Planning a trip to Paris with children? You’re in for a great time. The city offers a mix of excitement and culture that can make a family holiday stand out.
From theme parks to hands-on museums, there’s plenty to keep younger travelers engaged. If you’re hoping to create moments your kids will remember, here are solid options that will keep everyone involved and happy during your stay.
Things to Do with Kids in Paris
Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris
If you’re in Paris with kids, Disneyland Paris is one of those places you shouldn’t skip.
Just 45 minutes outside the city, the park offers full-day entertainment for all ages. There are rides of every kind, shows to watch and chances for your kids to meet their favorite characters.
Buying tickets ahead of time helps you avoid long waits and get more out of the day. Holiday events and themed parades also bring something new to each visit.
The whole park is built around keeping families smiling from start to finish.
Ride Coasters and Watch Shows at Parc Astérix
If your group wants more action, Parc Astérix is another solid pick. With over 40 rides, including the twisting Goudurix and the tall Tonnerre de Zeus, it’s made for thrill-seekers.
It tends to be less crowded than other parks, so lines move quicker. Water rides like Oxygénarium and Grand Splatch are a good way to cool down.
There are also stage shows with stunts and illusions. It’s all tied to French history, giving the park a bit of character without losing the fun.
Relax on the Seine by Boat
For something slower paced, take a boat ride on the Seine.
You’ll see major sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame from the water without needing to walk much. Most rides are affordable, and kids’ tickets usually cost less.
Some cruises serve snacks or meals, which can turn the outing into a simple lunch break with a view.
In the evening, the city lights reflect off the river, giving the ride a different feel that your family won’t forget.
Visit Kid-Friendly Museums
Paris museums aren’t just for grown-ups. Several offer hands-on exhibits and relaxed environments perfect for children.
The Musée d’Orsay holds artwork from names they might already know, like Van Gogh. Cité des Sciences has science games and a planetarium.
Musée de l’Orangerie runs activities for young visitors, and the Rodin Museum has open gardens where kids can roam around the statues.
Carnavalet Museum walks them through the story of Paris in ways that are fun and easy to follow.
Take a Family Cooking Class
Between sightseeing, try something hands-on in the kitchen.
Many places around the city offer classes where families can cook together. Some even begin with a trip to a food market, letting you pick ingredients before learning how to make a dish from scratch.
Macaron-making is a popular choice for kids, but there are classes that cover all sorts of French food. These sessions help build skills and bring everyone together around something simple and fun.
Catch a Puppet Show or Summer Fair
During certain seasons, Paris holds local festivals that are ideal for families. Summer brings rides and games to places like the Jardin des Tuileries.
Puppet shows also pop up in public parks. They follow old Parisian traditions and keep younger viewers focused with light stories and colorful characters.
You’ll often find them running on weekends or holidays, and schedules are easy to find online or posted nearby.
Take a Break in a Local Park
When your group needs downtime, a public park can give you some space to rest while still keeping the kids busy.
At the Jardin du Luxembourg, kids can rent small boats to float in the pond. Parc de la Villette has a giant dragon slide, and Buttes-Chaumont is good for open space and picnic spots.
During warmer months, carousels and snack stands add more to the visit. These parks help balance the pace of your trip while giving kids room to move.
Paris with kids
Paris isn’t just built for adults. With roller coasters, boat rides, cooking sessions and plenty of open space, it’s a place where kids can be just as involved in the trip as anyone else.
Pick the stops that work for your family and make the time count. The memories you bring home will be worth it.
