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- Paris has way more family-friendly activities than just the Eiffel Tower, including magical parks, hands-on museums, and fun river cruises.
- Kids and teens love spots like Jardin du Luxembourg, Cité des Sciences, and Disneyland Paris, while parents enjoy the food, art, and vibes.
- With a little planning, Paris is surprisingly stress-free for family travel, offering activities that balance fun, culture, and relaxation.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Paris
Paris is often painted as this romantic, adults-only destination with wine, art, and candlelit dinners. But here is the truth: Paris is actually a killer spot for families too. When I first traveled to Paris with my cousins and their kids, I was ready for meltdowns, sugar crashes, and at least one dramatic “are we there yet” moment. Instead, we found a city that knows how to charm kids, wow teens, and still keep the adults happy.
Here is my take on the best family-friendly things to do in Paris, based on both personal adventures and some trial-and-error discoveries (yes, we did get lost in the Metro, and yes, it turned into one of the funniest stories of the trip).
1. Eiffel Tower: Yes, But Make It Fun
You cannot skip the Eiffel Tower, but here is the hack. Skip the endless elevator line and climb the stairs to the second level. It is way less crowded, the kids burn energy, and the view feels earned. Bring croissants for a reward picnic at the top.
2. Jardin du Luxembourg: A Playground Paradise
This park is one of the most underrated kid spots in Paris. There is a massive playground with zip lines and climbing structures, pony rides, and even tiny sailboats you can rent to float on the pond. While the kids run wild, parents can chill in classic Parisian chairs under the trees.
3. Musée d'Orsay: Art Without the Boredom
The Louvre can be overwhelming, especially with kids. Instead, the Musée d’Orsay is more manageable and filled with colorful, recognizable works from Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. Tip: play “art scavenger hunt” with the kids to keep them engaged.
4. Seine River Cruise: Built-in Rest Break
After walking miles through the city, a boat ride down the Seine is heaven. You sit, relax, and see major landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower glide by. We did this after lunch one day and the younger kids even napped. Win-win.
5. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: Geek Heaven
Located in Parc de la Villette, this science museum is hands-on and interactive. There are spaces just for kids under 12, with experiments, gadgets, and even a planetarium. My teenage cousin geeked out so hard at the robotics section that we almost missed dinner.
6. Montmartre and the Artists' Square
Montmartre looks like something out of a storybook. Street performers, artists sketching portraits, and little crĂŞperies tucked away in corners. Kids love the vibe, and teens get major Instagram-worthy backdrops. Bonus: the funicular ride up the hill feels like an amusement park.
7. Jardin d'Acclimatation: Old-School Amusement Park
Think of it as Paris’s version of a mini Disneyland. There are vintage rides, puppet shows, and even a little zoo. It is not as intense as a full theme park, which makes it perfect for younger kids.
8. Disneyland Paris: For the Full Experience
If you want to go all out, take a day trip to Disneyland Paris. It is about 45 minutes from the city and it delivers on the magic. Watching kids meet Mickey in French is pure comedy. Pro tip: weekdays are way less chaotic than weekends.
9. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Surprisingly, this little bookstore by Notre Dame is a hit with teens. It is quirky, historic, and has that “cozy library meets cool hangout” vibe. The kids in our group ended up picking French fairy tale books as souvenirs. Way better than another fridge magnet.
10. Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris)
If your kids are animal lovers, this zoo is modern, spacious, and designed around different world ecosystems. It feels more like an adventure than just cages and enclosures.
11. Palais de la DĂ©couverte
Another science-focused spot, but this one is in central Paris and more geared toward families. The chemistry and physics shows blew my mind as much as the kids’.
12. CrĂŞpe Crawls and Hot Chocolate Stops
Paris food is not just about wine and cheese. Crêperies are kid heaven, and Parisian hot chocolate is basically liquid dessert. One rainy day, we made it our mission to try hot chocolate in three cafés. Best family activity ever.
Pro Tips for Family Travel in Paris
- Metro hack: Buy a carnet of tickets instead of singles. Kids love the turnstiles.
- Food tip: Always carry snacks. Paris cafés run on their own time and hungry kids do not.
- Pacing: Do one big cultural activity per day and balance it with fun playtime (museum + playground = happy kids).
Traveling with family in Paris is way easier than I thought. Yes, the city has that fancy reputation, but beneath it is a playful, colorful, and super family-friendly vibe. Some of my best memories are of little moments. Like watching my cousin’s toddler chase pigeons in Montmartre while we snacked on Nutella crêpes. Paris does not just belong to couples; it belongs to kids, parents, teens, and everyone in between.
Paris with family is a mix of culture, chaos, and pure fun. Whether you are sailing toy boats in the Luxembourg Gardens or eating your body weight in crĂŞpes, the city knows how to keep every age group happy.
Stay inspired for your next adventure with Woke Waves Magazine, where family travel gets a fresh Gen Z twist.
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