9 must-sees and do with kids in Paris

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and for good reason. The City of Light offers many things to see and do that appeal to visitors of all ages. Here are nine must-sees and do when visiting the French capital with kids:

Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the iconic iron tower symbolising the city. You can admire it from various viewpoints, such as the Champ de Mars, the Trocadéro, or the Seine River. You can also climb to the top for a panoramic view, but prepare to wait in long lines or book your tickets online in advance. Alternatively, you can take the stairs to the first or second floor, which are cheaper and less crowded. A playground, carousel, and snack bar are also at the tower's base.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest and most visited museum, housing thousands of artworks from different civilisations and periods. You can marvel at masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Egyptian mummies, medieval sculptures, and Islamic art. The museum is enormous and overwhelming, so it's best to plan your visit and focus on the sections that interest you the most. You can also join a guided tour or a workshop for kids or download a free app that offers interactive games and quizzes. The museum is free for children under 18 and for everyone on the first Saturday of the month from 6 pm to 9:45 pm.

Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay is a former train station converted into a 19th and 20th-century art museum, mainly from France. It's famous for its collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, and many others. You can also see sculptures, furniture, photography, and architecture. The museum offers audio guides, workshops, and activities for kids, as well as a family booklet that helps you explore the museum in a fun and interactive way. The museum is free for children under 18 and everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of Paris's most charming and popular parks and a great place to relax and enjoy nature. It was created in the 17th century by Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, and inspired by the Italian gardens of her childhood. It features a large pond, where you can rent wooden sailboats and watch them glide on the water, a puppet theatre, where you can catch a marionette show, and a carousel, where you can ride on colourful horses and other animals. There are also playgrounds, tennis courts, chess boards, and statues to discover. The park is also home to the Palais du Luxembourg, the seat of the French Senate, and the Musée du Luxembourg, a small but elegant art museum.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is a modern and contemporary art museum that stands out for its colourful and futuristic architecture, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It houses one of Europe's largest collections of modern art, featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, Dalí, and many others. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, performances, and events. The museum has a particular area for kids, called the Galerie des Enfants, where they can learn about art and creativity through interactive exhibits and workshops⁷. The museum is free for children under 18 and everyone on the first Sunday of the month. You can also enjoy a spectacular view of the city from the rooftop terrace, where you'll find a restaurant and a library.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is the ultimate destination for kids who love fairy tales, cartoons, and adventure. It's the most visited theme park in Europe, offering two separate parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can meet your favourite Disney characters, ride thrilling attractions, watch spectacular shows, and explore magical lands. Disneyland Paris is located about 40 km east of Paris, and you can get there by train, bus, or car. You can buy your tickets online or at the gate, but buying them online in advance is cheaper and faster.

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

Photo by Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is the largest science museum in Europe and a great place to learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. It has various exhibitions, experiments, games, and simulations covering astronomy, biology, ecology, energy, robotics, and more topics. It also has a planetarium, an IMAX theatre, a submarine, and a tropical greenhouse. The museum has a particular area for kids, called the Cité des Enfants, where they can explore, play, and discover through five thematic zones: I Discover Myself, I Know How I Locate Myself, I Experiment, and I Communicate. The museum is free for children under two and everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

Parc Astérix

Parc Astérix is a theme park based on the comic books of Astérix, the famous Gaul who resists the Roman invasion with the help of a magic potion. It's a fun and educational way to learn about the history and culture of ancient Gaul, Rome, Greece, Egypt, and other regions of the world. You can ride roller coasters, water slides, and other attractions, watch shows and animations, and meet the characters of comic books. You can also stay at one of the themed hotels or camp in the nearby forest. Parc Astérix is located about 35 km north of Paris, and you can get there by shuttle bus, train, or car. You can buy your tickets online or at the gate, but buying them online in advance is cheaper and faster.

Jardin d'Acclimatation

The Jardin d'Acclimatation is a park and amusement park that dates back to the 19th century when it was created as a zoological garden and a place to acclimate exotic animals. Today, it's a family-friendly attraction that offers various activities and attractions, such as a mini farm, a petting zoo, a butterfly house, a mini golf, a river rafting, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and more. It also has a museum, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, that showcases contemporary art and architecture. The park is located in the Bois de Boulogne, a large forest park on the western edge of Paris, and you can get there by metro, bus, or train. You can buy your tickets online or at the gate.

How to get around Paris

Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses, trams, and trains. You can use the same ticket, called a t+ ticket, except for the RER trains that go outside the city limits. You can buy tickets at any metro station or load them on a Navigo Easy pass or your smartphone. Children under four can travel for free, and children under ten can get a 50% discount on packs of 10 tickets.

Another option is the hop-on, hop-off Batobus, a boat service that stops at nine locations along the Seine River, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. It's a great way to see the city differently and avoid traffic. Children under three can ride for free, and children under 16 can get a reduced fare.

If you prefer to explore the city on foot, you'll find plenty of pedestrian zones, parks, and gardens where you can stroll and relax. You can also rent bikes or scooters from various stations around the city or join a guided bike tour. Be careful of the traffic and the cobblestones, and always wear a helmet.