Things to do with kids in Paris
Turn carousel rides, crêpe stops, and park adventures into your family’s favorite memories.
Most popular things to do with kids in Paris
Book the most-loved kid-friendly experiences across the city.
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Things to do with kids in Paris for under $50
Explore budget-friendly family experiences in the city.
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Paris museums with kids
Discover fun and wonder for every age.
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About traveling with kids in Paris
Paris with kids looks a bit different then the Paris you might remember from before them, and that’s exactly what makes it worth the trip. The parks are made for family-friendly afternoons: trampolines beside the Tuileries; wooden sailboats pushed across the fountains of the Luxembourg Gardens; free Guignol puppet shows performed in French (that English-speaking kids somehow understand anyway). Museums also offer plenty for kids to enjoy, including hands-on studios and rotating exhibits made just for children. Don’t forget the neighborhood boulangeries and corner crêpe stands to keep everyone fed and happy between stops. Airbnb Experiences are another great way to pack in the family fun. Local hosts offer hands-on baking classes, kid-friendly food tours, or a gentle walk through the city’s most playful corners. Your family may end up walking more than you expect, but tired legs will be rewarded with a carousel at nearly every turn. Stay out a little longer to catch the Eiffel Tower’s hourly sparkle in the evenings.
Top highlights for your visit
Tuileries Gardens
Just steps from the Louvre, the Tuileries’ sprawling playground and seasonal trampoline area create a place where kids from around the world can play together without sharing a common language. On Sunday mornings, the gardens’ wide gravel paths fill with locals walking their dogs and children chasing bubbles near the fountain.
Luxembourg Gardens
Rent a wooden sailboat for a few euros and watch your child push it across the grand fountain with a long stick—then sprint to the other side to catch it. The old carousel here still has brass rings to spear, a tradition that has disappeared from most cities.
Cooking class in Montmartre
Your family can roll macaron batter in a kitchen tucked along Montmartre’s cobblestone streets. These classes are designed for families, so the pace is forgiving and the results are genuinely delicious.
Seine River cruise
A one-hour boat ride from the base of the Eiffel Tower gives your family a chance to rest tired legs, and kids can move freely on the open decks. It’s also a great way to take in the city’s landmarks from a new perspective—the Notre-Dame and Grand Palais look completely different from the river.
Traveling with kids in Paris FAQs
Is Paris good for kids?
Paris is a wonderful city for families. The parks have dedicated playgrounds, trampolines, and carousels, and many museums run activities designed for younger visitors. French culture also welcomes children at restaurants and public spaces.
What age is best for Paris?
Children aged 4–8 are likely to get the most from a trip to Paris. They’re old enough to walk reasonable distances and enjoy museums in short bursts, but they’re young enough to still find genuine magic in a carousel ride or a crêpe from a street stall.
How do you get around Paris?
The Metro is affordable and reaches nearly everywhere. Pick up a Navigo Easy card at any station and load it with single rides. Children under 4 travel free, and those ages 4-9 pay half price. Walking is the best way to see the city, and a kick scooter can extend your child’s range considerably.
What can kids eat in Paris?
More than you might expect. Crêpes with lemon and sugar are a local favorite, and most neighborhood bistros serve steak haché with frites. Boulangeries on every corner sell fresh croissants and baguettes at friendly prices. You can also ask for sparkling water flavored with syrup at any café.
What can kids do in Paris for free?
Paris has plenty of free family activities to fill your days. Notre Dame is free to enter with a reservation and is open daily. Luxembourg Gardens has a fenced playground, puppet theater, carousel, and pony rides, while the Tuileries offers a playground, trampoline, carousel, and a summer fairground. Both parks are perfect for letting kids run and play between sightseeing stops.
What parks are best for kids?
Luxembourg Gardens has a playground, an old carousel, pony rides, and toy sailboats in the fountain. The Tuileries offers trampolines, a playground, and a seasonal Christmas funfair. Parc de la Villette has creative playgrounds and a science museum, and Jardin d’Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne is a full amusement park.
Where should families stay in Paris?
The 1st arrondissement puts you near the Louvre and Tuileries and is filled with green space. The 6th arrondissement is close to the Luxembourg Gardens, which features a fenced playground, puppet theater, and carousel. The 7th arrondissement puts you within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. All three neighborhoods are well connected by metro and have plenty of family-friendly restaurants nearby.
Can toddlers enjoy Paris sightseeing tours?
They can. Shorter, slower-paced tours are best for little ones. Luxembourg Gardens is especially toddler-friendly, with a fenced playground, pony rides, and a puppet theater. If you plan to tour the Eiffel Tower, booking elevator tickets well in advance will help you skip long waits. Many guides can also adjust their tour experience to accommodate young children, so the whole family enjoys the day.
Things to know before traveling with kids in Paris
Getting around
- Older Metro stations have stairs, so bussing or walking is often easier with a stroller.
- Plan for shorter days with lots of breaks, since small legs tire quickly.
- Parks and squares are perfect spots to let kids play between stops.
What to wear and bring
- Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- Pack snacks and water to keep kids happy between meals.
- A lightweight, foldable stroller is easier to manage on the Metro and in cafés.
Important information
- Many restaurants welcome children and can make simple dishes on request.
- Lunch is generally served between noon and 2 PM, with dinner starting around 7:30 PM.
- Some historic venues have limited stroller access, so check ahead.