While Paris may not be the first city to spring to mind when searching for a family friendly holiday, it’s actually full of lots of fun things to do and see for the kids.
Here are just some of the wonderful things to do in Paris, that the kids (and mum) will absolutely love.
The Eiffel Tower
Seeing the Tour Eiffel is a must for anyone visiting the City of Lights and can be tackled one of two ways, depending on the ages of your children. If you haven't bought your tickets online via the website, wait in the shorter line to buy the cheaper stair tickets. Older kids will enjoy climbing the 600+ stairs to the top, but be sure to stop on the first level to see a short film on the history of the Eiffel Tower and pick up a copy of the interactive Follow Gus booklet which offers kids the opportunity to learn while climbing the steps.
Champ de Mars
For those of you with kids under the ages of six, skip the trip to the top of the tower. Instead, bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the Champ de Mars. Young kids can enjoy the views of the tower and when they get bored, head over to the playground, ride the carousel, and enjoy an ice cream cone.
Cite des Science
The Cite des Science is a one stop place for families with kids in Paris, especially on rainy or cold days. Within the Cites des Science is the Cite des Enfants, with two sections, one for children ages 2 to 7, and the second for kids 5 to 12 years old. Each area is packed full of amazing indoor activities that translate into fun no matter what language you speak. Parents, be advised that you should buy your tickets online via the website, or if in person, purchase for the next “time slot,” which is for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Afterwards, be sure to visit the free L’Aquarium in the basement. There are rotating exhibits within the Cite Des Science and you can also get tickets to see a movie in the Geode.
A walk on the Champs Elysees
Starting at the Arc de Triomphe, walk as far as you can make it along the Champs Elysees. Older kids will appreciate travelling the 284 stairs or elevator ride to the top of the Arc, which feature unobstructed views of the 12 streets that stem out from the Arc. From there, head down the Champs Elysees and be sure to stop at Laduree for one of their world-famous macaroons. Along the walk, there is the Disney store, Swatch, and plenty to keep mums happy.
The Tuileries and Musee de l’Organgerie
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Louvre, pay a visit to the Musee de l’Organerie, home to Monet’s famous water lilies. It is rarely crowded and if you visit first thing in the morning, you can take your stroller around. Afterwards, stroll through the Tuileries, soaking in the beautiful garden, fountains, and statues. Enjoy an ice cream from Angelina and relax in one of the iron chairs while the kids burn off some steam.
Sacre-Coeur
The area around Sacre-Coeur is very touristy but kids will love the vibe. You can either walk up the 270 steps to the top or take a ride on the little train. Once at the top, look out for peddlers selling name trains, and an occasional marionette show.
The Jardins and playgrounds
Paris is full of them. The most popular include Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Georges Brassen in the 15th arrondissment, Parc Monceau in the 8th, and Jardin des Plants in the 5th.
Bois de Boulonge
The Central Park of Paris is the Bois de Boulogne, and is home to lots of kid-friendly things for families to do. Take a stroll around the Parc de Bagatelle, which feels like a secret garden where peacocks and exotic birds roam free. Be sure to rent a rowboat and head out on the Lac Inferieur, fish, and ride bikes. The Jardin d’Acclimatation, a paid-entry mini-amusement park and zoo are fun places to take kids. During the summer, kids in Paris can run through the splash pad to cool off.
Image via Pinterest.
