UPDATE (September 2026): We went back! This time we spent five days in Paris in the first week of September with our kids, now 5 and 7, before heading to Montenegro for a few months. We revisited some old favourites, finally did a few things that were on our list last time, and found some new spots I'm SO excited to share. I've added everything to this guide, including a private boat on the Seine, a day at Parc de la Villette and the canal, a fairground museum, the kids' exhibit at the Grand Palais, and our son's very first soccer game.
After months of dreaming about croissants, carousels, and the sparkling Eiffel Tower, we finally made our family trip to Paris a reality this past December. And let me tell you - Paris with kids is MAGICAL!
The last time I visited Paris was 7 years ago (!!) when I was just 12 weeks pregnant with my eldest and I've been so excited to return since. I don't think many people see Paris as a kid-friendly city, but we absolutely loved it with little ones. After LOTS of research, testing and refining, here is our tried-and-tested itinerary, family-friendly accommodations, and all the little secrets that made our Paris adventure with kids so special.
Table of Contents
Planning Our Paris with Kids Adventure
First, I need to give a huge shoutout to Zoë Petit, a Paris family travel guru who helped me craft our perfect itinerary. Zoë is famous on Instagram for her kid-friendly guided tours of Paris, but unfortunately our schedules didn't line up over the holidays. Luckily she also offers custom itinerary planning service saved me SO much time. We hopped on a zoom call and Zoe helped us organize our must-dos, provided some invaluable local parent tips, and recommended the BEST hidden gems and family-friendly restaurants.
Where to Stay in Paris with Kids
Finding the right accommodations that work for families can be tricky when you're heading to Paris with kids. We stayed at Beauquartier - Chemin Vert on our second trip and it was perfect for us. I haven't stayed at the others on this list, but I know a thing or two about family-friendly accommodations and spent MANY hours researching. Here are my top picks:
Beauquartier - Chemin Vert
This is where we stayed on our second trip, and it was perfect for our family. Beauquartier - Chemin Vert is a small aparthotel on rue du Chemin Vert in the 11th, a great local neighbourhood with lots of cafés and restaurants and far fewer tourists.
- Apartments with kitchens, an espresso maker and free WiFi
- Short walk to Canal Saint-Martin and Place de la Bastille
- Just around the corner from Brasserie Martin, one of our favourite restaurants of the trip
- Metro Line 9 at Saint-Ambroise goes direct to Trocadéro, the Grand Palais and the PSG stadium
Hotel du Louvre
The Hotel du Louvre consistently ranks as a top choice for families visiting Paris. It's pricey, but offers the perfect blend of luxury and child-friendly amenities in an unbeatable location next to the Louvre Museum and Tuileries Gardens. Staff and concierge go above and beyond for families!
Family Rooms and Suites
- Family suites with playful bunk beds
- Connecting family room options
- Cribs and rollaway beds available
- Spacious bathrooms with bathtubs (a rarity in Paris hotels)
Kid-Friendly Perks
- Welcome gifts for children including colouring books, stuffed animals and Le Petit Prince toiletries
- Fantastic breakfast and children's menu
Novotel Paris Les Halles
The Novotel Paris Les Halles is a favorite among families for its central location right next to Châtelet-Les Halles station and convenient access to nearby attractions like the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens. The staff are known for their family-oriented hospitality!
- Spacious rooms with a modern vibe
- Daily complimentary ice cream for kids
- Extensive breakfast buffet with plenty of kid-approved options
Pepper & Paper Apartments
Pepper & Paper Apartments is a stylish 4-star aparthotel loved by families. It features spacious 1 bedroom apartments on a quiet street, with easy access to playgrounds in the Latin Quarter.
- 24-hour front desk and an elevator
- Garden patio with ping pong table
- full kitchen and on-site laundry facilities
- Access to boardgames and game consoles
- Baby amenities available upon request, including cots, bottle warmers and changing tables
Citadines Bastille Marais Paris
Citadines Bastille Marais Paris is an aparthotel has spacious 1 bedroom apartments in the lively and charming Le Marais district (my personal favourite neighbourhood).
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Options for private balconies or terraces with a view
- 24/7 reception
- On-site self-serve laundry facilities
Transportation in Paris
The easiest way to get into Paris from the airport is to arrange for a car transfer. Our favourite is Welcome Pickups, which we’ve used many times before across Europe for reliable car transfers with car seats - which is super convenient if you're not travelling with car seats. We've also heard great things about Baby Cabs in Paris, but have not personally used them.
I highly recommend travelling around Europe by train - it's such a nice experience! We took the train from Paris to Strasbourg and it was such a smooth way to get between the cities. The best site to use for booking train tickets is Omio, and it also lets you search for buses, ferries and flights around Europe.
Once in Paris, the metro is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get around. With 14 metro lines and over 300 stations, it's a quick and efficient way to navigate the city with kids. Single tickets are €2.15 and you can get 10-packs with discounts, as well as one-day unlimited passes. Children ages 4-10 years old get a 50% discount and kids ages 3 and under ride free. Grab tickets at metro stations using the machines, there's an English option. If you're going outside the city centre, you'll need to get special tickets to use the RER - this includes the airports and places like Versailles and Disneyland Paris.
Family Photoshoot with Flytographer
Paris is one of the best places for a family photoshoot to capture those iconic family memories. We’ve used Flytographer in several cities, including Barcelona, London, Lisbon, New York, Porto, and Amsterdam, and we always walk away with STUNNING photos! We couldn't fit it in on our first trip, so this time it was at the top of my list. We booked Olga for a morning shoot at Trocadéro that ended down by the Seine, and the photos were incredible. She was also SO good with the kids, which honestly matters just as much as the photos.
Here are a few tips for a smooth photoshoot experience with kids:
Book the shortest session (30 minutes is perfect with little ones)
Morning light is always the best
Bring small treats as motivation (sometimes bribes are necessary!)
Discount Code: If you’d like to try it out, use this link to get $25 USD off your first booking (note: you'll see the discount applied at checkout after you create an account).
When to Visit Paris with Kids
French School Holidays: This is the single most useful thing to know when planning Paris with kids, because SO much depends on it. Many kids' activities only run during French school holidays, while others shut down the moment school starts again. Paris is in "Zone C," and for 2026-2027 the breaks are:
- Fall break (Toussaint): October 17 to November 2, 2026
- Christmas break: December 19, 2026 to January 4, 2027
- Winter and spring breaks: two weeks each in February/March and April (check the official French school calendar for Zone C dates before you book)
- Summer break: early July to the end of August
Best Days for Park Visits: One thing that surprised me about Paris was the timing of park activities! I had no idea about this, but apparently French kids have Wednesday afternoons off school (not sure how that works for working parents?!). If you're visiting outside the school holidays, the fun stuff like sailboat rentals and pony rides at Luxembourg Gardens only operates on Wednesday afternoons and weekends. Most activities don't even start until 11AM, so don't rush out super early.
Visiting in September: Our second trip was the first week of September, right after French kids went back to school, and it made a big difference. Weekdays were lovely and quiet, but a lot of the summer activities had just closed for the season, and many kids' programs only run on Wednesdays and weekends once school is back. Plan your park days and kids' activities for a Saturday or Sunday, and always check the schedule before you go.
Museum Schedules: Almost every major museum in Paris closes one day a week, which can really throw off your planning. For example, the Pompidou Centre and Musée d'Orsay are closed on Mondays (along with a lot of other things), while the Louvre and Orangerie are closed on Tuesdays. I'd definitely recommend checking opening days before getting too attached to your itinerary!
FlashInvaders: Our Favourite Thing to Do in Paris with Kids
The absolute highlight of our trip was exploring the city with the free FlashInvaders app that Zoe recommended to us, which basically turned our Paris walks into scavenger hunts! This app is connected to the famous street artist "Invader," who has installed colourful mosaic space invaders throughout Paris (and other cities worldwide).
The concept is simple: download the app, search for these pixel art mosaics on buildings around the city, and "flash" (photograph) them to earn points. Each successful flash also gets added to your personal gallery, and you can track your score against others.
Our kids were OBSESSED with spotting these colourful mosaics everywhere, and it completely transformed our city walks. Instead of complaints about walking, we heard "There's a FlashInvader!!" and "Let's see if there's one this way." It really encouraged everyone to actually WALK and to look up at the beautiful architecture instead of just trudging along at street level.
Parent tip: FlashInvaders works offline once downloaded, so no need to worry about data usage. The app is free and available for both iPhone and Android.
Parent tip #2: Use a map app too. The official FlashInvaders app is for flashing and scoring, but it doesn't show you where the invaders are. That's where InvaderHunter comes in. It shows the invaders on a map, so you can see which ones are near you and plan your walks around them. We used both together and it made the hunt SO much easier with kids.
Take a Space Invader tour with kids: If your kids are hooked (and they will be!), there are guided Space Invader hunts in Paris made just for families. One of the best is with Camille from Voulez-Vous Paris Avec Moi. She's a mom of two who used to work in the toy industry, and her family street art walks combine a Space Invader hunt with fun stories about the artists and the city. Her tours run in English or French, and she packs a LOT of invaders into her routes while still letting kids find them on their own.
Luxembourg Gardens
Our second favourite thing to do in Paris with kids was Luxembourg Gardens. The Ludo Jardin playground is absolutely amazing - for 3€ per child, you get access to an incredible play area with ziplines, digging equipment, and a giant slide. The playground is supervised, clean, and even has a little store selling coffee, ice cream and toys.
But the best part and absolute highlight for the kids at Luxembourg Gardens though was the jousting carousel! This carousel is super unassuming - there are no lights, music or animals that go up and down. However, it is city’s oldest, dating back to the 1800s and designed by Charles Garnier (the same architect as the Paris Opera). What makes this carousel truly unique is the traditional ring game "jeu de bagues" that kids can play while riding.
Kids choose their horse and are then given small wooden sticks. When the carousel starts, they try to spear tiny metal rings with hanging from a little contraption that the operator holds out. Our 3-year-old ended up collecting the most rings and both kids begged us to ride again and again! The carousel costs 2€ per ride.
Tip: make sure your kiddo sits on one of the outer horses if they want to play, otherwise you're in for an epic meltdown mid-carousel (speaking from experience haha)
Marionette Puppet Show - We didn't get a chance to see this, but there's a historic little theatre right next to the carousel and playground that puts on a puppet show for kids! Tickets are 7€ per person and go on sale 30 minutes before each show. Performances typically run at 11:00 AM, 3:15 PM, and 4:30 PM on Wednesday afternoons and weekends.
Rent Toy Sailboats at Luxembourg Gardens In the warmer months, kids can also rent toy sailboats to push around the central fountain with long sticks – an iconic Parisian childhood experience! Outside of school holidays, Les Voiliers du Luxembourg are available every Wednesday from 1pm to 6pm, and on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 11am to 6pm. Open daily from 11am to 6pm in June, July and August. The price is 8€ for 30 minutes.
Pony Rides - Another awesome warm-weather activity that kids in Paris LOVE are the pony rides, available at several of the large parks including Luxembourg Gardens. The coolest part is that they let you walk your own pony around the park at your own pace and without hovering over you! The minimum age is 15 months old up to a maximum weight of 30 kg. The cost is €10 per child. Ponies are there during the summer on weekends and Wednesdays from about 11am.
This time around, we timed our visit for the weekend so we could do everything we missed in December. The kids did the pony rides, we rented the toy sailboats at the fountain, and the green two-person swings were a surprise hit. Bring cash!
Kid-Friendly Walk: Palais Royal and Jardin des Tuileries
Follow this walking itinerary with kids:
- Start on the north side of Jardin du Palais Royal
- Walk through the gardens and chase some pigeons until you reach Buren's Columns
- Exit and you'll reach the Louvre - it's fun to get some photos in front of the glass pyramids
- Continue towards Jardin des Tuileries
- Stop by the enclosed rope bridge playground
- Continue towards to bounce on the in-ground trampolines
- In the summer, rent toy boats at the water basin
- See Monet's giant Water Lilies at Musée de l'Orangerie
Palais Royal Gardens (Jardin du Palais Royal): These peaceful gardens are a lot less crowded and feature the iconic Colonnes de Buren (black and white striped columns of varying heights) that kids love to climb and jump between. It's also a great photo spot! Don't forget to grab a coffee at Café Kitsuné Palais Royal.
Tuileries Gardens (Jardin des Tuileries): This large park is really lovely year-round for the whole family to visit. While the gardens themselves are beautiful in the spring and summer, there's also plenty to do for kids:
The rope bridge playground : Located in the northwest corner of the park, this playground has an amazing rope bridge and slide that my 3-year-old couldn't get enough of. This playground is called "aire de jeux pour enfants des tuileries" on Google Maps.
Carousel: Another traditional carousel that costs 2.50€ per ride, located in front of the playground
Trampolines : For 3€, kids can bounce on in-ground trampolines for 5 minutes - super cute! They're located directly in front of "monument a Charles Perrault" on Google Maps
Rent toy sailboats: From April to November, the Petits Bateaux des Tuileries are available for rent at the Grand Bassin pond (5€ for 30 minutes). Kids are given sticks to push the boats across the water - a iconic tradition that's been around for more than 150 years! Outside of school holidays, they're available for rent every Wednesday from 1pm to 6pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. During the French school holidays, the rental kiosk is open every day from 11am to 6pm.
Tip: Have some cash on hand for these activities as most don't accept cards. There are clean, guarded bathrooms between the playgrounds.
Musée de l'Orangerie: We didn't get a chance to visit on this trip because tickets were sold out during Christmas, but I've been on prior trips and it would be well worth the visit with kids! The circular rooms displaying Monet's life-size Water Lilies room are so impressive! The museum itself is small and therefore not overwhelming with kids - you can see the highlights in about an hour.
For families, they offer a free booklet at reception in both English and French to help kids engage with the art. There's also a dedicated Family Area for children 0-12 with sensory activities for toddlers, a reading corner, and painting workshops.
The museum is open daily from 9am-6pm (closed Tuesdays), and tickets are €12.50 for adults while kids under 18 are FREE! If you decide to go, definitely pre-book tickets online to avoid waiting in line with impatient little ones!
Montmartre
Montmartre is such a beautiful neighborhood! This is also Zoë's stomping grounds and her signature kids tour is based in this Montmartre (she also has an amazing self-guided tour that you can do).
I recommend visiting Montmartre in the morning when it's less crowded. Also one thing to keep in mind, is that this it's not the most stroller-friendly neighbourhood. Its very hilly with lots of stairs and cobblestones.
Here are some kid-friendly highlights:
- "I Love You Wall" (Le Mur des Je t'aime): Located right by Abbesses metro station, this wall features "I love you" in hundreds of languages. It's a fun photo opp! Bonus: there's a cute small playground right beside it.
- Funicular to Sacré-Cœur: You can skip the steep climb and take this "mountain train" up the hill (costs just one metro ticket). Kids love the ride, and parents love avoiding the stairs!
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Breathtaking views of Paris from the top and plenty of open space for kids to run around. The interior of this church is magical too - when we visited, choir singers filled the space with music that even my 3-year-old was into! Parent tip: If visiting with young children or a stroller, politely ask the guard about family priority access. We did this and were allowed to skip the long line completely!
- Place du Tertre (Artist Square): This square can get super crowded, but it's worth braving the tourists to see the real artists at work! These aren't just random street vendors - they're legitimate artists who have to pay and apply for a license to work here and the city caps the number allowed. If you want to get your kids' portraits drawn, it's a bit of a splurge at around 50-60€ and takes about 30 minutes (so definitely not for young children who can't sit still for more than 5 seconds ha!)
- Vintage Double-Decker Carousel - Located at Square Louise Michel at the foot of the hill, this beautiful carousel is a kid fave and costs 3.50€ per ride.
- Pain Pain Bakery - Stop by for some of the neighborhood's best pastries.
Eiffel Tower
Skip the long lines and expensive tickets to climb the Eiffel Tower - the real magic happens from the outside! Head straight to Trocadéro (Metro: Trocadéro) for the absolute best views and photo ops.
In the evening, Zoe recommended we head to Francette, a restaurant on a boat docked directly under the Eiffel Tower. The views were EPIC and this was one of our favourite moments from the trip. The kids enjoyed ice cream while us parents drank wine, all while watching the tower sparkle overhead.
Private Seine Boat Cruise with My Paris River
Paris with kids doesn't have to mean squeezing onto packed tourist boats with bored, restless little ones. This trip we took a private boat on the Seine with My Paris River, and it was the most relaxing part of our whole trip.
What made it for us was that they hand the kids an activity bag the moment you board, with colouring and activity books, pencil crayons and little snacks, and they gave them juice too. My kids were happily busy with the colouring, puzzles and games for the entire ride, which meant I actually got to look at Paris for once.
Because the boat is all yours, there are no crowds and no lines, you can go at your own pace, and you can play your own music. We were blasting our favourite songs and dancing under the Eiffel Tower, and it's one of my favourite memories from the trip. Our cruise was 1.5 hours and we boarded at Pont des Arts. Just note that there are no bathrooms on board or at the dock, so plan ahead with little ones.
Parc de la Villette and the Canal
This was one of our favourite days of the whole trip! Parc de la Villette is a huge park in the 19th arrondissement with lots of open space, tons of local families, and bright red "folies" (little red buildings) scattered all over the park. Take Line 5 to Porte de Pantin.
- Jardin du Dragon: A giant dragon playground with a long enclosed slide that comes out of the dragon's mouth. The big slide is officially for kids aged 8 to 12, but there are swings, climbing nets and smaller play pieces for younger kids too.
- Jardin des Vents et des Dunes: The other red folie playground, and it's free! This enclosed playground is designed for kids up to age 13 and has air cushions, trampolines, zip lines and wind-themed play, plus deck chairs for parents.
- Swings and carousel: There are more swings and a carousel as you walk through the park.
- The farm and kids' play spaces: La Ferme de la Villette has donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and rabbits, and Little Villette runs free kids' workshops and activities. The kids' area was closed when we went and I REALLY wanted to do it, so learn from me: go on a Saturday (or check the schedule first). It was pretty quiet during the week and we missed out on both.
After the park, walk over to the canal (Bassin de la Villette) to grab food:
- Le Pavillon des Canaux (39 Quai de la Loire): The cutest, homiest spot, and you can eat in a bathtub upstairs! Kids will love it.
- Le Bellerive: A laid-back neighbourhood bistro on the canal with pizzas and steak frites on the kids' menu.
Musée des Arts Forains
This museum of old fairground rides in Bercy was SUPER cool. The highlights for us were the bicycle carousel and the horse racing games, and the kids actually get to ride some of the antique carousels during the tour.
My big tip: I don't recommend the French tour unless you speak French. Everyone told us it would be fine since they give you an English handout to follow along, but my kids were so bored and frustrated that they couldn't understand what seemed like a great tour. Book an English tour if you can, even if it means shifting your plans around it.
How to book:
- The museum can only be visited on a guided tour, and tickets can't be bought at the door, so you have to book online in advance.
- Tour slots open 3 weeks before the date, and you can choose between French, English or Chinese tours. English tours are much less common, so check the site as soon as your dates open up.
- Tours run mostly on Wednesdays, weekends and every day during French school holidays, and last about 90 minutes.
- Bookings are non-refundable, so don't be late!
- Address: Pavillons de Bercy, 53 avenue des Terroirs de France, 12th arrondissement
Grand Palais and Petit Palais
The Grand Palais now has the Palais des enfants, a space made just for kids aged 2 to 10. When we visited it had the Transparency exhibit, which was great. It's a hands-on, sensory exhibit all about light and reflections, and it runs until August 29, 2027. Book a timed slot online, and note that adults need a ticket too. The entrance is at Square Jean Perrin (17 avenue du Général Eisenhower).
Unfortunately the main hall was closed during our visit, but keep an eye out for two FlashInvaders at the Grand Palais!
Right across the street, the Petit Palais is free to enter and a beautiful spot for a coffee. It was super busy when we went, so we bailed pretty quickly, but it's worth a peek if you're nearby.
Go to a PSG Soccer Game
We took our son to his very first soccer game, PSG vs Monaco at the Parc des Princes, and it was a blast! It's expensive, but it was such a unique experience and one he'll never forget.
Tips for booking:
- Start with the official PSG ticket site. If the match is sold out, PSG's official resale platform, Ticketplace, is the safest option.
- Big matches sell out fast, so book as early as you can.
- Take Metro Line 9 to Porte de Saint-Cloud, which is a short walk from the stadium.
Book a Babysitter: Parents Night Out in Paris
Just because you're traveling with kids doesn't mean you can't enjoy a romantic evening in the City of Light! We used Tripsitta to book a wonderful babysitter named Ore for a parents night out, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
Tripsitta connects travelling families with experienced, VETTED childcare providers who speak your language. Our sitter, Ore, was so lovely and even managed to quickly bond with our daughter and get her back to sleep when she woke up after we left. The peace of mind knowing our child was in good hands allowed us to fully enjoy our evening out.
Discount Code: Use code mini.jet to get 25 euros off your booking with Tripsitta! Click here to find a babysitter in Paris.
Where to Eat with Kids in Paris
Finding family-friendly restaurants in Paris was easier than we expected! Here are our favorites:
The Nouvelle Garde Brasseries: These were hands down our favourite places to eat on this trip! This popular restaurant group includes several of the best family-friendly restaurants in Paris: Brasserie Dubillot in the 2nd, Brasserie Bellanger in the 10th, Brasserie des Prés in the heart of Saint-Germain, and Brasserie Martin in the 11th. These modern brasseries serve authentic French food at very reasonable prices in a fun atmosphere. They're open daily, serve food throughout the day, and don't require booking weeks ahead. The classic menu items appeal to both adults and kids, which makes them our go-to for easy family meals in Paris.
We ate at Brasserie Martin TWICE and Brasserie des Prés once, and loved them all. At Brasserie Martin, the French onion soup was the best I've ever had, and the kids loved the chicken and fries and the charcuterie plates. It's at 24 rue Saint-Ambroise in the 11th.
Bouillons: These traditional "bouillons" offer classic French dishes at incredibly reasonable prices. The lively atmosphere means parents don't have to worry about keeping kids perfectly quiet. We went to Bouillon Republique and loved the experience, but Bouillon Pigalle and Chartier Grands Boulevards are also popular!
Breizh Cafe: Another popular outpost with a number of locations throughout Paris, these crêperies are perfect for families. Sweet crêpes are always a hit with kids, and parents can enjoy savory buckwheat galettes with cider. So yummy!
Le Petit Cler: We loved this cozy bistro near the Eiffel Tower has classic French comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. It's perfect for families as it's a quiet, local place that's not too fancy.
Cafe Francoeur: Following Zoë's recommendation, we tried this classic brasserie in Montmartre and it was perfect for our family! There were lots of local kids and strollers there, so clearly it's popular with Parisian families too. There's a great vibe, delicious and reasonably priced food, and excellent service for the kids including a children's menu and colouring books).
Ice Cream: Take the kiddos to sample all the delicious ice cream, especially if you're visiting Paris with kids in the warmer months! The best places are Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis (but be warned the line can be very long in summer), Amorino with its flower-shaped scoops, and artisanal gelato from Une Glace à Paris.
Tip: Always bring some toys and activities to keep your little ones busy during meals! Here are our favourite restaurant kits:
Kid-Friendly Cafes with Play Areas in Paris
Weekend Family Fun with Teepee Paris : While Paris restaurants might seem sophisticated and adult-focused, weekends are ALL about the kids with Teepee Paris - an innovative company that turns trendy spots like La Felicità, MOB House, Chou Chou Hotel, and Le Comptoir Général into kid-friendly havens with dedicated children's areas. Professional staff manage the "animations" (children's activities) featuring creative workshops, games, and play areas that allow families to experience authentic Parisian dining without the stress of keeping little ones seated and quiet. Most locations welcome kids from age 3 independently (younger ones with adult supervision) and the service is typically free for restaurant customers. It's a brilliant solution for families wanting to enjoy Paris's culinary scene without sacrificing kid-friendly amenities!
La REcyclerie : Located in an old train station out of the main tourist circuit in the 18th arrondissement, this eco-friendly cafe look super cool! It has a small play area for children and a mini urban farm with chickens and rabbits that kids can visit. Parents can enjoy coffee while kids explore.
Ground Control : This massive industrial space in the 12th arrondissement is part food hall, part cultural playground - perfect for families. The converted railway depot houses diverse food stalls, bars, and coffee shops with plenty of communal seating. Kids can move around freely while parents enjoy quality food and drinks, and the spacious layout means no one minds if little ones need to burn off energy. With its relaxed vibe and quirky spaces (including vintage train cars), it's an ideal spot for a casual family meal without the typical restaurant constraints.
Other Things to Do with Kids in Paris
Seine River Cruises: For a more relaxed option with kids, we loved our private boat with My Paris River (see above). A boat cruise along the Seine is a fantastic way to see Paris from the water. Companies like Bateaux Mouches offer family rates year-round, providing a unique perspective of the city's landmarks. For a budget-friendly option, try the Batobus, which functions like a hop-on-hop-off bus on water, stopping at major attractions.
Jardin d'Acclimatation : This charming amusement park comes alive in summer with water play areas, mini roller coasters, and boat rides. It's perfect for younger children and offers a more relaxed alternative to big theme parks. The newly renovated park includes 40 attractions spread across 18 hectares of beautiful gardens.
Disneyland Paris: Just a short train ride from the city, Disneyland Paris offers all the magic of Disney in a more compact and manageable setting than Disney World. With two parks full of rides, shows, and parades, it's a fun-filled day that the whole fam will love.
Parc Astérix: A great and less crowded alternative to Disneyland, Parc Astérix is about 35km outside Paris and offers a uniquely French experience. Based on the beloved French comic character, this theme park is a hit with kids of all ages. It's less crowded than Disneyland and features fantastic water rides, making it a perfect choice for a fun day out.
Summer-Only Fun (Go Before the End of August!)
One thing I learned the hard way on this trip is that Paris has a secret calendar. A LOT of the best kids' activities shut down right at the end of August when French kids go back to school, so if you're visiting in late summer, these are worth planning your trip around:
- Swimming in the Seine: Paris now has official swimming spots in the Seine, including Bras Marie, Bercy and Grenelle. They closed on August 30 this year, just four days before we arrived!
- Bassin de la Villette pools: Outdoor swimming right in the canal, also summer only.
- Fête des Tuileries: A summer funfair in the Tuileries Gardens with a giant Ferris wheel. It ended in late August.
- Piscine Joséphine Baker: A pool floating on the Seine. It's open year-round, but during the school year the public hours are limited, so check the schedule before you go.
Next Time: What We're Coming Back For This Winter
We're hoping to be back in Paris this winter, and here's what's at the top of our list:
- Mon Premier Cabaret: A real Parisian cabaret made for kids at the Paradis Latin, with dancing, French cancan, singing, magic and circus acts (and no nudity!). It was on a break during our trip, but it's back from October 25 to December 30, 2026. This is the one I'm most sad we missed.
- Philharmonie des Enfants: A music-themed play space for kids aged 4 to 10 at the Philharmonie in Parc de la Villette. It was closed for a few weeks when we visited because of the back-to-school break.
- Musée d'Orsay: I want to do it with the kids' audio guide narrated by Pompon the polar bear, and time it for the French school holidays. During the breaks, the museum's gorgeous ballroom-style Salle des Fêtes turns into a free family space with giant games, creative workshops and readings (free with your museum ticket, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, kids 2+).
- Marché aux Puces: A kids' treasure hunt at the famous Paris flea market, followed by lunch at Ma Cocotte.
- Café Pli: A café where you can write letters to your future self.
- Deyrolle and the covered passages: Deyrolle is a historic natural history shop full of taxidermy animals and insects, and the old glass-roofed passages nearby are perfect for a rainy day.
- The Ménagerie: The small zoo in the Jardin des Plantes (we made it to the dodo carousel, but not the zoo!).
And for our next spring or summer trip, we're saving a whole afternoon for the Bois de Vincennes: rowboats on Lac Daumesnil, the huge playground at Parc Floral, and drinks at Rosa Bonheur à l'Est (plus the original Rosa Bonheur in Buttes-Chaumont).