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Paris is packed with cultural spaces to visit, districts to stroll around and gardens to relax in. Some places are a must for family outings with kids. Whether you’re looking for a family activity for the weekend or an outing during the school holidays, the French capital has a world of possibilities for kids and grown-ups. Here is our selection of the best destinations for families in Paris, including magical theme parks, interactive museums, trips outdoors and cruises on the Seine. Think about booking your tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid queuing.
Some theme parks in Paris and the Paris region are a sure hit with kids. Disneyland Paris has original rides for little ones in an enchanting setting, whilst Parc Astérix has a great mix of rides and shows ... not forgetting the picturesque Jardin d'Acclimatation situated opposite the Fondation Louis Vuitton in the Bois de Boulogne. In Paris, Science Expériences in Bercy Village offers an 850 m² space devoted to science, where kids can experiment and learn in a fun way.
The French capital has a great choice of museums geared to kids. At the Cité des enfants at La Villette or Science Expériences, the youngest kids can enjoy exciting exhibitions designed just for them. The more unusual Musée Grévin waxworks museum offers an entertaining afternoon outing in Paris. Budding artists will be in their element at the Musée en Herbe which programmes exhibitions to appeal to kids, even tiny tots. The Musée de l'Homme retraces the history of human evolution in ways that are instructive and fun for kids.
The Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé introduces kids to the world of cinema in a captivating way. With movies accompanied by live piano and sound effects workshops, young spectators discover the charm of silent cinema in a spectacular architectural setting, transforming each session into a veritable sound and visual adventure.
For a musical outing, the Philharmonie des enfants has a 1,000 m² space specifically for 4-10-year-olds. This unique sound ‘playground’ offers an intuitive and fun way to explore music: kids can play with giant instruments, have a go at conducting an orchestra, or discover electronic music through interactive and poetic installations.
For a journey through time, the Hôtel de la Marine offers a unique sensory immersion into the heart of the 18th century. Equipped with the ‘Confident’, a spatial audio headset, kids and grown-ups explore the apartments of the ‘Intendant’ with immersive stories. The Hôtel de la Marine also regularly offers creative workshops (gilding, painting on silk, marquetry) and themed visits which make discovering this palace in Place de la place de la Concorde a veritable historic adventure.
Family Focus Tours Paris has developed several adventure tours and treasure hunts in famous cultural sites in Paris such as the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and the Palace of Versailles … A fun way to explore Paris as a family. Visits available in English, French and Russian.
Don’t miss a visit to the Grand Palais, which offers numerous activities for families that make discovering art and science a fun activity. This cultural site is home to the Palais des Enfants, a space for 2-10-year-olds with interactive and sensory exhibitions such as Transparence. For all ages, the Salon Seine is the ideal ‘family HQ’: it is a free and freely accessible place to play, participate in creative activities and relax. Guided tours and creative workshops for 7-16-year-olds are also regularly organized to coincide with major exhibitions at the Grand Palais and nurture a sense of wonder and creativity.
Why not go on a family outing in Paris ? The Parc Zoologique de Paris offers lush expanses of greenery in which to observe more than 1,200 animals in reconstituted habitats. The Bois de Boulogne has play areas for children and vast areas for recreation and relaxation. These green lungs of the French capital enable families to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city while remaining in Paris.
To dive under the sea, Paris and its surroundings have some amazing aquariums. The Aquarium de Paris situated in the Trocadero gardens enthralls kids and adults with its sharks, mermaid shows and pedagogical workshops. The Aquarium Tropical, near Porte Dorée, is housed in a magnificent Art Deco building. Visitors can observe an amazing range of species, from albino alligators to multicoloured fish. Finally, close to Disneyland® Paris, Aquarium Sea Life has an interactive visitor trail with underwater tunnels for an immersive experience.
Cruises on the Seine are a highlight of a trip and one of the loveliest ways to see Paris. As you cruise along the river, you’ll see some of the capital’s top sights, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay and Notre-Dame. This relaxing boat trip appeals to kids and parents and provides unique views of the city.
With My First Cabaret at the Paradis Latin, young kids discover the magical world of cabaret in a fun show adapted to their age group. Designed by Kamel Ouali, this colourful cabaret mixes dance, music and visual effects for an original family experience in the heart of Paris.
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An outing in Paris with kids requires a bit of advance planning to make the most of the capital without rushing from one place to another. Here are three itineraries designed for different lengths of stay, with breaks adapted for young kids and some of the top sights.
For a first time discovery of Paris, in a day, aim to see some of the capital’s must-see attractions at a comfortable pace. Start the morning with the Eiffel Tower, a monument that impresses kids and adults. Think about booking tickets online to avoid queuing. After your visit, head to the Tuileries Gardens for a relaxing break where kids have plenty of space to run around.
An early afternoon cruise on the Seine is a relaxing way to see some of Paris’s landmark monuments from the water. Kids enjoy the sights of Notre-Dame, the Louvre and Parisian bridges as they glide along the Seine. Round of this busy day with a well deserved snack in one of the many cafes on the Grands Boulevards, where you’ll catch the atmosphere of Parisian life.
A weekend makes it possible to explore the capital in a more relaxed way by dividing your time between the Right Banks and Left Bank. On Saturday, explore the Right Bank starting in the Marais district, with its quaint little streets and many spaces adapted to families. In the afternoon, climb up the Arc de Triomphe to admire the view of the Champs-Élysées and Paris. Kids will enjoy the panoramic view and spotting monuments that they have visited.
On Sunday, start off on the Left Bank in the Quartier Latin with its many bookshops, then head over to the Luxembourg Gardens where young kids will have fun sailing miniature sail boats on the ornamental pond. The Paris metro is an attraction in itself (particularly lines 2, 6 and 14) for kids; fast and accessible via numerous stations, it makes getting around much easier. Don’t forget to pick up a map of the city so you can easily locate the stations and plan your journeys in advance.
Three days give you the time to add a memorable day trip outside Paris. Spend the first two days exploring the capital’s top attractions at a pace suitable for kids, then devote your third day to a trip to the Palace of Versailles. Accessible via the RER C line from central Paris, this palace captivates young visitors with its magnificent rooms, the Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens, where youngsters can run and play. Remember to book your tickets in advance to benefit from priority entry and spend more time exploring the gardens.
| Duration | Top monuments | Recommended attractions and activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 jour | Tour Eiffel, Jardin des Tuileries | Croisière sur la Seine, Pause for snacks |
| Week-end (2 jours) | Arc de triomphe, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg | Balade dans le Marais, discovery tour by metro |
| 3 jours | Tour Eiffel, Arc de triomphe, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Versailles | Excursion to Versailles, tour of the royal gardens |
Paris offers plenty of ways to enjoy a family day out without straining your budget. Parks and gardens, museums offering free entry on the first Sunday of the month, and riverside walks are just some of the capital’s activities and attractions.
Parisian parks and gardens are outdoor playgrounds. The Jardin des Plantes offers a refreshing place to relax and wander among the botanic gardens and tropical glasshouses with free admission to the gardens (only the Ménagerie has an entrance fee). Kids love to observe the sculpted animals and climb on the natural reliefs. The Parc de la Villette - which was considerably extended in 2026 by an extra 15,000 m² - is huge with lots of fun things to do and themed play areas where kids can run around and play. For another classic outing, head to the Luxembourg Gardens with its famous little sail boats on the ornamental pond or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, an oasis of greenery with suspension footbridges and a man-made waterfall. These green spaces are ideal spots for families to picnic, play and get some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
To enjoy Paris to the full without going over budget, opt for the Paris City Pass. This package gives you a choice of attractions and activities (cruises, museums, guided tours) at attractive prices. For getting around Paris, the Paris Visite pass entitles you to unlimited travel on all public transport networks, an essential pass for sightseeing in the city.
In terms of budget, it is worth noting that the ‘monuments nationaux’ (‘national monuments’) are free for under 18s (and young people under 26 residing in the European Union). For temporary exhibitions at municipal museums, the Paris Musées pass is also an interesting option. Finally, if you’re looking for a free outing, lots of places open their doors for free on the first Sunday of every month. Remember to book your slots online to avoid the queues!
The Right Bank is ideal for an improvised family walk. Setting off from the Tuileries Gardens follow the Seine riverbanks to the Marais district, passing in front of Paris City Hall along the way. The pedestrianized quaysides are a safe place for children to run around. For something different, take a cruise with commentary adapted to families on the Seine. Fans of urban art will enjoy a walk in the area of the Canal de l'Ourcq and La Villette, where monumental street art murals decorate the walls (notably on the corner of Avenue Jean-Jaurès). The 13th arrondissement is also packed with colourful works, that appeal to kids and adults. These arty trails turn a simple stroll into a veritable visual treasure hunt.
Visiting Paris with teens requires a different approach. Experiences that capture the imagination of this demanding age group are ideal. The French capital offers plenty of original activities and attractions that will turn a family weekend into a lasting memory, even for the most blasé.
Escape games and urban orienteering in Paris are cool activities for teens. Mixing challenging clues, teamwork and immersive settings, these experiences pack a real adrenaline rush in some of the city's famous districts, such as the Marais or the Butte-aux-Cailles. For those who prefer urban culture, street art tours or flight and virtual reality simulators offer a chance to discover Paris from a completely different perspective.
For a moment of pure fun together, try the Quiz Room experience. On a game set straight out of a TV show, families compete against each other with zany questions suitable for ages 8 and up. With four strategic locations in Paris – Opéra, Odéon, La Villette and Bonne Nouvelle - it’s the perfect activity to liven up an afternoon whilst having fun.
Some places in the city naturally appeal to young visitors. Belleville is popular for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, spectacular murals and authentic Asian restaurants. The Charonne area, in the 20th arrondissement, has an urban village feel with designer boutiques and trendy cafés. La Goutte d'Or, currently undergoing redevelopment, appeals to creative types with its colourful markets and artists’ studios. These districts are great places for teenagers to discover a livelier more contemporary side of Paris, away from the usual tourist spots.
At the end of the day, there are many cool experiences that will appeal to teens. Rooftop terraces offer breathtaking views of the city and are a great way to relax with a view of the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame de Paris. Some music terraces have live concerts and DJ sets, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages. The Seine riverbanks also have pop-up open-air bars for an aperitif outdoors in a friendly atmosphere. These spots are a great way for families to spend quality time together at the end of the day, and offer teens the urban, modern setting they love
Planning a trip to Paris with kids requires a minimum of preparation. A few simple tips can turn a potentially stressful journey into a smooth and enjoyable adventure for the whole family. Here are our recommendations for getting the most out of the capital with your little explorers.
The Paris metro is the fastest way to travel around the city, but some stations are not adapted to getting around with a pushchair. Unfolded pushchairs are allowed on all vehicles (with the brakes on and children fastened in) Choose stations with lifts or escalators, particularly on lines 1 and 14, which have many accessible stations. Before setting off, consult the map of stations adapted to people with reduced mobility, a real time-saver that saves you from having to carry a pushchair up endless flights of stairs. For short journeys, walking a few extra minutes to a better-equipped station is often more convenient than climbing three floors of stairs.
Booking tickets for attractions online before your arrival completely changes the experience of a visit. No more wasting time queuing with impatient children! Most attractions in Paris (Disneyland® Paris, museums, river cruises) offer fast-track tickets that allow you to skip the queues and go straight in. Booking in advance has two advantages: you save precious time and can plan ahead more easily, which is particularly useful during school holidays when some venues are fully booked. Many places also offer discounted online rates, another reason to book in advance.
There is no shortage of opportunities for getting out and about with the family at the weekend in Paris. Whether you choose a walk along the pedestrianized Seine riverbanks, an exploration of districts on the Right Bank or an outing to one of the capital’s many parks, every trip will be something to remember for kids and adults.
