As Europe's most densely populated city, Paris leaves no stone unturned in making its environs appealing to kids and parents. There are numerous parks and playgrounds, many restaurants have children's menus, and museums and cultural spaces have specific activities for kids alone. If you find children's attention lagging during your travels with them, keep them engaged with colouring books, board games and a travel diary.
Here are the top five kid-friendly things to do in Paris.
The Chemin-Vert foundry was established in 1835 by the Plichon brothers, Jacques François Alexandre and Hilaire Pierre, to supply high-quality cast iron parts to the French navy and railway companies. In 2018, the foundry found a new lease of life as a digital art centre in Paris. In its first year alone, 1.2 million visitors passed through the Atelier des Lumières to see projections of artistic works across 10-metre-high walls. Current shows include one about Egyptian Pharaohs, another on Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, “Dreamed Japan” and “Foreign Nature,” which employs computer-generated fractals to create a universe where mathematics and art coalesce seamlessly.
Since it was founded in the autumn of 1860, the Jardin d'Acclimatation has been a unique place to discover, stroll around and marvel at. It is located on 19 hectares of undulating land in a meander of the Seine River. After being acquired by the LVMH Group in 1984, the park has been transformed into a place for relaxation, culture and pleasure. It offers educational workshops, natural discoveries, a varied programme of events and 45 different attractions. Combining nature, culture, entertainment and sport, it showcases France's rich flora and helps to preserve animal biodiversity. Here kids can engage with pony rides, puppet shows, acrobatic obstacle courses, a farm with livestock from the plains of Normandy and even an aviary with more than 200 birds.
Established in 1991, France Miniature is Europe’s largest miniature park. Children and adults can explore 117 meticulously crafted, miniature replicas of France's most iconic landmarks, all at 1/30th their original size. The park is filled with 25 attractions and interactive experiences, designed to amaze families with a blend of education and entertainment. A system of model trains runs through the park, and animated boats ply the "Atlantic Ocean" and the "Mediterranean Sea" (lagoons positioned around the perimeter of the park). Follow a route through the ramparts of Carcassonne, a small Savoyard village, the Chambord Castle, right up to the port of Saint-Tropez.
The Pâtisserie E. Ladurée, commonly known as Ladurée, is a manufacturer and retailer of high-end pastries and candy since 1862. They are most well-known throughout the world for their macarons. Stop here for a snack and let the kids choose to eat biscuit sandwiches from Nantes, French-style lollipops or marshmallows with tea. Alternatively, most boutiques have a takeaway window if you don't have time for a sit-down. Ladurée's stores are located all over Paris, from the Champs-Élysées to the Gare de Lyon.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (CSI) is the biggest science museum in Europe. Its permanent exhibitions span a gamut of topics, from space missions and the climate emergency to submarines and aquariums. With its high-resolution projection equipment, CSI’s planetarium will take children on a thrilling journey to the outer reaches of the universe. Surrounded by 360° computer-generated images, they will travel from planet to planet, explore the solar system, witness the creation of the universe and see how the Earth was formed. Astronomy specialists are also at hand to give illustrated talks and present half-hour theatre shows. Make sure to purchase science books for the children at the bookshop boutique on your way out. The bookshop organises a wide range of events, including product launches, book signings and demonstrations, so check with its staff for what’s on when you visit.
The best time to visit Paris is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). In spring, the city comes alive with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and outdoor cafés, making it perfect for exploring famous landmarks. These seasons provide a balance of pleasant weather and manageable tourist numbers, unlike the summer months, which can be hot and crowded. Winter, though quieter, offers festive holiday markets and cosy indoor activities like museum visits.