Visiting Paris with Kids is a dream destination for families, offering an ideal blend of world-renowned sights, creative attractions, and fun activities for children of all ages. From magical theme parks to serene gardens and innovative museums, the city guarantees an experience that delights both parents and kids. Whether you’re in Paris for a day, a week, or longer, the City of Light provides endless ways to make long-lasting family memories.
This guide highlights the best family-friendly attractions, practical budget tips, easy-to-follow itineraries and maps to show their locations. Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Paris!
NEW: our Paris Trip Planner, totally free, which will save you time and money
We just made available our Paris Trip Planner. Take advantage of it now—it’s completely free and exclusive.
How it works:
This site features a completely free “Paris Trip Planner” that will save you the hassle of trying to see as much as possible in as little time as possible:
1/ You enter your “general” preferences (museums, churches, monuments, parks, etc.),
2/ the planner then provides you with all the relevant listings,
3/ you click on what you want to visit,
4/ the planner returns the itinerary for each day of your stay
5/ with geographically optimized daily itineraries—if you wish—to avoid tedious and tiring travel.
It takes just 5 clicks and 3 minutes. And it’s completely free. To use it, click on “Paris Trip Planner.”
The icing on the cake: Having trouble finding the right word or phrase in French?
Click here on PHRASEBOOK—or in the top right corner of your screen. It’s a glossary of 100 useful words and/or phrases for tourists visiting Paris (at restaurants, hotels, while shopping, on the metro, greetings, asking for directions, etc.). Eight languages (for the moment) are available. And guess what? You can even hear each word and phrase spoken aloud in French!
The absolute best: Unforgettable Souvenir Photos of Paris
To ensure you return home with lasting memories (not plastic Eiffel Towers or snow globes), we offer:
• Photo shoots in Paris by appointment with one of our experienced professional photographers. Family portraits, weddings, engagements, and special events. The best value for money on the market – Click on My Photo Shoot.
• High-definition art prints in medium and large sizes (up to 100 x 100 cm – 40 x 40 in or larger) designed to decorate your home. Available digitally (instant delivery) or as framed or unframed prints (delivery within 8 to 10 days), on media and ink with a lifespan of 70+ years (a lifelong keepsake of your time in Paris). Very affordable prices that will surprise you – Click on Souvenir Photos.
Now back to the Top attractions when Visiting Paris with kids
Eiffel Tower
View of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro at night, Paris.
Children are awed by the views; there’s also a playground at Champ de Mars, just near the Eiffel Tower. To know more on the Eiffel Tower click on Eiffel tower, technical and commercial achievement, symbol of France
Reservations of Eiffel Tower tickets:
Seine River Cruise: one of the Top attractions for visiting Paris with children
Tourist cruise in River Seine Paris with Cathedral Notre Dame Reims Champagne
A fun, relaxing way to see Paris’s most famous sights from the water. In 1h1/2 you get a general view of Paris monuments.
Tip: instead of taking a classic bateau-mouche, you can opt for the panoramic Batobus: one ticket for the day, 9 boarding stations, unlimited hop on/off/visit/up again as you wish.
Below we give you the widest choice of the best services:
To know more on Notre-Dame de Paris:
Tuileries Garden
Features trampolines, a traditional carousel, and toy sailboat rentals on the pond—a classic Parisian childhood experience
After the Louvre, with your head full of beautiful things, it’s time to let off steam. The Jardin des Tuileries is great for kids. Here you can picnic, sit in the famous steel armchairs, play ball, hide-and-seek… and enjoy one of the best playgrounds in Paris (with its free hanging huts and trampolines – €2 per session).
Musée Grévin also a Top attractions for visiting Paris with children
It boasts no fewer than two hundred wax figures, from Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi to Michael Jackson and Alfred Hitchcock. Numerous scenes from French history are re-enacted, including Louis XVI’s captivity at the Temple and Joan of Arc at the stake.
New personalities are regularly added to the Musée Grévin, to the detriment of older figures who are removed.
A visit to the museum also includes the Théâtre Grévin (a showroom) and the Palais des Mirages (an attraction based on the principle of optical illusion). The Salle de la Coupole and Salle des Colonnes boast fine Baroque decor dating from 1882.
To find out more click to see our Post Musée Grévin, 200 years history
And to book tickets click on Musée Grévin – Wax Museum
Grande Galerie de l’Évolution – Musée national d’histoire naturelle
They don’t speak, but they tell us all about life. They are the specimens in the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. A mythical place opened in 1994, where modernity meets history and science, to tell the story of the great adventure of biodiversity. Unique. Kids (and adults) love it.
Book the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution with Skip The Line Ticket
But you can also book a combined ticket with
the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes (50 m of each other): Grande Galerie de l’Évolution + Zoo Jardin des Plantes
or Cité des sciences et de l’industrie + Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (See below)
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
Developing your curiosity at the Parc de la Villette
Located in Parc de la Villette, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is Europe’s largest science museum. Kids love the hands-on Cité des Enfants, interactive exhibits, and the planetarium. There’s also a submarine and an IMAX theater, making this a truly immersive educational experience.
This museum is ideal for curious minds, offering fun learning opportunities for a variety of ages.
Parc zoologique de Paris (Zoo de Vincennes)
Parc Zoologique de Paris: a world to explore when Visiting Paris with kids. The Parc Zoologique welcomes you all year round for a unique experience and a great moment of relaxation: a 4km trail crossing five biozones – Patagonia, Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Guyana, Madagascar – over 14.5 hectares. Just a stone’s throw from the Porte Dorée metro station, come and discover over 3,100 animals, including 255 ambassadors of wildlife. Watch mischievous bush dogs, adorable manatees and graceful European otters evolve in harmony with their environment. For your convenience, take advantage of a picnic area, 2 restaurants, stroller rentals and a boutique for a treat… The Parc Zoologique de Paris, a new kind of zoo. Zoo de Vincennes is part of the Museum d’histoire naturelle
Combined ticket: Paris Zoo + Aquarium de Paris (Voir ci-dessous)
Aquarium de Paris
A captivating experience awaits at the Aquarium de Paris, located near the Eiffel Tower, when visiting Paris with kids. Children can marvel at thousands of marine species, walk through the shark tunnel, and explore touch pools. Educational programs and special events run throughout the year, making every visit unique.
Book the wonderfull world of Oceans : Aquarium de Paris Tickets
Museum of Arts et Métiers
Founded in 1794 on a proposal by Abbé Grégoire to the French National Convention, the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers was originally an establishment designed to train technicians and engineers through demonstrations using scientific and technical objects. Today, the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers is a major institution of higher education and research, but its museum preserves all the machines, models and drawings used throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It continues to enrich its collections, in particular through the Mission nationale pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine scientifique et technique contemporain, entrusted to it since 2003 by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Jardin d’Acclimatation
Tucked inside the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin d’Acclimatation combines gentle rides, a petting zoo, and beautiful gardens. Known for its relaxed ambiance, it’s especially great for younger children or families who want a calmer amusement park. Enjoy rides, pony rides, and workshops, plus plenty of picnic spots for a restful lunch outdoors
Musée en Herbe for small kids when Visiting Paris with kids
Musée en Herbe is Paris’s playful art museum for children. Located in the city center, the museum presents creative exhibitions and interactive workshops that introduce kids to famous artworks in an engaging, informal way. Exhibits rotate regularly, so there’s always something fresh to experience.
Book the beautiful Musée en herbe on site
Luxembourg Garden
Visiting Paris with kids should also be peace and fresh air as Luxembourg Gardens is a local favorite. This park is home to beautiful fountains, big lawns, and the classic pond for sailing toy boats—a tradition loved by generations. There’s a large playground, puppet shows, and pony rides. Plus, entry is free, making this an excellent option for families on a budget].
Stroll on Butte Montmartre among Top attractions for visiting Paris with children
The best thing to do when visiting Paris with kids is to take the funicular to Pigalle for a panoramic view of Paris on the way up, and of the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur. Visit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, then 300 m away on Place du Tertre, where you can see the painters at work and enter the 900-year-old Eglise Saint-Pierre de Montmartre.
To know more click on
Top Attractions for Kids outside of Paris
Click on Map in full screen to locate the destinations listed below
Disneyland Paris
Visiting Paris with kids, a must for families, is Disneyland Paris at about 32 kilometers from central Paris and delivers classic Disney magic alongside uniquely European flair. With two separate parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios—kids can enjoy parades, thrilling rides, and character meet-and-greets.
Visit during quieter months or book in advance to save on entry. The park offers family-friendly meals and hotels, making overnight stays simple and convenient.
Parc Astérix
If your children love adventure and enjoy a bit of history, Parc Astérix should be part of visiting Paris with kids. It is a lively alternative to Disneyland. Just north of Paris, this theme park brings the classic French comic to life with roller coasters, water rides, and live performances. It’s a chance to explore French pop culture and have a great day out.
Check the park’s calendar for seasonal events and themed celebrations.
Book Park Asterix : All possible tickets an combinations
Versailles a must-see when Visiting Paris with kids
A Versailles tour is a must on any stay in Paris even visiting Paris with kids. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but requires an extra day to your stay, even though Versailles is only 25 km from the center of Paris.
A visit to Versailles also requires careful planning, as the Versailles estate is immense (800 ha) and includes 2 châteaux (the “Trianons”) in addition to the main castle, an 83-hectare garden (with statues), a 700-hectare park (also with ponds and statues) and the Queen’s hamlet (“Hameau de la Reine” : 12 typical houses built as a village in 1782).
All you need to know before going to Versailles : Versailles Tour: organise your visit of the castle and estate
Additional information on “Versailles 2025” : Versailles in Summer 2025: Nights and days of Music, Fountains & Magic
Reservations for tickets can be made by clicking on:
Château de Versailles – it includes also the different options of visits and tours from Paris with transport
Combination Versailles and Giverny House of Monet or Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle of Nicolas Fouquet : Versailles : one day trip – All combinations and bookings
Top attractions for visiting Paris with children – One day out of Paris
Château de Pierrefonds (one hour drive from Paris)
The Château de Pierrefonds is 80 km north of Paris by motorway A1 (Exit no. 9, then D 200 towards Compiègne and D 973) . The best is to go there by car.
However it is also possible to go to Pierrefonds Castle by train : Gare du Nord to Compiègne + bus 658 from Compiègne to Crépy-en-Valoie (via Pierrefonds).
Château de Pierrefonds is an imposing fortified castle built in the late 14th century in the French commune of Pierrefonds. It should be in a visiting Paris with kids program. The Château de Pierrefonds has most of the characteristics of a medieval defensive structure, and is in fact an interpretation of the 19th-century troubadour style, very much in vogue among the wealthy classes during the Second Empire. It was rebuilt for Napoleon III at this time by Viollet-le-Duc, who also undertook extensive decoration and furnishing work.
Book by clicking on Château de Pierrefonds: Fast Track Ticket
Châteaux de la Loire (2 1/2 hours drive from Paris)
The term “Loire castles” is used to describe a group of French castles located in the Loire Valley. The castles of the Loire Valley have the architectural distinction of having been, for the most part, rebuilt or extensively remodeled in the 15th and 16th centuries, at a time when the court of the kings of France was based in this region or its immediate surroundings. The Renaissance saw the apogee of the Loire Valley’s role within the kingdom of France, from Charles VII and Louis XI, who made Tours their capital, to Henri IV, who brought it back to Paris in 1594, at the end of the Wars of Religion.
Towards the end of the 15th century, the Valois family discovered a new art of living in Italy, which would be transposed to the Loire Valley by the arrival of numerous Italian artists and craftsmen, including the most famous of them all, Leonardo da Vinci.
Numbering close to 3,000, all these châteaux are mainly located in the Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire regions. With direct or indirect links to the Loire Valley (its history, architecture, etc.), they form the world’s largest concentration of this type of monument.
We have selected a special one day tour from Paris for the three main and beautiful of them : Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord and Château de Cheverny. To book the tour click on “Loire Valley: Day Trip with Entry to 3 Castles“
Mont Saint-Michel (3 hours drive from Paris)
Mont Saint Michel is 284 km from Paris. You also have to know that tours last 14 hours.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most precious treasures. Tourists travel from the four corners of the globe to tread its cobbled streets, visit its Abbey and admire its tides – the largest in Europe! In fact, it’s one of the most visited tourist sites in France. Built in 708, the site has long been a major battleground between the Dukes of Brittany and Normandy. Its location, in the heart of a sumptuous bay, is the envy of many. A must-see for families, couples, singles and friends alike.
Different booking options:
Mont Saint-Michel : guided visit by foot – no obligation to enter abbaye – without transportation
Mont Saint-Michel : entry ticket and guided visit – one day from Paris
Mont Saint-Michel : entry ticket with audioguide + transport from Paris
Accommodation: Reservations are strongly recommended
Once you’ve selected what you’re going to see and do in Paris, the next important step is to choose the hotel or apartment that suits you best – and then book it immediately. Barring a miracle, you can’t expect to find accommodation to your liking on the spot.
We have pre-selected two accommodation chains for you where you should find what you’re looking for:
Hotels.com, less well-known and more selective than the sector’s main competitor, which is often out of stock. Of course we have check that prices are the same. To book a room click on Hotels.com
Abritel.com, which specializes more in large rooms, suites or apartments – at a price affordable to large families – To book large rooms or apartment click on Abritel
Tips
We’ve specially created a map of “must-see” places in Paris, to make it easy to locate them geographically. But this map can also help you choose a hotel address as close as possible to the places you’ll be visiting. Note that the map also indicates the “arrondissements” (districts – 1 to 20) that you’ll find in the Hotels.com and Abritel.com lists of available hotels
You should stay away from arrondissements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 for more affordable prices, with equal comfort. But that’s not a problem, as public transport (Metro) is very dense and easy to use (see below). Bus transport is also very dense, but not as fast.
Budget Tips for Families Visiting Paris
Visiting Paris with kids doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tried-and-true ways to make your trip more affordable:
Use Public Transportation … and your legs
Les Pass RATP and other low-cost means of transport.
Paris’s public transport system is efficient and covers every part of the city. The Paris Visite Pass gives you unlimited travel, while children under 4 ride free and those aged 4-10 benefit from reduced fares. Buying a carnet (10-ticket booklet) can save money for families who plan to explore a lot by metro or bus.
Paris Touristique is not very large, and can be covered day after day on foot. What’s more, you need to organize your daily schedule around attractions located in the same area – that’s one of the reasons for the first map of this post “Top attractions for visiting Paris with children”.
See our special post on “How Getting around Paris” (Sorry: still in construction)
Visit Free Attractions
Several top sites in Paris are free or offer steep discounts for children. Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Tuileries Garden and the Promenade Plantée offer outdoor fun at no cost. Many museums have free entry for under-18s and offer free admission to all on the first Sunday of the month.
Pack Picnics
Eating out adds up quickly. Stock up at bakeries and markets and enjoy picnics in the city’s many parks. Classic French sandwiches, pastries, and fresh fruits make for satisfying, affordable meals on the go.
Look for Family Discounts
Many attractions provide special rates for families or free entry for young kids. Always check official websites for current deals, promotions, or family passes before visiting attractions.
Stay in Family-Friendly Accommodation
Renting an apartment or choosing a family-focused hotel with kitchen facilities can save a lot on dining. Neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, and the Marais are popular for families and well-served by public transport. See above our Accommodation: Reservations are strongly recommended and book early (better deals) through our pre-selected chains Hotels.com and Abritel.com
Sample plannings for Families
Here are some examples of planning for stays of different lengths. But you can also now click on our NEW, free and exclusive feature “Paris Trip Planner” that will save you the hassle of trying to see as much as possible in as little time as possible.—it’s worth its weight in gold!
1x Day stay
Morning: Begin at the Eiffel Tower (take advantage of the playground at Champ de Mars).
Late Morning: Discover sea life at Aquarium de Paris.
Lunch: Picnic in the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens.
Afternoon: Ride carousels and trampolines at Tuileries Gardens, or spend time in Jardin d’Acclimatation if you’re on the west side.
Evening: Take a family stroll along the Seine or enjoy a puppet show at Luxembourg Gardens.
3x Day stay
Day 1:
Visit the Eiffel Tower and nearby Champ de Mars playground.
Take a Seine River Cruise for city views from the water.
Afternoon at Musée en Herbe for hands-on art.
Day 2:
Full day at Disneyland Paris for rides, characters, and shows.
Day 3:
Explore Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and Parc de la Villette.
Evening walk through Montmartre and dinner at a local brasserie.
4x Day stay
Day 1:
Tour-Eiffel
Trocadéro, Aquarium
Croisière sur la Seine
Day 2:
Champs-Elysées
Musée (Orsay ou Orangerie)
Montmartre
Day 3:
Ile de la Cité
Centre Pompidou
Jardin des Plantes
Tour de nuit en bus
Day 4:
Louvre et Tuileries
la Villette et la cité des Sciences
Canal Saint-Martin
After the Louvre, with your head full of beautiful things, it’s time to let off steam. The Jardin des Tuileries is great for kids. Here you can picnic, sit in the famous steel armchairs, play ball, hide-and-seek… and enjoy one of the best playgrounds in Paris (with its free hanging huts and trampolines – €2 per session).
5x Day stay
Day 1:
Eiffel Tower visit and Seine River Cruise
Afternoon at Aquarium de Paris
Day 2:
Disneyland Paris (both parks if possible)
Day 3:
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and Parc de la Villette
Picnic lunch in the park
Canal Saint-Martin cruise or by foot
Day 4:
Luxembourg Gardens’ playground and puppet shows
Musée en Herbe
Walk through the Latin Quarter
Day 5:
Jardin d’Acclimatation and Bois de Boulogne
Finish your trip at the Arc de Triomphe and stroll the Champs-Élysées (Book in advance Arc-de-Triomphe
Note that through this link you can also choose a combined Arc-de-Triomphe + Seine River Cruise or Arc-de-Triomphe + Eiffel Tower or Arc-de-Triomphe + Louvre Museum). If, on the other hand, you are planning a Seine Cruise, an Eiffel Tower or a Louvre visits, combined reservations will be cheaper.
Friends and family back home: electronic postcards from Paris to show your friendship
We’ve set up a unique and original system of postcards: they’re electronic (via the Internet), inexpensive, stamp-free, and delivered to your recipient within minutes of being sent. All you have to do is choose the photo of Paris you’d like on the card (from a choice of 20), add your commentary and your recipient’s address (email or whatsapp)… and click.
It gets even better: instead of using one of the 20 photos of Paris, you can choose your own photo of you or your family from your cell phone, which will become the photo on the postcard.
It gets even better: you can “compose” the photo sent by juxtaposing several of your own photos.
Finally, you can transform a simple souvenir postcard into a “gift” postcard: simply choose one of the signed High Definition Collection photos from our photo database. Your recipient will be able to use the photo on a display stand, framed on a rigid base for presentation on a piece of furniture or against a wall. A truly sophisticated gift for the discerning amateur.
How can you return home with high-quality, uncluttered souvenirs of Paris?
Our High Definition Collection photo database is available as an Internet link. All photos are in TIF quality format, in sizes up to 100 x 120 cm for interior decoration or gallery display. These are works of art – but at an affordable price – easy to transport and won’t clutter up your suitcases (it’s simply a web link in your cell phone or home computer).
These High Definition Collection photos come in 3 standard sizes from …. . An extra-large size is also available on request. All photos come with a certificate of authenticity signed by the photographer.
You choose the photo(s) you like, and get a link to it from our photo database. This link allows you to open the photo directly on any computer screen. If you’d like the photo on paper or any other rigid support, framed or unframed, you’ll need to contact your local photographer or visit one of the many specialized Internet sites.
Note: art photos of Paris are also available.
These large-format photos for exhibition or interior decoration are available in a limited edition of 30 numbered and signed prints. They are delivered within 15 days to 3 weeks after order, by special courier, framed or unframed, on special paper or canvas, to be chosen at the time of order.
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
Plan in advance: Popular attractions often require reservations to avoid long waits.
Pack comfortable shoes: Expect lots of walking in Paris.
Be flexible: Kids’ moods can shift, so allow for changes in your schedule.
Learn a few French phrases: A little effort goes a long way and is always appreciated!
Remember to send postcards to your friends, and don’t forget yourself: choose quality Paris photo souvenirs to display in your living room.
Paris rewards families with rich history, vibrant culture, and endless entertainment. With the right mix of planning and spontaneity, your family will create lasting memories in one of the world’s great cities. Enjoy your adventure in Paris!