Are you going on a city trip to Paris with the kids soon? Looking for the best activities to do in Paris with young children? From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of the Le Marais or Montmartre districts, Paris is a destination for young and old. We are often asked which neighborhood or district is best to stay in with the family and which is child-friendly. All of Paris’ arrondissements are well connected, but the 1st to 8th arrondissements are very central and suitable for families. The Latin Quarter (5th) and Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) districts are especially ideal due to their proximity to the Jardin du Luxembourg and the many child-friendly hotels and restaurants.
What to do in Paris with kids? There are many (free) museums, parks and famous sights in Paris that are great fun with toddlers, preschoolers and teenagers. Furthermore, Paris is also generally a safe city with kids, but it is always important to be vigilant and follow some basic safety measures. From a day at Disneyland Paris to a visit to the zoo in Paris during the holidays? These are the best activities & tips for a weekend in Paris with the family. Leave carefree and kid-proof on a city trip to Paris!
TIP: did you know that many museums such as the Louvre are free for children?
• Fun to do: Ballon de Paris Generali & Bateaux Mouches River Cruise (1h) →
1. Sailing boats in the child-friendly Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is one of the most beautiful parks and sights in Paris. Famous writers, poets, musicians and philosophers such as Baudelaire, Chopin and Sartre were regular visitors to the park. Jardin du Luxembourg is still a popular place for tourists and students of the Sorbonne. There are also many fun activities for children.
There is always something to do in the child-friendly park. There is a playground, a puppet theatre, boules, tennis courts, wooden model sailing boats that you can rent (in the summer), etc… You can also eat or drink something on the cozy terraces.
• Read also: Luxembourg Gardens in Paris: hours, playground & tickets →
2. A day of fun with the kids in Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a paradise for families with kids. The world-famous amusement park is located 32 kilometers from Paris, covers an area of 22 square kilometers and consists of two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), a recreation area and restaurants. Disneyland Park has more attractions for younger children, while Walt Disney Studios is more for all ages. Allow at least one day for each park. Good to know: in the fall, Disneyland Paris organizes different themes for both Halloween and the Christmas period.
You can easily make a day trip from Paris by, for example, taking the Disneyland Paris Express from Gare du Nord. Keep in mind that it can be quite busy during the holiday periods. Be sure to book your entrance ticket to Disneyland Paris in advance. Prices depend on the date chosen.
TIP: a nice alternative to Disneyland Paris? Visit the popular Parc Asterix, which can also be found in the area.
3. Take a fun boat trip with the family on the Seine
A boat trip on the Seine in Paris is one of the best activities for young children in Paris and of course also fun for parents! Discover the French capital from a different angle. You will pass the most beautiful sights in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Pont Neuf, etc… You can also opt for a boat trip in Paris with dinner or lunch.
An alternative is the Batobus in Paris, the famous hop-on hop-off boat on the Seine. It has 9 stops along the river connecting the main tourist sites.
4. Go cycling in Paris and discover the famous sights
Go cycling in Paris with the kids, a great way to discover the highlights or hidden gems of the city. Stop at well-known sights in Paris at your own pace and enjoy your Dutch guide’s commentary on Parisian history and local city life. Take a great photo in front of the Louvre or with the Eiffel Tower in the background. A bike tour is one of the most child-friendly activities in Paris. Not entirely suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, but definitely recommended for older children and teenagers. There are special bike tours for children.
5. Visit the large zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)
The Parc Zoologique de Paris is the zoo of Paris and is located in the Bois de Vincennes. The zoo was opened in 1934 and reopened in 2014 after a thorough renovation. It is divided into five themes, spread over an area of 14.5 hectares. With more than 1,000 animals of 180 different species, the park is a must-see with kids and ideal as a day trip with the family.
6. Time for refreshment! Eating delicious ice cream in the City of Light.
During spring or summer in Paris it is hard to resist a tasty ice cream, especially for the kids. Ideal to satisfy your toddler’s or preschooler’s ice cream cravings on sultry days. With sweet scents and flavors of vanilla, hazelnut, raspberry, strawberry or lemon, it’s time to refresh your taste buds. There is something for every ice cream lover. You can also enjoy your ice cream on the banks of the Seine or in one of the beautiful parks such as Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. In a jar or in a cone, please?
• Read also: 8x Best ice cream shops in Paris: famous gelato hotspots →
7. Cool balloon ride over Paris with the Ballon Generali
Euch, flying over Paris in a balloon? This has been possible since 1999 in the Parc André Citroën with the Ballon Generali. A 10-minute flight 150 meters above the ground with a panoramic view of Paris. Nice to know: the Ballon Generali is also an indicator of air quality in Paris. The balloon changes color regularly. When the air quality is good, the balloon turns green, when the air quality is poor, it turns red.
8. Climb the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the impressive view
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is undoubtedly the most famous landmark. Designed by Gustav Eiffel for the 1889 World Exhibition. Consisting of 3 floors, the highest floor being 276 meters high. The first and second floors are accessible by stairs and elevator. Only an elevator goes to the 3rd floor. There are often huge queues at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, but patience is rewarded. The magical view of Paris is truly breathtaking. Children also always find a visit to the Eiffel Tower a great experience.
9. Jardin d’Acclimatation: the oldest amusement park in France
Jardin d’Acclimatation is an amusement park for children and also the oldest amusement park in France. The park is a combination of animal and amusement park, covers 20 hectares and is located on the northern edge of the Bois de Boulogne. Especially nice for families with young kids. Children can enjoy rides, playgrounds, pony rides, workshops and events.
10. Spot life-size animals in the natural history museum
The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is part of the French Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (natural history museum). This museum focuses on the millions of years of evolution of the animal and plant world and is located in the Jardin des Plantes. The building itself is beautiful and once inside you will find all kinds of skeletons of extinct species of birds, mammals and fossils. Also life-size animals such as elephants and giraffes. Fun for both young and old!
These were some of the best activities to do with kids in Paris. The convenient metro, relatively compact center and an abundance of beautiful parks, nice museums and family-friendly hotels and restaurants make Paris an excellent choice for a city trip with the kids. Have fun with the kids in Paris.
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• More hotels in Paris? Have a look at booking.com
