ULTIMATE GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids. Updated 2024.

If you are looking for things to do in Paris France with kids, you have come to the right place.

Paris on a clear, blue sky day is perfection. Even when the wind is cold, and the air is chilly, if the sun is shining, Paris is pure magic.

I’m super excited to be in this romantic city again, with the boys and Roam the Gnome in tow.

This time, we will be a little more stylish than our last trip, but still no where near stylish enough.

This fashion capital is the only place in the world where my lack of a fashion sensibility is obvious. The poor Parisians will just have to roll their eyes!

Thankfully, visiting Paris with kids gives me a slight advantage as we tend to head away from the CBD and into the outer areas (arrondissements) to find kid friendly attractions where the city slickers do not venture.

Take a look at some of our favourite Paris attractions for kids below including Paris Disneyland.

Disclosure: This article, written by a human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in EURO, unless otherwise stated

Check out our list of Paris point of interest attractions below and click the links to add these ideas to your list of top things to do in Paris.

Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city.

This global centre is prized for its’ art history, fashion, foodie heaven, and culture.

Paris’s 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine, and iconic attractions pop up all around.

Famous landmarks in Paris

The Most Famous Places in Paris include:

the Eiffel Tower (also called the Paris Tower when people can’t remember it’s real name!)
the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral
Montmartre, and
the Louvre
glorious Parisian gardens and parks.

Be sure to take a moment to soak in the sights while sipping on a coffee and nibbling a macaron at one of the hundred of sidewalk cafes!

Image credit: Neil Willsey via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.1: The Eiffel Tower with kids

What do we think about the Eiffel Tower for Kids?

Is it worth the expense?

The hassle?

The queues?

If you are looking for things to do in Paris with kids, we vote YES!

The Eiffel Tower is a must-do with kids.

Now you are ready to head on up the Eiffel Tower, we’ve got a bunch of tips to help make your journey hassle-free, so you don’t end up with a kid who is so tired he’s falling asleep at the top!

(Or as hassle free as it can be, considering this is one of Paris’ most loved and most visited sites)

Buy your Paris Eiffel Tower Tickets in Advance

The quickest way into the Eiffel Tower is to buy Skip-the-Line tickets in advance.

OR visit at night when the queues are likely to be less crowded.

Last trip, we visited at 8pm and only waited around 15 minutes in the queue before heading up.

BOOK NOW: Eiffel Tower Summit Tour by Elevator (Get your Guide rating:: 4.5 stars. NB: Likely to sell out)

Image credit: Beata Poznań CC BY-SA 3.0

Visit the First Floor of the Eiffel Tower

Kids will love the transparent floor where they can look 57m down to the ground and experience the unique sensation of stepping out into the void.

It’s a breath-taking view any time of the day!

There’s also:

screens
touch screens
displays
digital albums
reproductions of items, etc.

All of this is perfect to help modern day kids learn about all aspects of the Eiffel Tower, many little known.

On the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, be sure to take a closer look at one of the remaining pieces of this historic staircase.

It measures 4.30 metres in height!

Image credit: WiLPrZ from Rabat, Maroc (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Book an Eiffel Tower Tour to the Second Floor of the Eiffel Tower.

The view from the Eiffel Tower 2nd floor is spectacular.

Walk all the way around to see:

the Louvre (read our Louvre with Kids guide)
Grand Palais
Notre Dame
Montemarte, and
the Seine river.

Eiffel Tower Stair Climb to 2nd Floor with Summit Option

OR: Eiffel Tower Tickets – Priority Access to Second Floor

Source: Public domain

Shopping at the Eiffel Tower

On the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower, check out the souvenir shop (the Chaillot Gift shop).

Pick up a postcard or two for your family travel adventure book.

They also sell:

Eiffel Tower t shirts
Eiffel Tower caps
French scarves
handbags
Eiffel Tower statues
Eiffel tower mugs, and more.

Looking for a unique souvenir of Paris?

Stop by the Seine gift shop to explore the range of laser engraved souvenirs.

Source: Public domain

Book THIS Cool Eiffel Tower Tour!

If you are fit, and the kids are game, you can take the challenge of climbing 704 steps to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower on this tour.

It’s definitely one of those family travel adventures to write home about!

Take an Eiffel Tower Summit Tour for Kids

Head to the top!

The really spectacular way up the Eiffel Tower is in the glass lifts which offer you a panoramic view over the extraordinary example of audacious architecture that this monument is.

At the end of the 180 metre trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Paris and its monuments.

Families who visit the Eiffel Tower for kids can wander about the two levels to enjoy the view.

It’s possible to step outside and take in the view from the open air!

Plus, kids can:

measure themselves against the height of the Eiffel Tower
use the panoramic maps which can be found at various points at the top of the Tower
locate their position, and
get an idea of the directions and distances to major world cities!

For an Eiffel Tower experience with a difference, go up at night too!

Take part in the FUN Eiffel Tower Activities for Kids

The Eiffel Tower for Kids offers a special FREE tour called “Follow Gus”.

It’s one of the best kids activities in Paris.

The little Gus character, dressed in the style of Gustave Eiffel, accompanies children on a fun and educational experience dedicated to children aged 6 to 10.

Equipped with a bilingual French-English booklet-game and a little pencil provided for them, young visitors learn a thousand aspects of the history of the Eiffel Tower, about its creator but also about the landscape of Paris seen from that level.

Signs bearing the Gus character guide children through each stage of the tour.

There’s also online games to play before you go.

To begin these Eiffel Tower activities for kids, go up to the first level of the Tower, by the stairs or the lift, and collect a booklet-game (or download it here) and a pencil from the Ferrié pavilion.

The tour is FREE.

Access it by following the signs featuring the Gus character.

Visit Eiffel Tower at Night

For a extra magical twinkly trip, take the kids at night.

This is what we did.

Right up until 11 in the evening you can scale the heights and admire Paris by night !

After sunset, on the hour, the Eiffel tower puts on her gown and sparkles with hundreds of thousands of twinkly lights!

This sight of golden Eiffel Tower lights is a special treat, welcoming night time visitors to this popular Paris attraction.

Just be sure to hold onto the kid’s hands as you arrive.

It’s dark, and there’s lots of action with street sellers hawking their goods below the tower.

Image credit: Xavier Vieras via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Take a Virtual Tour of the Eiffel Tower with Kids

Yes, you can take a Virtual Tour before you go.

Show the kids the sights.

Go on, take a peek!

Learn Eiffel Tower Fun Facts

Before you go, learn a little.

Knowing the history and a few fun facts about a landmark makes the journey so much more engaging for curious children.

We booked a Skip the Line tour of the Eiffel Tower with Get your Guide, so when we got there the kids and I didn’t have to queue, and were given easy access to both the second level and the summit of the Eiffel Tower for magnificent views of Paris city.

A tour like this with a good local tour guide is a treat.

I love hearing the interesting Eiffel Tower titbits I never would have discovered on my own.

Check out these fabulous Eiffel Tower Facts for kids. It’s quite a collection.

You can learn information about:

the Eiffel tower structure and construction
how it’s related to the French revolution
why is the Eiffel Tower called Eiffel, and
what purpose does the Eiffel Tower serve today.

Who knew the Eiffel Tower was so tall, or so old?

Here’s a list of both known and unknown facts about Eiffel Tower in France. You’ll find both Eiffel Tower facts and history of le tour Eiffel.

Plus, we’ll answer questions such as:

What purpose does the Eiffel Tower serve
Why was the Eiffel Tower built in Paris
What are some lesser known facts about the Eiffel Tower?

No.1: What is an Eiffel tower?

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France.

No.2: Who designed the Eiffel tower?

Gustave Eiffel’s company designed and built the tower.

NEW: Why was the Eiffel Tower built?

It was built for the Exposition Universelle.

No.3: Why it the Eiffel Tower called Eiffel?

It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, as above.

Image credit: Mitch Barrie via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.4: What year was the Eiffel tower built?

The Eiffel Tower was constructed from 1887–89 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair.

The design was chosen to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution.

At first, it was highly criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world.

No.5: When was the Eiffel tower completed?

The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.

That’s more than 130 years ago.

Image credit: Jorge Lascar via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.6: When did the Eiffel Tower open?

The Eiffel Tower opened on 31st March 1889

No.7: How old is the Eiffel Tower?

In 2020, the Eiffel Tower celebrates a birthday of being 131 years old.

No.8: What is the height of the Eiffel Tower?

324 metres tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building.

The top level’s upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground – the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union.

Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.9: How tall is the Eiffel Tower in metres?

The Eiffel tower construction is 324 metres tall.

It’s the tallest structure in France.

No.10: How tall is the Eiffel Tower in feet?

The Eiffel Tower height is 1,063 ft tall.

NEW: How much does the Eiffel Tower weigh?

300 tons.

No.11:What is the Eiffel Tower nickname?

The French have a nickname for the tower: La Dame de Fer, meaning, “the Iron Lady.”

The Eiffel Tower in French is La Tour Eiffel.

People spell it:

Eiffle Tower
The Eifel Tower
The Effiel Tower

Image credit: Erik Drost via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.12: Does the Eiffel Tower have an elevator?

Yes.

There is an elevator inside the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs OR lift (elevator) to the first and second levels.

Image credit: Lauren Irons via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

No.13: How many stairs does the Eiffel Tower have?

The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as a bit more than that on the climb from the first level to the second.

When you get to the first floor, you can walk out onto the glass floor suspended 57 meters above the ground!

There’s 704 steps in total to the second floor.

Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually only accessible by lift.

Image credit: Richard Allaway via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.14: How many people have visited the Eiffel Tower since it opened?

Almost 250 million visitors of every age and origin have come from all over the planet to see it since its opening in 1889.

As France’s most iconic symbol in the world, and the showcase of Paris, today it welcomes almost 7 million people a year (around 75% of whom are foreigners).

This makes it the most visited monument that you have to pay for in the world.

No.15: Is it illegal to take a video of the Eiffel Tower at night?

Here’s an interesting piece of info.

It IS actually ILLEGAL to take photos or video of the Eiffel Tower at night!

The light display is actually a copyrighted art installation created in 1985 and is still owned by artist Pierre Bideau.

That’s about it for our Eiffel Tower fun facts!

Image credit: Harshlight via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.16: What is the life expectancy of the Eiffel Tower?

With ongoing maintenance, this structure will be around forever.

Regular painting by a crew of painters who work slowly, brushstroke after brushstroke by hand, takes place to stave off rust build up from pollution and bird droppings.

No.17: Is there a flat in the Eiffel Tower

There IS a secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel created this special place and kept it a closely guarded secret, with only very few special guests allowed in.

Take a look inside here.

No.18: What popular sights can be seen from the Eiffel Tower

Lots of popular Parisian tourist attractions including:

Montmartre
Arc de triomphe
Les champs de mars
The river Seine
River Seine bridges
Notre dame
Louvre Museum

No. 19: Who currently owns the Eiffel tower

The Council of Paris owns the Eiffel Tower.

The structure has been owned by the City of Paris since its construction.

It is managed by the development company, SETE: Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel.

Share these facts about Eiffel Tower with your kids before you go, or at least on your way up, to help them engage with the story and the people behind this wondrous sight.

Hot tip: The Eiffel Tower App

Download the Eiffel Tower App before you go.

It’s a great interactive tool to help you get the most out of your visit.

Image credit: Neil Willsey via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Eiffel Tower Location, Tickets and Opening hours

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Telephone: Contact our customer services for individuals : 33 (0)8 92 70 12 39 (Audiotel).

Open from Monday to Saturday. 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Call cost : 0.35€ TTC/min. from a landline.

Image credit: Chris Yunker via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Eiffel Tower Opening Times

The Eiffel Tower is open every single day of the year:

from 9 a.m. to midnight from mid-June to early September,
from 9:30 a.m. to 11.45 p.m. during the rest of the year,

At Easter weekend and during the Spring holidays : extended opening hours to midnight.

Lift operates from the mid-June to early September from 9:00am to 12:45am*.

Last lift admission – Midnight.
Last stairs admission – Midnight*.

Lift operates the rest of the year from 9:30am to 11:45pm.

Last lift admission – 11pm*. (10.30pm for the top.)
Last admission stairs – 6pm*. (Stairs close at 6:30pm)

* This time may be brought forward depending on visitor numbers.

Eiffel Tower Tickets Prices

Lift Entrance Ticket (valid to 2nd floor): Adults €16,30; 12-24 years €8,10, Children 4 – 11 years €4,10*
Summit Lift Entrance Ticket (to top): Adults €25,50; 12-24 years €12,70, Children 4 – 11 years €6,40*
Stairs Entrance Ticket (valid to 2nd floor): Adults €10,20; 12-24 years €5,10, Children 4 – 11 years €2,50*
Summit ticket by stairs and lift: Adults €19,40; 12-24 years €9,70, Children 4 – 11 years €4,90*

Children under 4 years visit the Eiffel Tower free, but must have a free ticket available when buying online or on site.

Accompanying adults are charged the individual adult rate.

*The reduced rate applies to persons accompanying disabled people also.

FAQ about going to the Eiffel Tower with kids

Buy your Eiffel Tower Tickets online before you go.

Buy Skip-the-Line tickets here

Best time to go to Paris Eiffel Tower

We visited in the first week of April and the crowds were bearable.

Locals suggest visiting anytime in Spring from April through to early June, and again in Autumn from late September through to the beginning of November, if you want to avoid huge summer crowds.

At both these times, you avoid most of the busy school vacation times, there’s little rainfall, mild weather and clear skies.

It’s so much easier to tolerate queues when you are not hot and bothered.

We also suggest going early, arriving at least half an hour before opening, or going during the dinner time hour.

If I was taking kids at night again, I’d be sure to give them a nap in the afternoon.

As you can see by his sleepy face in the pic above, Ned had almost had it by the time we reached the summit!

Image credit: Pxhere via CC BY 1.0

How to get to the Eiffel Tower

By Metro

Line no.9, Trocadéro station, the best way to discover the Eiffel Tower, with the most awesome perspective!
Line no.6, Bir-Hakeim Metro station
At the exit from the métro, allow a few minutes’ walk to get to the Eiffel Tower.
Prices, métro times and additional information

By RER

Line C : Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel station. When you come out of the RER station, allow a few minutes’ walk to get to the Eiffel Tower :
Prices, RER times and additional information

By Bus

Bus 82, stops Tour Eiffel or Champ de Mars
Bus 42, stops Tour Eiffel
Bus 87, stops Champ de Mars
Bus 69, stops Champ de Mars
Prices, BUS times and additional information.

By Bike

Self-hire bikes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at any of the Vélib’ stations. A pleasant way of exploring the Parisian streets by bike on your way to the Eiffel Tower !

By Taxi or Uber

The Eiffel Tower is easily accessible by taxi or uber.

By boat

Did you know that you can also get to the Eiffel Tower by boat?
It’s an original and pleasant way of exploring the heart of Paris with all the magic of the Seine River on your way to the Eiffel Tower.
Prices, Batobus times and additional information

By car

If you wish to come to the Eiffel Tower by car, we recommend you park in any of the nearest underground car parks to the Eiffel Tower.
A good choice is the Quai Branly car park located less than 300 metres from the Tower.

No.2: The Louvre Museum for Kids

Our story for visiting the Louvre with kids in tow is full of tips to help you navigate this giant museum and skip to the good bits the kids (and you) will love. It also includes the best times to visit the Louvre with kids.

We highly recommend a visit to see the MONA LISA, and the Petite Galerie for kids too.

Getting to the Louvre in Paris

Follow these Louvre directions.

By Metro: Lines 1 & 7 (Station: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre); Line 14 (Station: Pyramid)

By Bus: 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95 & Open Top (Bus Stop is in front of the Pyramid)

Velib bicycled hire stations near the museum:
n ° 1015: 2 place A. Malraux
n ° 1023: 165 Saint-Honoré street
n ° 1014: 5 rue de l’Echelle
n ° 1013: 186 rue Saint-Honoré

By car: an underground car park is accessible by Avenue du Général-Lemonnier every day from 7 am to 11 pm.

By Batobus: “Louvre” stop, François-Mitterrand platform

Hot tip: “Louvre Museum Highlights for Families” Tour

Louvre Museum Highlights Tour for families (by Get your Guide) is the most popular tour for families in Paris on a Paris vacation.

This Louvre Museum Highlights for Families experience is a 90 minute tour with an English-speaking guide.

If you are planning a visit to the Louvre with children, this tour takes in all the most popular sites in the Louvre museum for kids:

the masterpieces
the sculptures, and
the architecture.

Take a look at the tour inclusions here

Image credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr CC BY 2.0

No.3: Paris Disneyland

Disneyland Paris is on our radar, and we head there in just a few months time.

We are on a quest to visit ALL the Disney Parks around the world, so we are all very excited to see this one, and stay at the Disney Cars hotel too.

Paris Disneyland is free for kids under 3.

READ NOW: Best things to do in Disneyland Paris with kids

READ NOW: Best things to do at Disneyland Paris at Christmas time

Here’s some more stories about Disneyland Paris to help you too.

Read our Review of the Santa Fe Cars Hotel Disneyland Paris

The Insider’s Guide to the Chuck Wagon Cafe Disneyland Paris Menu

Everything you need to know about La Cantina restaurant at Disneyland Paris Cars Hotel

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN PARIS WITH KIDS

No.1: Best Theme Parks in Paris

Check out these fabulous Paris theme parks.

Parc Asterix – get your Parc Asterix tickets here.
Sherwood Parc – reduced tickets for kids under 12. Ride the 260-metre-long zip wire!
Mer de Sable
France Miniature – free for kids under 4
Playmobil Funpark – free admission for kids under 3
Aquaboulevard indoor aquatic recreational water park – there’s a giant life size whale in there!

Jardin d’Acclimatation children’s amusement park is one of the best places for kids in Paris. There’s:

an archery range
a house of mirrors
carousel & puppet theatre
min golf course
radio controlled boats
boat rides on the enchanted river
a train
farm animals and pony rides

Image credit: Luke McKernan via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.2: Unique Places to visit in Paris with kids

Put these on your Family Travel itinerary for Paris with toddlers & kids.

Montemarte and the Sacre Coeur
The Catacombes
Pompidou Centre with skip-the-line tickets (pictured above)
Musee national de la Marine
Musee Rodin
The Paris Story experience
Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace aeronautics museum – see the two Concorde planes inside, plus 150 odd more!
The Musée Picasso-Paris Museum – more than 5000 works by Picasso
See the light and sound show at the Invalides

Book the kids into the Les Petits Cordon Bleus cooking school for 8 to 12 years old, for a class at this iconic institute.

Or you can learn how to cook pizza at Casa Luca.

Image credit: Dilnawaz Karkaria

No.3: Paris Chocolate Museum

Visit the Paris Chocolate Museum, Le Musée Gourmand du Chocolat Choco-Story. (Choco Story Paris, the chocolate museum)

If you are a chocolate fanatic, why not book a “Create your own Chocolate bar” chocolate making workshop and spend 45 minutes making a chocolate bar, and choosing all the toppings.

It’s a fabulous unique souvenir of your time in Paris too! If you don’t eat it of course.

No.4: Things to do in Paris with a Baby

You can go almost anywhere in Paris with a baby as long as you have an ergo baby carrier, and time it right.

The key is avoiding anywhere with stairs if you have a stroller in tow, but take baby in an ergo and Paris is yours!

One of the best things to do is WANDER Paris at your own leisure, stopping off at the beautiful parks as you go, and picking up delicious Parisian food for an impromptu picnic.

Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower Carousel too.

No.5: Best things to do with kids in Paris when its raining

Indoor museums are the winners here.

Check out the grand animal procession of lifesize animal statues at the famous Grande Galerie de l’évolution (Grand Gallery of Evolution) at the National Museum of Natural History) in Paris.

Or you could:

go on a Paris Passageways adventure, finding all the undercover passages in the city
visit the Catacombs
stop by the Musee de la Magic (museum of Magic) to see optical illusions, magic tricks, magic hats, wands, wind up toys, and everything a budding magician like Harry Potter would be thrilled to see
drink a hot chocolate at the famous Angelina restaurants
visit Cap Pirate indoor play centre in the Aubergenville Family Village
check out the doll collection at Musée de la Poupée (even the name is fantastic!)
head to Chez He restaurant in Paris, and let the kids head down to the play centre in the ground level
visit Palais de la Découverte (Palace of Discovery) science museum in the Grand Palais
take a walk around the Musee Grevin wax museum, one of the oldest in Europe – there’s a fun house of mirrors too!

Image credit: Sarah-Rose via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

WHERE TO SHOP IN PARIS FOR SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND MORE

What to buy in Paris? The Best Paris Souvenirs to Take Home

The Complete Guide to Paris Souvenirs, coming very soon!

In the meantime, do visit ALL the museum shops in Paris.

Our experience tells us these are the best souvenir shops in Paris for a unique treasure or handmade gift.

RELATED: Best French Toy Brands to buy for gifts and souvenirs

Image credit: Guillaume Speurt via Wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.0

No.1: Paris Department Stores

Do not miss wandering through one of Paris’ most elegant stores, the Le Bon Marche Department Store.

Printemps, opened in 1865 is one of the world’s leading department stores for fashion and luxury.

Galeries Lafayette Paris department store is worth a visit just to look at the beautiful ceiling!

Head to the Children’s Gallery for the best French toy company brands all in one place!

Image credit: Carl Campbell via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.2: The Best Paris Shops for Style Lovers

This part of the guide is directed to the adults in the family, but kids will find some of them a blast too.

Take a look at the Galerie Vivienne arcade, one of the covered passages of Paris.

You can also visit:

Le Monde en Seine, a curated collection of products chosen for their elegant design
Storie boutique for unique Parisian gifts and homewares
Visit the Passage Jouffroy shopping arcade for unique shops selling antiques, books, paper goods and stationery
The famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore across from the Notre Dame is a book lovers dream
Bijoux Blues is the place to buy beautiful hand-crafted jewellery.
Visit the quirky Huygens store for natural organic skincare
Mokuba Paris is an entire shop dedicated to beautiful fringe for crafters
The best yarn shop in Paris? Les Tricoteurs Volants at 22, rue de la Fidélité 75010
Looking for gifts? Try the Hemingbird shop at 7 galerie Montmartre.
Find stunning Parisian ceramics, metal craft, and gifts at Empreintes at 5 rue de Picardie75003
Deyrolle is the famous taxidermy shop in Paris. Take the kids, but remind them to don’t touch!

Image credit: Pierre Lannes via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.3: Best Paris Shopping Centers

No.1: Les 4 Temps

Les 4 Temps is France’s largest shopping mall, and they have a kids play area to entertain the kids too. Head here for a relaxed shopping experience.

Forum des Halles is another Paris shopping centre to put on your list.

La Vallee Village is an outlet mall with more than 115 luxury boutique outlets.

You can find famous French brands at discount prices, including Bonpoint.

Plus these exclusive clothing brands:

Gucci
Prada
Armani
Tod’s, and
Burberry.

No.2: The Centquatre

Here’s another place to get a local’s look into Paris – The CENTQUATRE.

It’s home to shops, a cafe, and a restaurant.

But the best thing is the workshops and activities for kids and families.

Click here for the website.

No.4: Best Toy Stores in Paris

Click here for more of the best kids shops and the best toy shops in Paris.

SHOPPING AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

Best Disneyland Paris Shops

Merlin Lenchanter store

Pictured above!

TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN PARIS

Hot tip: Search for the Official Paris App to keep an eye on specials at the Department Stores and lots more!

Image credit: Eileeninca via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

BEST PARIS MARKETS

Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves is the only Paris flea market in the centre of town, with more than 400 vendors and food stalls.

There’s another one, the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen slightly north of the 18th Arrondissement.

If you are a foodie, don’t miss La Grande Epicerie de Paris Rive Gauche to see the 30,000 odd gourmet offerings including:

bottled goods
everyday groceries
fresh produce
wine, and
food made by local producers.

WHERE TO EAT IN PARIS WITH KIDS

Try these family friendly restaurants:

No.1: Le Super Café

This is one for families with toddlers and young children. Wholesome food, and space to play. We love it!

Place Mélina Mercouri, 75020 Paris.

Click here for the website.

No.2: Breakfast in America

Pancakes, bacon, eggs, burgers and more. Great for kids.

17 rue des Ecoles 5e Paris.

No.3: Le Cafézoïde

Finally, a cafe made for families in Paris. Good healthy food, plus space to move, and it’s a winner.

92 bis quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris

No.4: les 400 Coups

There’s a play area here for kids, plus a children’s menu and normal food kids will actually eat.

51 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris.

Click here for the website.

No.5: Aloha cafe

Cute little coffee shop with the motto, “Nice coffee & food for nice people”!

Tasty homemade pastries all day long, plus delicious salads, veggie bowls, sandwiches, soups and quiches!

Click here for the website.

No.6: Chat Mallows cafe

Take the kids to this Cat Cafe in Paris!

It’s a relaxed coffee shop with a family friendly menu including sweet and savory snacks. But definitely on the pricey side!

Click here for website.

No.7: Café Suédois inside the Swedish Institute (Institut Suédois)

This is a family restaurant cafe with style, and high chairs. Kids love the ice cream.

Try yummy Swedish food for lunch or dinner.

Has an Ikea feel, so we love it.

9 Rue Payenne, 75003 Paris.

Click here for the website.

No.8: Restaurant Astier

For a real Parisian feel, visit Astier at 44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris.

Click here for website.

No.9: Bus Burger

For a really fun dinner with a difference, why not try the Bus Burger mobile restaurant?

The kids get burgers, there’s soft drink included, and you take in all the Paris sights as you journey around while eating!

No.10: Angelina tea room

If you are game, take the kids to the Rue de Vaugirard outpost of the Angelina tea room in Paris for the most famous hot chocolate in Paris, the “L’Africain”.

It’s a little on the pricey side to dine at this long-established Parisian restaurant, so make sure the kids are old enough to appreciate it.

(I wouldn’t take anyone under 6.)

The original Angelinas on Rue de Rivoli near the Louvre is the famous tea room where famous writers, painters, politicians and fashion designers like Coco Chanel once gathered to nibble fancy pastries and drink tea.

Visiting an Angelina tea room is touristy, but one of those bucket list experiences to do.

Image credit: Juanedc via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.11: Picnic at the Champ De Mars

Pack lunch or buy food en route, and after your visit, head to the beautiful Paris park, the Champ de Mars, below the Eiffel Tower.

Champ de Mars park is known as one of the best parks in Paris.

Locals agree it’s one of the most famous parks in Paris city too.

It’s the perfect family vacation picnic spot if you are visiting Eiffel Tower for kids.

Image credit: Nicolas Halftermeyer CC BY-SA 3.0

No.12: Where to eat at the Eiffel Tower?

Book a table at the Jules Verne Restaurant if you are game, or
Grab a snack at the buffet.

Here’s a very French thing to do: Buy a sweet French macaroon from the Eiffel Tower macaron bar!

No.13: Where to Eat in Jardin du Luxembourg gardens – kiosks

There are several kiosks in various parts of the gardens selling beverages, and that all important takeaway coffee.

Pull up a seat and enjoy the sunshine.

There’s hundreds of free chairs throughout the gardens.

Image credit: La Terrasse de Madame

No.14: La Terrasse de Madame cafe

While there’s a number of restaurants in the garden, the most people-watching friendly one is near the near the Fontaine Medicis.

Go by early to beat the crowds and enjoy a delicious coffee and a pastry treat.

No.15: Budget eating in Paris

For a more budget friendly meal, visit Treize Bakery to pick up some baked treats and bring it back to the park for a picnic surrounded by Paris beauty.

The local McDonalds on the east of the park is another option if you need quick inexpensive food in a hurry.

BEST PARIS PLAYGROUNDS

Looking for a Paris playground?

Here, in no particular order, are our four favourite Paris playgrounds for children.

No.1: Terrain d’aventures Paris Playgrounds

“The Land of Adventures” Playground at Jardin Nelson Mandela

On our last trip to Paris, we stumbled upon the coolest adventure playground we’ve seen in Paris.

We’d taken one of the backroads to make it back to our hotel due to some noisy disruptive roadworks that had blocked our way, and this playground appeared out of nowhere!

We originally spotted three green “alien spaceship” type pods high up in the air and went in to investigate.

Upon closer inspection, these three pods were part of a new and innovative adventure playground in Paris called the ‘Terrain d’aventures’.

Ned raced to the gate, and waited to be let in by the trusty gatekeeper staff.

Take a good look at the playground below!

If your kids love space, or Star Wars, or futuristic worlds, this is the playground for them.

The space-age designed playground, Terrain d’aventures should not be missed.

For lovers of design, this playground is right in the middle of traditional Parisian townhouses too. Worth a look.

Located not far from the Novotel hotel in Paris city centre, it’s a top spot for families with kids of all ages as there are two parts to this park.

Unique Paris Playgrounds in Paris?

This 2500 m² unique and educational playground space in the heart of Paris that invites children to imagine, play, socialise and develop their physical capacities!

It’s open 6 days a week.

The team of the sculptor Henri Marquet imagined a universe “halfway between the Wizard of Oz and Mario Bros“, with innovative games.

If you are looking for family activities in Paris, put this playground on your list.

The Terrain d’Aventures is open only to children, supervised by play leaders.

The playground is organised as a course with micro-landscapes with varied terrain and has plenty of green space.

This Paris playground combines never before seen recreational facilities, and monumental sculptures. The hope is that kids will use the playground as a platform for daydreaming and storytelling.

There are spaces for:

spontaneous games
resting places, and
shows.

The creators have also embedded electronics in an innovative way to plunge children into the games “for real”.

What’s at this Playground in Paris for children?

The Big Kids “Terrain d’aventures Playground” at Jardin Nelson Mandela is filled with challenges.

Kids can:

balance their way through tunnels along thick rope
clamber their way up and through the pods
scramble up and down different levels
traipse through a rainbow corridor
balance on gym equipment
slide down gigantic slides

There’s a new section too, with:

big boulder walls
a log forest with ladders to climb
places to play hide and seek
palings between wooden totem poles to balance on
rope climbing bridges
mosaic-tiled sculpture walls
playful balloon installations too.

There’s also a splash park so bring your swimmers, towels and a change of clothes.

Things to do in Paris with Toddlers?

Cruelly, kids under 7 are not allowed in to the big playground area.

Neither were parents.

That’s a bummer, as I REALLY wanted to join in too.

My inner child was crushed!

But Jack and I kept an eye on Ned’s adventuring while playing on the Paris playgrounds for toddlers, located on the other side of the fence next door.

This toddler playground in Paris has:

a colourful train to drive
a swing bridge
multiple forts to climb, and
a range of silver slides.

Not quite the same, but a lovely spot to interact with local families in any case.

Kids in Paris will LOVE it here!

Do make a beeline for this dual playground in amongst your wanderings on the Right Bank.

This Paris playground is only about a 5-10 minute walk from the Louvre, and is surrounded by magnificent Parisian architecture.

So while the kids play, you can dream of Parisian lifestyles and what it would be like to live in one of these grand apartments!

It’s the perfect place to visit after taking a Louvre Museum Highlights for Families tour with skip-the-line priority entrance.

A run at a playground nearby is JUST what they need after time in the world’s most popular museum and dealing with the crowds of people all vying to get to the front of the queue for a picture of the tiny Mona Lisa painting!

Pick up a baguette and cheese on your way, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the sun with locals too!

Address: The Terrain d’aventures can be found at 32 rue Berger 75001 Paris. (Google pin: Jardin Nelson Mandela, 75001 Paris, France)

The entrance is at the foot of the Bourse du Commerce.

Entry fees at this Paris Playground: FREE entry!

Opening Hours

Mondays: Closed.

School Terms:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1pm – 7pm (Sept, Oct); 1pm – 5pm ( Nov – Feb); 1pm – 6pm (March) and 1pm – 7pm (April – June)
Wednesdays: 10am – 7pm (Sept, Oct); 10am – 5pm (Nov – Feb); 10am – 6pm (March) and 10am – 7pm (April to June)
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 1pm (Parents to supervise- no staff on site). 2pm – 7pm (Sept, Oct); 2pm – 5pm (Nov – Feb); 2pm – 6pm ( March) and 2pm – 7pm (April to June)

School Vacations:

Spring:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1pm – 7pm
Wednesdays: 10am – 7pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 1pm (Parents to supervise- no staff on site), and, 2pm – 7pm.

Summer:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2pm – 8pm
Wednesdays: 10am – 1pm; 2pm – 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 1pm (Parents to supervise- no staff on site), and, 2pm – 8pm.

Restrictions at this Paris Playground

In case of inclement weather, the adventure area can be closed without prior notice.
It is widely accessible to children with reduced mobility, but under certain conditions.
Please note, this Paris playground is only open to school groups via reservation from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Visit after 1pm on these days.

Conditions of Access (except Saturdays and Sundays mornings from 10 am to 1 pm)

Children between the ages of 7 and 11 years old can be admitted. Children with special needs can be accompanied if necessary.
Children with illnesses cannot be admitted.
Children remain the responsibility of the parents.
The capacity of the Paris playground is 100 children.
The children are welcomed for one hour sessions, and may leave anytime during the session if their responsible person is there to collect them. Children cannot play 2 consecutive hours.
Children must be provided with the telephone number of the parents or accompanying person.
During the session, the parents must stay close to the Adventures Field and be reachable. Put your phone number in the children’s pocket.
Accompanying persons are asked to be present on the site 5 minutes before the time of the exit so that the children are not left alone when it’s time to go.
Wearing athletic shoes and clothing suitable for play is essential

Conditions of access on Saturdays and Sundays mornings from 10 am to 1 pm

The playground is not monitored by leaders of the Paris City Hall on weekend mornings.
In this case, parents and guardians are responsible to supervise the children.
A playground guard is present on site to meet and keep an eye on children and families.

How to get to Terrain d’Aventures Playground in Paris

By Bus: The RER B to Châtelet – Les Halles stop

By Metro: M ° Les Halles, line 4

On Foot: 5 -10 minutes walk (650 metres) from the Louvre

By Bicycle Hire Station “Velib”: Station N ° 1008, Allee Andre Breton; Station N ° 1009, 14 Rue du Pont Nine; Station N ° 1028, Rue Berger

By Taxi or Uber: Jardin Nelson Mandela playground is easily accessible by taxi or Uber.

No.2: Parc de la Villette Playground Paris

Heading out to the Cites des Science Museum for a session at one of the children’s museums exhibitions?

(If not, you should!)

Then make a day of it by spending time afterwards in the Parc de la Villette gardens and head to one of their two best playgrounds.

Plus, being outside the touristy areas of Paris, it’s one where you can really truly feel like a local.

Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Jardin du Dragon playground

The first playground you’ll see is the the colourful Dragon Garden Playground, Jardin du Dragon playground.

Kids can ride the extended 25 metre silver tube slippery dip from the steel dragon mouth to the ground.

The way to climb up to the slide is via a short rope course. (Recommended for 8 years +)

Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Dragon Playground at Parc de la Villette for toddlers

There’s also a cute playground for younger kids with outdoor activities including:

balance activities
climbing nets
rocking animals and more.

This play area is located at the rear entrance of the Cite Des Science Museum and Geode, near the bridge that crosses the Canal de l’Ourcq.

“Jardin des vents et des dunes” Paris playground

If you walk a little further, along the walkway between the Pavillon Paul Delouvrier and the Folie des Visite, you’ll find this cool playground too.

The Parc de la Villette “Jardin des vents et des dunes” or “Gardens of the Winds and Dunes”.

The quirky roly-poly undulating hill playground is so fun for kids.

The playground is gated, and you go through a red building to enter.

You may have to wait a while to be allowed in if the playground is busy. We’ve heard late afternoon is the best time to go.

Once inside, the Paris playground is divided into sections based on age suggestions:

0-2 years
3-5 years
6-8 years, and
9-12 years.

Not that anyone seemed to be policing that. It’s more of a general guide.

And it’s FREE!

BYO picnic and rug to eat in the sunshine.

All the kids can play:

running games on rolling hills (albeit with fake grass)
spin on “hamster wheel” rides
hang onto flying foxes over the mounds
find tunnels to run and climb through
pedal-power the windmills, and
jump on this giant undulating bouncy air-filled trampoline!

For the younger kids, there were:

balancing pallets
climbing gym
digging machines in the sand
lifesize abacus beads, and
slides.

With a canal running through the centre, this reclaimed industrial landscape has been reimagined into a fabulous futuristic park with two playgrounds, one on either side of the canal.

It’s unlike any playground zone we’ve ever seen before!

Visit both sides.

Paris does a good job of taking care of its’ parents.

At every park and playground in Paris you visit, you’ll find chairs are in abundance.

At this one, the sling-back single deck chairs are just right for a quick rest while the kids play.

Did you know there are more green spaces and play areas at Parc de la Villette too?

Be sure to visit the Garden of Mirrors.

It’s just beyond the Garden of Winds and Dunes (Folie des vents et des dunes).

Within 5 minutes walk, you can also visit:

Garden of Bamboo
Garden of Balance
Garden of Acrobatics
Fright Garden for Children

Here’s a map to help guide you.

Carousel at Parc De La Villette

You’ll pass the Paris carousel as you walk to the Garden of the Wind and Dunes playground.

Make sure to save time for a nutella crepe too!

Parc de la Villette map (Folie des Vents et des dunes)

Where is Parc de la villette located – Location, Entry fees & Opening hours

Address: Parc de La Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès 75019 Paris

Opening Hours

The Parc de la Villette gardens are open and accessible from 6am until 1am daily.
The Wind and Dune Garden Playground is open from 10am to 8pm daily between April and October, and between 1st November and 31st March on Wednesdays, Weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

Entry Costs

Entry is FREE!
There are restaurants and cafés located throughout the park if you wish to take a break between activities.
There are also two cash distributors and public toilets at three locations around the park.

Parc de la Villette events

Click here to find all the Little Villette activities for kids including:

shows
Villette workshops
themed weekends and large workshops
all year round activities at Parc de la Villette

How to get to Parc de la Villette playground

By Metro: Line 5 – Porte de Pantin / Line 7 – Porte de la Villette
By Bus: Lines 75, 151, PC2 and PC3 – Porte de Pantin / Lines 139, 150, 152 – Porte de la Villette
By Tram: Line 3b – Porte de Pantin, Ella Fitzgerald or Porte de la Villette>
By Bike:

Cycle path along the Canal de l’Ourcq
Velib Stations: Porte de la Villette, Porte de Pantin, Quai de Metz, rue Rouvet
Bike Path: In front of the Cité des Sciences, near Porte de la Villette.

By Boat on the Canal:

Cruises between the Bassin de la Villette and Arsenal Harbor with CanalStrama.com
Cruises between the Parc de la Villette and the Musée d’Orsay with Pariscanal.com

Parc De La Villette Playground at Le Parc de la Villette Gardens

Parc de la Villette playground is located at the northeastern edge of the city in the 19th arrondissement.

The journey to this cool Paris playground takes about 40 minutes by metro from the city centre.

Le Parc de la Villette Paris Gardens

The third-largest park in Paris, a massive 55.5 hectares in area, these Paris gardens are also home to three major concert venues.

These Paris gardens are huge.

Find little treasures along the way as you wander – a crepe stall here, a carousel there.

There’s something futuristic about the place too, as the landscape is dotted with these giant red architectural ‘follies’ (meaning, a building constructed mainly for decoration) that are a nod to the park’s industrial history.

Today, the eye-catching follies remain as cues to organisation and direction for park visitors.

Some of them house restaurants, information centres, and other functions associated with the park’s needs

(Source: Wikipedia)

No.3: Jardin des Tuileries Paris Playground – Aire de Deux playground

Another surprise find in the Jardin des Tuileries gardens near the Louvre, the Aire de Deux playground in Paris for kids has something to challenge the older kids and teens.

Plus, plenty of smaller playground equipment pieces to entertain the little ones too. This is one fo the best playgrounds for toddlers in Paris as it’s fenced and there’s no roads nearby.

Bring your own soccer ball to this play area and play a round of soccer with your new mates too!

Highlight of the Aire de Jeux playground in Paris is the GIANT fort.

Featuring a steep ladder access, it limits access to the younger kids, so the bigger kids and teens love it.

Aire de Jeux fort

The climbing cages play area looks like something from Ninja Warrior, a relic of army training camps.

Inside and up high, it’s a top spot to hang out with new friends!

The Aire de Jeux slide is a winner too.

It’s fast and fabulous.

On all four sides of the park surrounding the fort, there’s more play equipment for younger children, including these bouncer pads.

This three-way bouncy see saw is ideal for children under 5.

This flower bouncer is good for kids over 2 too.

This traditional seesaw seats four.

Perfect when there’s a crowd.

Rainbow Climber and Slide

This is one for both younger children and older ones.

Parkour equipment

My boys made use of it as part of their game of Parkour.

Then they played ‘the floor is lava’ challenge.

That’s the game where they can’t touch the ground as they bound around the place, from equipment to equipment.

But no one can resist an old school roundabout merry go round!

Even Roam the Gnome wanted a go!

This is the age guide for the playground equipment at the Jardin des Tuileries park.

Notice there’s also:

a hammock swing, and
balancing disk

These are not seen in our pics.

Inside Jardin des Tuileries – the Garden next to the Louvre

The playground can be found inside the Jardin des Tuileries gardens in Paris near the Louvre.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001
Entry Fees: Free!

Jardin des Tuileries opening hours

September 7am to 9pm
October to March 7.30am to 7.30pm
April to May 7am to 9pm
June – August- 7am to 11pm

How to get to Jardin des Tuileries Playground

The easiest way is to walk from the Louvre.

Cross the road in front of the Louvre (facing the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, standing with your back towards the Louvre pyramid) and walk towards the Jardin des Tuileries gardens.

Walk through the first garden until you come to the Jardin des Tuileries gates, as pictured above, with golden tips on the fenceline.

When you reach the gates, you are at the Entry point, as see in yellow at the bottom of the map above.

Walk straight, past the Tuileries pond, for another two blocks.

The Jardin des Tuileries playground is HIDDEN in amongst trees and equipment on the right hand side.

You have to look hard to spot it!

Alternative Entry to Jardin des Tuileries Paris Park

The alternative entry point is to walk down the Esplanade des Feuillants (alongside the Rue de Rivoli) and enter through the side entrance, pictured above.

The Esplanade plays host to the Paris Christmas markets during November and December.

Map of Jardin de Tuileries Aire de jeux

Hot tip: Look to your right with your back to the Louvre Museum, and you may see an amusement park or Christmas Market in action.

No.4: NEW Jardin du Luxembourg Playground

The Jardin du Luxembourg playground is a fabulous morning out for kids. Bonus – the whole giant playground at the Jardin de Luxembourg park is gated! Entry fee applies.

The newly rebuilt LUDO Jardin at the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens is an ode to the beauty of nature. It’s one of the biggest and best playgrounds in Paris.

When you find yourself in times of trouble, or just want to sit a moment to rest your brain and legs while the kids run around in a safe space, head straight to the Le Ludo Jardin playground at the Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens!

The design and muted natural colors of the Paris playground mimic the treasures found in the environment.

There’s plenty of natural timber to help it blend into the surrounds, and flying fox playground equipment too.

Plus, if you are heading that way, take a look at this guide to the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens.

There’s so much to do here.

Pop it on your itinerary.

Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens Playground

Jardin de Luxembourg playground is set deep within the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens, a 17th-century park with:

formally laid-out gardens
trees planted in distinctive patterns and rows, and
hundreds of age-old statues on pedestals.

When we last visited on our family vacation, the ground under the trees on the approach to the playground was a little dry, dusty and gravelly, and there was little grass or greenery throughout the gardens at all.

This visit, the gardens were overflowing with mustard hued leaves, a thick carpet covering the bare ground.

In the magical afternoon light, it’s enchanting!

That’s the charm of Paris.

Surprises around every corner.

My boys, Roam the Gnome and I, LOVED the old playground in Jardin de Luxembourg, but they adore this new one by Magma Cultura too.

There’s stuff for everyone!

Sandpit & More at Paris Jardin de Luxembourg playground

The first thing you see inside the gates is this giant sandpit.

There’s:

two sandpit diggers that turn 360°
a sandpit digging platform
a weighing scale and bench

This is the best toddler playground in Paris

Why? because there’s a GIANT sandbox/sandpit with:

a bucket to collect sand and tip it out using movable chains
a whirligig sand spinner

Byo sandpit toys.

This is the most popular place for the little ones.

Stage and Games area

To the right, you’ll spy this bench seating amphitheatre, perfect for performances, but also good for those who want to watch their kids draw on the blackboard.

Dominos & a Chalk Board

Or play dominoes together.

The highlight of the playground for anyone over 5 is in the middle of the park.

This futuristic green fort and slide is not for the faint of heart, as it’s HIGH.

But super fun for anyone who can get inside and up!

View from the back.

Maze sculpture

Throughout the park, there’s nods to the beauty of architecture and nature combined, such as this maze.

On the left beyond the sandpit is this round of swings.

We’ve never seen a set of swings with a chain across the middle before like this.

The boys put their legs through, so the chain was in front of their tummies.

Let us know if this is not the correct way!

At the back of the park on the right, you’ll find a long zipline.

It was locked up when we arrived, but was opened by staff shortly afterwards.

In the middle section of the playground on the far right close to the fence, there’s a natural timber fort and climbing frame.

It features:

climbing nets
bridges
spider net
climbing steps
balance beams
swinging log bridge

Here’s another view.

The fort area extends to a more toddler friendly area, with:

stepping stones
a low swinging log bridge
a balance beam, and
poles to weave in and out of.

For smaller kids, the bee and snail toddler bouncers are another good diversion.

Plus, there’s a seesaw.

Scattered around the playground, kids will find quirky sculptures and play toys for imaginative play such as:

this telescope, and
magic mirrors too.

Jardin du Luxembourg Opening hours, Location and Entry fees

Address: Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard 75006 Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens are located in the 6th arrondissement near Sorbonne University.
Phone: +33 (0) 1 42 64 33 99‎
Website: Click here

Opening hours are season and weather dependent

Le Ludo Jardin is open everyday from 10am, until 1 hour before the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens close their gates.
The Jardin du Luxembourg gardens gates closes between 4.30pm and 9.30pm, according to season.
Shorter hours operate from November through March.
Longer hours operate from April through October.

Jardin du Luxembourg playground entry fees

Sadly, this Paris playground is not free.

Prices are listed below.

Child 3,00 euro
Adult (one time entry, but you can ask for pass outs) 1,00 euro
Child rate applicable to all visitors aged 3 and over, and under 16.
There’s also a discounted rate of 2,00 euro entry for the disabled, upon presentation of disability card.
Buy a 12-pass for children for 25,00 euro, and adults 10,00 euro.

How to get to Jardin du Luxembourg Garden Playground

By Subway: Odéon station

By RER Train: Luxembourg station

By Bus: Numbers 21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89 all bring you to the Luxembourg Gardens

Exact Location of the Le Jardin du Luxembourg Playground

Head in the direction of the basketball courts and the Marionette theatre to find the revamped playground.

See the RED FLAG titled Ludo Jardine on the map below.

THIS is the home of the Paris playground here.

Walking approach view

View as you approach the playground from the palace.

Note Marionette theatre is on the left.

The right pathway

This is the view of the wide pathway FROM the playground, looking back towards the Serres du Sénat botanical garden rooftop.

Toilets: Yes, on site, behind the admission desk.
Disability access: Access to park is ok, but some of the playground equipment may not be suitable.
Enclosed: Yes! LOTS of seating around the edges of the playground too.

Seating: Yes, plenty of seating throughout playground. Some is undercover.

More Things to do in Jardin du Luxembourg Park with kids

You can easily spend a day in and around the Jardin de Luxembourg gardens because there’s plenty of stuff to do in the Jardin du Luxembourg garden surrounds.

The Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens in Paris is home to the Luxembourg Palace.

The Luxembourg Gardens are named in honour of the hill where the gardens are located.

We love these beautiful Paris gardens for the gorgeous Parisian surrounds.

Address: The Jardin de Luxembourg Gardens are located on Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 42 64 33 99‎
Website: Click here

Jardin des Luxembourg Gardens Hours

Open daily, all year round.
Open 7am to 1 hour before sunset in summer
Open 8am to 1 hour before sunset in winter

Luxembourg Gardens Entry fee: Entrance fee is nil. It’s FREE to enter!

How to get to Luxembourg Gardens

By Metro: Metro line 4 or 10 to Odeon station or line B to Luxembourg station.
By RER: RER – Luxembourg
By Bus: 21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89

It’s almost possible to think you are NOT in the centre of Paris when you stroll these elegant garden pathways, take up residence on one of the garden chairs in the sun with views toward the pond, and feel the SPACE.

If you are looking for a local experience, make your way straight here.

There’s TONNES of fun to be had at the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens for kids.

No.1: Gaze at the Paris Luxembourg Gardens Palace

This incredible palace on the Left Bank of the Seine was originally built as the royal residence of Marie de’ Medici, mother of Louis XIII of France.

It’s now owned by the French Senate, and is used for the French Senate meetings.

Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.2: Float a Boat on the Pond

For years, children (and adults) have been prodding wooden sailboats with long sticks on the octagonal pond.

Join in the fun for an authentic Paris day out with kids.

Hire a toy boat from the little kiosk nearby.

(Available during warmer months only.)

No.3: Jardin du Luxembourg Children’s Theatre next door!

The fenced children’s playground area, Parc De Jeux at the Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens, is located next to a Children’s Theatre.

Marionnettes du Luxembourg Théâtre has 40 minute long performances to enjoy a simple marionette puppet show.

Puppet theatre operates:

Wednesdays 2pm
Saturdays 2pm
Sundays 2pm
Everyday from 4pm during the school holidays.

The retro-style theatre is covered and heated, and is the perfect escape from cooler weather.

The theatre opens its’ doors 30 minutes before show time.

Click here for details of dates, showtimes, and entry fees.

Image credit: Steven & Courtney Johnson via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.4: Ride a Pony

In the warmer months, you can find Pony Ride operators ready to take the little ones for a ride around the promenade for under 5,00 Euro.

Riding ponies in Paris?

Priceless!

No.5: Watch the fish in the ornate Fontaine des Médici

East of the palace, you’ll also find the Medici fountain (fish pond) built in 1630.

This artificial grotto and fountain was built by Tommaso Francini, brought to France by Marie de Medici, the widow of Henry IV, as part of her endeavour to build a new palace and park.

No.6: Fontaine de Leda

Hidden behind it, the wall fountain, Fontaine de Leda, built in 1807.

It’s worth a squizz to see this age-old Parisian monument.

Spot the tennis courts in the trees!

No.7: Play Tennis – there’s SIX courts.

Or:

go for a run
kick a ball in a game of soccer, or
shoot hoops.

You can also play a game of chess, or bridge if you don’t feel like running around, and prefer a more sedentary exercise of the mind.

It’s all there at the Luxembourg Gardens.

Join in a game with the Parisian locals.

No.8: Go on a Sculpture Walk in Luxembourg with Kids

There are more than one hundred statues and monuments in Jardin du Luxembourg gardens.

106 statues in fact.

The statues feature the Queens of France as well as other famous women in France, lined along the terraces, and they all stand on high pedestals.

They include:

There’s also monuments and statues of the well known writers and artists of Paris and Europe, and odes to Roman and Greek history including:

Liberty Enlightening the World, commonly known as the Statue of Liberty, first model, by Frédéric Bartholdi, 1870
Narcissus, 1869, and Arion assis sur un dauphin, 1870, both by Ernest-Eugène Hiolle
Theseus and the Minotaur, by Etienne-Jules Ramey, 1826
Hercules Diverting the River Alpheus, 1900, and L’Effort, 1902, both by Pierre Roche

It’s a history lesson and art immersion in one.

Image credit: Van Gogh painting

No.9: Visit the Apple Orchard

Inside the Luxembourg Gardens, down in the southern part of the garden, you can find an English style garde.

Home to an orchard of ancient and forgotten varieties of apples and pears, there’s also apple and pear trees lining the wide pathways throughout the gardens.

There’s up to 320 varieties of apples and 210 varieties of pears from more than 1000 trees.

The pears from the miniature orchard are given to the Senate.

Any leftover fruit is donated to local charity food organisations who provide food for the homeless and other charities.

In Paris, we found the tightly squeezed cafes, the throngs of people, the stares and raised eyebrows, and the busy city life made us all crave a bit of green space and nature even more.

Sometimes, all you want (and need) is a big wide-open space for the kids to run around without annoying or bugging other people.

Our favourite Paris park is definitely the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens.

It’s a rare treat for an Aussie to wander through a park filled with centuries-old statues and hand-carved busts of royalty.

PARIS ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES

You don’t need to look far for good museums and art galleries for kids in Paris.

Hot tip: Save money in Paris with a PARIS CITY PASS.

Includes entry to the Paris Science Museum, plus 60 other Paris museums and attractions, and includes FREE travel on the metro, bus and train in zones 1-3

Entry to children’s exhibitions at Paris Science museum may be an extra charge.

No.1: Paris Science Museum Cité des Science for 7-12 year olds

Inside the Cité Des Science Museum, you’ll find TWO separate Cité Des Enfants Museums:

a Science museum exhibition in Paris for kids 2 – 7 years, and
a Science museum exhibition in Paris for kids 7 – 12 years

We visited both!

(The following information applies for both No.1 and No.2 things to do)

Address: City of Science and Industry, 30 avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris France
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 41 57 32 28

Session Times at the Cité des enfants

Sessions are 1hr 30 mins long (1hr 15 mins during the Autumn half-term and Christmas holidays).
Booking is strongly recommended during French Holidays but don’t risk it. Book a ticket. It was busy!

Session Start Times
Monday to Friday: 10:00, 11:45, 13:30, 15:15

Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30

Entry Fees for Cité Des Enfants (7-12 year olds)

Full Rate for children aged 5-12 years for City of Children exhibition: € 12
Full Rate for 2-7 years City of Children exhibition: € 12
Reduced Rate: € 9
Reduced rate is for students, under 25, 65+, large families, teachers
Children under 2 FREE (For free entry, two year olds must accompany another child in the 2-7 age group.)
No permitted access for unaccompanied children and adults alone.
Ticket includes access to the Argonaute Submarine (advised visit before 1 pm) and the Louis-Lumière cinema, subject to availability.

NB: The entry fee above covers the City of Children exhibition only.

You can buy a combo ticket for one of the Children’s City exhibitions PLUS Explora Exhibitions in the rest of the museum for 16 euro. (instead of 24 euro).

Book your Cité Des Enfants Session for 5 -12 year olds here

Book your Cite Des Enfants Session for 2-7 year olds here

Don’t risk missing out – employ your best friend, “Google Translate” and buy your tickets ahead of time.
We booked and paid online from Australia through the link above with no problem.
Email the Science Center in Paris if you have any dramas and they will help.

Opening Hours at the Paris Science Museum

The Cité science museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 am – 6.00 pm and 10.00 am – 7.00 pm on Sunday.

Museum is closed on Mondays and the following public holidays:

1 January – New years day
1 May – Labor Day
25 December – Christmas Day

How to get to the Science Museum in Paris France

Going to Museum de Science with strollers: From the tram platform and the Porte de la Villette bus stop, there is direct access to the city using a slope of less than 4%.

By Bike (Velib hire)

You can cycle to the City of Science and Industry from the center of Paris using a network of special cycle lanes.
Bicycle parking is available at the front of the City of Science and Industry, by the Forest Hill Hotel.

Velib ‘stations close to the Cité

Station n ° 19009: 28 bis, avenue Corentin Cariou F-75019 Paris.
Station n ° 19033: 30, rue de Cambrai F-75019 Paris.
Station n ° 19011: 2, rue Rouvet F-75019 Paris.
Station n ° 901: allée du Belvédère F-75019 Paris.

By Metro: Line 7, Porte de la Villette station.

By Tram: T3b (Porte de la Chapelle) Door of the Villette stop

By Bus: Lines 139, 150, 152, Porte de la Villette stop.

By Boat on the Canal:

Cruises between the Bassin de la Villette and Arsenal Harbor with CanalStrama.com
Cruises between the Parc de la Villette and the Musée d’Orsay with Pariscanal.com

Do not miss this place.

It’s an undiscovered gem for foreign family travellers with kids aged 2 – 12.

While getting to Paris Science Museum IS a bit of a hike, about 40 minutes on the Paris Metro, you can easily spend the day out here with a session or two at the museum, plus a visit to the Parc de la Villette out the back.

The Science Centre Paris, along with the Parc de la Villette gardens out back, is a top notch local’s style adventure day in Paris.

First up, the Science museum for children colour coded.

Each part has its’ own theme.

Here’s a little bit of detail about the six different rooms on offer.

PS: Download the Audioguide for the 5-12 year olds Cité des Enfants here

The Garden

Kids can step into a Greenhouse and watch the butterflies.
If they are lucky, one might even land on them!
Spy butterfly chrysalises and learn about how a butterfly transforms from a caterpillar to a beautiful insect

Observe ants living in colonies in the Ant Farm
Investigate underground by crawling through a child-sized tunnel
Watch tomatoes grow in fast motion while learning about Earth and the seasons

The Body

Kids can measure their speed as they race one another on a track

They can measure their height, test their reflexes, and see inside the body
Try to keep their balance while standing on the funny pedals
Experiment with electric conduction as they try to conduct electricity through their body
Play with fun parlour mirrors, and use technology to try on different hairstyles!

Water Games

Kids can outsmart the ball and chain pump. Quick though, the water might fall if you stop spinning the wheel!
Try to stop the water from going down by using moveable panels to dam the water
Play with the Tumbling Fountain, and perch balls on top of the Ball Fountain without letting them fall
Create a whirlpool of water

The Factory

Kids can program a robot
Kids can play with wind turbines

Communicating

Kids can have fun in a room of communication tools and games like Word Tubes where they can speak to one another along a line

Listen to different languages via a world globe
Attempt a try at speaking with their hands
Play coordination games

The TV Studio – Learning how TV and Film is made

Kids can join a band, film musicians, and do a playback performance
Present the news with a teleprompter
Move a camera on a dolly for a tracking scene in a movie
Drive a car and see themselves on the road with moving footage behind them!
Plus see themselves on a green screen in a car – with a touch of magic, they’ll be flying!

Fun Fact: Cite des Enfants means CITY OF CHILDREN. Take a look at this video clip to see inside.

The Geode at Paris Science Museum

Out the back of the Paris Science Museum is a giant silver ball.

It’s the Geode, and it is a giant hemispherical screen, 10 times larger than a standard cinema.

We missed out on this, but you shouldn’t!

(We were bummed!)

Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via CC by 2.0

Watch one of a choice of films – some are Imax!

(NB: Extra charge.)

See the front desk for tickets when you arrive.

No.2: Cité Des Enfants Museum in Paris

The Paris Science museum has a dedicated experience for 2-7 year olds too.

The Building Site at the Paris Science Museum is the best fun for preschoolers.

Inside the Paris Science Museum for toddlers & preschoolers

The Cité Des Enfants Museum is colour coded and each section has its’ own theme.

Here’s a little bit of detail about the five different sections in this cool place to visit in Paris with toddlers and young ones.

This Science Museum is number one of things to do in Paris with toddlers.

I’m Experimenting

The highlight of this area is definitely the water activity, but BE WARNED.

It gets wet!

Kids need to put on a smock so they don’t get saturated but there’s not much hope of that!

BYO towel if you can.

A towel is worth it’s weight in gold.

At the pool streams area, kids can find out what they can do with water.

The kids can:

move doors and gates to dam up the water
spray water in different directions
bucket water around the place
fill things up and tip things out again.

I had MAJOR trouble trying to move Jack out from this area.

Only the pull of big blocks to build with moved him on.

Science experiments with air

In this area, there’s also:

experiments with air pressure,
with levers to push and pull and
pumps to blow up balloons and twirl rainbow kites.

Kids can set the air machines in action, and watch the objects move.

All Together – the Big Kids Work Site

Kids are invited put on their hard hat and vest before entering the Work Site

Work Site at Cite des Enfants

Once inside, they can:

build with foam blocks
transport the blocks from place to place via pulley
push the mine cart on the track
climb the fort, and
work in teams with all their new friends.

It’s ACE!

I Know How to Do It – The Ball Tower and Wobbly Toys

Kids can turn handles to make marionette puppets move about
Play with Shadow Theatre by pulling handles to move the light and change the shadow shapes
Make animal shadows dance
Challenge others to a ball down the tower race!
Discover where the ball is hiding game

I Locate Myself

Kids can try the motor circuits
Kids can crawl, move forwards and backwards and get lost as they crawl
balance and inch their way along the trail, exploring space with their bodies in these motor circuits
Kids can climb through a giant maze – it’s not that easy but it’s fun (my boys did this multiple times!)

I Discover Myself

Little experiments and things to touch and do and smell.
Kids can see themselves in mirrors and on screens.
My kids weren’t fussed on this bit at all.

Image credit: Andy Hay via Flickr CC BY 2.0

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS IN PARIS

See these Paris tourist attractions.

See sealions, giraffes, zebra and lemurs at the Parc Zoologique de Paris (Paris Zoo)
Feed the sharks at the Aquarium de Paris. Say hi to the pet koi carp too!

Image credit: Rog01 via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

AWESOME PARIS EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Check out the official guide to Paris events here.

But we always believe the best way to find family friendly events in Paris is to check out the local family magazines in Paris.

The best place to find one is at a children’s museum, science museums, family cafes, indoor play centres, and tourist information offices.

These Paris events return year after year:

Paris Manga and Sci Fi Show
Japan Expo
Comic-Con
Paris Games Week

BEST PARIS DAY TOURS FOR FAMILIES

Book a Perfume Making Workshop in Paris for the whole family.

See all the best Paris monuments illuminated at night on this coach tour

Visit the Paris aquarium. Book tickets in advance here.

BEST PARIS HISTORY TOURS FOR FAMILIES

Want to teach the kids some Paris history while you’re in town? Try one of these tours.

Book this family-friendly Paris walking tour with interactive games and puzzles

Here’s another easy going family tour of the main Paris sights with games and quizzes for the kids!

Book a specially designed 2- hour family tour of the Louvre with kids.

Love visiting museums in Paris? Take this family tour of the NEW Picasso museum!

Book a Family Tour of the Montemarte District (includes a play book for kids!)

Book a Dinosaur Tour in the National History Museum in Paris

Book this kid-friendly scavenger hunt of the Covered Passages to explore REAL Paris!

Image credit: Novotel Paris

WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS WITH KIDS

Best Paris Accommodation for Families

Looking for family hotels in Paris?

No.1: Novotel Paris les Halles hotel

We LOVE and recommend the Novotel Paris les Halles hotel because of its’ perfect location.

It’s our favourite 4-Star Family Accommodation in Central Paris.

It’s less than 10 minutes walking distance to the Seine and the Louvre, and the incomparable Terrain d’aventures Paris playground is about 200 metres walk from the front door.

The reception staff gave my boys a small stuffed animal at check-in, and again when we returned from our tour.

Of course, the toddler then expected another one every time we said hello, or goodbye to the staff on reception!

This Paris hotel is super central, only a few minutes walk to Terrain d’adventures playground, and only a short distance to the Louvre and the Seine river in the other direction.

Check latest prices here.

FAQ – TRAVELLING IN PARIS WITH KIDS

Heading to Paris from London?

Wondering how to get from the airport into Paris CBD?

Do yourself a favour and book family friendly airport transfers in Paris. Pre-booking a transfer to take us from an unfamiliar airport to our hotel is a no-brainer now. It’s worth every cent, and more.

If you are lucky and book with Holiday Taxi’s, you might even meet our driver Dinko. Read all about our most recent voyage with Dinko at the helm by clicking the blue link above.

You can’t visit Paris without taking the tube in Paris at least once. If only to take a look at the Metro’s Art Deco era signage. It’s a beautiful sight in Paris with children.

Best ways to get around Paris with kids

Need more information about getting around in Paris?

Click here for the Paris Convention and Tourism Bureau to find all the details of getting around Paris on foot, by bus, by Paris metro, and by RER train.

The RATP transport network has discounted fares for children and families, which means you can enjoy unlimited travel on all the metro, tram and bus lines in Île-de-France, the RER express trains in Paris and the Montmartre funicular railway either free of cost or at reduced prices.

Children under 4 years of age can travel free of charge on all public transport as long as they do not occupy a seat.
Children under 10 years of age get a 50% discount on the purchase of a single train ticket or carnet (book) of 10 tickets.