Things to Do in Paris With Kids

Paris Experiences

Fun Things to Do in Paris With Kids

One of the girls standing in a bike lane on a quiet Paris street

There are so many fun things to do in Paris with kids. Aside from meandering around the neighborhoods of Saint Germaine and the Latin Quarter, eating your heart out and shopping till you drop, there are so many things to see and do in Paris, and most are walkable from these neighborhoods, which is why we love to make them our home base during visits (read more on where to stay in Paris here).  And if you don’t feel like walking, the metro is fairly simple to use and there are always taxis and scooters!  Many of the things in this post are free or relatively low cost.

La Tour Eiffel

Mom and one of the girls in front of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square in Paris

I think it goes without saying, seeing the Eiffel Tower is at the top of the list of things to do in Paris.  You definitely don’t need to spend a lot of money and wait in lines to go to the top to appreciate all that it is.  One of the best viewing spots is Trocadéro Square.  There is a metro station right at the top of the square (Trocadero station), so super easy to get to!

Dad and the girls with the stroller on a viewing deck in front of the Eiffel Tower

Unfortunately during our last visit there was a lot of construction which slightly impacted the scenery of our photos, but what can you do?  In the square, there are lots of street hawkers selling Eiffel tower trinkets and a few snack/beverage carts.  As you start your descent through the park towards the tower, there are several photo opportunities.

One of the girls sitting on a ledge and pointing up at the Eiffel Tower

And more photo opportunities as you cross the bridge…as long as you don’t mind all of the other folks admiring the tower in your photo too!  It will be hard to avoid crowds at one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

The family with the stroller in front of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadero Square in Paris

Across the bridge there are many more food stalls, a carousel and a large park on the other side of the tower if you want to sit and relax.  Don’t forget to snap a shot from under the tower, those are fun too!

Mom and one of the girls pulling faces for a selfie under the Eiffel Tower

The tower was still closed due to covid during this visit.  Dawson was relieved because the last time we were here he had a panic attack at the top, it was the first time he realized he had a thing about heights.  If you want to go up the tower, BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME.  I can’t stress it enough.  You will still have to wait in line, even with tickets, but the line to wait for tickets day of is much, much longer.  That is if they are not already sold out.  Visit the Tour Eiffel website here for tickets, hours of operation and other info.

Luxembourg Gardens

Dad and the girls walking down toward the lawns of the Jardin du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Gardens is such a beautiful and VERY large park in the St Germaine neighborhood that is home to the French Parliament.  There is plenty of space for littles to run their hearts out while adults can appreciate the abundance of manicured landscaping, statues and fountains that the park boasts throughout.  People watching here is one of our favorite things to do in Paris, besides eating!

Two of the girls watching toy sailboats float across the pond in the Jardin du Luxembourg

There are lots of activities to partake in as well, if you are looking for more hands on action!  You can rent a toy sail boat to cruise around their largest water feature, there are playgrounds, sports courts, jogging paths, a carousel, and I even saw horseback riding for kids this last visit.

Mom and the girls sitting at the edge of the pond in the Jardin du Luxembourg, a toy sailboat beside them

And of course, plenty of photo opportunities to capture the je ne sais quoi that Paris has so much of!

The girls walking on the gravel in the Jardin du Luxembourg, with the lawn and statues behind them

Address: 15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75291 Paris, France

Domaine National du Palais-Royal

Two young girls standing on the black and white Buren columns in the courtyard of the Palais Royal in Paris

Once a palace built for a royal family,  Domaine National du Palais-Royal is now a monument open to the public.  It is a popular place for locals and tourists to stroll around.  The inner courtyard is probably the most photographed for the art installation of columns by Buren.

The girls standing in a long avenue of trees in a Paris park

There are gardens to enjoy a break on a bench before you head to your next destination.  We spent about 30- 45 minutes here.  The kids enjoyed playing on the columns so much, it was literally more entertaining to them than a playground.

The girls playing on the striped Buren columns in the Palais Royal courtyard

One of the girls leaping between the striped Buren columns in the Palais Royal courtyard

In my opinion, worth a “drive-by” stop when you are in the area and another free thing to add to the list!

Address: 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France

59 Rivoli

The painted entrance to 59 Rivoli, an artists' studio building in Paris

Rather unassuming from the exterior, this art studio is a very colorful and fun place to visit.  Each floor is full of up and coming artists with varying styles and aesthetics.  But 59 Rivoli is most notable for their staircase.

Looking down the art covered spiral staircase at 59 Rivoli, with the girls on the steps

Each floor is an extravagantly displayed piece of art.  Another place for some very cool photos.

One of the girls standing in a room painted with huge colorful birds

Looking down the spiral staircase at 59 Rivoli, painted with giant eyes, one of the girls on the steps

The girls standing in front of a wall of bright abstract paint splashes

Even though you will be mesmerized by the staircase, don’t forget to check out the studio spaces on each floor.  The artists are often in their studios for onlookers to enjoy watching them create their next piece.

One of the girls in front of a wall of paintings covered in bright colored circles

While visiting 59 Rivoli is technically free, they do ask for a donation upon admittance.  It is also a pretty popular place so expect to wait in line if you go on a weekend.

59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

www.59rivoli.org

Louvre Museum

One of the girls walking across the courtyard toward the glass pyramid at the Louvre

Another obvious activity at the top of the things to do in Paris list is, the Louvre Museum.  While this is not a free activity, it is also not too expensive either.  At the time of writing this, admission for adults is 17 euro and anyone under 18 is FREE, making it pretty affordable for typical family of four.  Especially considering the works of art that can be seen here.  If art is not your thing, then at the very least it is cool to see the iconic glass pyramid in the courtyard (which IS free to do).

One of the girls looking out through the glass of the Louvre pyramid at the palace courtyard

Once you enter the pyramid, you will head down the escalator to purchase a ticket.  If you are wise, you will purchase a ticket ahead of time online to ensure your efforts are not wasted on a day they happen to sell out.  Tickets can be purchased on their website here.

One of the girls pulling a face in the long skylit painting gallery at the Louvre

After acknowledging Viona’s goofiness, I will say that we were VERY fortunate to visit the museum during covid, within days of France opening their borders to Americans.  This meant desirably desolate museum halls.  If you have been here, you know how odd these photos are.  So expect crowds on your visit, lots and lots of crowds.

One of the girls walking through a red walled painting gallery at the Louvre

We only waited 10 minutes to take a photo with the Mona Lisa.  Viona was captivated by the age old question, is she smiling or not?  She did her impression for a photo…nailed it!

One of the girls standing in front of the Mona Lisa at the LouvreOne of the girls dwarfed by a huge old master painting at the Louvre

Viona enjoyed some of the paintings (as much as you might expect of a 7 year old) but she really took to the Egyptian Exhibition they had on display at that time.  What kid doesn’t love mummified skulls?!

One of the girls pulling a shocked face beside a display case in a Paris museum

Since we didn’t have the crowds and lines to wait in, we felt less pressured to try to get our money’s worth by seeing everything.  Viona and I spent about an hour meandering the halls and decided we had our fill.  I imagine if you have young kids, this may not make your list of activities unless you are a true art lover.  The museum is very large and with the normal crowds, littles may not have the patience for you to enjoy the experience.

Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

www.louvre.fr

Walk along the Seine

A stone bridge over the Seine in Paris under a cloudy sky

The Seine river is another iconic part of Paris and the backdrop for many famous movies.  You couldn’t miss it if you tried as you explore Paris, passing over the many bridges as you make your way from one site to the next.  But you can also make your way down one of the many staircases dotted along the roads that run parallel to the Seine to stroll along the riverside too.

One of the girls jumping on the cobbled quay beside the Seine, with Notre Dame behind her

It is a peaceful option to the roadside sidewalks bustling with commuters and of course provides more great photo opportunities!

Dad and one of the girls walking with the stroller along the Seine quay under a bridgeOne of the girls on the Seine quay beside a stone bridge in Paris

This is yet another one of the many things to do in Paris, for FREE!

Montparnasse Tower

Looking straight up the glass facade of the Montparnasse Tower in Paris

If you are looking for sweeping views of Paris (and the Eiffel Tower), Montparnasse Tower is the highest point in the city.  From the Observation deck you will have incredible 360 degree views to put Paris in a new perspective.  Admittance tickets will cost you more than a visit to the Louvre and children are not free, so you will have to decide if it’s worth it to you.

A high view across Paris rooftops toward the Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse Tower

When entering the building you will pass through airport style security.  Once you have a ticket (which you can buy online, here) you will be taken to the top in special elevators so hop in queue.  The elevator takes you to the interior observation floor and then you will have to walk a couple of flights to get to the exterior observation deck.

These mirrored viewers can be found on the deck, the kids were entertained and they made for fun photos.

One of the girls reflected in a mirrored kaleidoscope box at the Montparnasse Tower, with the Eiffel Tower behind her

The girls reflected over and over in a mirrored kaleidoscope box at the Montparnasse Tower

IT was a bit hazy during our visit, I can only imagine how incredible the view would be on a clear day with blue skies.  You can also buy a special ticket for night access if you are looking for sunset photos/views.

A high view over Paris rooftops from the Montparnasse Tower, with the gold dome of Les Invalides in the middle

There is also a rooftop bar, these pod chairs which kept the kids entertained, and loud music being played.  A full immersive experience, I guess?  For me the views were worth it and I could do without the rest of it.

The girls sitting on big red molded chairs on an outdoor terrace in Paris

33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France

https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/

Shakespeare and Company 

One of the girls outside the Shakespeare and Company bookshop in Paris, holding her book bag

Visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore.  A free activity, unless you buy a book of course!  The Original Shakespeare and Company bookstore closed in 1941 and this one opened in 1951.  The original bookstore attracted famous writers such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Eliot among others, and today this bookstore continues to attract visitors and writers from all over.  It’s convenient location along the Seine and across from Notre Dame, makes it an easy visit.

One of the girls holding Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls at Shakespeare and Company in Paris

The interior feels both quaint and historic, yet it really is just a bookstore.  Viona picked out the best book from the kids section about incredible women throughout history (super cool short stories of brave, innovative and inspirational women to inspire any young girl).

A reading nook lined with books at Shakespeare and Company in Paris

Upon purchase of a book they will offer to put the Shakespeare and Company stamp inside the cover page, making it a little more special.

One of the girls among the bookshelves at Shakespeare and Company in Paris, below the Old Smoky Reading Room sign

37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

shakespeareandcompany.com

Visit the La Ménagerie Zoo!

One of the girls lying on a stone wall looking out over a lawn in a Paris park

La Ménagerie Zoo is located in a park in the Latin quarter.  Since it was an easy walk from our apartment and our kids are animal lovers, I figured why not check it out?

Two small orange monkeys climbing the mesh of their enclosure at La Menagerie zoo in Paris

It is a smaller zoo, so really easy for littles to walk the whole thing.  That being said they still had a really great variety of animals from the cutest little monkeys you ever did see to large cats like leopards, etc.

Monkeys resting in their wooded enclosure at La Menagerie zoo in Paris

Some of the monkeys were exceptionally silly and interactive.  Check out the video of the monkey below giving Viona the “butt” here.
One of the girls watching a monkey in its enclosure at La Menagerie zoo in Paris

Overall it was a nice outdoor activity for the kids and can be done in a relatively short amount of time if you want to pack lots into your day!

57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France

www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr 

Disneyland Paris

One of the girls jumping in front of the Disneyland Hotel at the entrance to Disneyland Paris

If you are in Paris and you have kids or are a big Disney fan, then visiting Disneyland Paris may be a serious consideration.  However, if you only have a few days in Paris, then I don’t know that I would spend one of them here when there is so much else to see.  That said, it is only a hour by metro from downtown Paris so it is relatively easy to access.  To read all about our visit to Disneyland Paris, visit our page here.

Dad and one of the girls in a ride car on the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland Paris

Notre Dame

One of the girls posing on a wall beside the Seine with Notre Dame behind her

Unfortunately during this visit, the restoration from the devastating fire that consumed Notre Dame was still underway so we were not able to see the interior or even get that close.  We have been inside during a previous visit and it is beautiful and absolutely worth doing during your visit.

Dad holding one of the girls in front of Notre Dame in Paris

There are plenty of great photo ops around the Seine with the Cathedral in the background.  So we were content with that given the extenuating circumstances.

Mom and one of the girls in front of Notre Dame across the Seine

6 Parvis Notre-Dame, Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

www.notredamedeparis.fr

Just Walk!!!

The family crossing a Paris street in front of a large colorful mural, dad pushing the stroller

Don’t forget to appreciate the architecture and streets full of character and life as you get from one destination to the next.  You may find fun surprises, a delicious secret restaurant or cute boutique!  The lifeblood that is Paris is its culture and vibe as a city which you will appreciate as you hoof it through town.  Our favorite neighborhoods really are Saint Germaine and the Latin Quarter (check out our Where to Stay page) but there is so much beyond that.  So get out there and explore!

One of the girls with a yellow umbrella on a wet cobbled Paris street

One of the girls jumping with her arms up in the middle of a quiet Paris street

One of the girls in a hooded cape standing between two tall stone sculptures on a Paris street

Don’t forget to eat your way through Paris! For all the yummy foods we recommend, visit our Paris Eats page!

See & Do Gallery

One of the girls leaping between the striped Buren columns in the Palais Royal courtyard
Looking down the art covered spiral staircase at 59 Rivoli, with the girls on the steps
One of the girls pulling a shocked face beside a display case in a Paris museum
The Seine seen from under a stone bridge arch, with a sightseeing boat going past
Two of the girls watching toy sailboats float across the pond in the Jardin du Luxembourg
One of the girls sitting on a ledge and pointing up at the Eiffel Tower
One of the girls holding Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls at Shakespeare and Company in Paris
One of the girls walking across the courtyard toward the glass pyramid at the Louvre
The family crossing a Paris street in front of a large colorful mural, dad pushing the stroller
One of the girls posing on a wall beside the Seine with Notre Dame behind her
One of the girls standing in a room painted with huge colorful birds
One of the girls jumping in front of the Disneyland Hotel at the entrance to Disneyland Paris
Looking straight up the glass facade of the Montparnasse Tower in Paris
One of the girls lying on a stone wall looking out over a lawn in a Paris park
One of the girls reflected in a mirrored kaleidoscope box at the Montparnasse Tower, with the Eiffel Tower behind her
Dad and the girls walking down toward the lawns of the Jardin du Luxembourg
The girls playing on the striped Buren columns in the Palais Royal courtyard
A high view over Paris rooftops from the Montparnasse Tower, with the gold dome of Les Invalides in the middle
Two small orange monkeys climbing the mesh of their enclosure at La Menagerie zoo in Paris
Mom and the girls sitting at the edge of the pond in the Jardin du Luxembourg, a toy sailboat beside them
One of the girls jumping with her arms up in the middle of a quiet Paris street
One of the girls outside the Shakespeare and Company bookshop in Paris, holding her book bag
One of the girls jumping on the cobbled quay beside the Seine, with Notre Dame behind her
Looking down the spiral staircase at 59 Rivoli, painted with giant eyes, one of the girls on the steps
One of the girls with a yellow umbrella on a wet cobbled Paris street
One of the girls standing in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
The girls standing in a long avenue of trees in a Paris park
One of the girls walking through a red walled painting gallery at the Louvre
A stone bridge over the Seine in Paris under a cloudy sky
Mom and one of the girls in front of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square in Paris
One of the girls in a hooded cape standing between two tall stone sculptures on a Paris street
One of the girls looking out through the glass of the Louvre pyramid at the palace courtyard
Dad holding one of the girls in front of Notre Dame in Paris
A reading nook lined with books at Shakespeare and Company in Paris
The girls standing in front of a wall of bright abstract paint splashes
A family selfie at the top of the Montparnasse Tower with the Eiffel Tower behind them
One of the girls watching a monkey in its enclosure at La Menagerie zoo in Paris
A high view across Paris rooftops toward the Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse Tower
The girls reflected over and over in a mirrored kaleidoscope box at the Montparnasse Tower
The girls walking on the gravel in the Jardin du Luxembourg, with the lawn and statues behind them
The girls sitting on big red molded chairs on an outdoor terrace in Paris
Dad and the girls with the stroller on a viewing deck in front of the Eiffel Tower
Monkeys resting in their wooded enclosure at La Menagerie zoo in Paris
Dad and one of the girls walking with the stroller along the Seine quay under a bridge
One of the girls among the bookshelves at Shakespeare and Company in Paris, below the Old Smoky Reading Room sign
Dad and one of the girls in a ride car on the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland Paris
The girls standing on graffitied steps in front of a black and white mural
One of the girls on the Seine quay beside a stone bridge in Paris
One of the girls pulling a face in the long skylit painting gallery at the Louvre
Mom and one of the girls in front of Notre Dame across the Seine
One of the girls standing in a bike lane on a quiet Paris street
The family with the stroller in front of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadero Square in Paris
The long skylit painting gallery at the Louvre
The painted entrance to 59 Rivoli, an artists' studio building in Paris
One of the girls in front of a wall of paintings covered in bright colored circles
One of the girls dwarfed by a huge old master painting at the Louvre
Dad and the girls climbing a brightly painted stairway covered in artwork
A red panda climbing among bamboo poles at La Menagerie zoo in Paris
The Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline reflected in a mirrored kaleidoscope box at the Montparnasse Tower
Mom and one of the girls pulling faces for a selfie under the Eiffel Tower
Valerie, Dawson, Viona and Kaida of Little Eyes Big World on a safari truck in Kenya

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