Paris with Kids: Exploring and Activities for Children Under 7 (English Version)

Écrit par Studio LUYEN

We have quite a few family and friends from Australia who often come to visit us in Paris and we generally put together a list of suggestions of activities and sites to see, however these tend to be targeted toward adults.

My brother is a father of two and recently asked us what activities there are to occupy younger kids (aged less than 7).

After some reflection, find below a short list of possible activities in the city aimed at youngsters, with the big caveat that neither Noémie nor I have kids of our own :)

  • https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/

    • A tour of the iconic Paris landmarks by water. We have taken this tour many times and it never gets old!

    • Whilst you can sit inside of the boat, I much prefer to go directly to the top level to have the best open views and fresh air.

    • You can either buy your tickets onsite on the day or buy these online in advance with the Bateaux Parisiens.

    • I recommend the 'Cruises with Commentary' - no need to choose a lunch or dinner option when the city has so many good and cheaper places to eat.

    • This tour leaves every 45 min from just below the eiffel tower and lasts for 1 hr.

    • To take advantage of the location I recommend you see the eiffel tower first, and then take the boat tour directly after.

    • I dont think I need to explain too much about the disneyland here other than that there are two parks and so ensure you select the correct one!

    • Regarding the location, it is about 1hr by train (metro) East of Paris.

    • The train is by far the easiest way to get here. You need to take the RER A line in the direction of "Marne-la-Vallée Chessy" of which Disneyland Paris is a stop. You will know it is the correct line direction since there are always the mickey mouse ears next to the line name on the signs!

    • You can buy train tickets to here from any metro station machine - simply select english and navigate to the disneyland station departing from this station. In 2023 it costs 5 Euro one-way for an adult and 2.5 Euro one-way for a child under 7. Important - I highly advise that you buy a second ticket straightaway for each person for the return since the ticket machines returning from disneyland will be a nightmare at the end of the day! Also, make sure you keep the metro ticket after using it since you may need to scan this to get out at the other end.

    • There is also a very good Lego store at the Disneymand paris stop where you can make a custom design of a lego person!

    • Visit the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city.

    • Important! You need to book in advance for an elevator ticket (probably best if you have young kids). If you prefer to take the stairs you buy tickets either at the gate on the day of or online from 14 days before - there are a lot of steps. Stairs are just to the 2nd level, but you can also buy a ticket which allows you to take the elevator from the 2nd level to the summit (top level) for an even crazier view of the city! I recommend you get a ticket for the summit.

    • https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr

    • Note that there are generally no lines for the stairs if you go for opening (opens at 9h00).

    • Also, you don't need tickets to enter under the Eiffel tower - the first line/gate is just a security bag check and so don't hesitate to go under!

    • Explore the Cité des Enfants, an interactive science museum made just for children!

    • There are two age categories: 2-7 years and 5-12 years. Have a look at the below link to see what best suits.

    • https://www.cite-sciences.fr/fr/au-programme/expos-permanentes/la-cite-des-enfants

    • The Park Villette also has a large number of outdoor play areas and themed gardens which are nice to stroll around. Check out the garden of mirrors and the jardin des Vents et des Dunes which are both free! Plenty of open space for a picnic or rent a boat for the canal.

    • The Catacombs are an underground labyrinth just beneath the city and is one of my favourite things to do with visitors in Paris since it is a very different experience to what you might expect to find in the capital of France.

    • There are a lot of stairs to enter and exit and it can be quite frightening for younger children (quite creepy with lots of skeletons) with no easy/quick way out once you enter (it is a single directional path and quite long) and so perhaps only consider this for older (and brave) kids.

    • Also, it is important to book in advance since tickets are for a particular hour timeslot and it will book out generally 1-2 weeks in advance of the date! I do find it a bit expensive though.

    • https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/

    • You will see picturesque carousels scattered all around the city. The one in front of the Hotel de Ville is very elegant. They are an in-expensive activity for kids.

    • Buy some cheese, charcuterie and wine and take a picnic to enjoy in one of the Parisian gardens.

    • Some places accepting of picnics include: Luxembourg, Jardin d'Acclimatation / Bois de Boulogne (next to the water near the Pavillon Royal), Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

    • Enjoy playgrounds, sailboats, and themed gardens for a nice day outdoors.

    • I can recommend Jardin d'Acclimatation since it combines a few rides, zoo, beautiful park and is next to the Louis Vuitton foundation which is architecturally very special. It does cost 7 Euros to enter tho (more if you want to go on the rides) but is free for kids under 80 cm height.

    • https://www.jardindacclimatation.fr/fr

    • Beautiful view over the city (iconic for those who have seen the latest John Wick).

    • Just behind the Sacre Cœur you have the Artists square where you can watch artists at work and maybe even get a portrait or caricature of your kids or family.

    • Is quite nice to walk from here along Rue des Abbesses.

    • The best Paris Brunch address (an Australian place called Hardware Society) is located just next door for those who are missing the Australian coffee or cafe culture.

    • Explore the Pompidou Center with panoramic rooftop views, and browse the unique bookstore.

    • You dont need a ticket for the museum to enter and take the escalators to the top floor - only exhibition entries cost.

    • The bookstore is very cool, particularly the amazing selection for young kids.

    • There is a small space for kids to explore/play up the escalator on the left side of the entrance.

    • https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/fr

    • Some amazing digital art projected onto every surface of a warehouse.

    • Currently the two shows planned for next year are the egyptian pharaohs and the Orientals, but they will add more to this list over time and can vary from classic art to comic books such as TinTin.

    • Make sure you choose the correct session as often different time slots will show different shows.

    • If you are spending time in Bordeaux then the Base Sous-Marine is a better version of this place and so if you are pushed for time in Paris you should skip, however the shows will likely be different and each time I go there is always a lot of young children loving life.

I hope that this list is useful to at least give some ideas as to what activities might be of interest to families with young kids. Don't hesitate to leave a message below with any questions!

Lloyd and Noémie of Studio LUYEN

Studio LUYEN https://studioluyen.com
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