A Family-Friendly Paris: Tips for Traveling with Kids in the City

Paris is often associated with romance, fashion, and fine dining, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families, offering a wealth of child-friendly activities and attractions. I can assure you that this vibrant city has plenty to offer families with kids of all ages. I’ll take you through some of the best activities and experiences Paris has to offer families, sharing my personal insights, tips, and recommendations on how to make the most out of a family trip to the City of Lights.

From exploring iconic monuments to enjoying outdoor parks and interactive museums, Paris is brimming with opportunities for kids to learn, play, and discover. But beyond the well-known landmarks, there are hidden gems that will make your family vacation in Paris truly unforgettable. Let me guide you through my favorite activities and share a few insider tips for traveling with kids in this beautiful city.

1. Disneyland Paris: A Magical Experience for the Whole Family

Why It’s a Must-See

No family trip to Paris is complete without a visit to Disneyland Paris. Located just outside the city, this expansive amusement park is home to two main areas: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Paris is packed with attractions for kids of all ages, from classic Disney rides to character meet-and-greets and spectacular shows. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, there’s something here for everyone.

My Experience

During my last visit to Paris with my kids, Disneyland Paris was our first stop. We took the RER A train from the city center, and the journey was smooth, taking about 40 minutes to reach the park. We arrived early to avoid the crowds, and the magic began as soon as we entered the park. We first visited Disneyland Park, where we explored classic attractions like It’s a Small World and Peter Pan’s Flight. My kids loved meeting their favorite Disney characters, and we made sure to take plenty of photos with Mickey and Minnie.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Disney Stars on Parade. The colorful parade with dancers, floats, and all the beloved characters was an absolute hit with the kids, and it felt like we were part of a live Disney movie. We also enjoyed the larger thrill rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, which had just the right amount of excitement for older kids and adults.

We took a break in one of the many themed restaurants, where we enjoyed a delicious meal while watching Disney-themed entertainment. Disneyland Paris is designed with families in mind, and there were ample child-friendly dining options and rest areas for when the little ones needed a break.

Best Time to Visit

• When: Disneyland Paris is open year-round, but I recommend visiting during the off-season (September to early December or mid-January to March) to avoid the large crowds, especially around school holidays.
• Location: Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée (about 32 km from central Paris).
• Getting There: The easiest way to get to Disneyland Paris is by taking the RER A train from central Paris (Gare de Lyon, Châtelet-Les-Halles). The park is located at Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station.

Tips for Visiting

• Book in Advance: Tickets for Disneyland Paris can be purchased in advance on their official website, and this will save you both time and money. I recommend buying multi-day tickets if you plan to visit both parks.
• FastPass System: Utilize the FastPass system to skip the lines for popular rides. This is a great way to maximize your time and avoid the long queues.
• Character Dining: Book a character dining experience for an extra magical experience. It’s a great way to meet characters while enjoying a meal without waiting in line.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Fun for all ages, tons of attractions, interactive experiences, and shows. Great for creating unforgettable family memories.
• Cons: Expensive tickets and food, large crowds, especially during peak seasons.

2. Jardin d’Acclimatation: A Beautiful Park with Family-Friendly Attractions

Why It’s a Must-See

Jardin d’Acclimatation is a hidden gem in Paris, offering a beautiful, family-friendly escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located in the Bois de Boulogne park in the western part of Paris, this historical amusement park has been delighting families for over 150 years. The park features a variety of activities, including a petting zoo, a mini roller coaster, a carousel, and an interactive science museum, making it perfect for younger children and toddlers.

My Experience

On our second day in Paris, we decided to take a break from the busy city and head to Jardin d’Acclimatation for a relaxing yet exciting day. The park is easy to reach by Metro (Line 1, to Les Sablons station), and when we arrived, we were immediately struck by the charm of the place. It felt like a quaint, old-fashioned amusement park but with modern touches that appealed to my kids.

We started by visiting the petting zoo, where my children had the opportunity to feed goats, sheep, and other animals. The animals were friendly, and there were plenty of staff members on hand to ensure the kids interacted with them safely.

Next, we headed to the miniature roller coaster, which was the perfect size for my younger kids. They loved the gentle thrills, and I appreciated how safe and well-maintained the ride was. Afterward, we visited the Jardin des Enfants, a whimsical garden full of interactive games and play areas for young children. The park is large enough that you don’t feel crowded, and the kids can run around freely.

For a more educational experience, we explored the Musée des Arts Forains (Fairground Art Museum) inside the park, which offers a fascinating collection of vintage fairground rides and entertainment history. This was a fun and unique experience that my kids and I really enjoyed.

Best Time to Visit

• When: Jardin d’Acclimatation is open year-round, but it’s especially enjoyable in spring and summer when the weather is pleasant and the park’s attractions are in full swing.
• Location: Bois de Boulogne, 16th Arrondissement, Paris.
• Getting There: Take Metro Line 1 to Les Sablons station, and the park is a short walk from there.

Tips for Visiting

• Buy Tickets in Advance: You can buy tickets online in advance, and it’s a good idea to do so to avoid long lines at the entrance.
• Family Passes: Consider purchasing a family pass, which can provide access to multiple rides at a discount.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Fun, relaxed atmosphere, excellent for younger kids, beautiful park setting, and diverse attractions.
• Cons: Some rides may be more suitable for younger children, so older kids may not find it as exciting.

3. The Musée d’Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum): Fun and Educational

Why It’s a Must-See

The Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the city’s most impressive museums and is ideal for families with children who are curious about the natural world. With exhibits on dinosaurs, animals, plants, and minerals, the museum provides an engaging and educational experience that will spark the imagination of both kids and adults. The museum’s Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (Gallery of Evolution) is particularly popular with children due to its life-sized animal dioramas and interactive displays.

My Experience

During our trip, we spent an afternoon at the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, and it quickly became one of my kids’ favorite spots in Paris. We entered through the main entrance, and the first thing that caught our attention was the enormous dinosaur skeletons in the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie Comparée. The kids were fascinated by the T-Rex and triceratops models, and it was exciting to see them interact with the exhibits, asking questions and learning about prehistoric creatures.

Next, we headed to the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, where the massive displays of animals from around the world stood in dramatic poses, creating an immersive experience. The museum also has several hands-on exhibits where the kids could touch fossils and learn about different species through interactive screens.

The museum’s setting in the beautiful Jardin des Plantes also added to the experience, providing a lovely area to relax and explore once we were done with the exhibits.

Best Time to Visit

• When: The museum is open every day except Monday, and I recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.
• Location: Jardin des Plantes, 5th Arrondissement, Paris.
• Getting There: Take Metro Line 7 to the Gare d’Austerlitz station, and the museum is just a short walk from there.

Tips for Visiting

• Interactive Activities: Be sure to check out the interactive exhibits that are available for children, as they are great for engaging them in learning.
• Allow Plenty of Time: The museum is large, so make sure to allow at least two to three hours to fully explore the galleries.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Educational, interactive exhibits that engage children, beautiful setting in the Jardin des Plantes.
• Cons: Some sections may not be as exciting for younger children, so it’s best to tailor the visit to their interests.

Additional Family-Friendly Activities

1. Luxembourg Gardens

This gorgeous park is perfect for a family picnic, with playgrounds, puppet shows, and even a small pond where children can sail boats.

2. Seine River Cruise

Take a family-friendly boat cruise along the Seine to see Paris’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, from a unique perspective.

3. Paris Zoological Park

This zoo is home to a variety of animals from around the world and offers a great experience for kids to learn about conservation while having fun.

4. Parc Astérix

Located about 35 km from Paris, Parc Astérix is another theme park filled with thrilling rides and attractions based on the famous comic series.

Paris is undoubtedly one of the best cities for family travel, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages. Whether you’re exploring Disneyland Paris, enjoying the tranquility of Jardin d’Acclimatation, or immersing your family in the wonders of nature at the Natural History Museum, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had. With the right planning and a sense of adventure, your family trip to Paris can be full of fun, learning, and cherished memories.