Paris has plenty of exciting experiences to offer far beyond the gates of the big theme parks. When it comes to the city’s classic landmarks, there’s hardly a kid who won’t be thrilled to see Paris spread out beneath them from way up high, and of course there’s no kid who doesn’t love a theme park. So working a climb up the Eiffel Tower or a visit to Disneyland Paris into your family itinerary is pretty much a must, and it’s sure to leave your kids with a spectacular memory of their visit to the City of Light.
I made my first trip to Paris when I was 3. Since then I visited it quite a few times as a kid and discovered its magic through curious eyes. The goal of this page is to give you all the information that will make your kids fall in love with Paris, just like I did.
🏆 3 Must-Do Attractions for Kids (Book Ahead!)
Disneyland Paris
The most popular attraction of them all. Book your tickets well in advance!
Eiffel Tower
An unforgettable experience. I highly recommend booking tickets to the second floor or the summit.
Great Attraction Deals
Why pay separately? Here are combos that will save you money and time.
Attractions for Kids in Paris
🎡 Theme Parks
Disneyland Paris
Every kid’s dream. The park where the magic comes to life and kids get to meet the characters.
- Once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Long lines
Parc Astérix
Crazy roller coasters and an authentic French atmosphere. Perfect for action lovers.
- Big adrenaline
- Best if you know the comics
Jardin d’Acclimatation
A charming park in the Bois de Boulogne. Perfect for toddlers and young kids who need some calm.
- In the city and easy to reach
- Rides cost extra
France Miniature
See the whole country in two hours. Detailed models of all the major landmarks.
- Educational and impressive
- Outside the city
Aquaboulevard
A huge indoor water park. The perfect plan for rainy or very hot days.
- Great in winter
- Busy on weekends
🗼 Landmarks
Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris. There’s no kid who won’t be thrilled to see the city from that high up.
- A must-do
- Book weeks ahead
Arc de Triomphe
A great view of the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Glorious history.
- The best view in town
- Lots of stairs
The Catacombs
A fascinating (and slightly spooky) journey into the underground city of the dead. For brave teens.
- A one-of-a-kind adventure
- Not for the faint of heart
Tour Montparnasse
The observation deck on the 56th floor closed on March 31, 2026 for a renovation that will last several years. No official reopening date has been announced yet, and estimates point to 2030 at the earliest. For a view with the kids, head to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower.
- Currently closed for renovation
Château de Versailles
Stroll around like royalty. The huge gardens are a perfect place to run around and ride bikes.
- Stunning gardens
- The palace gets crowded
Sainte-Chapelle
A church that looks like a jewelry box made of glass. The stained-glass windows will leave you speechless.
- Breathtaking beauty
- Narrow stairs
🎨 Museums for Kids
Musée Grévin wax museum
Take selfies with soccer stars and famous singers. Includes a crazy hall of mirrors.
- Pure fun
- Pricey ticket
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
Paradise for curious kids. Everything is interactive and you’re allowed to touch it all.
- Dedicated kids’ area
- A bit far from the center
Grande Galerie de l’Évolution
A parade of hundreds of life-size animals in a gorgeous building in the Jardin des Plantes.
- Visually stunning
- Lots of walking
Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique)
A modern zoo without cages that recreates the animals’ natural habitats.
- Great conditions for the animals
- Very large grounds
Aquarium de Paris
A magical underwater world facing the Eiffel Tower. Includes a fish touch pool and a shark tunnel.
- Central location
- Relatively pricey
Chocolate museum
Learn about the history of cocoa and, most important of all, taste as much chocolate as you like.
- Free tastings
- Small museum
Museum of Illusions
Optical illusions and upside-down rooms. The best place in town for Instagram photos.
- Fun for the whole family
- Crowded on weekends
The Louvre
You have to see the Mona Lisa. The palace itself is an experience, just don’t try to see everything.
- The world’s most important collection
- Very crowded
⛵ Activities and Tours
Seine cruise
Sit back and let Paris glide past your eyes. A great way to rest your feet.
- A break for tired legs
- Boring for toddlers
FlyView Paris
An amazing VR simulator that takes you on a virtual flight over the rooftops of Paris.
- Cool technology
- Short attraction
The “Emily in Paris” tour
Got teens at home? They’ll love this tour of the show’s filming locations.
- Perfect photos
- On foot
Perfume workshop for kids
Become little “noses” and create your own perfume at the perfume museum.
- A souvenir you make yourself
- Takes concentration
Hop-on hop-off bus
The open top deck is an experience in itself. The easiest way to see the city.
- Easy with kids
- Commentary in French
The Lion King
The world’s most successful musical in a lavish Paris production. Songs everyone knows.
- Spectacular production
- Songs in French
My First Cabaret
A cabaret and acrobatics show made especially for kids at the Paradis Latin.
- Made for their age
- Daytime only
How Do You Explore Paris on Foot with Kids?
Self-guided walk
I built a special family itinerary that will take you to the most beautiful places at your own pace.
The Francophile’s Tips for a Perfect Family Trip
Paris with a stroller on the metro can be a nightmare (lots of stairs, few elevators). My tip: take the bus! It’s comfortable, stroller-friendly, and you get a free city tour along the way. Line 69, for example, is practically a tourist bus for the price of a regular ticket. If you do take the metro, try to avoid rush hour (8:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:00).
Worried about “serious” restaurants with the kids? The perfect solution is the bouillons (like Bouillon Chartier or Bouillon Pigalle). They’re noisy and cheerful, serve cheap classic French food, and the service is lightning fast, which is crucial with hungry kids. See my list of recommended restaurants (bouillons included) »
Golden tip: always keep lollipops in your bag for flights and meltdown moments.
Don’t stay cooped up in the hotel! You can take the kids to Rex Studios for an interactive behind-the-scenes tour of the movies. My top recommendation: escape to the covered passages (Passages Couverts): old shopping arcades with glass roofs, old-fashioned toy shops and a dry, cozy time-machine atmosphere.
The Louvre too packed? Try the Petit Palais. Entry to the permanent collection is free, the building is gorgeous and there’s a lovely inner garden where the grown-ups can grab a coffee. For tech and gadget lovers, the Musée des Arts et Métiers is pure paradise, with old airplanes and vintage cars. Book tickets »
Paris is safe, but in crowded areas (in front of the Eiffel Tower or on the metro) keep an eye on your bags. Watch out for the “petition scam”: people who ask you to sign a sheet of paper to distract you. Just say a firm “Non” and keep walking confidently.
Book your hotel as early as you can. Paris fills up, and family hotels get snapped up fast. Check out my picks for family-friendly hotels or vacation apartments.
