Best Things to Do in Paris with Family

Family activities in paris: kid-friendly attractions, safe areas, entertainment, and family-oriented experiences.

Oliver Grant
| | 9 min read
Paris - Things to Do

Family-Friendly Activity Guide to Paris

Paris, the City of Light, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that cater to children of all ages. From amusement parks to educational museums, this guide will help you navigate the best spots to create unforgettable memories with your little ones.

Theme Parks

Disneyland Paris

  • Age Appropriateness: All ages
  • Duration: Full day (8-12 hours)
  • Facilities: Multiple bathrooms, varied dining options, shaded areas, baby care centers
  • Safety Measures: Enhanced health protocols, secure ride restrictions
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs

Disneyland Paris is a must-visit for families. With rides suitable for all ages, parades, and character meet-and-greets, it’s an enchanting experience for young children and teens alike.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Arrive early for shorter lines.
  • Use the Disneyland app to monitor wait times and plan your day.
  • Consider purchasing a FastPass for popular rides to minimize waiting.

Parc Astérix

  • Age Appropriateness: 5+
  • Duration: Full day (8-10 hours)
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, restaurants, shaded picnic areas
  • Safety Measures: Regular safety checks on rides
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; stroller rentals available

Parc Astérix, located about 35 km from Paris, features a variety of thrilling roller coasters and attractions themed around the famous French comic book characters.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Bring a picnic to save on food costs.
  • Check the park’s calendar for special events or shows.

Children’s Museums

Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

  • Age Appropriateness: 3+
  • Duration: 3-5 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, cafés, play areas, shaded spaces
  • Safety Measures: Regular cleaning, crowd control
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible, with strollers available for rent

This interactive science museum in La Villette is perfect for curious minds. Kids can explore exhibits on space, biology, and physics through hands-on activities.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Engage with the “Cité des Enfants” section designed for younger children.
  • Plan your visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Musée en Herbe

  • Age Appropriateness: 3-12
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, snacks available, shaded areas
  • Safety Measures: Limited entry to keep crowd size manageable
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Located in the 1st arrondissement, this art museum features interactive exhibits tailored for children. Workshops often take place here, fostering creativity.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Check the schedule for family workshops, which often require prior registration.

Aquariums

Aquarium de Paris

  • Age Appropriateness: All ages
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, café, family-friendly seating areas
  • Safety Measures: Regular maintenance of tanks, child safety protocols
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Explore marine life, from tropical fish to sharks, in this stunning aquarium located near the Trocadéro Gardens.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Visit during the week for fewer crowds.
  • Bring a camera for memorable underwater photos.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

La Ferme de Gally

  • Age Appropriateness: All ages
  • Duration: 2-4 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, picnic area, café
  • Safety Measures: Animal handling guidelines, supervised petting areas
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

This charming farm in the outskirts of Paris allows kids to interact with farm animals, learn about agriculture, and enjoy outdoor play areas.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the farm.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the lovely garden.

Water Parks

Aquaboulevard

  • Age Appropriateness: 3+
  • Duration: 3-6 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, food court, shaded areas, changing rooms
  • Safety Measures: Lifeguards on duty, safety measures for water slides
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

This water park features water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river, making it a perfect place to cool off in the summer.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Arrive early to claim a good spot and avoid long lines.
  • Bring sunscreen and swim gear, and consider renting a cabana for extra comfort.

Outdoor Adventures

Parc de la Villette

  • Age Appropriateness: All ages
  • Duration: 2-4 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, cafés, picnic areas, playgrounds
  • Safety Measures: Well-maintained paths and play areas
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible

This sprawling park offers themed gardens, playgrounds, and open-air activities. Rent a bike or simply stroll around the expansive green space.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Bring a kite for the open fields.
  • Check for free events or workshops scheduled in the park.

Educational Tours

Walks in Paris

  • Age Appropriateness: 6+
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Facilities: Varies by location
  • Safety Measures: Small group sizes for better engagement
  • Accessibility: Some tours may be stroller-friendly, check in advance.

Choose from various family-friendly walking tours that focus on history, art, and architecture.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Book the tour in advance for popular times.
  • Choose a tour suitable for your children’s interests—like a treasure hunt around the Louvre.

Family Shows

Le Moulin Rouge

  • Age Appropriateness: Teens (13+)
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Facilities: Bathrooms, dining options available, family seating
  • Safety Measures: Age restrictions enforced
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Though famous for its cabaret shows, Le Moulin Rouge also offers family-friendly performances during certain times of the year.

Tips for Visiting:
  • Book tickets in advance and check for family packages.
  • Consider an early show to maximize your evening.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

Le Marais

A lively, historic district filled with charming boutiques, cafés, and parks. Perfect for strolling and exploring.

Montmartre

Known for its artistic vibe, Montmartre has beautiful parks and open spaces for kids to run around, along with family-friendly dining options.

Saint Germain-des-Prés

Home to numerous child-friendly cafés, shops, and proximity to the Luxembourg Gardens, which features a playground and puppet shows.

Dining Options

  • Café des Chats: A cozy cat café where kids can enjoy a snack while playing with cats.
  • Chez Janou: A family-friendly bistro with a lovely courtyard and classic French dishes.
  • Creperie Breizh: Offers a variety of sweet and savory cre

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