20 Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Paris

Try a Kid-Friendly Day at the Louvre

Walking around centuries of art in one of the world's biggest museums sounds like the most unfriendly activity for kids in Paris, but you may be surprised. The Louvre Museum hosts all kinds of activities specifically designed for young visitors so they can take in the wonders of artists like Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Rafael. Download the Louvre Kids app before your visit so the little ones can follow along with stories that will appeal to them—like how the Mona Lisa was stolen or the story of the mummy who resides in the museum.

Ride Ponies at Parc Monceau

There is no shortage of parks to choose from in Paris, but younger kids especially may get a kick out of Parc Monceau in the Eighth Arrondissement for the pony rides available. It's just a short walk away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champ-Élysées, so the promise of a pony ride is a great way to keep unhappy toddlers motivated while parents do some sightseeing or shopping. Apart from the animals, it's also one of the neighborhood's most scenic parks and an excellent option for a family outing.

Head to the Circus

Flying acrobats and gravity-defying trapeze artists are just part of what you'll see at  Cirque d'Hiver Bouglion, one of the oldest continuously-operating circuses in the world. The timeless show dates back to 1852 and its long run includes landmark moments in circus history, such as the first-ever trapeze performance where a performer leapt from one bar to another. The iconic building is centrally located right on the edge of Le Marais district and most shows last about two hours.

Visit Disneyland Paris

A day or two at Disneyland Paris is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The on-site resort facilities, including a golf course, Disney Village, and Davy Crockett Ranch camping ground make the experience both amusing for kids and relaxing for adults. Disneyland Paris hotels also offer a fun, laid-back environment for the whole family. With New York City-themed lodging, America's National Parks, and a seaside resort, they transport you from one culture to the next in typical European fashion.

Hang out at Luxembourg Gardens

Parisian parks are known for their stately, impeccably-groomed lawns and flora, but they are also wonderful places to play and discover. Engage in old-world pastimes like sailing toy boats at the world-renowned Luxembourg Gardens.

Established during the height of the European Renaissance in 1612 under the direction of Queen Marie de Medici, Luxembourg Gardens are located on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Wander the gardens, check out over 100 statues, watch a puppet theatre show, play with toy sailboats, or even book a guided tour of the grounds.

Enjoy Attractions at the Jardin d'Acclimation

Enter this 49-acre amusement park and garden by taking a narrow-gauge train through a wooded stretch of the Bois de Boulogne park. Built in the 19th century, this garden attraction hosts a house of mirrors, an archery range, a miniature golf course, zoo animals, a puppet theater, shooting galleries, and La Prévention Routiere, a miniature train and railway operated by the Paris police. If that sounds like too much to put on your plate, stroll through the beautiful flowers and grassy areas or picnic beside a mill-stirred lagoon. You can even rent a boat to float on this enchanting water feature.

Stroll Through the Paris Wax Museum

It may be a little old-fashioned, but that's the point. The Musée Grevin is one of Europe's oldest wax museums (inaugurated in 1882) and boasts around 300 life-sized wax figures. See replicas of Leonardo da Vinci, Marilyn Monroe, and the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. This fun and sufficiently odd outing, complete with a Kid's Discovery Tour, unveils the steps it takes wax artists to bring famous personalities to life.

Catch an Exhibit at the Science and Industry Museum

Nestled in Paris's ultramodern Parc de la Villette in the northern tip of the city is a vast museum dedicated to learning about science—the fun way. The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie regularly curates STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) exhibits designed to capture children's imaginations and pique adult curiosities. Shows like "Snot" explore common human bodily functions in a comical, matter-of-fact manner. Kids will get a kick out of it.

Go to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

You might want to skip a visit to the world's most popular paid attraction (due to crowds and lines), but a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower with kids is worth the effort. Book tickets online months in advance so you show up ready. Then, opt for an elevator lift on the way up and stroll down the stairs on your descent. The view from the top will make your kid's jaws drop. And the walk down should tire them out for bed.

See Animals at Jardin des Plantes' Menagerie

The Menagerie—founded as a public zoo after the French Revolution—houses dozens of species of rare animals amidst historically-significant buildings. While the cages may seem small and outdated, the park prides itself on accepting small and medium-sized animals threatened to extinction, rather than the typical large zoo draws. The zoo is full of charm and provides a welcome and budget-friendly outing for parents looking for kid-friendly activities.

Sun Yourself in the Sand at Paris Plages

Paris Beach (or Paris Plage in French) is a free summer event that transforms several spots in Paris into pop-up beaches. This fixture of Paris' summertime scene includes beaches and pools suspended in various locations over the Seine River. Enjoy kayaking, catch an evening concert, or splash around in the fountains.

Engage in Activities at Le Centquatre

This large communal art space and recreation center hosts an array of activities, both indoor and out. From the children's play area inside to the vintage pizza truck and lending library outside, parents can bask in the sun on a brightly colored lounge chair, while the kids are fully occupied. Enjoy exhibits on fine arts, painting, design, fashion, film, literature, and more. Changing exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor film events make this idiosyncratic space perfect for evening activities, as well.

Pet Cats at Cafe des Chats

Opened in 2013, this adorable haven for felines (and the humans who love them) is a great place to take kids. Enjoy tea or a light bite to eat, while admiring and interacting with the 12 friendly resident cats—all rescues from the SPA. Do note, however, there are rules. Everyone must wash their hands before entering the cafe (it's best to wash them after, too) and you can't pet the cats if they are sleeping or eating (which may be hard for young children and toddlers).

Take a Family-Friendly Food Tour

There's no better way to experience Paris than to eat your way through the city. And while parents may favor a more adult-like wine and cheese tour, family food tours can be equally as fun. Hire a local host to take you from patisseries to cafes to bistros, all while enjoying food like traditional baguettes, French chocolates, and even oysters. Family food tours by With Locals are catered to kids and include games centered around all five senses.

View Mixed Media at Gaîté Lyrique

This modern cultural institution, which opened in March of 2011, is devoted to mixed-media and digital art forms. Located within a beautifully restored 19th-century theater in the ultra-trendy Marais neighborhood, the Gaîté Lyrique hosts a rotating calendar of events that range from music and multimedia performances to design, fashion, and architecture exhibitions. They even have an interactive room dedicated to video games. Older kids will enjoy the colorful and stimulating exhibits focused on all aspects of play.

Tour the Sewers at Les Egouts

Made famous by Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, the sewers of Paris truly resemble an underground city—they even feature clearly-labeled street names. While touring the maze at the Musee des Egouts (Paris Sewer Museum), visitors can see the vintage equipment and clothing used throughout the sewers' history. In the summer, rising temperatures make the smell of the tunnels quite tough for adults, but children get a kick out of the "ick-factor."

Take a Hot Air Balloon Tour

Launching from the modern verdant Parc André Citröen in the Fifth Arrondissement, Balloon de Paris offers a unique way to see the city from above. The balloon shoots straight up to an altitude of 492 feet but stays tethered to the ground, providing families with kids a fun, yet safe, experience. Take in the view, point out landmarks, and snap a few family selfies.

Visit the Paris Police Museum

Crime buffs and older kids (aged 12 and older) will enjoy this free Paris museum hidden on the second floor of the police station of the Fifth Arrondissement. The floor is packed with photographs, letters, drawings, and memorabilia documenting some of the most sensational crimes in the city's history. More than 2,000 relics are on display, including a guillotine, old uniforms, and what's left of a firing post from World War II. A word of caution: Some of the material may be upsetting for young children.

See Marine Life at L'Aquarium de Paris

Not far from the Eiffel Tower sits a state-of-the-art aquarium boasting more than 9,000 fish, 26 sharks, and 4 million liters of water, including the largest tank in France. See marine life from Polynesia, the West Indies, the North Atlantic Channel, and Paris' own Seine River. Complete with 16 projection rooms, live shows, and hands-on workshops, children and parents alike will learn something new about underwater life.

Cruise the Seine

Cruising in a glass canopy boat is the perfect way to enjoy the sights of Paris in a calm and relaxing environment. Take a sunset cruise to see the city come aglow, or book a spot on the night boat to revel in the big city lights. Informative commentary via headsets is available to all passengers, giving you the freedom to tune in and out as you like. The one-hour cruises are a perfect match for a kid's short attention span, but adults can enjoy a three-course dinner cruise alone or a luxury cruise with champagne included.