10 Things to Do in Paris with Kids (From a Family That Goes Every Summer)

Paris is one of those cities that's even better with kids — as long as you know where to go. Skip the 3-hour Louvre marathon and the fancy restaurants with white tablecloths. Here's what actually works when you're traveling with little ones (and big ones).

1. Aquarium de Paris

Right near the Eiffel Tower, so you can combine them in one outing. Buy tickets in advance online to skip the line. The shark tunnel is a hit with all ages — toddlers love it as much as tweens.

But the real draw? They have mermaids on weekends. Yes, really — performers in mermaid tails doing underwater shows in the big tank. My kids talked about it for weeks. Check the schedule on their website before you go because the mermaid shows aren't every weekend.

2. Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie

The best science museum in Paris, and honestly one of the best in Europe. It's in the 19th arrondissement, away from the tourist crowds, which is part of its charm.

Book a timed slot for La Cite des Enfants ahead of time — it fills up fast, especially on rainy days. There are two sections: ages 2-7 and ages 5-12. Both are incredible. Completely hands-on, interactive, and thoughtfully designed. The planetarium is also worth it for older kids.

Plan to spend at least half a day here. There's a cafe inside and a park outside (Parc de la Villette) where kids can run around after.

3. Luxembourg Gardens

Our favorite park in Paris, and possibly in all of Europe. The paid playground is 100% worth the small fee — it's well-maintained, shaded, and has equipment for multiple age groups.

There's an antique carousel, a puppet theater (Guignol — the shows are in French but kids love them regardless), and the iconic boat sailing in the fountain. You rent a small wooden sailboat and push it across the water with a stick. Simple, magical, and my kids could do it for an hour.

Bring a picnic. You could spend a whole afternoon here without trying.

4. Angelina Hot Chocolate

Yes, it's touristy. Yes, there's usually a line. Yes, it's worth it. The hot chocolate at Angelina is thick enough to eat with a spoon — it's more like melted chocolate in a cup. The Mont-Blanc pastry is their signature dessert and it's excellent.

Pro tip: go early morning (they open at 7:30 AM) to avoid the worst crowds. Or use the outdoor takeaway cart on the Rue de Rivoli side to skip the hour-long sit-down line entirely. Same hot chocolate, no wait.

5. The Catacombs

Great for older kids (8+) and especially teens. Six million skeletons arranged in underground tunnels beneath the city. It's eerie, fascinating, and unlike anything they'll see anywhere else.

Advance tickets are absolutely required — same-day entry is nearly impossible during peak season. Book on the official website as soon as your dates are set.

Warning: it's chilly down there (about 57°F / 14°C year-round), so bring a layer even in summer. The stairs down and up are narrow and steep — not ideal for strollers or very young kids.

6. Jardin d'Acclimatation

An amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne with rides, a mini-farm, boat rides, and playgrounds. It's less intense than Disneyland Paris, much easier to get to (Metro Line 1 to Les Sablons), and better suited for younger kids.

The rides are charming without being overwhelming. Think small roller coasters, a river boat ride, bumper cars, and a puppet theater. Half-day outing at most, and you can combine it with a walk in the Bois de Boulogne afterward.

7. Seine River Cruise

Take a Batobus — that's the river bus, not a fancy dinner cruise — for a cheap, relaxing way to see the major sights from the water. Kids love being on a boat, and you'll pass Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Musee d'Orsay without fighting any crowds.

Buy a day pass and hop on and off at different stops. It doubles as transportation and sightseeing. On a hot day, the breeze on the water is a lifesaver.

8. Musee des Arts Forains (Fairground Arts Museum)

A hidden gem that most tourists never find. This is a private museum of antique carnival rides and games — and the magic is that you can actually PLAY them. Ride a 19th-century carousel. Try vintage arcade games. Spin on antique rides that still work.

Reservation required (you can't just walk in), so plan ahead. They offer guided tours in English. It's magical for kids of all ages, and honestly, the adults enjoy it just as much.

9. Sacre-Coeur + Montmartre

Walk up the hill to Sacre-Coeur (or take the funicular if little legs are tired) for incredible views over all of Paris. The basilica itself is beautiful and free to enter.

The artists in Place du Tertre are fascinating for kids — watching someone paint a portrait or a Parisian street scene in real time is genuinely captivating. Some artists will do quick caricatures.

Get crepes on the way down. Montmartre has some of the best street crepe stands in the city.

10. Day Trips by Train

Paris is a hub for some incredible day trips, and the French train system makes them easy:

• Annecy (about 4 hours by TGV) — A stunning Alpine lake town. Crystal-clear water, mountain views, and a charming old town. Worth the longer journey.
• La Rochelle (2.5-3 hours) — Beach town with an excellent aquarium. Great for a beach day without leaving the train network.
• Ile de Re (2.5-3 hours to La Rochelle, then bridge) — A quiet island with family-friendly beaches, bike paths, and salt marshes.
• Versailles (30 minutes by RER) — Skip the palace interior with young kids (the lines are brutal). The gardens are the kid-friendly part — 2,000 acres of fountains, paths, and open space.

Practical Tips

Metro: The Paris Metro is easy with kids once you learn the system. Buy a Navigo Easy card and load it with tickets. Kids under 4 ride free, and there are reduced fares for kids 4-9.

Restaurants: Lunch is the family-friendly meal in Paris. Most restaurants offer a set lunch menu (formule) that's a great value. Dinner service starts late (8 PM+) and isn't always welcoming for young kids.

Babysitters: If you want a parents' night out, Yoopies (yoopies.fr) and Care.com France both operate in Paris. Book a few days in advance.

If you're planning a camp-based trip to France, check out our guide to summer camps in France for specific camp recommendations.

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