Top 10 Family-Friendly Points of Interest in Paris Kids Will Love

Paris is full of child-friendly attractions that mix fun, learning and outdoor play. Below are 10 tried-and-true points of interest that families enjoy, with quick tips on why kids love them, practical info (tickets, best times, nearest metro) and links to official sources.

1. Eiffel Tower — iconic views and kid-friendly discoveries

• Why kids love it: Thrill of the elevators, panoramic views, and the sense of seeing a global icon up close.
• Practical tips:
  • Buy tickets in advance for summit access to avoid long lines: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
  • Nearest metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9) for great photo views.
  • Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds; sunset for dramatic views.
  • Age suitability: All ages (strollers OK; elevators available).
• Estimated visit time: 1.5–2.5 hours.

2. Jardin du Luxembourg — playgrounds, puppet shows and sailboats

• Why kids love it: Large playgrounds, vintage carousel, pony rides (seasonal) and the famous puppet theatre “Théâtre des Marionnettes du Jardin du Luxembourg.”
• Practical tips:
  • Official garden info and events: https://www.senat.fr/visite/jardin/index.html
  • Nearest metro: Odéon (Lines 4, 10) or Luxembourg RER B.
  • Bring coins for the wooden sailboats that children float on the central pond.
  • Age suitability: Toddlers to preteens.
• Estimated visit time: 1–3 hours.

3. Jardin d’Acclimatation — amusement and nature in Bois de Boulogne

• Why kids love it: Rides, farm animals, adventure trails, seasonal shows and family-friendly restaurants.
• Practical tips:
  • Tickets and rides info: https://www.jardindacclimatation.fr
  • Nearest metro: Les Sablons (Line 1) or Porte Maillot (RER C/metro).
  • Plan for a half- to full-day; buy ride passes or wristbands for multiple attractions.
  • Age suitability: Best for ages 2–12.
• Estimated visit time: 3–6 hours.

4. Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (La Villette) — hands-on science fun

• Why kids love it: Interactive exhibits, the Cité des Enfants (special area for ages 2–7 and 5–12), planetarium and discovery labs.
• Practical tips:
  • Official site and family programs: https://www.cite-sciences.fr/en/
  • Nearest metro: Porte de la Villette (Line 7).
  • Book Cité des Enfants time slots in advance; wear comfortable shoes.
  • Age suitability: 2–12 (there are exhibits for different age groups).
• Estimated visit time: 2–4 hours.

5. Aquarium de Paris — colorful marine life near the Trocadéro

• Why kids love it: Touch pools, feeding times, shark and tropical fish displays, plus close-up views of the Seine-side gardens.
• Practical tips:
  • Hours, tickets and practical info: https://www.aquariumdeparis.com/en/
  • Nearest metro: Trocadéro (Line 6, 9).
  • Combine with a view of the Eiffel Tower across the river for a full afternoon.
  • Age suitability: All ages.
• Estimated visit time: 1–2 hours.

6. Bateaux-Mouches or Seine boat cruise — relaxing, scenic ride

• Why kids love it: A different view of Paris monuments, gentle boat ride and short duration keeps little ones engaged.
• Practical tips:
  • Popular operator with departures near the Eiffel Tower: https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en
  • Many cruises are 1 hour; choose covered boats in poor weather.
  • Nearest boarding: Port de la Conférence (near Pont de l’Alma) or other central piers.
  • Age suitability: All ages; strollers allowed onboard but may need to be folded.
• Estimated visit time: 1–1.5 hours.

7. Musée du Louvre — family trails and activity packs

• Why kids love it: Famous works like the Mona Lisa, Egyptian antiquities and family trails that make galleries engaging for children.
• Practical tips:
  • Family resources and ticketing: https://www.louvre.fr/en
  • Use family-focused routes or guided family visits; download activity sheets before you go.
  • Nearest metro: Palais-Royal — Musée du Louvre (Line 1).
  • Age suitability: Best for ages 6+ (younger kids may prefer short, targeted visits).
• Estimated visit time: 1.5–3 hours (tailor to children’s attention spans).

8. Parc Zoologique de Paris — modern zoo with immersive enclosures

• Why kids love it: Large habitats, close-up viewing areas and regular animal feeding info.
• Practical tips:
  • Visitor info and conservation programs: https://www.parczoologiquedeparis.fr/en
  • Nearest metro: Porte Dorée (Line 8).
  • Bring snacks, water and comfortable shoes; peak animal activity often in morning.
  • Age suitability: All ages.
• Estimated visit time: 2–4 hours.

9. Musée en Herbe — art and exhibits designed for children

• Why kids love it: Interactive, kid-friendly exhibitions aimed at introducing art and famous artists through play and storytelling.
• Practical tips:
  • Official site with current shows and workshops: https://www.musee-en-herbe.com/en/
  • Nearest metro: Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12) or Tuileries (Line 1).
  • Great for rainy days or to add a short cultural stop between larger attractions.
  • Age suitability: 3–12.
• Estimated visit time: 1–1.5 hours.

10. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur — artists, street performers and a funicular ride

• Why kids love it: Cable-car or funicular ride up the hill, street artists, caricaturists and charming small squares with carousels.
• Practical tips:
  • Official basilica info: https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/
  • Funicular from Anvers station (and stairs if you’re feeling energetic); nearest metro: Abbesses (Line 12) or Anvers (Line 2).
  • Combine with a visit to Place du Tertre for portraits and crepes.
  • Age suitability: All ages (watch for cobbled streets and steps).
• Estimated visit time: 1–3 hours.

Quick family planning tips