10 Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids

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If you’re planning a fun trip to Paris, here 10 of the best things to see and do with the kids. Just a short flight, train-ride or road trip from the UK, Northern France can be an excellent base for a family holiday – you can blend child-friendly resorts and attractions with a city visit for a bit of history and culture. Plus, there are actually lots of things you can see and do in Paris inexpensively – perfect for families travelling on a budget. As well as the best things to do in Paris with the kids, I’ve included money-saving tips, the nearest metro stations, additional information on getting to Paris from the UK and the best places to stay. Have a great trip!

The 10 best things to do in Paris with kids:

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower (or just enjoy the view)

One of the best things to do in Paris with the kids, your city adventure wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Ticket prices vary depending on whether you want access to the very top, and whether you’re happy to use the stairs rather than the lift. While you can pay to go all the way to the top, families can save quite a bit by stopping at the second floor, which still offers incredible views across Paris. If you’re trying to keep costs down, simply enjoying the tower from the ground is still a brilliant experience, especially if you return later in the evening when the lights sparkle for free. You could spend some time in Champ de Mars, the large park beneath the Eiffel Tower, then walk across to Trocadéro for one of the best views in Paris.

The closest metro stations to the Eiffel Tower are Bir-Hakeim (10 minute walk), Trocadéro (15-20 min walk) and École Militaire (15 min walk), or you can take the RER C train to Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.

2. Explore Jardin des Tuileries and ride the ferris wheel

Jardin des Tuileries is one of the best places in Paris for the kids to let off steam. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this central park has plenty of space to run around, playground areas, trampolines and even toy boats that children can sail on the pond. Depending on the time of year, you might also find a small funfair or ferris wheel, which adds to the atmosphere. Food prices in the city can be pricey, so grab some bits from a bakery along the way and enjoy a picnic lunch while the kids play. The Jardin des Tuileries is completely free to enter so it’s the perfect pit stop if you’re travelling on a budget.

The closest metro station to Jardin des Tuileries is Tuileries which is directly next to the park.

3. Cruise the River Seine on a family-friendly boat tour

A short boat cruise on the River Seine is one of the most fun things to do in Paris – and likely the easiest way to see the city with kids. (This was probably Finn and Lola’s favourite part of the day!) Exploring by boat is a great way to save little legs from getting too tired – plus most boats have covered areas making this a perfect activity no matter the weather. Look out for family deals, early bird / late afternoon savings and book in advance to save money. If you’d rather not spend, simply strolling along the riverbank will give you beautiful views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. (There are also some great Paris bus tours for kids if that’s more your thing.)

For this, you’ll want the closest metro stations to the Eiffel Tower (see above) as it’s just a few minutes walk from there – these activities are best combined.

4. Discover the Louvre with a treasure hunt

Introduce your children to art and history at the Louvre. While the museum can feel overwhelming, a fun treasure hunt can keep little ones engaged. Challenge them to spot famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo or the Egyptian mummies. Children under 18 enter for free and pre-booking tickets can save time and hassle. Companies like Tiqets offer skip-the-line options, which can be a great plan if you’re visiting at the weekend or during the peak summer months.

The nearest metro station to the Louvre is Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre – it’s located directly across the street.

5. Enjoy the views from the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

If you want to do something more peaceful, it’s worth taking a slight detour from the city centre to Montmartre – riding the funicular railway up to the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a fun way to see Paris with the kids. Sitting high above the city, this is one of the best viewpoints in Paris and it’s completely free to enter. The funicular railway is included in a standard metro ticket – making things easier if the walk up is a bit too much of a climb for little legs. The area around Montmartre is full of character, with street performers and artists that are always entertaining for children. It’s a great place to wander slowly, take in the atmosphere without rushing and have a relaxing picnic lunch with a view!

The closest metro stop to the basilica is Anvers (a 2 minute walk) and it’s the best option for a direct approach to the front steps. Or, Abbesses is close by too and may be best for reaching the Funiculaire de Montmartre.

6. Visit the City of Science and Industry Museum

The City of Science and Industry Museum is one of the best things to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day. The Cité des Enfants area is an interactive science space is designed specifically for children under ten years old, with hands-on exhibits that’ll keep them entertained for hours. The Planetarium will definitely capture the attention of kids of all ages, and they often host additional temporary exhibitions for kids throughout the year. It’s one of the best indoor activities in Paris for families and well worth booking in advance. The different exhibits require different tickets (or book a combo ticket to cover it all) so it’s worth looking at the different options on the museum’s own website.

The closest metro station to the City of Science and Industry Museum is Porte de la Villette – it’s around a 10 minute walk from the museum.

7. Relax with a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens is a short metro ride away from some of the more central sights but this beautiful park is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and it’s the perfect place unwind and enjoy a picnic lunch. It has everything from pony rides and puppet shows (check timings) to playgrounds and a pond where children can sail small wooden boats. If the kids need a break from sightseeing it’s a great place for them to let off some steam.

The nearest metro stations to Luxembourg Gardens are Odéon, Mabillon, Rennes or Notre-Dame-des-Champs – all a 5-8 minute walk. For direct RER access, Luxembourg-Sénat (Line B) is located right next to the garden.

8. Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral

After being closed for several years following the fire, the Notre-Dame Cathedral has now reopened and is once again free to enter, making it a great addition to your Paris itinerary if you’re travelling on a budget. (Make a free reservation online to reduce your waiting times.) Even if you don’t go inside, it’s still well worth seeing from the outside. The surrounding area is also lovely to explore with kids, with plenty of space to wander along the riverbanks, watch the boats go by and stop for a crepe or an ice cream nearby.

The closest stations to Notre-Dame are Cité (located on the island) and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B or C) (located just across the river) both stations are within a few minutes’ walk.

9. Enjoy the sights by wandering the streets

Don’t worry if you have a small budget – just having a wander around Paris, watching the world go by and viewing the sights from the outside can be good fun. We don’t always venture inside places with entrance fees, but that doesn’t stop us from exploring the cities we visit to see what they have to offer. Cross one of the famous bridges, like the Pont des Arts, get an ice-cream and sit on a bench by the river, or take a closer look at buildings like the Louvre and the Notre-Dame. Soak up what the city has to offer and you’ll have a brilliant time in Paris with the kids without blowing the budget.

10. Have a magical theme park day

Undoubtedly the most fun thing for the kids to do, if you’ve got the time and budget, is to visit one of the fabulous theme parks within easy reach of Paris. Both Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix are less than an hour from central Paris – so it can be a great combination for a fun trip with the kids with some cultural adventures too. To save money, bring your own snacks and plan your visit to minimise queue times (my Disneyland Paris on a Budget article is great place to start.) Or, check out my full Disneyland Paris Guide for more info.

Transport options from central Paris to Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix:

For Disneyland Paris: From central Paris, you can take the RER A train from stations like Châtelet–Les Halles or Gare de Lyon directly to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, which takes around 40 minutes and drops you right at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. Alternatively, the Disneyland Paris Express shuttle service transports you from Paris to Disneyland Paris and back on the same day from 5 pick-up locations. Or, if you’re driving, Disneyland Paris is around 45-60 minutes from Central Paris.
For Parc Asterix: From central Paris, you can take the RER B train from stations like Châtelet–Les Halles or Gare du Nord to Charles de Gaulle Airport, then hop on the dedicated shuttle bus to Parc Astérix, which takes around 75 minutes in total. Alternatively, there are direct shuttle buses from central Paris that run to the park and back on the same day. Or, if you’re driving, Parc Astérix is around 35-45 minutes from central Paris.

Getting to Paris from the UK

What’s the cheapest way to travel to Paris? The ferry from Dover to Calais will likely be the cheapest and easiest option, followed by a straightforward three hour drive to Paris. For a speedier trip, you could travel on Le Shuttle – Folkestone to Calais takes around 30 minutes but it’s a little pricier.
Which airport is best for reaching central Paris? The best airport for visiting central Paris is Orly Airport as it’s the closest – from there it takes 20-30 minutes to travel in central Paris. Alternatively, Charles de Gaulle Airport is a larger airport with more flight options but it’s a 40-60 minute transfer depending on the traffic. The flight time from the UK to Paris is just over an hour.
How can I get to Paris by train from the UK? Travelling by train eliminates airport waiting times, and things like luggage costs, so taking the Eurostar to Paris can be a great option if you can find some affordable tickets. The Eurostar from London to Paris takes around 2.5 hours.

Where’s the best place to stay in Paris with kids?

If it’s your first time visiting Paris with children, staying fairly central or within a short metro ride can make sightseeing much easier. Here are a few areas to consider: Le Marais (great for walkability & atmosphere), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (well-located for a slightly quieter stay), the Latin Quarter (great for budget-friendly central stays) or near the Eiffel Tower (perfect for first-time trips and iconic views). Or, for families looking for more budget-friendly options, staying slightly outside of the tourist hot spots and travelling in by metro can help to keep costs down. If you look for areas on good Metro or RER lines, you can still get into the city quickly but it’ll likely save you hundreds of pounds! Montparnasse (great transport links), Bastille (lively but less touristy) and Bercy (quieter and modern) are all good options to consider.

Alternatively, there are some fabulous holiday parks near Paris with pools, kids’ activities and family-friendly holiday homes so if you’re looking for a slightly lengthier stay (and some proper holiday vibes) those are brilliant options too. Find out more in my guide on where to stay in Paris with kids – I’ve covered the best central locations, budget-friendly hotel options and resorts nearby.

When’s the best time to visit Paris?

Paris is a great year-round destination but for families spring and early autumn are usually the best times to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds and heat. July and August can be very busy and surprisingly hot however, if you’re staying at a holiday park nearby, the warmer months will offer the best chance for enjoying swimming pools and outdoor activities. Winter is quieter and more budget-friendly, but you’ll need to be prepared for colder weather and shorter days. For a full month-by-month breakdown, including temperatures and what to expect at different times of year, take a look at my guide on the best time to visit Paris.

Is Paris worth a visit?

There are some fabulous things to do in Paris with the kids, and the city has its own unique vibe, so if you’re visiting Northern France for a family break then it’s definitely worth a visit. You can happily wander without spending much at all, it’s a great stop off on a road trip and it offers the perfect combination for a Disneyland Paris or Parc Asterix treat! If you’ve got a little longer for your trip, my 3 day Paris itinerary covers 2 days of city fun with the kids and a Disney day. Have a fabulous time in Paris and check out my other guides below…