Paris with Kids: A Magical City Trip for the Whole Family

Hello Travel Enthusiasts! I’m Maartje, an avid traveler with a passion for discovering the best destinations for families. Today, we’re diving into the city of love: Paris! Paris is famous for its romantic vibe and cultural splendor. But did you know that this enchanting city is also a fantastic destination for a city trip with kids? From the iconic Love Lock Bridge to theme parks, Paris has something to offer for every family member. Below, you’ll find tips for an unforgettable city trip to Paris with kids.

The Best Time to Visit Paris with Kids

The best time to visit Paris is generally in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, temperatures are mild, ranging from pleasant to warm, and the weather is generally stable. In spring, the gardens bloom, including the beautiful Tuileries Garden, allowing you to enjoy the city in full bloom. Autumn also offers comfortable temperatures, and you can avoid the crowds that often come with the summer months.

Parijs Pass

If you plan to visit many different hotspots, it’s useful to consider whether you want to use the Paris Pass. This pass gives you access to a wide range of attractions and sights in Paris. There are three different passes available:

  • The Museum Pass: grants access to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris and the surrounding region. This includes iconic locations such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, and the Palace of Versailles.
  • The Paris Pass Explorer: With this pass, you can visit 3 to 7 different attractions from a long list of sights. You pay a fixed amount, determined by the number of activities you choose.
    3 activities cost €89 for a child and €104 for an adult.
    7 activities cost €249 for a child and €269 for an adult.
    You can also choose 4, 5, or 6 activities.
  • The Paris All-Inclusive Pass: With this pass, you can visit as many included attractions as you want within a set number of days. You can choose from 2, 3, 4, or 6 days.
    2 days cost €69 for children and €144 for adults.
    6 days cost €89 for children and €234 for adults.
    This pass automatically includes the Museum Pass.

You can purchase the different passes here: Museum Pass, Explorer Pass, All Inclusive Pass.

Of course, you can also pay for the different activities separately, but if you plan to visit multiple attractions, a pass can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that many attractions require advance reservations, as they can sell out quickly.

Attractions

Paris, with its vast streets and countless attractions, may seem overwhelming for a city trip with kids. But don’t worry! With the right planning, it can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Below, I’ve listed some great attractions that are definitely worth a visit. If you want to see all my tips for Paris, check out the destinations section and select Paris.

  1. The Iconic Start: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars

Paris with kids Paris with kids

The Eiffel Tower, a striking symbol of Paris, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a fantastic spot that appeals to both young and old. During a city trip to Paris with kids, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must.

Paris with kids

Enchantment from Above

For children, the Eiffel Tower looks like a giant castle reaching into the sky. It’s exciting to look up and marvel at its height (a staggering 300 meters!) and the impressive presence of this famous monument. Head to the top for a breathtaking view of Paris. In the evening, the twinkling city lights create a magical spectacle that will captivate even the youngest visitors.

Paris with kids

You can climb the Eiffel Tower with or without a guide. Be sure to book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. You can also buy tickets on-site, but the lines for both tickets (if they’re even available) and entry can be extremely long. If you go with a guide, you’ll get priority access, though you’ll still have to wait a bit to enter. The guided tour also provides interesting insights—some of which were completely new to me!
If you prefer to take the elevator to the top, you can purchase your tickets here. Want to visit with a guide? Get your guided tour tickets here.
You can also take the stairs—704 steps up! For all options, you can choose to stop at the second floor or pay extra to reach the very top.

Picnicking at Champ de Mars

Paris with kids

Directly beneath the Eiffel Tower lies the vast green space of Champ de Mars, an ideal spot for a relaxing family picnic. Bring a blanket, some tasty treats, and enjoy a peaceful break while the kids run around and play on the grass. The view of the Eiffel Tower creates a magical backdrop for an unforgettable family meal.

  1. Galerie de l’Evolution & Galérie de Paléontologie et d’anatomie

Paris with kids

You probably know that Paris has countless museums, but not all of them are suitable for visiting with kids. However, Galerie de l’Évolution is definitely a great choice! This impressive building houses a stunning collection of taxidermy animals, displayed in a truly masterful way. From majestic elephants to vibrant butterflies, the gallery offers a breathtaking glimpse into the diversity of the animal kingdom.
For children, there are engaging exhibitions and interactive educational programs that introduce them to the wonders of nature in a fun and playful way.
Buy here your ticket voor het museum.

This museum is located in Jardin des Plantes, where you’ll also find La Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie. Instead of taxidermy animals, this museum showcases the skeletons of hundreds of creatures. It’s just as impressive and a fascinating experience for kids and adults alike.

Jardin des Plantes also features a small urban zoo, making it a great spot to combine multiple activities in one visit. Get your tickets here if you want to combine Galerie de l’Evolution with the zoo.

  1. Disneyland Paris

This spectacular Disney theme park is a must-visit when you’re in Paris. At Disneyland, you step into a world full of fantasy. As soon as you enter, you’ll spot Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the iconic landmark seen at the start of every Disney movie. How amazing is it to finally walk in and around it in real life? The magic truly begins the moment you arrive!

This park is actually made up of two separate parks: Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios.

The first park, Disneyland, consists of five themed lands, each with fantastic attractions for all ages, ranging from thrilling rides to more relaxed experiences. The entire park is filled with Disney magic—every detail references a movie, and you can feel the enchantment everywhere you go.

Paris with kids Paris with kids

Walt Disney Studios, the second Parc, is all about film and showbiz. It features different themed areas, including Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. Here, you can meet your favorite Disney characters and enjoy a variety of exciting attractions, making it a fantastic experience for the whole family.

Paris with kids Paris with kids

You can visit for one or multiple days. If you’re going for just one day, it’s best to choose one of the two parks. If you stay longer, you’ll have plenty of time to explore both.
You can buy undated tickets, but these are nearly twice as expensive as tickets with a fixed date. The park rarely reaches full capacity (though it may feel that way! 😊), so you can wait to buy your ticket until you’re sure you can go. Buy here your ticket if you want to go 1 day. Or here if you want ot g multiple days. With the Explorer pas you can go 1 day as well to Disney.

  1. Parc Asterix

Paris with kids

Another theme park, much less known but just as fun, is Parc Astérix. Located about an hour’s drive from Paris, this park is entirely themed around Astérix and Obelix.
It features 50 attractions, catering to all ages:
For the brave and older kids (many rides have a 12+ age requirement): roller coasters, 3D experiences, and a spinning flying carpet.
For families: various water rides, smaller roller coasters, and boat rides.
For little ones: airplanes, playgrounds, train rides, and a small carousel.
The park is more compact than Disneyland, so you can experience a good number of attractions in just one day. The good thing is that you can visit Parc Astérix for free with the All Inclusive pas and the Explorer pas. You can also stay overnight, as the park offers special Astérix-themed hotels for a fully immersive experience.

  1. Sacre Coeur

Paris with kids

The Sacré-Cœur sits atop the hill of Montmartre, a charming and atmospheric part of Paris. As you climb the hill, kids can enjoy the colorful street performers, lively squares, and cozy cafés that bring the area to life. It feels like stepping into a magical storybook adventure!

What our kids loved most were the stairs leading up to the Sacré-Cœur (or the ones beside them! 😄). They had fun racing to see who could reach the top first or counting the steps—there are more than 220!
If all those stairs sound like too much, you can also take the Funiculaire de Montmartre, the hill’s cable car, for an easier ride to the top.

Paris with kids Paris with kids

Once you reach the Sacré-Cœur, both parents and kids will be amazed by the stunning basilica. The white marble stands out beautifully against the blue sky, offering a serene view of the city. Let the kids admire the impressive dome and explore the history of the basilica as you wander around together.

A highlight of visiting the Sacré-Cœur is the breathtaking panoramic view over Paris. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city’s iconic skyline.
Plus, there are almost always street performers in front of the Sacré-Cœur. Our kids absolutely loved watching them! When we were there, we got to see an incredible breakdancing performance, which was a big hit with them.

Paris with kids Paris with kids

All in all, visiting the Sacré-Cœur is a truly immersive experience!

  1. Polidor

Paris with kids

Eating with Kids in Paris
Of course, when you’re in Paris, you want to eat like a true Parisian. But with kids, that can sometimes be a bit tricky. Polidor is a great place to do just that!
This charming restaurant, established in 1845, not only serves delicious traditional French dishes, but also offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for families. While Polidor is rich in history, it hasn’t forgotten how important it is to keep its youngest guests happy. They offer a kids’ menu and go out of their way to make sure children feel at home.
Another big plus? It’s actually affordable, which is becoming increasingly rare in Paris!

  1. Aquarium de Paris

Paris with kids Paris with kids

Step into Aquarium de Paris and immerse yourself in a magical underwater world. With over 10,000 sea creatures from around the globe—including colorful fish, graceful seahorses, and impressive sharks—it’s a true aquatic paradise in the heart of Paris.
Be sure to check out the daily feeding sessions and interactive presentations, where the staff shares fascinating facts about the various marine animals. For families with kids, it’s a good idea to plan your visit around these activities to make the experience even more engaging.
Located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, this aquarium not only offers a fascinating glimpse into life beneath the waves but also provides a memorable experience for both young and old.

Paris with kids Paris with kids

  1. Accommodation in Paris

Paris with kids

A super family-friendly hotel chain in Paris is Novotel. They have multiple locations that are great and convenient for staying with kids.

For example, Novotel Paris Porte Versaillesis a great option. Located in the 15th arrondissement in the south of Paris, some rooms even offer a view of the Eiffel Tower!
The hotel has rooms for 3 or 4 people, and they regularly organize fun activities for kids. Rooms are available from €192 per night for a family of four.

Another option is Novotel Paris Saint Denis located just outside the city center, north of the 18th arrondissement. This hotel is especially convenient if you’re traveling by car, as it’s easily accessible.
From the hotel, you can quickly reach public transportation, making it easy to get to the city center. Since it’s a bit further from the heart of Paris, it’s also more budget-friendly. Rooms are available from €123 per night for a family of four.

Other great hotels for staying with kids include: MOB Hotel Paris les Puces or YOOMA Urban Lodge Hotel.

Of course, Paris has countless other fun activities for families. There are many parks with great play areas for kids, as well as ponds where they can sail small remote-controlled boats. You’ll also find beautiful carousels scattered throughout the city.
Additionally, Paris has many more museums that are perfect for visiting with children.
Do you want more insider tips for your next trip to Paris? Check out all my Paris recommendations!

Thank you for joining us on this journey through magical Paris! Whether you’ve admired the Eiffel Tower, enjoyed the street performers at the Sacré-Cœur, savored a meal at Polidor, or explored the depths of the ocean at Aquarium de Paris, we hope these tips have made your Parisian adventure even more special.

Don’t miss a single magical moment—follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. Here, we share inspiring photos, the latest travel tips, and much more. Tag us in your Parisian adventures and let us be part of your travel story. Or subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page!

Sometimes you will come across affiliate links in my blogs. Do you shop through such a link? Then I will receive a small commission. Of course, this costs you nothing extra. It helps me to be able to create fun content for this website.