Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Tracy Visiting Paris with kids? Discover family-friendly fun in Paris! Explore top activities like sampling Berthillon ice cream, climbing iconic landmarks, visiting parks, Read more... The post Visiting Paris With Kids: Uncovering Family-Friendly Fun in the City of Lights appeared first on Food Wine Sunshine.
Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Tracy
Visiting Paris with kids? Discover family-friendly fun in Paris! Explore top activities like sampling Berthillon ice cream, climbing iconic landmarks, visiting parks, taking Seine river boat rides, and enjoying interactive museums. Perfect for creating lasting memories in the City of Lights.
Paris isn’t just about romance; it’s also a great destination for families. The city is filled with fun things to do with kids, from museums to children’s shops. This is a city full of big things that impress little kids, not just adults. Everything here is just more intense than most places: the food, the sights, the sounds, the smells.
We were actually supposed to take a family trip to Paris a few years ago. But that’s when the world stopped traveling. So, I had this post started, but I never published it because I was bummed we never got to go! But now that the world is loving traveling again, I thought that there would be a family somewhere out there that may appreciate the research I did…I hope so! And if you have been to Paris with kids, be sure to comment on your favorite things to do!
Want to check out things to do in Paris without actually leaving your house? Here are some virtual tours to experience, perfect for checking out before booking your trip!
Here are some fun things to do when visiting Paris with kids
Sample a Special Ice Cream
How many kids can say they’ve had a special type of ice cream you can only find on one small island in the heart of Paris? Hit the lovely and charming Ile Saint Louis to sample some authentic Berthillon ice cream. This rich and delicious ice cream is only made on Ile Saint Louis and has been a Parisian staple since 1954. The shop offers a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique options like wild strawberry and salted caramel. While you’re in the neighborhood, explore the quaint children’s shop filled with toys and books, and don’t miss the wonderful puppet shop where you can find beautifully crafted marionettes and puppets that will delight your children.
Start Climbing
Want to help your kids work through some of that restless energy? Hit some of the seemingly endless stairs in Paris. A couple of great choices are the Arc de Triomphe, with a long climb up spiral staircases, and Notre Dame Cathedral, another long climb up a spiral stairwell. The Arc de Triomphe offers panoramic views of Paris from its rooftop, allowing kids to spot landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. At Notre Dame, the bonus is that children can see the famous gargoyles up close and fans of the Disney movie “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will enjoy seeing the real bell of the hunchback from the tale. Each climb is an adventure and a history lesson rolled into one, making it a fun and educational experience.
Find a Paris Festival
This is Paris, and you can almost always find a wonderful festival that kids will enjoy. Check with the local tourism office for a schedule and enjoy some true French culture. Festivals like Fête de la Musique, which happens in June, offer live music performances throughout the city. The Paris Jazz Festival, held in Parc Floral during the summer, is a great way to enjoy music in a beautiful garden setting. For something more seasonal, the Christmas markets and holiday festivities around the city are magical for kids, with lights, decorations, and festive treats. Your kids are bound to encounter some French kids there as well, making it a cultural exchange and a fun day out.
Let them Eat Cake
OK, if a kid is thrilled in a candy store, imagine how thrilled a kid can be at a French candy store. Take your kids to a candy store, chocolaterie, or patisserie to pick up some fabulous confections to enjoy. Stores like La Cure Gourmande offer beautifully packaged sweets that make for perfect souvenirs. At a patisserie, let your kids try macarons, eclairs, and croissants. The famous Angelina tea house serves a hot chocolate so rich and creamy that it’s like drinking melted chocolate bars, sure to delight young and old alike. Visiting these shops not only satisfies their sweet tooth but also provides a taste of French culinary artistry.
See the French Animals
If you go to the 1st Arrondissement in the heart of Paris, walk to the Seine River, and follow along the river, you will encounter a stretch of several pet stores. This is a lot of fun for kids, especially since these shops have many French bulldogs that you won’t commonly see in other countries. The area around Quai de la Mégisserie is known for its pet shops, where kids can see a variety of pets including birds, fish, and sometimes even exotic animals. It’s a charming and unexpected side of Paris that animal-loving children will thoroughly enjoy.
Art Kids Will Enjoy
Kids may not go for a long tour of Le Louvre, but consider a visit to the Georges Pompidou Centre. This is a modern art gallery, and the unique architecture is colorful and fun for kids. The building itself looks like it was constructed inside-out, with brightly colored pipes and escalators on the exterior, which makes it fascinating even before you step inside. Outside, find the Stravinsky Fountain, where kids will enjoy pointing out the colorful and creative elephant and heart sculptures. The museum often hosts interactive exhibitions and workshops for children, making art accessible and engaging for young minds.
Play at the Parks
Paris is home to numerous beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for kids to play and explore. Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, offers a large playground, carousel, and boat pond where children can sail mini boats. The park’s open spaces and beautifully manicured gardens provide plenty of room for kids to run around and enjoy themselves. Luxembourg Gardens is another favorite, featuring puppet shows, pony rides, and a fantastic playground. The gardens are also home to the Medici Fountain, where families can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. These parks offer a welcome break from sightseeing and a chance for kids to burn off some energy. Perfect for when visiting Paris with kids!
Take a Boat Ride on the Seine
One of the best ways to see Paris is from the water. Taking a boat ride on the Seine River is a fun and relaxing way for kids to see the city’s famous landmarks. Companies like Bateaux Mouches offer family-friendly tours that include commentary in multiple languages. These boat rides provide spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Musée d’Orsay, all from the comfort of your seat. It’s a great way to give kids a break from walking while still enjoying the sights. Many of the boats also have open decks, allowing kids to feel the breeze and get a closer look at the passing scenery.
Explore the Cité des Enfants
Located within the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the Cité des Enfants is an interactive science and technology museum designed specifically for children. It features hands-on exhibits, experiments, and activities that engage kids in learning about the world around them. Suitable for children of all ages, this museum offers a fun and educational break from the usual tourist activities. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from space exploration to human biology, and there are dedicated play areas for younger children. The Cité des Enfants is a place where kids can learn through play, making it both an enjoyable and enriching experience.
Paris truly offers a wealth of activities and experiences that cater to families with children. From indulging in sweet treats and exploring vibrant festivals to climbing iconic monuments and playing in beautiful parks, there’s something for every child to enjoy in the City of Lights. So, if you are visiting Paris with kids, be sure to add some of these fun things to do to your itinerary!
If you are looking for more things to do in Paris, check out my list of Top Free Things To Do In Paris.
Have you visited Paris with kids? What are your favorite things to do with kids in Paris?
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