Paris with Kids: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

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.

Finding the right accommodations that work for families can be tricky when you're heading to Paris with kids. I obviously have not stayed at all of these, but know a thing or two about family-friendly accommodations + spent MANY hours researching. Here are my top picks: 

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. 

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! While we couldn’t fit it in for this trip, if you’re visiting Paris, I highly recommend booking a session. The Eiffel Tower, along with the picturesque streets and landmarks, makes for such a gorgeous backdrop. There are tons of photographers to choose from, but I personally would love to use Leo or Olga next time (their photos are so gorgeous). 

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).

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?!). But if you're visiting Paris with kids outside of their 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.

Museum Schedules: Another thing to note is that 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 Mondays (along with a lot of other things that also closed on Mondays), while the Louvre and Orangerie shut down on Tuesdays. I'd definitely recommend checking opening days before getting too attached to your itinerary!

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.

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.

Follow this walking itinerary with kids:

1. Start on the north side of Jardin du Palais Royal
2. Walk through the gardens and chase some pigeons until you reach Buren's Columns
3. Exit and you'll reach the Louvre - it's fun to get some photos in front of the glass pyramids
4. Continue towards Jardin des Tuileries
5. Stop by the enclosed rope bridge playground 
6. Continue towards to bounce on the in-ground trampolines
7. In the summer, rent toy boats at the water basin
8. 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 school holidays (zone C), which is typically beginning of July to end of August, 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 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.

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. 

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. 

Finding family-friendly restaurants in Paris was easier than we expected! Here are our favorites:

The Nouvelle Garde Brasseries:  This popular restaurant group includes several of the best family-friendly dining options in Paris, including 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, making them a go-to spots for hassle-free family meals in Paris.

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:

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.

Seine River Cruises: 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.