Let’s be real: there’s something undeniably magical about Paris, whether you’re five or fifty. But sightseeing with the family can be a whole different adventure, packed with giggles, snack breaks, and plenty of “are we there yet?” moments. The good news? Paris absolutely nails the family-friendly vibe—offering everything from thrilling amusement parks and incredible kid-focused museums to delightful boat rides and picnics in gorgeous gardens. Curious about where to find the best family activities in Paris? We’ve rounded up the spots guaranteed to capture everyone’s attention (and deliver true Paris memories). Let’s jump in!
Wondering what to do in Paris as a family? Our tried-and-tested favorites include:
- Aquarium de Paris
- Parc Asterix
- Paris Science Museum
- Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
- Gourmet Chocolate Museum
- Musée d'Orsay
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Montmartre & Sacré Coeur - Walking Tour by Experience First
- Disneyland Paris (Disney Village)
- Jardin des Plantes
Aquarium de Paris: Underwater Wonders in the Heart of the City
A stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, the Aquarium de Paris offers a magical underwater world—no flippers required! This spot is a gem for kids and adults alike, with sharks, rays and jellyfish swirling through massive tanks right before your eyes. The kids’ area is a total hit, packed with interactive exhibits and “mini-labs” where curious hands can discover marine secrets and feel real starfish.
What makes the Aquarium truly special is its commitment to fun—you’ll find pirate-themed puppet shows, regular feeding demonstrations, and even a touch pool for brave little ones. The lighting and layout create an immersive, peaceful vibe (parents: it’s the perfect mid-city breather), and there’s even a cinema. For a family photo op, don’t miss the panoramic tank with its swirling silver fish and the friendly resident turtles. It’s an easy-to-reach and weather-proof adventure that both entertains and quietly educates. Trust us—your crew will leave with bigger grins and even bigger imaginations.
Parc Asterix: Myths, Magic, and Mega Coasters
If your family craves adventure—think roller coasters, ancient Romans and playful Gauls—then Parc Asterix is the ultimate day out. A colorful theme park less than an hour from central Paris, Parc Asterix brings the beloved comic books to wild, wacky life. Start with the gentle rides (perfect for under-6s) in the Forest of Idefix, then work your way up to the looping coasters and Viking ship swings for the brave.
Don’t skip the dolphin and sea lion shows—they’re as entertaining for grownups as they are for kids! There are plenty of shaded picnic areas, baby-changing facilities, and family-friendly restaurants (Asterix-themed crepes, anyone?). Whether you’re channeling your inner Obelix or just cheering from the sidelines, Parc Asterix guarantees a day full of laughter and “Did you see that!?” moments.
Paris Science Museum: The City’s Ultimate Curiosity Lab
Paris Science Museum: The City’s Ultimate Curiosity Lab
If you’re traveling with young inventors or curious tweens, the Paris Science Museum is basically paradise for little minds. This huge, hands-on museum in La Villette is bursting with interactive displays, experiment stations, and immersive zones where kids can touch, build, and discover how the world works. The “Cité des Enfants” is tailor-made for ages 2–12, with obstacle courses, construction games, and water play areas perfect for running off some energy. While older kids dig the planetarium, virtual reality zones, and real-life rockets in the main halls.
We love the welcoming staff (always happy to explain an experiment or lend a hand), as well as the huge outdoor park for a post-museum runaround. There’s so much to spark young imaginations, you'll find yourself learning right alongside them. Rain or shine, it’s a winner.
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Paris From a Fresh Angle
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruises depart right by the Eiffel Tower and offer a unique, family-friendly way to see Paris, with an open-top deck that lets young explorers spot famous landmarks along the way.
The guided commentary is both fun and informative, with plenty of quirky stories and local legends. Each cruise feels calm and safe, so everyone from toddlers to grandparents can simply sit back and take it all in. Watching the city glide by is sort of magical; you’ll see Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and locals lounging along the banks. Cruises run frequently throughout the day, making this an easy addition to any Paris itinerary.
Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Discovering Paris, One Tasty Sample at a Time
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Gourmet Chocolate Museum (Musée Gourmand du Chocolat) is the hands-on chocolate journey the whole family needs. Learn how chocolate goes from cacao bean to mouthwatering treat, explore Paris’s rich chocolate history, and—this is the part kids remember best—taste as you go!
The museum does a fabulous job at blending education with fun: storytelling video guides, interactive displays, and live demonstrations where chocolatiers whip up delicate creations before your eyes. Kids can even roll up their sleeves during regular workshops and mold their very own chocolate bars (souvenir alert!). Whether you prefer dark, milk or even white chocolate, you’ll leave with happy taste buds and newfound trivia for the next family quiz night.
Musée d'Orsay: Art, Trains, and Hidden Hippos
Art museums with kids might sound daunting, but the Musée d’Orsay brings a playful side to fine art. Set in a soaring old train station, the building itself is a showstopper—huge, bright halls, and a giant clock with views over the Seine. The museum’s collections showcase some of the world’s best-loved artists (think Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir) but don’t worry—the staff make a real effort to keep things engaging for families.
Fun family trails, creative kids’ workshops, and multimedia guides help bring the paintings to life. Kids love spotting horses, dancers, and even mysterious hidden hippos in the sculptures and paintings.
Bonus: the café upstairs is the perfect break spot, with cakes, coloring books and river views that will charm grown-ups as much as kids.
Jardin du Luxembourg: Classic Paris Park Fun
Jardin du Luxembourg: Classic Paris Park Fun
Nothing tops a day in the gorgeous Jardin du Luxembourg for pure Parisian family time. Centrally located, the park is green, grand, and wonderfully laid back. Kids will make a beeline for the playground—one of the best in town—while grown-ups can soak up manicured lawns, sculptures and fountains.
Try the classic activities: rent one of the colorful vintage sailboats for a race in the big central pond, join the laughter at the marionette puppet theater (a real Paris tradition), or test out the old-school carousel. There’s pony rides, tennis courts, and shaded spots for a mid-morning picnic—bring croissants and juice and do breakfast, Parisian style.
Luxembourg feels magical whether you’re rolling down grassy hills or relaxing beneath blooming chestnut trees. It’s the kind of place that turns a regular morning into a cherished family memory.
Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour: Paris’s Quirkiest Hill, Family Edition
Montmartre is famous for cobbled lanes, artists and windmills—but it’s also a playground for adventurous families. Join a family-friendly walking tour and let your guide spin tales of mischievous painters, secret stairways, and the dazzling white domes of Sacré Coeur. Guides know just when to weave in fun facts or pause for photo ops—so nobody gets bored.
The highlight? Climbing up to Sacré Coeur and seeing Paris sprawl out beneath you. The steps out front become an informal playground, while inside the basilica, kids are often wowed by the mosaics and glowing candles. Even little legs can manage the gentle walk with regular stops (and maybe a few bribing pastries along the way). This tour is equal parts history lesson, treasure hunt, and Paris postcard come to life.
Disney Village: A Slice of American Magic in Paris
Let’s face it: sometimes you want pure fantasy, big smiles and all the Mickey ears you can muster! Disney Village offers bite-sized Disney magic without spending an entire day at the parks. Located just outside Disneyland Paris, it’s totally doable as a standalone excursion.
There’s something for everyone—shops stuffed with toys and princess dresses, themed dining galore (don’t miss Annette’s Diner with its roller-skating waitstaff and killer milkshakes), plus live entertainment and outdoor markets. The atmosphere is high-energy but never overwhelming, with kids of all ages dashing from shop to shop and music in the air long after dark.
Whether you’re fueling up before a Disney day or ending your visit with a moonlit stroll, Disney Village captures that wide-eyed, anything-is-possible spirit.
Jardin des Plantes: Wild Encounters in the City
If you want urban adventure with plenty of fresh air, the Jardin des Plantes—the city’s oldest botanical gardens—is brilliant for families. You’ll find acres of gorgeous pathways to explore, but the real standouts are the Natural History Museum, giant greenhouses, and (best of all) a wonderful little zoo.
Kids can say hello to red pandas, lemurs, wallabies and more at the Ménagerie, tucked at the heart of the gardens. Meanwhile, the on-site galleries showcase glittering gems and dinosaur fossils, which never fail to impress budding scientists. There’s always something blooming, and dedicated play areas make let smaller kids burn off steam.
Have a picnic under the cherry blossoms in spring, hunt for rare plants, or just wander and watch the city fade away. It’s peaceful, educational, and fun in equal measure.
Whatever your family speed—thrill rides, creative adventures, peaceful parks or choux-pastry-fueled explorations—Paris delivers with style. These activities guarantee giggles, discovery, and the kinds of memories you’ll laugh about for years. Paris isn’t just for poets and romantics; it’s one big playground just waiting for families to explore.
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do with Pre-Schoolers or Things to Do Near Parc Asterix
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