Let’s face it, when it comes to things to do in Paris with kids, the list is vast. Really, you have to decide what not to do in The City of Love as there are so many things to choose from. The landmarks and attractions in Paris are some of the most recognizable in the world. From the iconic landmarks and delectable cafes to the enchanting streets and charming features around every corner, you will fall in love with the essence of Paris!
Whether you’re looking for unique things to do in Paris with kids or you’re just interested in visiting all the iconic Paris attractions, you will find just what you’re looking for! Which of these things to do in Paris with kids will you add to your bucket list?
24 Enchanting Things To Do In Paris With Kids (Sensational Paris Sightseeing)
Eiffel Tower
Let’s go ahead and cover the most iconic landmark in Paris. Although heavily visited, you shouldn’t exclude the Eiffel Tower from your list of top things to do in France! There’s more than just sightseeing to be done at the tower. You can simply visit the esplanade where there are gift shops and fast food services in the area. This is a great way to get views of the tower for free.
On the first floor of the tower, you will find cultural exhibitions, a children’s play area, and more. On the second floor of the tower, there is a large observation deck, a macaroon bar, and more. Then, you can ride the elevator up to the top of the tower to get those enchanting views of the city of Paris. There are also many places around the city where you can get great views of the tower itself. Place Du Trocadero, Rue Saint-Dominique, from a boat on the Seine River, and the Champ-de-Mars are all great places to get views of the tower!
Cite Des Sciences et De L’industrie
When thinking about places to visit in Paris, you should consider this interesting attraction. The CSI is a science museum, the biggest science museum in all of Europe. The exterior of the CSI is quite appealing and wonderfully designed. Although wonderful for people of all ages, you will find this is one of the best attractions in Paris for kids as well.
The museum is huge and has many exhibitions to choose from. There are permanent exhibits focused on biology, robots, video games, energy, math, and others. You can watch immersive shows on black holes, children’s areas, see submarines, learn about the middle ages, and much more at the CSI!
Cathedrale Notre-Dame
Located in the 4th arrondissement on the Île de la Cité, the Cathedrale Nore-Dame is one of the most iconic Paris attractions. Just a three-minute walk from Shakespeare and Company, this cathedral is known as being one of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the oldest gothic cathedrals in the world.
The construction of Nore Dame started in the 1160s and lasted for almost 200 years. Visiting the cathedral is one of the best free things to do in Paris with kids. Although you can check out Notre Dame for free, keep in mind that you will need to purchase a ticket if you want to go in the tower.
Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay is one of the top things to do in Paris with kids! The museum mainly holds artwork from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s and in typical Paris fashion, the building itself is a work of art. You can see truly breathtaking sculptures and paintings like the popular portrait of Vincent Van Gogh, “Portrait of the artist.”
The museum used to be a train station and is located along the Seine. The museum is surrounded by a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops for you to check out. The museum has a great collection and you can easily spend hours exploring the halls and exhibits!
Take a Bike Tour
If you’re searching for things to do in Paris with kids, consider taking a bike tour of the city. Kids old enough to ride a bike or sit in a child seat will love seeing the city from their bikes. (Of course, adults will too!) Taking a tour with other visitors is a great way to meet people from around the world and enjoy a bit of community while traveling.
There are many tour companies to choose from in various locations around the city. The Fat Tire Tours company features a Berlin Wall Bike Tour, the Simply France Tours company has a Nooks & Crannies Bike Tour, and Beer Bike Paris has bike tours around the city. No matter what you’re looking for in a tour around The City of Love, you can rest assured that there are tons of options available to you.
Musee Des Art et Metiers
The Musee Des Art et Metiers is an industrial design museum and is one of the best places to visit in Paris! The museum features a collection of scientific instruments and inventions including early planes, early automobiles, a replica Statue of Liberty, and more. The museum is great for all ages as they have programs, demonstrations, and events for everyone, including children under the age of fourteen.
Picnic at Sacre-Coeur
When doing some Paris sightseeing, you can stop by the Sacre-Coeur to explore the grounds and have a picnic on the steps in the grass in front of the church. People like to stop and relax in this area and it’s a great place for a picnic. So, grab your wine glasses, a bottle of local wine, a baguette, and some delicious French cheese and enjoy a picnic in front of the Sacre-Coeur.
The church has a complex political and religious history in Paris. Although the site has been around since pagan times, through the Middle Ages to the present time, the Sacre Coeur as we know it was built from the 1870s to 1914 when it was completed. If you want to go to the top of the spire of the church to get views of the surrounding area, it only costs 5 euros, making it a great budget-friendly option!
Jardin Des Plantes
This garden is one of the best things to see in Paris with kids. Originally created in 1634, it was meant to be a medicinal garden for Louis XIII. Over the centuries the garden has been used by botanists, doctors, and pharmacists.
It is truly beautiful and has a vast array of plant life throughout the grounds. The well-known avenue of trees is in the Jardin Des Plates and it’s a must-see spot within the garden. Some other popular features within the garden include the Labyrinth, the Rose Garden, the Alpine Garden, and the Natural History Museum.
Palace of Versailles
If you are looking for things to do in Paris as a couple, the Palace of Versailles is stunning and it’s the perfect location in Paris to have a charming afternoon. The palace was home to the Kings of France and is a symbol of the monarchy system in the country. There are four main areas at the palace; the palace itself, the Estate of Trianon, the gardens, and the park.
Each area on the grounds offers a unique experience and a walk back in time. There are also additional exhibitions and equestrian shows as well. One of the great things about visiting the Palace of Versailles is that for families, this is a great budget-friendly option visitors under the age of eighteen get free admission to the palace.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most awe-inspiring and beautiful buildings in Paris. Of course, the whole city is a beautiful and impressive architectural feat, but if you really want to see a site that blows your mind. Stop by the Saint-Chapelle. This Paris gem was built in only seven years and was intended to be a home for precious Christian relics.
The colorful stained glass windows are 15 meters high and they depict more than 1,100 scenes from the new and old testaments. They also tell the history of the relics up until their arrival in Pairs. If you plan on visiting many historical monuments during your time in France, you can enjoy the Passion Monuments subscriptions. This is for heritage lovers looking to visit multiple monuments. A one-time fee of 45 euros will allow you access to 80 monuments in France for one year!
Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden is a green oasis in a bustling city. Tucked in between the Louvre and the Place De La Concorde, this little slice of paradise is free to enter. Every year Paris Fashion Week is held, in part, at the gardens. Then, in the summer months, the funfair called Fete Des Tuileries is also held there.
The garden is a beautiful display of plant life, art, and sculpture ever since the first garden, Marie de Medicis, in the 17th century. The most well-known work of art held there was the water lily series by Claude Monet which was held in the Musee de l’Orangerie on the terrace. The garden is more than a mile long and is a must-see when visiting Paris.
Catacombs of Paris
Looking for crazy things to do in Paris with kids? For travelers looking to do something intriguing, a visit to the catacombs of Paris is a must! The underground of the City of Love isn’t as enchanting as above ground. There are remains of more than six million people in the catacombs.
During the French Revolution people were buried here along with guillotine victims, some of them quite famous, including Antoine Lavoisier who was beheaded in 1794. Shockingly, even after 100 years of exploration in the catacombs, a large section of them is still unexplored. And due to the large size of the catacombs, they will never completely be explored!
You must purchase a ticket and visit the catacombs during operating hours as they are a labyrinth and it can be easy to get lost. Family travelers will be happy to know it’s only 5 euros for visitors under eighteen.
Check Out The Petite Ceinture
When it comes to unusual things to do in Paris with kids, you’ll want to check out the Petite Ceinture. This used to be a double-track railway line that was used from 1862-1934. Petite Ceinture means, little belt, and it got this name because it was a loop that went 30 kilometers around the city.
In the track’s prime, around 20 trains per hour were running on the track in either direction carrying sugar, coal, and roughly 39 million people. Later, in the early 1900s, only around 7 million people were using the track and it soon closed.
You can reach the track from the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements. Much of the track is open to the public and you can even find gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds along the track.
Shakespeare and Company
Ah, to be a bookworm in Paris. The most famous bookstore, Shakspeare and Company can be found on the banks of the Seine. The original bookstore was visited by Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and many other great writers who lived in Paris at the time. This store closed in 1941 during the German occupation of Paris. The bookstore came back to life as Le Mistral in 1951 before becoming, once again, Shakespeare and Company in 1964.
The crooked little store draws you in with its old, yet welcoming, appearance. The store is rarely at a loss for visitors and you can find a wide diversity of shoppers inside the store. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to take photos inside the shop.
Luxembourg Gardens
On the border between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres is one of the best things to do in Paris with kids. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a garden catered to children. This is a lovely portion of Paris that anyone would enjoy spending time in. However, if you’re traveling with kids, you may be happy to know that touring the gardens is free and your little ones will love watching the pond boating that takes place on the grounds.
You can purchase a replica vintage toy sailboat from one of the toy show in Paris and let your little one set sail and push their little boat around the Grand Bassin suck pond in the gardens. This is a tradition that is nearly 100 years old. If you don’t want to purchase you’re own you can rent one from a stand across from the Palais de Luxembourg for less than 4 euro. There are also other kid-friendly activities like pony rides and amazing playgrounds in the gardens.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
When looking for activities in Paris, a cemetery may not be your first choice. However, the Pere Lachaise Cemetery is something you’re going to want to see. Renowned figures have been buried in the cemetery and it has become quite the attraction in Paris. Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison are all buried at the cemetery, among many other recognizable people.
Up to one million people are thought to be buried in the cemetery. Other than walking around are there other things to do at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery? Yes! It’s a tradition to kiss the gravestone of famous Irish poet Oscar Wilde. Yes, really. You can see lipstick marks on his grave! It is also said that touching the reclining figure of Victor Noir at his grave will give you good fertility.
The graves and grounds are truly beautiful and the site is totally free to enjoy.
Pont Alexandre III
The world fair was held in Paris in 1900 and Pont Alexandre III was built for the occasion. The bridge is immaculate. You can see perfectly designed lamps, nymphs, winged horses, and other carefully orchestrated detail along the bridge. This is the perfect place to grab some travel photos and is simply one of the coolest things to see when sightseeing in Paris with kids. (It’s particularly beautiful when it is lit up at night!)
Musee Du Quai Branly
This museum was established in 2006 and was designed to showcase the indigenous art and culture of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. The exterior of the building and the surrounding garden design is highly appealing and a beautiful addition to the city of Paris. This is a cool way to see a bit of history from where you are from right here in Paris.
Dine On a Seine River Cruise
The City of Love is a city of extravagance. Of course, the city can be toured on a budget, but it’s easy to see why some travelers will want to experience some of the expensive things to do in Paris with kids. One of the most enchanting things to do in Paris at night is to take a dinner cruise on the River Seine.
There are many companies that you can choose from that will take you out onto the water for a delicious dinner and sightseeing of the city lit up at night time. You can find some cruises for around 100 euro, however, others cost hundreds of euros to attend. Whether you take a budget-friendly dinner cruise or an expensive cruise, you will enjoy seeing the cities most popular landmarks in the lights at night!
Domaine National Du Palais-Royal
The beautiful palace and gardens of the 17th-century Domain National Du Palais-Royal have gained even more notoriety over the past few years as influencers and tourists have fallen in love with the area as a backdrop for their photos. Photos of the striped columns in the courtyard are now splashed all over social media.
The gardens are open to the public and give visitors a peaceful green space for them to enjoy. Today the palace holds contemporary art which is a stark contrast to the classical building design. Today, there are cafes, bars, and restaurants adding to the experience of the Palais Royal as well.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre has been rebuilt many times. Originally built in 1190 as a fortress, it was reconstructed in the 16th century to serve as a royal palace. Various royal members have called it home and today it is the largest museum in the world. It houses a seriously impressive collection of artwork! Most notably, the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. You may not want to push yourself to see everything t the museum as it is massive and you could spend multiple days trying to see everything. If you have limited time to spend in the city, it’s best to plan on spending 3-4 hours in the museum hitting the highlights and any area of interest to you.
Sit Along The Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin is a beautiful canal in the 10th arrondissement that is lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, bookstores, and museums. Grab a book from the bookstore and a treat from one of the cafes and enjoy sitting by the water’s edge. You will find that there is a huge diversity in the cuisine available along the canal. You can find Thai, Brazillian, Latin American, and more all nearby!
The Army Museum
The Army Museum in Paris, also known as Les Invalides. There are 15 courtyards, a church, and gardens which are all free to visit. The museum is the current burial site of Napolean I and houses many military artifacts and interesting knowledge about the history of France and specifically the French Army.
Montparnasse Tower
There are many amazing views of the city in Paris. One of the coolest is from the Montparnasse Tower. Children under four years are old are free, everyone else must purchase a ticket to climb the tower. The tower is 210 meters high! The tower doesn’t get as many crowds as other popular sites in the city so you don’t have to worry as much about waiting in long lines. However, during popular visiting times, you may want to buy skip-the-line tickets.
You can enjoy views of the city from the 56th-floor observation deck or the 59th floor rooftop terrace. Thereis also a rooftop bar so you can toast with a loved one overlooking The City of Love! Getting views of the city from the top of Montparnasse Tower is one of the best things to do in Paris with kids!
With culture and history overflowing in The City of Love, you won’t be at a loss for things to see, do, and experience! Whether you hop between iconic landmarks, dive into history at the many museums and historical sites, or go for a more unusual or luxurious experience in Paris, you are sure to have a memorable time exploring the city! Which of these things to do in Paris with kids will you be adding to your Paris bucket list?
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