Paris is a dream destination for many travelers, and it’s also a city that families can enjoy together. With world-famous attractions, child-friendly parks, exciting tours, and day trips, Paris offers something for everyone. This guide highlights the best things to do in Paris with kids, transportation tips, safety advice, cultural etiquette, food recommendations, and practical advice to make your family trip smooth and memorable. In this extended version, we’ll go even deeper, adding more detail and context to help you plan every part of your adventure.
Top Attractions for Families
- 🗼 Eiffel Tower – The city’s most iconic landmark. Book tickets in advance to skip the long lines and consider visiting at sunset or night when the tower sparkles. Families can enjoy picnics on the Champs de Mars and watch street performers. Restaurants inside the tower also provide a unique experience.
- 🖼️ Louvre Museum – Home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces. Opt for guided tours or activity booklets for kids. Focus on highlights like the Egyptian collection, ancient Greek statues, or Napoleon’s apartments to make it manageable.
- ⛪ Notre-Dame Cathedral – Recently reopened in December 2024. Families can admire its Gothic architecture and climb the towers for panoramic city views. Nearby Sainte-Chapelle with its colorful stained glass is a must-see.
- 🎨 Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur – A hilltop village atmosphere with cobbled streets, artists painting portraits, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Stop for hot chocolate or crepes in local cafés and let kids enjoy the lively square.
- 🚤 Seine River Cruises – A fun and relaxing way to view landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame. Evening cruises are magical, while daytime cruises often provide commentary suitable for children.
- 🌳 Luxembourg & Tuileries Gardens – Both offer playgrounds, puppet shows, and toy boat rentals. Adults can relax while children play safely in these green oases.
- 🏛️ Musée d’Orsay – Located in a former train station, this museum showcases Impressionist art and massive decorative clocks that fascinate kids.
Family-Friendly Tours & Activities
- 🎢 Disneyland Paris – Only 35 minutes from Paris by RER A. With two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios—there’s something for all ages. Book tickets early for discounts and shorter wait times.
- 🌳 Luxembourg Gardens – Features a large playground, puppet shows, carousel, and model sailboats. A must for families needing a break from sightseeing.
- 🔬 Cité des Sciences (City of Science) – Interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and a special “Cité des Enfants” area for younger kids make it ideal for rainy days.
- 🎠 Jardin d’Acclimatation – Combines amusement rides, petting zoos, and outdoor fun. Seasonal events like winter markets add to its charm.
- 📚 Parc Astérix – A theme park inspired by the beloved comic books, featuring roller coasters, live shows, and themed villages.
- 🦒 Paris Zoological Park – Recently renovated, the zoo is divided into different biozones, with giraffes, lions, and monkeys among its highlights.
- 🐠 Aquarium de Paris – Located near the Eiffel Tower, with fish tunnels, shark tanks, and touch pools for children.
- 🚴 Family Bike Tours – Guided bike tours with child seats or tandems available, allowing families to explore safely and actively.
- 🏟️ Stade de France Tours – Sports fans can enjoy exploring France’s national stadium with behind-the-scenes access.
Getting Around Paris
Paris’s transportation network is efficient and family-friendly with some planning:
- 🚇 Metro & RER Trains – Quick and affordable for almost all attractions. Be mindful that some stations lack elevators for strollers.
- 🚌 Bus & Tram – Good for above-ground sightseeing and stroller access. Slower but scenic.
- 🚤 Batobus (Seine Shuttle) – A hop-on hop-off river shuttle connecting top attractions. More leisurely but doubles as an activity.
- 🚕 Taxis & Ride-Sharing – Handy with tired kids or lots of luggage. Request child seats if needed.
Ticket Options:
- 🎟️ Single Metro Ticket: €2.50 one-way.
- 🎟️ Paris Visite Pass: From €29.90/day, includes unlimited travel and attraction discounts.
- 🎟️ Navigo Week Pass: €31.60 for unlimited rides (Monday–Sunday), perfect for longer stays.
Tips for Families: Travel outside rush hours, keep tickets until you exit, and watch belongings in crowded trains. Use transit apps for real-time directions.
Safety Tips & Scams to Avoid
Paris is safe overall, but common tourist scams target visitors:
- 🎗️ Bracelet Scam – Someone ties a “free” bracelet on you, then demands money.
- 🌹 Rose Scam – A flower is offered as a gift, but payment is insisted upon.
- 📝 Petition Scam – Fake charities ask for donations.
- 🎫 Metro Ticket Scam – Scammers pretend to help but sell you invalid tickets.
- 💍 Gold Ring Scam – Someone “finds” a ring and insists it’s yours, then pressures you to pay.
Stay vigilant in crowded areas and teach kids to keep close. Consider ID wristbands with your contact details for younger children. Avoid engaging with aggressive street sellers.
Language & Etiquette
Learning simple French phrases makes a big difference:
- 👋 Bonjour (Hello)
- 🙏 Merci (Thank you)
- ✨ S’il vous plaît (Please)
- 🙇 Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
Always greet staff when entering shops or restaurants. Tipping is modest—round up or leave €1–2. Dining is leisurely; don’t expect fast service. Dress neatly and keep voices low in public spaces.
Food & Dining for Families
Paris is a culinary paradise for families:
- 🥐 Breakfast Pastries: Fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes.
- 🥞 Crepes & Galettes: Sweet or savory, perfect for kids and quick meals.
- 🍲 French Classics: Onion soup, steak frites, roast chicken, escargots.
- 🍮 Desserts: Crème brûlée, tarte tatin, éclairs, and colorful macarons.
- 🧀 Cheese Tastings: Fromageries often provide samples, making them fun and educational.
Neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, and Saint-Germain offer family-friendly bistros and cafés. Street markets such as Rue Cler provide excellent picnic options. Always ask for une carafe d’eau to receive free tap water.
Best Time to Visit
- 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) – Mild, beautiful gardens, occasional rain showers.
- 🍂 Autumn (Sep–Oct) – Cooler, fewer crowds, ideal for museums and parks.
- ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) – Long sunny days, many festivals, higher costs, and crowds.
- ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) – Quiet, festive lights, Christmas markets, ice rinks.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for families. In summer, plan for early mornings and evenings to avoid heat. In winter, focus on indoor attractions.
Best Day Trips for Families
- 👑 Versailles: 30–45 minutes by RER C. Explore the palace, Hall of Mirrors, and vast gardens. Kids love the musical fountains.
- 🎢 Disneyland Paris: 35 minutes by RER A. Great for a full day of family fun.
- 🌺 Giverny: Monet’s house and gardens (open April–November). Best for spring and summer.
- 🍾 Champagne (Reims/Epernay): Gothic cathedrals and Champagne houses. Older children may enjoy the history.
- 🏰 Loire Valley: Castles like Chambord and Chenonceau. Many offer family tours and treasure hunts.
- 🐎 Parc de Sceaux: Expansive gardens, fountains, and picnicking spots.
- 🚂 Provins: A medieval town with fortifications and live shows, great for history-loving kids.
Final Tips
Paris is magical for families when planned well. Mix iconic attractions with child-friendly activities, allow downtime in gardens, and choose central accommodations to cut travel time. Bring comfortable shoes, strollers if needed, and maintain flexibility in your schedule. Even small moments—like enjoying crepes by the Seine or watching street performers—can become lifelong memories.
With thoughtful planning, your family’s Paris adventure will be unforgettable, full of joy, learning, and experiences that both kids and parents will treasure.