3 Fantastic Experiences to Do with Kids in Paris
Paris isn’t just for adults! In fact there is a very rich selection of activities that are great for families visiting the City of Light, some outdoors, some indoors, some interactive, but all of them fun and engaging. Here are our top must-do experiences for families visiting Paris with kids recommended to us by real Parisians with young children.
1. La Villette: Science, Play, and Imagination
One of the most exciting destinations for families is Parc de la Villette, a sprawling cultural park in northeastern Paris. Located in the 19e arrondissement, if you don’t get your information from places that share local, hidden gems, you’ll miss this area entirely. That’s a real shame, because La Villette is literally perfect for a full day of exploration. Here are three of our favorite things to do there:
Jardin des Dragons (Dragon Garden): A whimsical outdoor play area where kids can climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild.
Le Jardin des vents et des dunes: An interactive outdoor space for kids, with comfy chairs for parents (yes please!)
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: France’s largest science museum, featuring hands-on exhibits perfect for curious young minds. It’s an educational and entertaining stop that appeals to all ages; who doesn’t love a science museum??
And don’t worry about food or additional indoor activities as next door to Cité des Sciences you’ll find Boom Boom, an international food court surrounded by everything from escape rooms and bowling to indoor skydiving and an IMAX movie theater.
Hot Tip!
If you’re walking up the Canal to get to the park, swing by Kaffee 19 for some caffeine to get you started. If you’re walking down the canal in the afternoon, why not stop for a beer and a pizza at Paname brewing co? We weren’t kidding when we said you could spend all day up here!
2. Jardin d’Acclimatation: An Old School Paris Amusement Park
Another family favorite is the Jardin d’Acclimatation. This is a seriously charming amusement park and garden in the Bois de Boulogne. It’s mostly for kids, but you’ll love how old-school it is (like, it was built in the late 1800s!) while maintaining a modern twist. We love the miniature rides and rollercoasters designed for younger children, and the beautiful gardens for strolling and relaxing while the kids burn off energy. Plus, it’s located right next to the Fondation Louis Vuitton, so you can get a little dose of grown-up culture as well!
Hot Tip #2
You can nab another culture+park combo on the other side of town by hitting up the Château de Vincennes, and then popping next door to the botanical garden: Parc Floral. You’ll find this, and many other recommendations on activities to do with kids in our guide. There you’ll find a guest article written by local Parisian mum, Jessamy Holland, as well as several other recommendations on our interactive map thanks to the input from half a dozen other local parents! Grab it here.
3. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: Curious and Quirky
For something truly unique and whimsical, head to the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Museum of hunting, you might say? Is this crazy? Maybe a little bit, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this perfect rainy day activity. The museum combines art, history, and nature in a way that fascinates children (and usually their parents as well). Yes, there are stuffed & mounted animals, but there are also interactive exhibits and kids will get to engage with artistic representations of wildlife throughout history, learn about hunting traditions and techniques, and much more.
It’s an unusual museum that sparks curiosity and encourages exploration, but it’s smaller and more accessible than a lot of the other big museums in Paris. We’re not saying don’t take your kids to the Louvre…but they might find this one more fun!
Hot Tip #3
Not sure where to eat after? Grab some delicious noodles at Happy Nouilles. Want even more recs? Check out our guide.
And finally, we’ll leave you with a few tried and true:
Tips for Visiting Paris with Kids
Snack time: The goûter, a late-afternoon snack with pastries, is sacred. Swing by any boulangerie for a pain au chocolat, or better yet, a bag full of chouquettes.
Bring a stroller and be ready to walk: Paris is a very walkable city but, if you’re uncertain whether or not you need your stroller then yes, you’ll want a stroller. Think about bringing a tiny one that can fold up or fit through the metro turnstiles.
For more recommendations, tips and tricks to visiting Paris, grab our full guide. It’s packed with everything you need to make your trip to Paris with kids unforgettable!