Paris with kids: 27 plans beyond Disney
Paris with kids is very much worth it. Although many families traveling to the French capital do so to enjoy Disney, there are many more things to do in Paris with your children.
Whether you are going to visit Mickey and say hello to Madame Eiffel Tower along the way, or if your only destination is the city of love, pay attention because here are plenty of ideas to enjoy Paris with kids. And mind you, these are just a few because this capital has an incredible offer for childhood.
Remember to take out travel insurance. In France, the European Health Insurance Card does not cover you 100%, because healthcare is based on co-payments. I recommend including cancellation, as this is a very expensive destination to lose bookings. I use Heymondo, which has a special policy for families with details such as 24-hour pediatric care, among others.
Now, for being a reader of this blog, you get a 20% discount if you travel as a family
First of all, here are some accommodation options that are a good idea if you are going to travel to Paris with kids:
–Meininger Porte des Vincennes This hotel chain is ideal for families because they think a lot about the little ones and it usually comes out at a good price. You have family rooms, a communal kitchen to save some money, a play area, and the breakfast is very complete. Highly recommended!
–YOOMA Urban Lodge. In the same vein as the previous one, this hotel near the Eiffel Tower is great for going with kids. It has entertainment areas, arcade games, laundry, a baby room with bathtubs, a communal kitchena… And it’s also not excessively expensive, so it’s a very good bet. For adults, it even has a gym and sauna.
–Yuna Les Halles For those looking for the comfort of having more space and a kitchen to prepare some food, these apartments are a great option. They have excellent reviews, are modern, and are located right in the center, in the 1st arrondissement, just a few minutes’ walk from Notre Dame.
–Hotel Joke Astotel For those who prefer a hotel, this one next to the Moulin Rouge is ideal for families. In addition to the very fun decor, there is always something at the reception to snack on for free and the breakfast is included.
–Novotel Gare de Lyon. Having a children’s area and a heated pool for the kids to enjoy all year round is a guaranteed success if you go to Paris with children.
Plans in Paris with children for all tastes
The plans for things to do with children in Paris that you are about to discover are the ones I have done during two different trips with my three little ones, one in the height of summer and another in December.
The first was a trip at a very relaxed pace and with a ‘technical’ stop of several days due to my partner’s illness (remember to take out good travel insurance because in France healthcare is based on co-payments and the European Health Insurance Card does not always cover all medical expenses). Take advantage of the extra 15% discount on travel insurance for families plus another 5% for being a reader of this blog, which means a 20% total discount if you go with children when booking through that link.
Because of that stop due to illness, and because Paris with children offers enough for many different trips, there were many plans that were left undone and that I was able to do later on this last Christmas trip. However, there are still more things to do with children in Paris, and I’ll leave some here for you to get to know them and create your own tailor-made itinerary.
As you will see, here are some ideas about where to go with children in Paris beyond the classic tour of the city visiting the traditional monuments and points of interest.
The most beautiful game about Paris that exists
Surprise your children with Paris Trip, a complete game about the French capital that is fun, educational, sustainable, and ideal for traveling.
The City of Science and Industry in 5 essentials
North of Paris, in the giant La Villette park, is the City of Science and Industry. At first glance, the name might not sound very child-friendly, but this great museum hosts one of the best plans if you are going to Paris with children: the Cité des Enfants. But watch out, because there is more, much more…
Take a look at everything there is to see and do in this space so you can organize your visit well and not miss anything. Ideally, you should book each activity in advance because some work with specific time slots
The Cité des Enfants, a must-see with children in Paris
This children’s area is a real gem for the little ones in the house to get closer to science in a fun and playful way. The Cité des Enfantss is divided into two zones according to age, from 2 to 7 years and from 5 to 10 years. In both cases, these are one-and-a-half-hour sessions during which children will enjoy the different themed rooms with activities to learn while playing.
Important update: The area for 2 to 7-year-olds remains closed for renovation work until June 2026. And the area for 5 to 10-year-olds has just reopened after a major renovation with completely new activities
Time flies and all the rooms are great, so keep an eye on the clock so your child doesn’t get stuck in the first one and miss the rest. Depending on age and area, they will be able to experiment with their own bodies, with water or with emotions, test different skills and step into the shoes of adults ‘working’ in construction or on a television set.
I recommend buying your ticket in advance and booking the time slot that suits you best. Keep in mind that adults must also pay for a ticket because children cannot enter alone. And keep in mind that this is a separate ticket, different from the general admission to the City of Science.
- Price: €13 for ages 2 and up. If you also want to access the Planetarium, the submarine, and the permanent and temporary exhibitions of the City of Science, it is €16.
- Hours: Four sessions per day: 9:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30.
- Location: Ground floor of the City of Science at 30, Avenue Corentin-Cariou.
- How to get there: Metro Porte de la Villette or Corentin Cariou.
- Booking website: La Cité des Enfants
La Cité des Bébés, because babies also count
Within the grounds of the City of Science, there is a free area dedicated exclusively to babies between 0 and 23 months with a very special philosophy that promotes their cognitive and physical development. Upon entering, you must take off your shoes and leave your things in a locker. Note that ‘your things’ also includes parking your phone because this is a mobile-free space so that you can focus solely and exclusively on playing and connecting with your baby.
La Cité des Bébés is a gem that I haven’t found anywhere else in the world so far. A space without plastic toys, where materials such as wood and fabrics prevail. Here, the free movement of children is facilitated and promoted, where they will find plenty of stimuli all interesting and also beautiful: ramps to climb, mats to jump on or rest, doors to crawl through, latches to practice with, objects to make sound, and even an Indian tipi and an African hut to play in.
In addition, the afternoon I was there, for example, there was an activity combining music and languages that kept the babies absorbed for a while. You can check the schedule here because they do a lot of cool things designed to enhance psychomotor skills and cognitive attention
*2025 Update:
The La Cité des Bébés space has been completely renovated and reopened with new offerings. They open from Tuesday to Sunday in two sessions: one from 10 am to 12 pm and another from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The price is €4.50 for the first adult companion and €2 for the second; babies do not pay.
It is necessary to book in advance here and the booking calendar opens 7 days in advance.
Temporary exhibitions for children
Don’t miss the temporary interactive exhibitions for children that they organize. During my visit in August 2022, I was able to see with my children the Fragile expo (no longer available) designed for little ones aged 2 to 6, which they and I both loved.
As they change, the best thing to do is check. Right now and until the end of August 2026, you can visit the interactive Dogs & Cats expo for children from 6 years old. You also have the Danser exhibition(dance) which children from 4 years old can access and which will be set up until June 28, 2026
Travel through the sky and space at the Planetarium
Another of the City of Science activities that usually excites older children is the Planetarium where, depending on the season and the schedule, there are different projections that will transport you to the sky or outer space.
Children under two years old cannot enter. However, depending on your child, it may not be a very good idea because some very young children, as happened to mine aged 3 and 5, can even find it a bit scary
Entering a real submarine
At the rear exterior of the City of Science and Industry, the Argonaute, an authentic submarine that began diving in the 1950s and in whose tiny interior up to 40 men came to share life and space.
The children loved going inside a real submarine. In theory, children under two are not allowed to enter, but I went with my 16-month-old baby and they had no problem. I left the stroller at the entrance and entered with the baby carrier (keep in mind the extremely limited space inside)
Upon leaving the submarine, you will find the ‘Under the Ocean’ exhibition with very interesting and interactive proposals to learn more about the sea and submarines. My children liked both visits. In addition, the little ones can listen to a specific audio guide for children in Spanish on your own mobile phone with the curious story of the Argonaute and its relocation. Here is the link.
Plenty to enjoy at the Jardin des Plantes
Cross to the Left Bank of the Seine to enter the Jardin des Plantes, a giant botanical garden where several things to do with children in Paris await you. Entrance to the Jardin des Plantes is free, but some of the facilities inside do charge a fee, as you will see.
The first recommendation on this list is a guaranteed success. Stay tuned!
The Grand Gallery of Evolution, a great plan to do in Paris with children
At the south entrance, opposite the Great Mosque of Paris, is the Grand Gallery of Evolution, belonging to the Natural History Museum. Inside a beautiful 19th-century building, crowned with an incredible glass and metal roof that changes color, a gigantic caravan of life-sized animals from the African savannah awaits you.
The display of these animals, many of them taxidermied, will leave children, and those not so young, in awe. There are also reproductions of animals from the desert, the tropics, and the oceans.
But it is not the only attraction of this place, where they will also learn about biodiversity, the evolution of species, and how human action has influenced it.
On the other hand, children from 6 to 12 years old can enter the Galerie des Enfants, a permanent and interactive exhibition where there is much to touch and learn. If you want to access this area, you must buy a specific ticket. Until January 7, 2024, you can also buy a combined ticket to visit the Felines temporary exhibition
From 8 years old, only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they can see Revivre, an augmented reality experience in which for fifteen minutes children will be surrounded by animals of already extinct species. It is advisable to buy the ticket in advance.
There is also a virtual reality booth for those over 12 to travel back in time more than three million years to see what life was like then and be surrounded by already extinct species
- Price: Children and those under 25 years old free. Over 25s: €10 (access only to the Gallery of Evolution), €13 together with the Galerie des Enfants, the Virtual Reality booth, or Revivre (one of the three).
- Opening Hours: Closed Tuesdays. Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Location: 36, rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.
- How to get there: Censier-Daubenton, Place Monge, or Gare d’Austerlitz (RER) metro stations
- Website for booking: Grand Gallery of Evolution
- Remember to take out travel insurance for Paris. In France, the European health insurance card does not cover you 100%, because healthcare involves co-payments. I recommend including cancellation cover, this is a destination too expensive to lose bookings. I use Heymondo, which has a special policy for families with details such as 24-hour pediatric care, among others.
Now, as a reader of this blog, you have up to a 20% discount if you travel as a family
Keep in mind that it’s not just about healthcare; this insurance also covers many other incidents such as theft, repatriation, lost luggage…
Another way to enter the Gallery of Evolution is with this private excursion in Paris for families which includes access to the gallery, a three-hour guided tour of the city, games for children, and a cake and chocolate tasting.
See real animals at the Ménagerie zoo
Also within the grounds of Le Jardin des Plantes, you will find Ménagerie, one of the oldest zoos in the world which dates back to 1794. In its facilities, with an Art Deco aesthetic, even a specimen of the elusive and rare snow leopard ‘lives’. Personally, I am not a fan of zoos, I did not visit it and I do not recommend them, but if you want to go, there is another plan for Paris with kids.
- Price: Free for children under 3. €10 up to 25 years old. €13 for adults 25 and over.
- Opening hours: From 10 am to 6 pm.
- Location:Nearest entrance via rue Cuvier, numbers 57 and 47.
- How to get there:Jussieu or Place Monge metro
- Ticket sales: Ménagerie, the Jardin des Plantes zoo
Explore the greenhouses
Within the Jardin des Plantes, there are four greenhouses known as Les Grandes Serres housed in beautiful 19th-century buildings where plants from all over the world coexist.
In my case, I didn’t go in because it was very hot in the middle of August and the guards themselves recommended not entering with the baby due to the humidity and high temperatures inside. In autumn and winter, it will be a great plan to stay warm with the kids while seeing everything from tropical plants to desert cacti.
- Price: Free for children under 3. €5 for up to 25 years old. €7 for adults over 25 years old.
- Hours:Closed on Tuesdays. Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Location:Closest entrance via rue Cuvier, numbers 57 and 47.
- How to get there: Metro Jussieu or Place Monge
- Ticket sales: Les Grandes Serres
Making the most of the summer garden and its activities
In summer, Le Jardin des Plantes steps it up. I suggest a free plan to do with children in Paris: a picnic. Take something to eat outdoors in the summer garden that they set up with shade, chairs, and large cushions to lie down and rest in the shade. Right next to it, there is an ice cream stand that I assure you is delicious.
In addition, they offer a program of the most comprehensive kind with a lot of activities for children, from storytelling to guided tours, including becoming detectives or enjoying sensory and creative experiences. However, keep in mind that these activities are not in English.
Among dinosaurs and precious stones
The Gallery of Paleontology belongs to the Natural History Museum of Paris.
Watch out, there is still more to discover in Le Jardin des Plantes. If your children like dinosaurs, a great plan in Paris with kids will be to enter the Gallery of Paleontology (2, rue Buffon) where you can spend time among more than 600 skeletons, not only of dinosaurs, but of many other species.
In case your little ones prefer ‘stones’, you can also visit the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology, right in front of the Great Gallery of Evolution (36, rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire)
Both places belong to the Museum of Natural History and in both cases they close on Tuesdays and open from 10 am to 6 pm the rest of the days.
Secret great plan in Paris with kids: Musée en Herbe
Here is a plan to do in Paris with kids that you will find in few guides, but that Parisian families love and seem to want to keep secret: the Musée en Herbe. It is a small children’s art museum that will not leave children or adults indifferent. In fact, they proclaim themselves as the only museum for an audience from 3 to 103 years old.
When I was there, there was the very fun interactive exhibition by the artist Speedy Graphito called ‘Imaginary Worlds’. Upon arrival, children become superheroes with a mission to complete. To do this, they are given a cape and a small book of challenges, depending on their age, and an ink pen only visible with the light on the back. Upon leaving, they receive a small gift if they have completed the challenges.
Currently and until January 4, 2026, you can visit the Abysses digital exhibition by artist Miguel Chevalier .
Apart from this, they also organize art workshops both for the little ones from two and a half to five years old, and for children from five to twelve years old. These must be reserved and are paid for separately from the entrance ticket.
- Price: Free for children under 3 years old. €8 from 3 years old.
- Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 7 pm.
- Location: 23, rue de l’Arbre Sec.
- How to get there:Pont Neuf or Louvre-Rivoli
- Ticket sales: Le Musée en Herbe
Sail the Seine on a cruise
Undoubtedly, one of the essential activities to do in Paris with children is the Seine boat trip. Contemplating the city from the water is well worth it, and they will love passing under the bridges, trying to touch them with their hands, and waving to passengers on other boats.
The cruise lasts just over one hour which goes by very quickly because there is constantly something beautiful to look at. In addition, as the Seine is a narrow river, buildings such as the Louvre and D’Orsay museums or Notre Dame Cathedral can be seen very closely.
Given the high prices in the French capital, the Seine cruise is one of the most affordable and worthwhile activities to do in Paris with children. Children under 4 go free, children aged 4 to 12 pay ‒7.50 and from 13 years old they pay ‒16 because they are considered adults. However, the cruise is an activity included in the Paris Pass card.
If your children are fans of the Ladybug cartoons, they will love the Ladybug themed cruise. However, keep in mind that the little show and the game that the two main characters do on board is only in French, but it includes a brochure in English. However, explain to your little one beforehand that they won’t be speaking their language to avoid disappointment.
*If you need all the detailed information about the various Seine cruises, I recommend reading this complete article about the boat tour.
- Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Location: Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
- How to get there: Metro Trocadero or Bir-Hakeim. Bus 42 or 92
- Booking: Seine river cruise
Getting on the tourist bus
If you are short on time, a very good option with children is to take the Paris tourist bus. The little ones will find it very fun to ride in an open-top double-decker bus and put on the audio guide which, in English, will tell many curiosities and historical facts.
Furthermore, it will be a relief for you, especially if you are traveling with babies, to stop carrying the stroller up and down the stairs of the complicated French capital’s metro for at least a day. The convenience of letting yourself be taken along the most classic tourist route in Paris is something to consider.
You won’t have to think about how to get there, or make transfers, just enjoy with your children the panoramic views from the second floor of the bus and hop on and off as many times as you want right in front of the main points of interest.
If you want all the details on prices, stops, and schedules, take a look at this article about the Paris hop-on hop-off bus. For me, it was very convenient to forget about the metro for a day and finish seeing some of the city’s must-sees with my three children.
A tip: it’s worth waiting at the stop for the next bus to get seats on the top floor and, if possible, in the first two rows where you will have space to leave your backpacks and even the folded stroller if you don’t want to leave it downstairs. Additionally, those two rows usually have a small roof that will protect the little ones from the sun in the middle of summer and from the rain. And if you’re worried about safety, those seats have glass both in front and on the sides, which avoids any risk of some daring little one leaning out too far
- Booking website: Paris hop-on hop-off bus with a cruise option.
- Tickets for this transport are included in the Paris Pass card.
Contemplating Paris with children from a bird's-eye view from the Eiffel Tower
No visit to the French capital would be complete without climbing its iron giant. But be careful, for this great plan to go well you first have to book tickets for the Eiffel Tower well in advance, especially to go up to the summit, and arm yourself with patience because at the very least you’ll have to queue for the security entrance check and for the elevators both to go up and to go down. We already know that children and long waits don’t get along very well.
If you are going with a baby, you can take the stroller up in the elevator, but when it’s time to get in the elevator, they will ask you to fold it due to capacity issues. In any case, I recommend, as much as possible, avoiding it or using a baby carrier because even on the second floor it is usually very crowded and difficult to move with a stroller. Imagine on the third floor where space is even more limited
Children under 4 years old enter for free and from there there are three price brackets depending on age: 4 to 11 years, 12 to 24 years, and from 25 years old. The price varies if you go up to the first, second, or third floor, as well as if you do it on foot or by elevator.
There are many different ways to visiting the Eiffel Tower, so you have to choose the one that best suits your family and your plans. Remember to plan as far in advance as possible because some tickets at certain times sell out very quickly. However, if that happens to you, I recommend buying Eiffel Tower tickets with Civitatis because they have extra capacity and, although they cost a bit more, they will save you from leaving Paris without living its best experience and will save you the huge line at the ticket office (note: the security line is for everyone).
Playing in the Conciergerie and the Saint-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité
Don’t miss the historic Paris prison, or the church with the most impressive stained glass windows in the city just because you’re traveling with children. It might not seem like an enjoyable visit for them at first, but with a bit of play and a bit of technology, I assure you they will be a success.
The Conciergerie was a beautiful palace in the 14th century that, during the Reign of Terror between 1793 and 1794, was converted into a prison that housed famous prisoners such as Marie Antoinette or Robespierre. Throughout the self-guided tour, children will travel back in time thanks to the HistoPad, an interactive tablet included with the ticket which, additionally, also includes a kind of treasure hunt. You’ll have a hard time getting them out of there!
Just next door, the impressive stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle await you, a Gothic gem that, through the colorful scenes of its windows up to 15 meters high, tells stories from the Old and New Testaments.
Suggest to the little ones to find specific animals or figures in the stained glass windows to keep them entertained and to be able to admire the incredible beauty of this place. If it’s also a sunny day, the sunbeams will turn into fun spots of colored light on the chapel floor, another incentive to encourage children to play, while always respecting the site.
- Prices: €11.50 for each site separately. Combined ticket to see both €18.50. Children and youth up to 25 years old, free. Included in the Paris Pass card.
- Location: 2 and 8, Boulevard du Palais on L’Île de la Cité.
- How to get there: Metro stops Cité, Chatelet, or Saint Michel.
- Booking: combined ticket to La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.
Discover the Louvre's secret plan
Even a giant like the Louvre museum which, at first glance, might seem overwhelming or complicated to visit with small children, is a great plan to do in Paris with children. And did you know that it has a children’s area?
On the ground floor of the Richelieu wing, you will find The Studio, a space designed for the little ones with plenty of completely free art activities. Just keep in mind that they are held in French, but as you know, children make themselves understood. However, you can enter on your own so the little ones can experiment with some of the proposals available, such as organizing small sculptures or letting their creativity fly with the materials offered.
Oh, in The Studio there is also a baby area where you can feed them and there is even a chair to breastfeed comfortably. Another practical fact is that on the ground floor, next to the main staircase and under the great pyramid, at the ‘Assistance’ office, they lend you strollers and baby carriers for free for the little ones.
It is the perfect place to take a break if you are going to Paris with children and don’t want to give up on entering the Louvre.
If your children are a bit older, you can rent for €5 aa Nintendo DS that works as a 3D audio guide and which, this time, yes, is in Spanish.
By the way, remember that entry to the Louvre is free for all children and for young people from the European Union up to 26. Adults pay €17 if they buy online and remember that even if you enter for free because you have the Museum Pass or the Paris Pass, you must reserve the day in advance. Note that it is closed on Tuesdays.
- Another good option is to book the guided tour of the Louvre museum which lasts about 2 hours.
Explore the fun neighborhood of Montmartre
The Montmartre neighborhood exudes charm, personality, and that touch between bohemian and rascally given by the artistic atmosphere it boasts. Despite its hellish slopes, you cannot miss spending a day of your trip to Paris with children getting lost in its streets, admiring the silhouette of the Sacre Coeur, taking the little ones on the carousel, admiring the skill of the painters in Place du Tertre, searching the walls for small street art surprises, giving each other many kisses in front of the the Wall of ‘I Love Yous’, greet the ‘man’ who walks through a wall, peek into Amélie’s café and even, with children over 6 years old, watch one of the famous shows at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
I visited on my own with my children on two different days, but on my last visit without them, I took the free tour through Montmartre and I had a completely different perspective after learning more about its history and following in the footsteps of artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.
Gardens and parks to stop at (or not)
Paris is full of green spaces, each more beautiful than the last, for the little ones to burn off energy. The list of places to have a family picnic, slide down a slide, feed the ducks, and ride a carousel is very comprehensive. Here are some examples:
Tuileries Garden
The stretch from the Louvre to the obelisk of the Place de la Concorde is a classic that cannot be missed on your visit to Paris with children. It has a very cool children’s play area, a couple of fountains where you can sail small sailboats, a giant Ferris wheel, and, in summer, a fair with its flying chairs, bumper cars, and food stalls.
Luxembourg Gardens
Almost at the end of the Latin Quarter, there is another huge green area that exudes elegance and has a children’s offer that even includes puppets. Additionally, the little ones will also have a great time here steering sailboats with a pole. Renting one for half an hour costs €6.
Les Halles (Nelson Mandela Park)
The children’s play area for younger children in Les Halles.
Right in the center, two steps from the Seine, children will have a blast in the two incredible play areas separated by age. Children from 7 to 12 years old have the modern Terrain d’Aventure, an area closed to parents where they will have an hour to play and climb on a striking structure ‘supervised’ by caregivers. The little ones also have their own play area. Don’t leave without stopping by the Lego store right next door.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Not far from Montmartre, this green lung built on a former quarry boasts a waterfall, lake, caves, and even a suspension bridge.
- Belleville Park: Near the former, perched on a hill, it offers three very cool things to do: admire the impressive panoramic views of Paris at your feet, go up and down non-stop on slides, climbing walls, and various structures, and finally, be surprised by the vineyards that still yield grapes.
- The two forests of Paris: Bois de Boulogne, to the west, and Bois de Vincennes, to the east. These two gigantic stretches of countryside are perfect for disconnecting from the city.
Enjoying the beaches of Paris in summer
During the summer months, the banks of the Seine’s Right Bank and Le Bassin de la Villette are filled with umbrellas, sun loungers, sports, children’s and cultural activities thanks to the initiative Paris Plages which usually takes place in the months of July and August
Paris Plages at Le Bassin de la Villette in summer
Without a doubt, it was one of the best plans with children in Paris that I enjoyed during my trip in August. At Le Bassin de la Villette tthere are pools to swim in the canal, a children’s climbing wall, hand-cranked boats for ages 4 and up, trampolines, a carousel, a zip line, children’s workshops, a library, a dance area and plenty of other options and activities for the little ones to have a great time. And everything is completely free!
In addition, if you feel like it throughout the year at Le Bassin de la Villette you can become a freshwater sailor for a few hours sailing in an electric boat that doesn’t require a license from €40 an hour. The little ones will love getting on board and seeing how you handle the ‘helm’. You can also have a picnic on board.
There are several places there to fill your stomach, but for eating in Paris with children I recommend Cafézoide designed 100% for families with a very fun concept. We also tried Le Pavillon des Canaux with a very cool covered terrace with views of the canal where you can watch the sunset while having a cheese board (delicious, by the way). Of course, this last one isn’t geared towards kids like the previous one, but rather for all audiences
Be amazed at the Opera
Perhaps it’s not such a specific plan to do with children in Paris, like the vast majority of those I’ve proposed here, but entering the Palais Garnier is very much worth it. From my point of view, the Paris Opera building is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive in the French capital.
Don’t let yourself be discouraged now that the exterior is under renovation with the entire front facade completely covered by an advertising banner. Inside, a dose of luxury and Baroque splendor awaits that will leave both children and adults speechless. The grand staircase is of incredible beauty and peeking into the auditorium is a must.
It is a relatively quick visit that is done on your own, so the younger children won’t get tired. You have the option of taking an audio guide
- Prices: €14 adults, €9 from 12 to 25 years old and free for children under 12.
- Location: Place de l’Opéra
- How to get there: Opéra and Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette metro stops. RER stop: Auber
- Booking: tickets for Opera Garnier
Many more things to do in Paris as a family
In addition to the plans you have just read, during my trip to Paris with children, we also:
- Visited the Musée d’Orsay (ask at reception for the family brochure)
- Had a picnic behind the Grand Palais.
- Crossed the Alexander III Bridge.
- We played under the Eiffel Tower on the esplanade of the Champ de Mars.
- We admired the dome of Les Invalides.
- We strolled along the banks of the Seine, greeting the ducks.
- Going out at night to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle for five minutes every hour on the dot. They will love it! If you get off at Pont de l’Alma, besides seeing the flame in honor of Lady Di, you can satisfy the kids’ sweet tooth with a crepe at the stand there. Another option is to walk there from the Alexander III Bridge, where there is a beautiful view.
- We were at the Arc de Triomphe.
- We went up to the free viewpoint at Galeries Lafayette.
- We had a sweet treat at the historic Berthillon ice cream parlor on Île Saint-Louis.
- We enjoyed the Parc de la Villette and its dragon-shaped slide.
- And a free thing to do in Paris with kids is to visit the Lego store located in Les Halles (1 Pass. de la Canopée). Ask at the counter if they have Lego passports because they are free and can be used to get a stamp at the different Lego stores you visit around the world. A souvenir that costs no money and that the little ones love.
And muuuuch more…
Plans to do in Paris with kids that I left in the inkwell
Pompidou, an explosion of art and color
Just visiting the original building of the Pompidou Center from the outside with its colors is already worth it. But inside, a great experience awaits the whole family, especially in the area of La Galerie des Enfants, a free interactive space for children where they organize workshops and exhibitions looking very good, even for little ones from two years old.
The teenagers between 13 and 16 years old also have an area designed for them, the Studio 13/16 where they can experiment with the art that interests them most, from visual arts and music to even video games or cinema.
Before going, take a close look at the official programming for children and families at the Pompidou and plan your visit according to what interests you most and the schedules. Watch out, there are even intergenerational yoga sessions!
Taking a guided family tour
Before becoming a mother, I would have definitely done the free tour around the city on the first day to get in touch and learn. But for now, with the three little ones, I haven’t dared to do any yet because, as they are very small, I always think it’s going to be chaos. That’s why, this time I was left wanting to try this tour of Paris for families which includes children’s games and questions so that the children don’t get bored.
Le Jardin d'Acclimatation, an amusement park with character
Without leaving the center of Paris, you can spend a very fun day with the little ones in a historic amusement park located in the Bois de Boulogne: Le Jardin d’Acclimatation.
Excursions from Paris with children
Although the downtown area already has an incredible offer for children, on the outskirts of Paris there are also many places where you can enjoy with the little ones. Here is a quick list:
Immerse yourself in the Disney universe
Alright, yes, it had to happen, and it is obvious that Mickey’s world is a real magnet for children and for the whole family. Preparing for the visit requires a master’s degree, but if you have little time and don’t want to miss the experience, a good way to live the magic is to book the excursion to Disneyland Paris.
At some point, I know I will go with my children, but this time was not the moment because only a few months earlier we had been to both Disney’s Magic Kingdom park and Universal Studios, in Orlando, during our trip to Florida.
Palace of Versailles
The most famous palace in the French capital can also be a good plan with children if you plan the visit well and go with low expectations. I recommend booking the ticket in advance, especially in high season. I did it this way, but I had to cancel the visit at the last minute due to illness (don’t forget to take out travel insurance with a 20% discount)
You can visit it in several ways:
–Visiting it at your own pace: You can buy the Versailles ticket and go on your own either by train on RER line C, by rental car, or by taking a private transfer
–With a Spanish-speaking guide by booking the guided tour of Versailles which lasts two hours and includes the entrance ticket. However, transportation is up to you.
–If you want everything to be easy, the best idea may be to book the Versailles excursion with transportation, entrance, and guide included.
- Remember that if you have the Paris Pass tourist card, entry to Versailles is included but, to avoid queues and ensure capacity, you must book on the website for the day of the visit choosing the ‘Free admision palace
Conquering the Château de Vincennes
Did you know that just half an hour from the center there is an authentic medieval castle? I didn’t discover it until my fifth visit to Paris. The Château de Vincennes is an ideal place to spend a morning or an afternoon in Paris with children. They will love becoming kings and queens for a while, playing in the castle tower and crossing the bridge that spans the moat surrounding it.
Upon leaving, I suggest taking a five-minute walk to have a savory or sweet crepe (or both) at one of the branches of Breizh Café at 4, rue du Midi. They were delicious!
You can also combine the visit to the castle with a walk through the ‘forest’ of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes, a gigantic green space with lakes, a racetrack, a zoo, and a huge flower park.
- Prices: €9.50 entry to the castle’s walled enclosure, the keep, and the chapel. Children and young people up to 26 years old, free. Included in the Paris Pass card.
- How to get there:Metro stops: Château de Vincennes line 1 yellow
- Booking: tickets for Chateau de Vincennes
Astérix Park
Could there be a character more French than Astérix and his companion Obelix? I really wanted to escape with the kids to Astérix Park in Plailly, about 35 kilometers north of Paris.
Entry to this theme park, divided into areas that will take you, for example, from Ancient Egypt to Gaul, through Rome, is also included in the Paris Pass. It’s definitely a great plan with kids!
- NOTE: Did you know that the Playmobil Fun Park theme park in Paris has closed its doors forever?
How to sleep for free in Paris
The range of accommodation in the French capital is very wide and diverse, but also very expensive. Finding a cheap hotel in Paris and of good quality requires a lot of patience and planning; the sooner you start searching, the more possibilities you will have of succeeding. After four stays in Paris in four different accommodations, I’ll give you my opinion on where to sleep in Paris with children which has been my most recent experience.
In my last three visits, I chose to use home swapping from HomeExchange and it was a complete success. With the children, I was able to stay for almost two full weeks in Paris without spending anything, a long vacation that would have been economically unfeasible if paying for a hotel.
The house was a loft industrial three-story loft, located in the 10th district just a few steps from the Canal Saint-Martin (in summer there are a lot of free activities for children), Montmartre, and very well connected with three different metro stops and the Gare du Nord very close by. Additionally, the host family had two children, so there were toys, a high chair, a crib and everything necessary for the little ones to have a great time and so we didn’t have to carry all of that with us.
Do you know how home exchanging works?
If you have never heard of cooperative accommodation that allows you to travel all over the world staying in private homes while you leave yours, I invite you to read this article where I explain in detail how home exchange works.
I always use the platform HomeExchange where for just an annual subscription of €170 (what a hotel night would cost in many cases) you can do all the reciprocal exchanges you want or all those that your guest points allow.
Do you need travel insurance for Paris?
There is a false belief that when traveling through Europe it is not necessary to take out a travel insurance policy because the European Health Insurance Card covers medical care. Yes, but not always. You must keep in mind that the European Health Insurance Card only covers what the health system of the country you are visiting covers.
In this case, France has a co-payment health system, so depending on the medical care you require, it is possible that you will have to bear part of the cost. I can attest to this because during a trip to the Loire, my son, who was about three years old at the time, was admitted to the emergency room for a night and after some time, we received an invoice.
But, aside from this, remember that a travel insurance will cover other unforeseen events such as baggage loss,ç> or cancellation costs, among many other things. I recommend the one I have been traveling with for a long time.
From their app you can manage any incident and there will always be someone on the other end of the phone to help you. Can you imagine having to go to a hospital in an emergency? A situation like that, with nerves and fear in a country you don’t know and trying to make yourself understood in a language you may not speak, can be a nightmare. However, when there is someone on the other end looking for the nearest hospital and managing procedures, the situation changes. The European Health Insurance Card does not cover that.
Additionally, in the case of the HeyMondo insurance, that I have been using for a long time, it includes the option of 24-hour medical chat or video call consultation through which you can contact a medical professional at any time. The peace of mind this service provides, especially when traveling with children, is priceless. Furthermore, if the parents were to be hospitalized for any reason, the special family policy covers the transport of a relative to take charge of the little ones.
Honestly, for the price it costs, it is worth taking out insurance and enjoying Paris without worries. From just †17, you already have the Peace of Mind Travel policy for a week’s stay in France. Didn’t you think it would be more expensive?
Take advantage of the fact that just by being a reader of the blog you have a 20% discount if you travel as a family booking from here. Don’t risk it and go to Paris with children with the complete peace of mind of knowing that someone is looking out for you!
Child-friendly resources for visiting Paris with children
Part of the success of a trip to Paris with children is involving the little ones in the organization so that they feel they are also making decisions. Encourage them to plan the route with you and let them choose some plans and places to see according to their interests. Obviously, this should be adapted to each age.
When they are younger, you might think this is very complicated, but there are very helpful resources like the Paris Trip game which is a perfect tool for them to learn a lot of things about the destination: prominent figures, monuments, gastronomy… Additionally, it comes with a mini activity booklet for children to complete during the stay and comes in a cloth bag ideal for carrying in a handbag.
Additionally, you can also read stories about Paris, watch cartoons where the city appears, such as Lady Bug, or give them a sticker book with the monuments or buy a guide to Paris for children.
I highly recommend All About Paris, a kind of very enjoyable children’s guide that my 3 and 5-year-old children loved. In addition to general information about the city and even a little bit of history, it has many curiosities and a small questions section at the end of each part.
Children can locate the main monuments and prepare their visit each day with this book that has many drawings and more than 90 pages. They really liked looking for everything they had seen in the guide out on the street afterwards. It was a complete success, I found it very comprehensive and that is why I recommend it.
For the little ones, from just over 2 years old, Paris. Search and Find is great. I have the Barcelona version and my children love it. In this case, there is no text, just the introductory phrases of prominent personalities of Paris, such as Edith Piaf, or common characters of the city that the child will have to search for on each of the six pages. Mind you, due to its large size it is not meant to be taken on the trip, but to be used at home in advance so they can learn things about the city.
From 8 years old, a good option seems to be the guide Paris. Fun Routes published by Lonely Planet Junior. In this specific case, I cannot give my personal opinion because I didn’t buy it, but I do have good references from other travelers and because Lonely Planet is always a success.
Discover more about Paris
If you are organizing your trip to Paris, you will surely be interested in reading these articles:
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