Your family trip to Paris

Sure, Paris is romantic, but it’s also built for kids who need space to run and parents who need a good croissant. 😉 Paris with kids doesn’t need to be stressful. Keep plans short, add snack breaks, and pick places where kids can move. 

Here’s a simple, family-friendly guide we put together for you

🏰 🧺 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🗺️ Big sights with low effort 

Notre-Dame 

Walk by the cathedral, grab your photos, then cross the little bridge behind it to Île Saint-Louis and grab ice-cream from Berthillon there.  

Eiffel Tower 

You can climb it, of course, and enjoy the magnificent views, but if you’re traveling with very young kins, maybe you want to lay out a blanket on the lawn beside the tower instead. Kids can run around while you sit and breathe. When the lights come on, you can get your family shot and call it a night. 

Seine boat time

Sit on a boat with your family and let the city roll by. You’ll see the big sights without walking miles. If you want flexibility, the Batobus stops at major spots and does a full loop in about 1 hour 45 minutes. 

Family trip to Paris: Family walking by the Seine with boats and city skyline in the background
Family walking on dock after boat trip on the Seine in Paris

🌳 Parks that save your day 

Luxembourg Gardens

There’s a fenced playground, a carousel, a puppet show, pony rides on some days, and little wooden sailboats you push across the pond. And if you’re in the mood for shopping for kids’ clothes, Rue Vavin nearby has the Petit Bateau and Jacadi stores. 

Jardin des Tuileries

Between the Louvre and the Orangerie, this garden gives kids space to burn energy. There’s a fenced playground, a carousel, and trampolines for a small fee. It pairs perfectly with a short museum stop! 

Place des Vosges 

Easy picnic spot. Grass for rolling, arcades for shade, and a calm vibe when everyone needs a reset. 

🖼️ Art without meltdowns 

Musée de l’Orangerie 

It’s small and quick to see. Check out Monet’s water lilies, peek at a few favorites like Cézanne and Matisse, then head right back outside to the Tuileries for play time. In and out before anyone gets cranky. 

Smart museum timing

Book tickets ahead, check closure days (the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays), and try the Louvre’s late evenings on Wednesday or Friday for fewer crowds.

Centre Pompidou 

There’s so much colorful art inside. And outside, there’s a big pedestrian area with street performers and room for strollers.  

Family trip to Paris: the Stravinsky Fountain next to Centre Pompidou in Paris
Colorful art, cool vibes, hanging out at the Stravinsky Fountain in Paris outside Centre Pompidou 

🎡 Big play days 

Jardin d’Acclimatation 

Think rides that don’t terrify small kids, a little train, climbing areas, trampolines, splash zones in warm weather, and a small animal area. It’s simple, it’s fun, and you’ll leave with happy, tired children.

Disneyland Paris & Parc Astérix 

Both are doable as day trips. If you’re Disney fans, note they’re adding a Frozen land and a Lion King area in 2026, so there’s new stuff coming. 

🍽️ Create together 

Family macaron class

Hands-on, sweet, and zero arguments about dessert because… you made it! Details and booking: French Macaron Class 🍬

Perfume workshop at Candora

Kids around 6 and up can mix a simple scent with you. Calm, creative, and a great souvenir you’ll actually use. Details and booking: Candora Atelier de Parfums 🧴

📖 Children’s bookstore

Stop by Librairie Chantelivre in Saint-Germain. It’s cozy, quiet, and perfect when everyone needs a chill moment. 

🚆 Day trips that are worth it 

Versailles with the Queen’s Hamlet

Most kids like the hamlet more than the palace. There are cottages and farm animals, and it feels like a little village. The grounds are huge, so consider the mini-train, bikes, or a golf cart. 

Monet’s Garden in Giverny

Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours from Paris. The ponds and bridges look just like the paintings, which is the fun of it.

🧺 When it’s sunny, time for picnics

Tuileries, Champ de Mars, and Place des Vosges are great picks for you and your family. Grab some bread, cheese, fruit, and a treat from a nearby market and enjoy the greenery. 

Family trip to Paris: Family picnic on the grass with Eiffel Tower in the background
Laid-back picnic vibes in Paris: snacks, sunshine, and the Eiffel Tower!

💶 Visit Paris without going broke 

Free / cheaper culture

Many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, and kids under 18 often get in for free. Always double-check the museum site. 

Passes

The Go City Paris Pass can be worth it if you’re hitting several paid sights and want to skip lines. Do a quick price check since kid tickets are often discounted or free already. 

Transit options for families

Get a Navigo Easy card and load what you need. Kids under 4 ride free, and older kids often get reduced fares. 

Top related articles:

Disneyland Paris in One Day
Discovering Lyon with kids
Discovering Bordeaux with kids
MEININGER Hotels x Trip Leap
Bank holidays in France 2026

Your family trip to Paris: FAQs

  • Is Paris a good destination for families with kids?

    Absolutely! Paris with kids is fun, easy, and full of family-friendly activities. From parks and playgrounds to boat rides and small museums, the city offers lots of low-effort things that fit perfectly into a family trip to Paris.

  • What are the best things to do in Paris with children?

    Top Paris attractions for kids include the Eiffel Tower picnic lawns, boat rides on the Seine, the fenced playgrounds at Luxembourg Gardens, the Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park, and easy-going museums like the Musée de l’Orangerie.

  • How can I visit the Eiffel Tower with kids without stress?

    Skip long climbs and enjoy a relaxing picnic on the Champ de Mars instead. Kids can run freely, parents can relax, and you’ll still get perfect Eiffel Tower family photos when the lights turn on.

  • What are the best parks in Paris for families?

    The top family-friendly parks in Paris are Luxembourg Gardens (carousel, puppet show, playground), Jardin des Tuileries (trampolines + playground), and Place des Vosges (calm picnic spot with shade and grass).

  • Which museums in Paris are best for kids?

    For a kid-friendly Paris museum experience, choose small, manageable museums like Musée de l’Orangerie or Centre Pompidou. Visit during quieter hours (late evenings or early mornings) to avoid crowds and meltdowns.

  • Is a boat ride on the Seine worth it for families?

    Yes! Seine cruises are one of the easiest family activities in Paris. You’ll see major landmarks without walking long distances. The Batobus hop-on/hop-off boat is great for strollers and flexible schedules.

  • Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting on a family trip?

    Definitely. Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix are great family day trips from Paris. Both parks cater to all ages, and Disneyland is adding new Frozen and Lion King areas in 2026, making it even more exciting for kids.

  • What creative family experiences can we try in Paris?

    Try a family macaron-making class, a perfume workshop at Candora, or browsing the children’s bookstore Librairie Chantelivre. These activities are calm, hands-on, and perfect for creating memories.

  • What are the best day trips from Paris with kids?

    Families love Versailles with the Queen’s Hamlet—farm animals, cottages, and huge gardens—and Monet’s Garden in Giverny, where the ponds look just like the paintings. Both are easy and rewarding for kids.

  • Where should families stay in Paris on a budget?

    The MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes is ideal for a family-friendly stay in Paris. You’ll get spacious family rooms, a guest kitchen, a kids’ corner, and great transport links—perfect for exploring Paris with children.

🏨 Where to stay in Paris with the family

If you’re after a family friendly accommodation in Paris, the MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes keeps things simple and is a perfect fit for families on a budget. You get spacious family rooms, a guest kitchen to cook your own meals, a yummy breakfast buffet, and a kids’ corner. It’s also well-connected and close to the places you’ll visit most, which is exactly what you want on a family trip!

Address: 37 Boulevard Carnot, 75012 Paris, France

🏰 🧺 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Visiting Paris soon?

Right by the action, MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes is your base to explore the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & more—all just a metro ride away!

Book now in Paris

Stay in touch

Sign up to our newsletter to receive travel tips, exciting news on upcoming events and start enjoying direct bookers' benefits, like flexible booking policies & special offers!

Subscribe now
Close
Latest articles
Close

MEININGER Hotels

Explore the top European cities we live in

MEININGER Hotels © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.
Close