Paris With Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide (2026)
Traveling to Paris with children is one of the most rewarding family adventures you can undertake. The city is packed with attractions that captivate young minds — from climbing the Eiffel Tower and sailing boats in the Luxembourg Gardens to exploring medieval castles and tasting fresh crêpes at street markets. Parisians are genuinely welcoming to families, and children are embraced at restaurants, best museums in Paris for kids, and cultural events. This guide covers everything you need for a stress-free, fun-filled family trip to the City of Light. For more details, check out our guide to best family hotels in Paris.
Top 10 Attractions for Kids in Paris
1. Eiffel Tower — Children are fascinated by this iron giant. Take the elevator to the second level (kids under 4 go free, ages 4–11 pay €8.30). The glass floor section is thrilling for brave kids. Buy tickets online to avoid 1–2 hour queues. The best time to visit is early morning or after 6 PM.
2. Luxembourg Gardens — This is Paris’s playground paradise. Kids can sail vintage wooden boats on the Grand Bassin (€4 per boat rental), ride the historic carousel (€3.50), ride ponies (€6), or play in one of the excellent playgrounds. The puppet theater (guignol) performs shows several times per week. Best of all, it is free to enter and explore. For more, see our guide to 3 days in Paris.
3. Cité des Enfants at Parc de la Villette — This interactive science museum is designed specifically for children. Two sections cater to different age groups: 2–7 years and 5–12 years. Kids can experiment with water, light, construction, and robotics through hands-on exhibits. The 2–7 section includes a dedicated area for toddlers. Tickets cost €12 per child and €16 per adult. Plan for at least 2 hours.
4. Jardin d’Acclimatation — Located in the Bois de Boulogne, this 19-hectare amusement park offers rides, farm animals, puppet shows, water play areas, and beautiful walking paths. Entry is €6 per person, with rides costing €3–€5 each. A full-day unlimited pass is €29 per child and €19 per adult. The park is beautifully maintained and feels like a traditional French garden rather than a commercial theme park.
5. Natural History Museum (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle) — The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution in the Jardin des Plantes features over 7,000 preserved animal specimens in dramatic displays. The dinosaur gallery and the giant squid are particular highlights. The attached botanical garden (Jardin des Plantes) is free to wander and includes a small zoo (Ménagerie) with red pandas, flamingos, and orangutans.
6. Aquaboulevard — Paris’s largest water park features wave pools, water slides, a lazy river, and indoor and outdoor pools. It is perfect for a rainy day or when kids need to burn off energy. Located in the 15th arrondissement, entry costs approximately €30 for adults and €22 for children under 12.
7. Disneyland Paris — Located just 45 minutes from central Paris by RER A train, this is a must-do for families with younger children. The park features two theme best parks and playgrounds in Paris: Disneyland Park (classic Disney magic) and Walt Disney Studios Park (behind-the-scenes attractions). Single-day tickets start at €59 for adults and €53 for children (ages 3–11). Children under 3 enter free. The park is busiest in July–August; visiting in September or May offers shorter queues.
8. Seine River Cruise — A one-hour boat tour is magical for children, who love seeing Paris from the water. Bateaux Mouches, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, and Batobus all welcome families. Most boats have commentary in multiple languages. Tickets cost €12–€16 for adults, with children under 4 usually riding free.
9. Tuileries Garden — Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this garden has a great playground, a trampoline area (€3 per jump), and a traditional carousel. In summer, a funfair sets up in the garden with rides and games. It is also a great spot for a family picnic.
10. Musée Grevin (Wax Museum) — France’s answer to Madame Tussauds features wax figures of historical figures, celebrities, and fictional characters that kids will recognize. Interactive exhibits let you pose with figures and create your own wax hand. Located near Grands Boulevards, tickets cost approximately €20 for adults and €14 for children.
Family-Friendly Food Guide
French restaurants welcome children, but the dining culture is different from many countries. French kids typically eat the same food as adults — there are rarely separate kids’ menus. However, most bistros will prepare simple dishes like steak-frites, omelettes, or pasta on request. Crêperies are the ultimate family-friendly restaurants — every child loves sweet crêpes (Nutella is a favorite), and savory galettes are satisfying for adults. Expect to pay €8–€12 per child and €15–€20 per adult at a crêperie.
For budget meals, boulangeries (bakeries) are your best friend. A fresh baguette sandwich costs €4–€5, a pain au chocolat costs €1.30, and a croissant costs €1.10. Supermarkets like Monoprix and Carrefour City sell pre-made sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, and drinks at reasonable prices. Picnicking is culturally accepted and encouraged — grab supplies from a market and eat in any park.
Getting Around Paris with Kids
The metro is generally safe and efficient for families, but avoid it with a stroller — most stations only have stairs. Buses are much more stroller-friendly and let you see the city. A carnet of 10 tickets costs €18.90; children under 4 travel free on the metro and RER. Taxis and Uber can accommodate families but are more expensive. For longer stays, the Navigo pass at €30/week offers unlimited travel. The Vélib’ bike system has child seats available on some electric bikes. If you bring your own stroller, a lightweight, foldable model is essential for navigating metro stairs and narrow Parisian sidewalks.
Budget Tips for Families
Children under 18 enter free at all French national museums and monuments. The Paris Museum Pass is only worth it for adults (kids do not need it). Many parks and gardens are free, providing hours of entertainment. The Mona Lisa at the Louvre is free for all visitors under 18. Street markets offer the most affordable and culturally authentic food experiences. Travel during shoulder season (April, May, September, October) for lower prices and smaller crowds than the peak summer months.
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