Paris is a magnificent city that is the perfect place for a family vacation. While it is known for its art, culture, fashion and world-class cuisine, it’s also a place that is full of exceptional things for families to enjoy. When planning your family trip to Paris, it’s helpful to find out what to do in Paris with kids. Fortunately, there are tons of things to choose from. Consider these 7 things for an unforgettable trip to the City of Lights.
1. Visit the parks – Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg
Kids love to play. Even if you’re in a city like Paris, they may be interested in the culture and charm of Paris for a while, but eventually, it’s playtime. Fortunately for your little world travelers, Paris has great parks and two remarkable ones in particular
The Jardin des Tuileries sits in a great location, just west of the Louvre. This makes it the perfect combination of things to do for your day. Get a little culture and get a little playtime. Or a lot of playtime, however you schedule it. The park is great not only for kids but for adults as well as it is a beautiful space to visit and explore. Its perfect rows of trees and sculpted shrubbery make for a nice atmosphere and feel and look uniquely Parisian. At the same time, the duck pond, carousel, cotton candy stand, and playground are perfect to satisfy most kids.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is another gorgeous park in the city that is also closely located to most major sites. Situated in the 6th arrondissement near the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, the park is an extraordinary oasis for families after spending time exploring cultural sites. This park is home to beautifully landscaped gardens, a palace, a pond, a playground, and remote-controlled boats. It’s enough to keep the kids happy and busy for a good while.
2. Chateau de Vincennes
Located just outside of central Paris, this castle is a nice underrated treat. It’s not high on most tourist’s must-see lists but it’s worth the short trip and it’s easy to get to. All you have to do is the #1 metro line to the last stop and you’re there.
This castle comes with a drawbridge and moat (no water). The grounds are pretty large but completely unfurnished, which depending on your tastes can be good or bad. The benefit is that with kids there’s not much to worry about as far them breaking and touching things. It’s usually not crowded either. The main focus is on the structure itself which is pretty fascinating once you start exploring. It’s always fun to get to go inside a real live castle.
3. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
This massive arch that is the meeting point for 12 separate boulevards is impressive just to look at and walk under. It’s even better to climb all 284 steps and make it to the top of the world-famous arch. It’s a lot of steps but it’s worth the arduous climb. And believe it or not, the kids will get a kick out of climbing the spiral staircase.
The real prize is once you reach the observation deck. The view is second to none. It’s an amazing unobstructed 360-degree view of Paris.
While the view from the Eiffel Tower is no doubt impressive, it doesn’t deliver a view of the tower itself. That’s one of the best parts of the view from the top of the Arc, it provides an astounding view of the Eiffel Tower. The view down the Champs Elysees is a close second. No matter your age, you’ll be impressed once you make it to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
4. Palace of Versailles
A visit to the Palace of Versailles makes for a nice day trip from Paris. With a train ride that’s just under an hour, it’s not too far for young ones. Once you get to the Palace you quickly realize that you’re in for a breathtaking experience. Room after room of absolute luxury beyond anything you would’ve imagined.
With so much to see and each room being different, it will keep the kids’ attention for a good while. Perhaps the most interesting was the king’s and queen’s bedrooms as well as the Hall of Mirrors.
After you’re done with the inside of the Palace you can make your way to the gardens and wander around. There is plenty to see in the extensive gardens including fountains. If you want to give the little legs a rest, you can rent carts to ride around the gardens of Versailles.
5. Eat lots and lots of pastries
If there’s one thing that the French do well, is make great bread and great pastries ( I guess that’s two things). It’s one of the best reasons to visit Paris. Nothing will keep a kid happier than eating all the pastries their little bellies can handle (come on, it’s vacation). With so many patisseries on seemingly every block, it’s pretty easy to just pop in whenever you feel like it and sample some French pastry goodness.
While you’re there make sure to try the cookie that France is known for, the macaron. No matter what you try, you likely won’t be disappointed. And neither will the kids.
As you explore Paris, you’ll also find several stands that make and sell crepes. That’s also a great option, between patisserie stops. The crepes are so good you’ll have to try at least one!
6. Take a few carousel rides
There is a uniquely delightful collection of carousels throughout Paris. Why not add it to the itinerary? It’s simple, yet quite enjoyable for children and something that’s uniquely Parisian. Going for a ride with the Eiffel Tower standing guard in the background or in a park as beautiful as Jardin des Tuileries is a pretty cool experience. It’s also something that adds quite a bit of joy to the day.
7. Eiffel Tower
If you’re in Paris, you have to see the Eiffel Tower. It doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s something exhilarating about seeing the Eiffel Tower, especially for the first time. You don’t even have to go up the Eiffel Tower to enjoy it. It can be viewed from the Trocadero Gardens or the Champs de Mars. You can make it a picnic and sit back and enjoy one of the most visited landmarks in the world. It’s quite a captivating experience for the whole family.
