Arts & Culture

5 things to do in Paris with kids

With its idyllic boulevards, beautiful green spaces and extravagant landmarks, there are plenty of things to do in Paris with kids. Tasty chocolate treats and crêpes are available on just about every corner. And when the weather isn’t on your side, there are plenty of indoor attractions to explore.

Whether you want to splash out on the holiday of a lifetime or enjoy a budget weekend away with the family, you won’t regret setting your sights on the French capital. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable Parisian adventure by adding the following activities and attractions to your bucket list.

Get Arty

What was once a thriving iron foundry is now Paris’s premier digital art gallery. Walls as high as ten metres feature laser-projected works from legends, including Van Gogh and Klint. Overall, over 140 film projectors illuminate this dazzling 300-metre studio.

If you want to keep the kids entertained while you get your fill of art, we highly recommend visiting L’Atelier des Lumières. The gallery is usually closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but stays open until 10pm on Saturday.

Visit Disneyland Paris

Need to keep the youngsters occupied for a day or two? You can’t go wrong by heading to Disneyland Paris, which is just as extravagant is its American cousin. You can reach both parks via a short train ride from Paris.

While you’re here, you can ride rollercoasters, meet famous Disney characters and embark on magical adventures. Make the most of your time by purchasing the Fast Pass, which allows you to skip queues for most rides.

Enjoy a Picnic in the Park

When you have a family of mouths to feed, packing a picnic to eat in one of Paris’s sprawling greenspaces is a good way to stretch your budget. And, thanks to parks like Jardin du Luxembourg, you don’t have to sacrifice fun to save a few euros.

Pony rides, puppet shows and playgrounds promise to keep the kids smiling while you enjoy the fresh air. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out Luxembourg Palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens.

Château de Versailles

If the Luxembourg Palace isn’t quite grand enough for you, head to the Château de Versailles, France’s principal royal residence from 1682 to 1789. While you marvel at this French Baroque architectural masterpiece, the little ones can play in the gardens or hire a boat.

Nearby, a local market sells dozens of cheese, bread and wine varieties. Getting here early is best – the grounds can quickly become very crowded.

Sacré Coeur

As you explore Montmartre, all eyes will be glued to the street artists and art displays that dominate the cobbled lanes. But the main draw of this bohemian quarter of Paris is the Sacré-Coeur.

You won’t struggle to get the kids to sleep after climbing 300 stairs. But you will be blown away by the panoramic cityscape views of Europe’s romantic capital. Best of all, you won’t have to fight long lines to ascend the tower.

Don’t forget that Paris is only a short train ride away from London. Check out our Paris tours from London for a hassle-free way to visit Paris from the UK.