting supplies at the market for a picnic, and having a beautiful picnic on the lawn of Versailles.
London had the best time on this day and even met several other kids who were also on the tour that she became friends with.
Should go without saying, that you want to make sure your child can ride a bike on their own unless they are in a baby seat. Fat Bike Tour will provide helmets for kids 12 and under.
Claude Monet
Another day excursion we did with Fat Bike Tour was a trip to Claude Monet’s house. Much like Versailles, we went to the town market to buy picnic supplies and then had a picnic before making our way to his house.
You will bike along a beautiful path while feeling like you’re in the French countryside. It’s the perfect day activity for children.
Chambord Castle
About 2 hours away by train, you can visit beautiful Chambord Castle. Stay at the Relais de Chambord for a front-row view of the castle.
Paris With Kids Tips
- Every child is different, what works for us may not work for you. You know your child best and what they will and will not do.
- All of this information is based on traveling to Paris with a 10-year-old which is different from traveling with a baby. I can’t provide information on that specifically.
- If your child is willing to walk, I recommend doing as much as you can on foot and seeing the city. Stop to take breaks if you need but they will see so much more of the city by walking around.
- Teach your children to say Bonjour and Merci to people in shops, cafés, and other public places you go. This will go a long way.
- The metro and bus systems are easy and affordable for times they don’t want to walk.
- Take advantage of free restrooms when you have the opportunity. Bathrooms are one of the trickiest things to navigate in Paris, especially with kids.
- Paris servers are good about asking if you or anyone in your party has any kind of food allergy but make sure to let them know if they don’t ask.
- Also, go with no expectations of how your kids will act. It’s still a foreign country so while it’s new and exciting, at times maybe it’s frustrating because it’s not normal for them.
- It also helps to know your child’s limits and don’t expect anything more or less from them. You can’t expect them to walk 10 miles a day without taking breaks every now and then.
- Plan out your days with your child. Let them feel included in the day’s plans and let them pick a few things they want to do. This way everyone gets to do something they like.
Would love to know if you have any things to do in Paris with kids that you’d recommend.