Family-friendly things to do in Paris with children

Your adventure begins in an open-air Village not far from the capital. Here, you'll find the perfect looks for you and your little ones, in more than 110 elegant boutiques - ranging from playful styles for children to the most sought-after in Parisian and international fashion for teenagers and young adults. Shopping aside, there's always something happening at La Vallée Village; child-friendly events, entertainment and artistic installations all make for a memorable day out together.

INSIDER TIP: Arrive with an appetite and you’ll be delighted with cafés, restaurants and limited-edition pop-ups serving the best in local and international cuisine. Indulgent Breton crêpes, fragrant macarons and Italian ice cream to hearty, organic and healthy dishes… need we say more?

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Perhaps one of the most recognisable wonders of the world, this Parisian symbol is a must-visit during your stay in the capital. For younger children, we recommend taking the glass-walled elevator up and then making a game of counting the steps on the walk back down. Make sure you stop on the first floor to marvel at the world passing under the glass beneath you. You can also follow a path that retraces the history of the Eiffel Tower before travelling up to admire panoramic views of the city.
TOP TIP: Pack a picnic and arrive early to enjoy lunch against a backdrop of its incredible 330 metre structure on the Champ-de-Mars.

Guaranteed to set children wide-eyed in excitement from the moment they step through its doors, the historic Louvre museum is another fantastic family day out, especially on cold or rainy days. It’s home to approximately 35,000 works of art over a floorspace of around 73,000 square metres, some of which date back over 9,000 years. With a lot to see, you’ll want to plan a route before visiting – one that’s suitable for your little ones and will ensure you catch sight of all your favourite exhibitions.

TOP TIP: Ahead of their visit, children aged 7 to 12 can familiarise themselves with the museum’s exhibitions on the Petit Louvre website. There are videos, games, colouring pages and plenty of other interactive activities to get them excited.

If you’re travelling with older children and teenagers, nothing beats seeing Paris’ top sights like the serenity of sailing along the Seine. Many operators offer dedicated routes for children, enriched with fun and easy-to-follow commentaries. For example, Les Vedettes de Paris offers an entertaining and interactive cruise with anecdotes and riddles about statues, bridges and monuments you’ll pass along the way. There’s also Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf, offering family cruises with gourmet food baskets, a detailed cruise booklet and valuable commentary from a local guide.

INSIDER SECRET: Most cruises only run between one and three times on select days throughout the week so you’ll need to plan your visit in advance to avoid missing out.

Perfect after a visit to the Louvre, this famous park is conveniently located between the museum and the Place de la Concorde. Friendly and spacious with wide pathways, the Tuileries Garden has two beautiful ponds with miniature sailboats that will delight the youngest children, unless they prefer playing hide and seek behind the statues of Rodin or Giacometti or other local art exhibitors. There’s also a carousel with adorable wooden animals that will have them jumping for joy, same for the trampoline and nearby swings.

DID YOU KNOW? The garden’s name derives from the tile factories that were once located where Queen Catherine de Medici had the (now demolished) Tuileries Palace built in the 1860s.

Museums, canals, green spaces, shows and exhibitions – this is a space rich in activities for children and adolescents to enjoy. Its uniqueness lies in the presence of water, with ponds, fountains and waterfalls, and the Canal de l'Ourcq running through it. Children can enjoy the park's ten themed gardens, featuring three play areas and vast meadows where they can run around freely. There’s also the Ferme de la Villette, where little ones can meet sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens and rabbits.

TOP TIP: Check the Parc de la Villette’s event schedule before your trip so you and your family can make the most of your visit.

Located in the heart of Parc de la Villette, this incredible museum is loved by tourists and Parisians alike, with experiences suited to all ages and interests. The Cité des Enfants (for 5 – 12 year olds) is a particular highlight, both for its interactivity and ability to introduce children to science independently. There’s also the expansive 2-7 years area with five thematic zones, related to the child's bodily, spatial and cognitive abilities.

DON’T MISS: With high-resolution projection equipment, visit the Cité's new Planetarium for a thrilling, immersive journey to the outer reaches of the universe.

Better known to Parisians as the Vincennes Zoo, this animal park spans over 14 hectares and is part of the National Museum of Natural History. It houses approximately 3,000 different animals and provides little ones with the opportunity to see a variety of species in a natural environment designed to preserve their welfare. You can book plenty of fun family activities to make it an unforgettable day out, such as "Apprentice Keepers" or "Breakfast with the Giraffes”.

DON’T MISS: There are five different biomes which allow you to see the animals in an environment which closely reflects their natural habitat.