The Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids in 2025: Fun, Food, and Family Adventures

Introduction: Why Paris is Surprisingly Kid-Friendly

Paris might conjure images of romantic sidewalk cafés and sophisticated art galleries, but trust me, it’s also an incredible playground for children. On our first family trip in 2018, I was terrified of dragging our then 4-year-old and 7-year-old through a city I assumed was designed for adults. By day two, as my daughter chased pigeons across Place des Vosges and my son devoured his third pain au chocolat with a chocolatey grin, I realized how wrong I’d been.

After five visits with kids in tow (most recently in March 2024), I’ve learned that Parisian families treasure their children, and the city offers endless opportunities for young explorers. From hidden playgrounds tucked behind famous monuments to kid-focused museum programs and parks where French children have played for centuries, Paris can be a magical experience for families.

This guide shares everything I wish I’d known before our first visit—practical tips, money-saving tricks, kid-tested attractions, and ways to navigate Paris that keep both children and parents happy. Whether you’re planning your first family trip or returning to discover more of what this magnificent city offers, I’ll help you create memories that your children will carry into adulthood.

Getting to Paris: Flight Tips with Kids

Flying to Paris with children can be daunting, but with proper planning, it becomes manageable. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main international gateway, located about 23 km northeast of the city.

Best Times to Fly with Children

After multiple trips, I’ve found that overnight flights work best with younger kids. Our 2022 flight departed at 7 PM, and both children fell asleep shortly after dinner service, waking as we began descent into Paris. For daytime flights, I pack an arsenal of entertainment options and schedule them strategically—new activities revealed every hour keeps restlessness at bay.

Getting from CDG Airport to Central Paris

• RER B Train: The most economical option at €11.40 per adult (children under 4 travel free, ages 4-10 pay reduced fare). Travel time: approximately 35 minutes to central Paris. While convenient, managing luggage and tired children on public transport can be challenging.
• Airport Shuttle Services: Services like Paris Shuttle cost around €18-25 per person but offer door-to-door service.
• Taxi: Flat rates apply—€53 to Right Bank (north of Seine), €58 to Left Bank. With four of us plus luggage, this has become our preferred option despite the cost.
• Uber/Private Transfer: Similar to taxi prices but can be booked in advance with car seats if requested.

After a disastrous first attempt with the RER B (involving a missed stop, a tantrum, and nearly lost luggage), we’ve learned that the extra cost of a taxi is worth every euro when arriving with tired children.

When to Visit Paris with Kids

Paris experiences distinct seasons, each offering different advantages for family travel:

Best Seasons for Family Visits

Our family’s favorite time is late May to early June. The weather is generally pleasant, parks are lush and green, and the summer tourist crush hasn’t yet reached its peak. Plus, the longer daylight hours mean more time for evening picnics along the Seine—a magical experience when the city glows at dusk.

If you’re planning for 2025, be aware that Paris will likely still be experiencing the post-Olympic tourism boost from the 2024 Summer Games, so booking accommodations early is essential, especially for the peak summer season.

Where to Stay with Kids in Paris

Choosing the right neighborhood (arrondissement) and accommodation can make or break your family trip to Paris. After staying in various areas across our visits, I’ve developed clear preferences for family-friendly locations.

Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

• Marais (3rd & 4th Arr.): Our favorite area for its central location, Place des Vosges (with a wonderful playground), pedestrian-friendly streets, and proximity to family attractions. The Marais neighborhood offers plenty of casual dining options too.
• Luxembourg Gardens Area (5th & 6th Arr.): Quieter, with the magnificent Jardin du Luxembourg offering puppet shows, pony rides, and a large playground.
• Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arr.): Less touristy, more affordable, with a relaxed vibe and the canal for boat-watching and picnics.

Accommodation Types for Families

While hotels are plentiful in Paris, families should consider these options:

Apartment Rentals

Our go-to choice now after the disaster of squeezing four people into a tiny hotel room on our first visit. Apartments offer:

• Kitchen facilities for preparing simple meals and snacks
• Separate bedrooms for parents and children
• Washing machines (pack half the clothes!)
• More space to decompress after busy sightseeing days

We’ve had great experiences with Plum Guide and Paris Attitude, both of which verify their properties and offer family-friendly filters.

Family-Friendly Hotels

If you prefer hotel amenities, these properties welcome children warmly:

• Hôtel du Louvre (1st Arr.): Central location with family rooms and children’s amenities
• Hôtel du Jeu de Paume (4th Arr.): On peaceful Île Saint-Louis with spacious rooms
• CitizenM Gare de Lyon (12th Arr.): Budget-friendly with modern rooms that kids find fascinating

Getting Around Paris with Kids

Paris is a surprisingly navigable city with children, offering multiple transportation options that can be both fun and practical.

Public Transportation

The Metro is the backbone of Paris transportation and children generally find it exciting to ride:

• Children under 4 travel free on all public transport
• Ages 4-9 qualify for reduced “Ticket Enfant” fares
• The Navigo Easy card (available since 2022) works for the whole family and is reloadable

For 2025, the Paris transport authority plans to complete several accessibility improvements, making more stations stroller-friendly with elevator access. Currently, Line 14 is the most accessible with elevators at all stations.

Walking

Paris is a wonderfully walkable city, and exploring on foot allows you to discover hidden playgrounds, charming shops, and impromptu puppet shows that you’d miss otherwise. Our kids’ favorite walks include:

• The Seine riverside paths (vehicles are now banned from many sections)
• The elevated Promenade Plantée (Coulée verte René-Dumont)
• The historic covered passages in the 2nd arrondissement

Cycling

Paris has transformed into a cycling-friendly city with an expanded network of dedicated bike lanes added since 2020. If your children are old enough to ride confidently:

• Vélib’ bike-share system offers bikes with child seats and children’s bikes
• Guided family bike tours are available through operators like Fat Tire Tours
• Sunday mornings are ideal as traffic is minimal

After an initial hesitation, cycling along the car-free banks of the Seine on Sunday morning became one of our most cherished Paris memories.

Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Paris

While adults might prioritize the Louvre or Sacré-Cœur, children need attractions that engage their curiosity and energy. Here are the places our children ask to revisit every time we return to Paris:

Parks and Gardens

Paris excels at beautiful green spaces that delight children:

• Jardin du Luxembourg: The ultimate kid paradise with its vintage carousel, puppet theater (shows at 3:30pm Wed/Sat/Sun), toy sailboats to rent (€4 for 30 minutes), and expansive playground (€3 entrance fee, worth every cent). My son still talks about the zip line three years later.
• Jardin d’Acclimatation: A charming amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne with gentle rides, a water play area, and petting zoo. Entry is €7 with rides costing €3-5 each.
• Parc de la Villette: Home to ten themed playgrounds, including the dragon playground that my children rated “the best in the universe.” Free entry and the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie science museum is nearby.

Museums with Kid-Friendly Programs

Many Paris museums have excellent children’s programming:

• Centre Pompidou: The children’s gallery (Galerie des Enfants) offers interactive exhibits for ages 2-10, and the regular collection’s colorful modern art appeals to kids. La Fabrique studio offers hands-on workshops (book online in advance).
• Musée d’Orsay: Their family guide turns famous paintings into detective games. My 9-year-old was enthralled by the massive clock windows and spotting animals in impressionist paintings.
• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: The dedicated children’s section (Cité des Enfants) has separate areas for ages 2-7 and 5-12 with hands-on exhibits that our kids begged to visit twice.

For 2025, several museums are expanding their family offerings after seeing increased interest in cultural experiences post-pandemic. The Louvre will introduce new family tours focusing on themes like “Animals in Art” and “Myths and Legends.”

Iconic Paris Attractions Made Kid-Friendly

Don’t skip the famous landmarks—just approach them with children in mind:

Eiffel Tower

Rather than enduring hours-long queues with restless children:

• Book timed tickets online months in advance for the elevators
• Consider climbing to the first level only (328 steps) which has the most interactive exhibits
• Visit at night when the hourly light show (until 11pm) delights children
• Alternatively, view it from Trocadéro Gardens where kids can run freely

Notre-Dame

While reconstruction continues after the 2019 fire (reopening scheduled for December 2024), families can:

• View the restoration work from designated viewing platforms
• Visit the archaeological crypt beneath the square (fascinating for older children)
• Take the “Notre-Dame for Kids” walking tour offered by Discover Walks

Seine River Cruise

A one-hour Bateaux Mouches cruise provides a perfect rest break while still sightseeing. In 2023, we discovered that the 4:30pm cruise was half the price of evening departures (€8 for adults, €4 for children) and still allowed us to put tired feet up while seeing major landmarks.

Eating in Paris with Kids

Parisian dining with children doesn’t have to mean subsisting on tourist-trap fare or familiar fast food. With some flexibility and local knowledge, your family can enjoy authentic French cuisine.

Kid-Friendly French Food

These French classics are usually hits with younger palates:

• Croque monsieur/madame: Essentially fancy grilled cheese sandwiches
• Steak haché frites: High-quality hamburger patty with crispy fries
• Crêpes: Both savory and sweet varieties
• Poulet rôti: Simple roast chicken
• Pain au chocolat: Chocolate-filled pastry perfect for breakfast

Teaching children a few basic French food phrases goes a long way:

• “S’il vous plaît” (Please)
• “Merci” (Thank you)
• “C’est délicieux!” (It’s delicious!)
• “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” (The check, please)

Family-Friendly Dining Establishments

These restaurants particularly welcome families:

• Bouillon Chartier: Historic restaurant serving traditional French fare at reasonable prices in a lively atmosphere where children are welcome
• Café des Musées: Neighborhood bistro in the Marais with excellent steak frites and patient staff
• Le Petit Prince: Charming café near Luxembourg Gardens with children’s menu and play area
• Breizh Café: Delicious sweet and savory crêpes that satisfy both adult and child tastes

Picnicking: The Family-Friendly Paris Hack

One of our best discoveries was the Parisian picnic culture. Not only is it economical, but children can move around freely between bites. Prime picnic spots include:

• Champ de Mars (facing the Eiffel Tower)
• Canal Saint-Martin banks
• Square du Vert-Galant (tip of Île de la Cité)

Assembling a picnic is simple with these neighborhood shops:

• Boulangeries (bakeries): For fresh baguettes, quiches, and pastries
• Fromageries (cheese shops): Staff will happily recommend child-friendly cheeses
• Marchés (markets): Visit a local market for fresh fruits (our favorite is Marché Bastille, Thursdays and Sundays)
• Monoprix or Carrefour: Supermarkets for additional supplies

When our children grew tired of restaurant behavior expectations, we switched to picnic dinners. Our evening picnic watching the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower remains my daughter’s favorite Paris memory.

Shopping in Paris with Kids

While shopping might not top children’s wish lists, Paris offers specialty stores that captivate young visitors and provide memorable souvenirs beyond plastic Eiffel Towers.

Unique Children’s Shops

• Deyrolle (7th Arr.): A 180-year-old natural history emporium filled with taxidermy animals and scientific curiosities. It’s like a museum where you can purchase specimens. My son was mesmerized by the butterfly collection.
• La Maison du Canari (5th Arr.): Charming toy train shop with demonstrations that enchant children.
• La Boutique des Joueurs (3rd Arr.): Wonderful game shop with knowledgeable staff who will demonstrate games regardless of language barriers.
• Bonnefoy Music (9th Arr.): Beautiful music boxes and mechanical instruments that fascinate children of all ages.

Bookstores with English Children’s Books

For rainy day activities or bedtime reading:

• Shakespeare and Company (5th Arr.): Famous English-language bookstore with a dedicated children’s section upstairs
• WHSmith (1st Arr.): British bookshop with extensive children’s selection near Tuileries Garden
• Chantelivre (6th Arr.): Beautiful French children’s bookstore with some bilingual options

Budget-Friendly Souvenir Ideas

Meaningful mementos needn’t break the bank:

• Vintage postcards from bouquinistes (book stalls) along the Seine (€1-2 each)
• Colorful macarons from neighborhood patisseries rather than famous names (€1-1.50 each versus €2.50+ at Ladurée)
• Carousel tickets as keepsakes (most are beautifully designed)
• Small Eiffel Tower models made from actual Eiffel Tower metal, available at the tower gift shop
• Customized street art with your child’s name from Montmartre artists (negotiate prices beforehand)

Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Paris

Paris weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. Having indoor backup plans saved our family vacation more than once when unexpected downpours appeared.

Indoor Attractions Beyond Museums

• Aquarium de Paris: Located across from the Eiffel Tower with 43 tanks, shark feeding shows, and touch pools. The mermaid performances (weekends and holidays) delighted our daughter.
• Forum des Halles: This massive shopping center houses a UGC cinema showing films in original language with French subtitles (look for “VO” showings), play areas, and multiple food options.
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent: Surprisingly engaging for older children interested in fashion and design, with interactive exhibits on color and texture.
• Grande Galerie de l’Évolution: Part of the Natural History Museum with spectacular displays of taxidermied animals arranged in a parade formation.

Indoor Play Spaces

For releasing energy on wet days:

• KidZmotion (12th Arr.): Modern indoor playground with sections for different age groups
• Royal Kids (19th Arr.): Large indoor play center with slides, ball pits and climbing structures
• 1Kubik (9th Arr.): Creative workshop space offering drop-in craft sessions for children

Covered Passages

The historic glass-roofed shopping arcades of the 2nd arrondissement provide perfect rainy-day exploration:

• Passage des Panoramas: The oldest (1800) with stamp shops and restaurants
• Galerie Vivienne: The most elegant with mosaic floors and toy shops
• Passage du Grand Cerf: Featuring artisan workshops and design stores

We created a “covered passage treasure hunt” by giving our children a list of items to spot (a clock, a specific animal statue, etc.) as we explored these beautiful historic galleries.

Day Trips from Paris with Kids

While Paris offers endless activities, these nearby destinations provide wonderful contrast and are easily accessible as day trips:

Disneyland Paris

Located 32km east of Paris in Marne-la-Vallée, Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. For 2025, plan for these changes:

• New Frozen-themed land scheduled to open
• Expanded Marvel Campus with additional attractions
• New nighttime drone show replacing the traditional fireworks

Getting there is simple via the RER A train (approximately 35 minutes from central Paris). For a less exhausting experience:

• Visit mid-week during school terms
• Purchase tickets online in advance (cheaper than gate prices)
• Consider a one-day, one-park ticket for younger children
• Prioritize attractions using the free Disney Premier Access app

Versailles with Children

The opulent palace might seem unsuitable for kids, but with planning, it becomes an adventure:

• Skip the palace interior during peak times and head straight to the gardens
• Rent bikes to explore the vast grounds (€8/hour near the Grand Canal)
• Visit Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, a rustic farm village that children adore
• Take a rowboat onto the Grand Canal (€17/hour)
• Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens

Versailles is easily reached via RER C train (approximately 40 minutes from central Paris). The château offers free family activity guides at the entrance.

Parc Astérix

Based on the beloved French comic books, this theme park offers a more authentically French experience than Disneyland. Located 35km north of Paris, it features:

• Themed areas based on ancient civilizations
• Water rides perfect for hot summer days
• Shows featuring stunts and humor that transcend language barriers
• Gentler attractions for younger visitors

Direct shuttle buses operate from central Paris (€25 round trip), or you can take a train to Charles de Gaulle Airport and connect to the park’s shuttle.

My children actually preferred Parc Astérix to Disneyland Paris because of its uniqueness and shorter queues. The Roman-themed water rides saved us during a heatwave in July 2022.

Handling Practicalities: Safety, Healthcare, and Communication

Managing the practical aspects of international travel with children requires preparation, especially regarding safety, health, and communication challenges.

Safety Considerations

Paris is generally safe for families, but take these precautions:

• Pickpockets target crowded tourist areas. Use crossbody bags, front pockets, and money belts for valuables.
• Teach older children to memorize your accommodation address and your phone number.
• Establish meeting points in crowded areas in case you get separated.
• Write your contact information on a card in your child’s pocket (in French if possible).

On our second trip, we purchased simple silicone wristbands with our phone numbers for our children to wear in crowded areas—peace of mind for just €8.

Healthcare Access

France has excellent healthcare, but preparation helps:

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance with medical coverage is essential
• Pack a basic medical kit with familiar medications for minor illnesses
• Know how to find a pharmacy (look for green cross signs)
• Save the emergency number: 15 for medical emergencies, 112 for general emergencies

For English-speaking medical help, these services are reliable:

• Doctolib: App for booking medical appointments (filter for English-speaking doctors)
• American Hospital of Paris: English-speaking facility in Neuilly-sur-Seine
• SOS Médecins: House call doctors, some English-speaking (dial 3624)

When my son developed an ear infection in 2022, a pharmacist not only helped us find an open doctor but called ahead to explain our situation in French—Parisian pharmacists are incredibly helpful resources.

Language and Communication

While many Parisians speak some English, learning basic French phrases demonstrates respect:

• “Bonjour/Bonsoir” (Hello/Good evening) – Always begin interactions with this greeting
• “Excusez-moi” (Excuse me)
• “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?)
• “Où sont les toilettes?” (Where are the bathrooms?)

Technology helps bridge language gaps:

• Download Google Translate with French language pack for offline use
• Use the camera feature to translate menus and signs instantly
• Download the RATP app for navigation in English
• Consider a portable WiFi device for constant connectivity

Teaching our children to say “Bonjour” and “Merci” resulted in noticeably warmer interactions with locals, who appreciated their efforts regardless of pronunciation.

Conclusion: Creating Lasting Family Memories in Paris

After multiple trips to Paris with our children across different ages and stages, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this magnificent city can create memories that last a lifetime. While the Eiffel Tower sparkles in their memories, it’s often the smaller moments—chasing pigeons in Place des Vosges, discovering a hidden playground behind Saint-Sulpice, or the pride in ordering their own pain au chocolat in stumbling French—that they treasure most.

Paris offers families a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical wonder, and simple pleasures. The city teaches children that museums can be exciting, that different isn’t scary, and that stepping outside comfort zones leads to remarkable discoveries.

5-Step Action Plan for Your 2025 Paris Family Adventure

1. Book accommodations 6-9 months in advance, especially if visiting between April-October. Look for apartments with kitchens in family-friendly neighborhoods like the Marais or near Luxembourg Gardens.
2. Create a balanced itinerary alternating “museum days” with “park days” and including daily downtime. Remember that one major attraction per day is plenty with children.
3. Involve children in planning by showing them pictures of options and letting them choose activities. Their investment increases cooperation during the trip.
4. Practice basic French phrases as a family in the months before travel. Even young children can learn “Bonjour,” “Merci,” and “S’il vous plaît.”
5. Pack strategically with comfortable walking shoes, layers for changeable weather, and familiar comforts from home. Leave room for treasures discovered during your trip.

Paris with children isn’t always perfect—there will be museum fatigue, unexpected closures, and moments when cultural differences create challenges. But these bumps become part of your family story, often transforming into the funny anecdotes retold years later.

The Paris that exists in my children’s memories—a place of carousels and crêpes, of grand art and quiet gardens, of boats on ponds and bells from ancient towers—has become part of who they are. It opened their world beyond home and planted seeds of curiosity about different cultures and histories.

So yes, take your children to Paris. The city of light shines especially bright through their eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris stroller-friendly?

Paris is moderately stroller-friendly with both challenges and advantages. The city has narrow sidewalks in some areas and Metro stations often lack elevators (only Line 14 is fully accessible). However, buses are equipped with dedicated stroller spaces, and most major attractions have stroller access. For children under 4, I recommend a lightweight, collapsible stroller that can be carried up stairs when needed. For museums, baby carriers/slings are often more practical than strollers.

What’s the best time of year for families to visit Paris?

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-early October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowd levels. July and August bring warmer temperatures and special summer events like Paris Plages (urban beaches), but also peak tourist crowds and many local businesses closed for vacation. Winter visits (November-February) mean shorter lines at attractions but require proper cold-weather gear and more indoor activities.

How can we handle picky eaters in Paris?

Parisian dining culture is more accommodating to children than many visitors expect. Most restaurants can provide simple dishes like plain pasta, omelettes, or chicken even if not listed on the menu—just ask politely. Crêperies are reliable options for picky eaters with simple ham and cheese or sweet options. Picnics allow you to combine familiar foods with new experiences. We brought our children’s favorite breakfast cereal from home for mornings, then encouraged culinary adventures during other meals.

What should we do if our child gets sick in Paris?

For minor illnesses, pharmacies (marked by green crosses) are excellent first stops—French pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter treatments and advise if a doctor is needed. For medical attention, SOS Médecins (dial 3624) provides house calls, including English-speaking doctors. The American Hospital of Paris in nearby Neuilly-sur-Seine has English-speaking staff. For emergencies, dial 15 for SAMU (medical emergency service) or 112 (general emergency number). Always carry your insurance information and any important medical history translated into French.

Are there any scams targeting families that we should watch for?

Families should be particularly watchful near major attractions. Common scams include the “petition scam” where someone asks you to sign a document while an accomplice pickpockets you, and the “friendship bracelet trick” where someone ties a bracelet on your child’s wrist then demands payment. Simply firmly say “Non, merci” and walk away. Teach children not to accept items from strangers. Also be wary of anyone offering to help with ticket machines—official staff wear clearly marked uniforms.

How much French do we need to know?

While many Parisians in tourist areas speak some English, learning basic phrases shows respect and improves your experience. Essential expressions include greetings (“Bonjour/Bonsoir”), please (“S’il vous plaît”), thank you (“Merci”), excuse me (“Excusez-moi”), and “Do you speak English?” (“Parlez-vous anglais?”). Restaurant vocabulary (menu, l’addition/the check) is also helpful. Language apps with offline capability like Google Translate can assist with more complex communications.

What’s the best way to handle jet lag with children?

To minimize jet lag impacts, immediately adopt local time upon arrival. For eastbound flights (Americas to Paris), try to arrive in the morning and keep children awake until an early evening bedtime by getting outside in natural light and engaging in low-key activities like park visits. Westbound travelers (Asia/Australia to Paris) should maximize morning sunlight exposure. Maintain regular meal times and hydration. Build your first day’s itinerary around outdoor activities with flexibility for impromptu rest breaks. Expect early wake-ups for the first few days and plan accordingly.

References

1. Paris Tourist Office: Paris with Children Guide
2. RATP: Paris Public Transportation Official Site
3. Paris Museum Pass Official Website
4. Eiffel Tower Official Website
5. Louvre Museum: Family Visits
6. Disneyland Paris Official Website
7. Parc Astérix Official Website
8. Palace of Versailles Official Website
9. Time Out Paris: Things to Do with Kids
10. Cité des Sciences: Children’s Section
11. Doctolib: Medical Appointment Booking Platform
12. American Hospital of Paris
13. The Local France: Family News and Resources
14. Paris Perfect: Traveling with Children in Paris
15. Families Love Paris Blog