Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Paris is truly a great place to travel with children, but there is one catch: you need to take it slower than what many people do. After all, any parent who has ever carried a stroller up the stairs while a crying baby begs for a snack already knows that traveling with children isn't all about ease and relaxation. However, once you stop trying to see Paris the way a childless couple would, everything starts to change. Suddenly, kid-friendly places pop up everywhere, like small playgrounds, ponds, bakeries, and much more.

That is why this guide from locals who run tours in Paris through FREETOUR.com is more than helpful. It will help you decide what things to do in Paris with kids first and how to combine them all on foot so you don't waste much time getting from one end of the city to the other.

 

Quick Answer: Top Family Activities at a Glance


If you only have five minutes before your flight and need the short version, here it is:
ActivityBest AgeWhy Kids Like ItParent TipTime NeededFree/Paid
View of Eiffel Tower from TrocadéroAll agesBig, sparkly, photo-readySkip the summit line — the view from below is often more fun for little ones30–45 minFree (paid to go up)
Seine River cruise2+Sitting down, wind in hair, boatsBook the late-afternoon slot for golden light1 hourPaid
Jardin du Luxembourg sailboats3–10Renting a wooden boat and racing it across the pondBring coins, arrive before lunch crowds1–2 hoursSmall fee for boat rental
Tuileries playground2–8Trampolines, carousel, open space to runCombine with a Louvre visit next door1 hourFree (paid rides)
Louvre (Kids' Studio)5–11Hands-on activities instead of staring at paintingsPre-book the Kids' Studio slot online1.5 hoursPaid
Petit Train de Montmartre2+A little train that climbs the hill for themSaves tired legs on the steep streets40 minPaid

Is the French Capital Actually Kid-Friendly?


Yes, but it takes a bit of effort on your part, as Paris wasn't built with strollers and children in mind. For example, to get somewhere quickly, you need to use the subway, and to enter and exit it, you need to use the stairs. But when you are with a stroller, this is difficult. Sidewalks near popular tourist spots are crowded with people and parked cars. And the line at museums can be so long that you have to wait all morning.

But there is good news as well. The city has plenty to offer when you rack your brains on what to do in Paris with kids. There are lots of parks throughout the city, and most of them are actually great, for example, Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries. You will also find little bakeries on almost every corner selling cheap treats.

The most important thing is to simply understand that a trip to Paris with children will proceed at a different pace. You will make fewer stops to see the sights and spend more time just sitting and doing nothing. And sometimes this kind of leisure can be even better than spending this time standing in line at the Louvre.

 

Building Your Ideal Itinerary (By Interest)


First-Time Visitors


Eiffel Tower. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

When traveling with your family to Paris for the first time, you should visit the major sites, like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame or Louvre, and Montmartre. But, please, visit no more than two of these attractions per day, and end the day with a Seine cruise at sunset.

 

For Reluctant Walkers


Many kids and even adults don’t wish to spend their entire day hiking or walking. A Seine cruise allows people to stay seated while the boat does all the work. The Petit Train de Montmartre allows for riding on land as an alternative to climbing the hill. And hop-on bus tours are good options, as they allow you to view many of the areas with less physical activity than if you were walking.

 

Science and Animal Lovers


Classic sculpture set in the roses of the Jardin des plantes in Paris. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Your children can explore the Paris Aquarium and visit Parc Zoologique de Paris. And if your kids like plants too, Jardin des Plantes features gardens, greenhouses, fossils, and dinosaur bones — plenty to keep their attention for a considerable amount of time.

 

Creative Minds


Children who prefer creating something rather than observing something may appreciate taking part in a hands-on macaron class or taking a stroll through authentic French bakeries to try pastries. Or just do picnic shopping, grab some bread, cheese, vegetables, and fruits from a local shop, and eat outside in a park somewhere.

 

Exploring with a Baby (0-2 Years)


 

Best Stroller-Friendly Neighborhoods


There are certain neighborhoods of Paris that are easier to get around than other areas. For example, the 1st arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter all have flat, wide sidewalks near the river, which beats the hilly, bumpy streets you will find further out.

 

Survival Tips for the Littlest Travelers


Galerie Lafayette, Paris. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Figure out early if you are a "stroller" family or a "carrier" family. A carrier wins on stairs and rough streets; a stroller wins on flat ground during naps. By the way, department stores like Galeries Lafayette are a great resource when you need access to changing facilities. Nobody blinks if you walk in, use it, and go.

 

Best Spots for Toddlers (2-4 Years)


Open Spaces and Carousels


All toddlers love a ride on the merry-go-rounds. You can find them at the Trocadéro and Jardin du Luxembourg Ludo-Jardin. These places have some great rides for young children, but there is also plenty of space to run around in both areas. If you want to go somewhere else, then you can visit Jardin des Plantes with a grassy patch or a boat pond for a full, cheap day out.

 

A Slow-Paced Daily Flow


To keep things simple, here are the things to do with kids in Paris: visit something new each morning, then go to the local park or playground. Then take a nap back in the hotel room. And then, have a slow walk later that night before dinner.

If you want more ideas to fill in the gaps, this list of what to do in Paris is a good place to look.

 

Engaging School-Age Children (5-11 Years)


Making Museums Fun (Without the Stress)


It is much better to say to your kids, "let's find the lady with a crown in her hands," than "let's see everything in this museum." Use the museum visit as a short scavenger hunt and limit your time there to 2 hours.

 

Interactive Learning Experiences


Most 5-11 year olds enjoy participating in kid-friendly cooking classes, where they can touch and create food rather than just watch. Older kids may enjoy walking through the Catacombs located beneath the city.

 

Cool Experiences for Teens (12+ Years)


FREETOUR.com has a few options built around spooky old legends, street art, or pop culture spots, and they are usually enough to keep even the most bored teenager interested.

 

Viewpoints Better Than the Eiffel Tower


Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Skip the long wait in line for the Eiffel Tower. Let teenagers find a viewpoint elsewhere that may have shorter lines. The Arc de Triomphe and Montparnasse Tower both usually have shorter lines, and honestly, the photo from up there often turns out even better.

 

Vintage Shopping and Street Style Zones


Teens usually like Canal Saint-Martin and Le Marais, both full of small vintage shops and cool little stores. It gives them a real reason to walk around instead of just trailing behind everyone else, bored out of their minds.

 

Classic Landmarks (Done the Stress-Free Way)


Conquering the Tower Everyone Comes For


It takes time, money, and an enormous amount of waiting to go to the top. If you are determined to go up, then purchase your tickets well before you plan on visiting. Ticket prices for adults range from around €15 for stairs-only access to the second floor up to around €36 for an elevator ticket all the way to the summit. But honestly, eating snacks while sitting on the lawn below the Eiffel Tower is probably the memory most children will have long after they leave France.

 

Cruising the Seine


River Seine, Paris, France. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

If your feet hurt so much you can barely walk, then a Seine River cruise is the solution. You will sit down, get some nice air circulating, and get to watch half of the city's major attractions go floating by without having kids complain about walking.

 

Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité


There is good news if you had been hesitant about visiting Notre-Dame de Paris because of all of the repairs being done — it has opened its doors once again. And now there is a no-fee entrance pass system to the cathedral main floor.

 

Navigating Montmartre's Hills


The hills in Montmartre, where many of the historic homes, churches, and restaurants are located, are very steep and full of cobblestone paths, which makes for tough walking with a stroller. But there is a Petit Train that runs uphill and eliminates this as an issue altogether.

 

Parks and Playgrounds to Let Off Steam


When in doubt, find a park. Paris has plenty, and each one has its own atmosphere:
ParkBest ForNearby AttractionBest AgeFree/Paid
Jardin du LuxembourgSailboats, playgrounds, shadeLatin Quarter3–10Free (small fee for boats/rides)
Jardin des TuileriesTrampolines, carousel, fair ridesLouvre2–10Free (paid rides)
Champ de MarsOpen lawns, kite flying, picnicsEiffel TowerAll agesFree
Parc des Buttes-ChaumontCliffs, bridges, waterfall viewsBelleville area5+Free
Bois de VincennesLake, bike rentals, wide-open spaceEastern ParisAll agesFree (paid rentals)

Kid-Friendly Museums (and How to Survive Them)


When you are traveling with young children, the key is short trips. If you try to go to too many places during your day, long trips will be disastrous.

The Louvre has a kids' studio where they get to do hands-on stuff while parents get a look at the galleries. The same idea applies at the Musée d'Orsay or the Musée de l'Orangerie. Pick one, check out the Monet water lily paintings, and head out before anyone gets restless. If your family's more into science, try the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, a hands-on museum built for kids who learn by touching stuff.

One more thing worth knowing: skip the modern art museum Centre Pompidou building. It is closed for repairs until 2030, so there is no point planning around it.

 

Free and Low-Cost Entertainment


You don’t necessarily need to spend money for fun. When the sun sets over the Seine River, take a walk. If you want to get out of the rain or cold on a windy day, the street-level windows of Paris’ historic covered arcades are always open. Most squares have public playgrounds that cost zero dollars. And you can take photos near the most famous Paris landmark illuminated at night, and no ticket required!

If your budget is limited, it can help to do some research on how to save money while visiting Paris. And although the savings may seem minor individually, they will add up quickly over a period of multiple days.

 

Indoor Escapes for Rainy Days


Rainy Paris. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Rain happens often in Paris, so it is worth having a backup plan ready. The Paris Aquarium is a great choice for a wet afternoon with kids. Those old covered passages work well too; they are dry, and kids usually like poking around the little shops inside. A lot of big department stores have rooftop viewing decks, so you still get a view of the city without stepping out into the rain. And indoor macaron workshops are another good option, keeping the kids busy inside while you wait out the weather.

 

Seasonal Highlights: Summer Fountains to Winter Markets


Spring & Summer:

  • Parks are in full bloom and great for a slow afternoon

  • Paris Plages turns part of the riverbank into a fake beach some years, sand, chairs, and all

  • Fountains double as splash spots on hot days, and nobody seems to mind


Autumn & Winter:

  • Christmas markets pop up all over the city

  • String lights go up on the main streets, worth a walk after dark

  • A cup of thick hot chocolate at Angelina or Carette is the perfect reward after being out in the cold


Escaping the City: Disney and Beyond


Disneyland Paris vs. Parc Astérix


Disneyland focuses primarily on well-known movies and character meet-and-greets, which may appeal to younger children who like to dress up as princesses and superheroes. If you are looking for thrill rides and roller coasters, Parc Astérix is great and based upon French comic book characters.

 

Is Versailles Worth the Trek?


While visiting the Palace of Versailles outside the city limits of Paris can make for a fantastic day trip, it also requires considerable effort. Not only does it require traveling a distance to arrive at the destination, but also walking around its large grounds and waiting in line to enter. This type of activity typically gets better reviews from teenagers who can handle a full day on their feet. So, if you do go, plan the whole day around it and don't try to squeeze in anything else after.

 

Best Neighborhoods to Base Your Family


Where you stay really matters. Paris's 1st arrondissement keeps you close to the Louvre and river, and the streets are flat and easy to walk. The Latin Quarter feels like a real neighborhood with good parks like Jardin des Plantes. Le Marais has lots of charm, good food, and is close to spots that teens actually like.

As for a hotel or apartment, hotels are more convenient because someone else cleans and makes beds. But apartments give you more space and let you actually make breakfast whenever you want in the morning.

 

Navigating Transport with Strollers and Little Legs


There are many different ways to get around Paris using its public transportation system. However, this isn’t always ideal when traveling with a stroller and a little one in tow. Most of Paris’ older metro stations don’t have elevators, which means you will need to take the bus.

The cost of purchasing a Navigo Easy pass is relatively inexpensive (the cost of the actual card is about €2). Alternatively, you can also opt out of the purchase of the card altogether by loading up tickets on the Bonjour RATP app on your mobile device. One more tip: try to stay off the trains during rush hour, roughly 8:30 to 9:30 in the morning.

 

Ready-to-Use Trip Plans


The 1-Day Highlights Tour


Morning: check out the tower from the lawn below, then walk over to the river for a boat ride around midday. Afternoon: go to a park with a carousel, then keep dinner early and easy.

 

2 Days at a Relaxed Pace


Day one is the same as above. Day two: visit the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution (Natural History Museum) or any other museum in the morning. Have a picnic lunch in a garden to rest your feet. Later in the afternoon, take a little tourist train up to a neighborhood on a hill instead of walking up.

 

3-Day Ultimate Family Guide


Add an extra whole day here. Either visit the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in the morning and an amusement park in the afternoon, or if kids can handle more than three hours of travel, take a day trip outside the city.

 

What to Skip (Tourist Traps and Exhausting Plans)


Streets of Montmartre, Paris. Paris for Families: Things to Do with Kids and Teens

Some ideas look fantastic on a spreadsheet, but quickly fall apart when kids are actually around:

  • Trying to see an entire museum in one day

  • Booking fancy dinner expecting kids to sit still the whole time

  • Dragging a very tired toddler all the way up to the tower

  • Planning a schedule that looks more like a romantic getaway for just two than a real family vacation

  • Packing the day so full there is no room at all for a nap or snack break


Final Advice Before You Fly


All that remains for you to do is pack enough snacks, stay flexible with your itinerary, and build breaks into each day, as things usually take longer than expected.

And if you would like to create experiences for your family while traveling in Paris, such as getting around, learning about the area you are in, and getting to know more about Paris, FREETOUR.com has tours that provide families with a local who can make your visit to Paris even more enjoyable.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the best things to do in Paris with kids?

Typically, parks or playgrounds, a Seine River cruise, and child-friendly sections of museums will most likely keep your children happy. Instead of trying to see everything, try a combination of an impressive attraction and a nice quiet park for at least half of your days.

Is Paris stroller-friendly?

Mostly, but with caveats. Some of the older Metro stops may not have elevators, and the cobblestone streets can be quite rough. But the buses and the flat areas of the Seine river are the easiest ways to travel without using subways.

What can you do in Paris with a baby?

Keep your trips short, stay away from cobblestone, and stick to easy walking areas. Also make sure that there are places nearby where you can go to use a restroom when needed.

What are the best things to do in Paris with teenagers?

Teenagers enjoy a variety of activities, including rooftop viewing, shopping, and taking guided tours. In short, activities that offer them personal freedom while showing them something new.

How many days do families need in Paris?

Most families will find 3 days in Paris is sufficient. In those three days, they visit the main tourist attractions, spend an afternoon visiting a museum, and have a few relaxing afternoons in the parks.

Is the Eiffel Tower worth it with kids?

Viewing the Eiffel Tower from the lawn around it offers a similar experience as climbing to the top of the tower. The benefit of viewing from the lawn is avoiding long waiting times to climb to the top of the tower. Going up is worth it mainly for older kids who can handle the wait.

What are the best free things to do with kids in Paris?

You can walk along the river (or sit on benches), look at shops in the old covered passages of Paris while walking, and take a nighttime stroll around your hotel area to see all of the lit-up buildings and sights. It is a great way to create wonderful family memories.

Where should families stay in Paris?

When traveling with children, it is usually best to book rooms in areas of Paris that include wide, flat sidewalks and parks. These places are usually near the river or within the Latin Quarter.

What should families avoid in Paris?

Don’t try to do too much in one day, especially if there are museums involved, try to avoid dinner reservations at upscale restaurants, and also avoid scheduling your time as a couples’ vacation instead of a family vacation.