Top 10 Things to Do in Paris with Kids
Best Paris family activities ranked by parent reviews: Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Louvre, and more
⚡ Quick Answer: Top 10 Paris Activities for Families
- Eiffel Tower (9.5/10) — THE must-do. Sparkle show at night = magical.
- Palace of Versailles (9/10) — Hall of Mirrors, opulent palace, massive gardens. Full day trip.
- Louvre Museum (8/10 kids, 10/10 art lovers) — Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo. Best for ages 10+.
- Seine River Boat Tour (8.5/10) — See Paris from water, 1-hour cruise, rest weary feet.
- Luxembourg Gardens (8.5/10) — Playground, pond sailboats, perfect picnic spot.
- Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre (8/10) — Hilltop basilica, artist square, funicular ride up.
- Musée d'Orsay (7/10 kids, 10/10 art) — Impressionism (Monet, Van Gogh). Ages 12+ appreciate.
- Arc de Triomphe (7.5/10) — Climb 284 steps, city views, watch crazy traffic circle.
- Cité des Sciences (8.5/10 ages 5-12) — Interactive science museum, kids' favorite rainy day.
- Crêpe-Making Class (8/10) — Hands-on cooking, eat your creations, kid-friendly activity.
The Top 10: Ranked by Parent Reviews
Eiffel Tower Ages 5-17 €80-110 family
Why #1: The Eiffel Tower is THE Paris experience—kids see it in movies, cartoons, textbooks. Standing beneath it, riding the elevator, watching the city spread below = bucket-list moment families remember forever. The sparkle show (every hour after dark, 5 minutes of twinkling lights) consistently ranks as trip highlight in parent surveys.
✅ Why Kids Love It
- Universal recognition—"We're ON the Eiffel Tower!"
- Sparkle show at night = mesmerizing
- City views from 2nd floor (115m) or summit (276m)
- Massive scale impresses even jaded teens
- Instagram-worthy photos = teen motivation
- Glass floor panels on 1st floor (57m) = thrill
⚠️ Challenges
- Expensive: €80-110 family (2nd floor €54, summit €86)
- Crowds: 2-3 hour waits without advance tickets
- Security lines add 30-45 minutes
- Pickpockets around Trocadéro/Champ de Mars
- Overpriced onsite food (€6-9 snacks)
💡 Parent Strategy
- Book online 2-3 weeks ahead: Official website (toureiffel.paris) sells timed entry tickets. Summer sells out. Skip-the-line worth booking fee.
- Go evening: 7-9pm for sunset + sparkle show (every hour on the hour, 5 min). Less crowded than midday.
- 2nd floor vs summit: 2nd floor (€54 family) has best views—not too high, can see details. Summit (€86 family) = bragging rights but views similar. Save €32 with 2nd floor.
- Bring snacks: Onsite food expensive/mediocre. Bring baguettes, fruit, water from supermarket.
- Champ de Mars picnic: Lawn below Eiffel Tower = FREE spot for sparkle show views. Arrive 30 min before (on-the-hour after dark).
How long: 2-3 hours (security, elevator wait, time on tower)
Best for: Every family. Non-negotiable Paris experience. Ages 5+ appreciate, teens love Instagram photos.
Skip if: Extreme height fear (rare—elevators enclosed, safe feeling)
"Eiffel Tower sparkle show at 10pm = single best moment of our entire Europe trip. Kids (9, 12, 15) were MESMERIZED. We sat on Champ de Mars lawn (free!), tower lit up twinkling for 5 minutes, everyone went silent. Daughter (12): 'This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.' Worth every centime of €100 we paid for summit earlier that day. If you do ONE thing in Paris, make it Eiffel Tower." — Parent survey, August 2024
Palace of Versailles Ages 10-17 €40 adults, FREE kids
Why #2: Versailles is opulence at its most extreme—Louis XIV's palace where French kings lived like gods. The Hall of Mirrors (357 mirrors, 73m long, chandeliers dripping crystals) literally makes kids say "whoa." Sprawling gardens (800 hectares), Marie Antoinette's estate, and French Revolution context create full-day adventure. Best for ages 10+ who grasp historical significance.
✅ Why Kids Love It
- Hall of Mirrors = jaw-dropping grandeur
- Gold everything—Royal Apartments drip wealth
- "Let them eat cake!" Marie Antoinette connection
- Massive gardens to run/explore after palace tour
- Golf carts rentable (€40/hour) = fun transport
- Musical fountain shows (April-Oct weekends)
⚠️ Challenges
- Full day trip (9am-4pm) from Paris
- Overwhelming palace (700 rooms) = stick to highlights
- Younger kids (under 10) bored by interior tour
- Crowds summer (arrive 9am opening or pre-book)
- Lots of walking (wear comfortable shoes)
💡 Parent Strategy
- Buy palace tickets online: Skip 1-2 hour entry line. €20 adults, FREE under 18 (massive family savings).
- Take RER C train: From Paris to Versailles-Rive Gauche station (€7 round-trip, 35 min). Easier than tour buses.
- Arrive 9am opening: Palace most crowded 11am-2pm. Early arrival = shorter lines, better Hall of Mirrors photos.
- Focus on highlights: Hall of Mirrors, King's Grand Apartments, Queen's Apartments (90 min). Skip endless side rooms.
- Picnic in gardens: Buy baguettes/cheese from Paris, picnic on lawns (€10-15 vs €60-80 onsite restaurants). Or rent golf cart (€40/hour) to tour gardens.
- Marie Antoinette's estate: If kids enjoy palace (2 hours), add her Petit Trianon chateau and Hamlet (rustic village). Extra 1-2 hours.
How long: Full day (9am-4pm). 2-3 hours palace interior, 2-3 hours gardens/Marie Antoinette estate.
Best for: Families with kids 10-17 interested in history, grandeur, French Revolution. Teens studying European history in school find it life-changing.
Skip if: Kids under 8 (too long, interior boring), limited time (prioritize Paris proper), rainy weather (gardens muddy)
"Versailles Hall of Mirrors = moment daughter (13) understood why we study history. She stood there speechless, soaking in where Marie Antoinette walked, where Treaty of Versailles was signed. Then gardens—rented golf cart (€40) which kids (11, 13) LOVED, explored Marie Antoinette's Hamlet (fake farm village = bizarre/fascinating). Full day exhausting but worth it. Kids under 18 FREE (adults €40) = $44 family vs $150+ if everyone paid. Pack picnic lunch—onsite food terrible/pricey." — Parent survey, June 2024
Louvre Museum Ages 10+ €34 adults, FREE kids
Why #3: The Louvre is the world's most famous museum—Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Napoleon's Apartments. Kids studying art history NEED to see originals vs textbook photos. But it's massive (650,000 sq ft, 35,000 artworks), overwhelming, and younger kids (under 10) find paintings boring vs interactive museums. Best for art-loving families with older kids/teens.
✅ Why Kids Love It (Ages 10+)
- Mona Lisa = "we saw THE Mona Lisa!" bragging
- Venus de Milo = ancient Greek beauty
- Winged Victory = dramatic staircase sculpture
- Egyptian antiquities = mummies, sarcophagi
- Napoleon's apartments = gold excess
- Glass pyramid entrance = modern architecture
⚠️ Challenges
- Younger kids (under 10) last 60-90 min max
- Mona Lisa crowds = mob scene (disappointing)
- Overwhelming size = stick to 8-10 highlights
- 2-hour entry lines without pre-booking
- Mostly "look don't touch" = less engaging than interactive museums
💡 Parent Strategy
- Paris Museum Pass = skip-the-line: Walk past 90-min entry line. €110 for 2 adults (2 days), kids under 18 FREE walk through with you.
- Arrive 9am opening or book timed entry: Lines shortest early morning. Avoid 11am-2pm madness.
- Download map beforehand: Plan route to top 8-10 highlights. Don't wing it (too big, you'll get lost).
- Mona Lisa strategy: Go FIRST thing 9am (less crowded) OR skip entirely if kids uninterested. It's small (30×21 inches), behind glass, mobbed by tourists. Many families disappointed.
- Focus on: Winged Victory (dramatic!), Venus de Milo, Egyptian mummies, Napoleon's apartments. Skip endless paintings unless kid is art-focused.
- Time limit: 2 hours max with kids under 12. Teens studying art can handle 3-4 hours. Exit when kids tire vs forcing more.
How long: 2-3 hours focusing on highlights (could spend days seeing everything)
Best for: Art-loving families, ages 10-17, kids studying art history or Impressionism, teens interested in culture
Skip if: Kids under 8 (too young), prefer interactive museums (go to Cité des Sciences), tight schedule (other Paris priorities higher)
"Louvre with teens (14, 16 studying art in school) = AMAZING. They'd seen Mona Lisa in textbooks, but standing in front of Venus de Milo, Winged Victory = emotional. Spent 3.5 hours, they wanted MORE. But our friends brought kids 7 and 9—lasted 75 minutes, kept asking 'when can we leave?' Louvre is for older kids who appreciate art. Under 10? Skip and do Cité des Sciences instead. Paris Museum Pass €110 for us (2 adults) skipped 2-hour line = worth price alone. Kids under 18 FREE = only paid adult admission." — Parent survey, September 2024
Seine River Boat Tour Ages 5+ €55-75 family
Why #4: Seine boat tours let families see Paris from the water—glide under bridges, pass Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre, Musée d'Orsay. Kids rest weary feet (Paris = 8-12 miles walking/day), adults enjoy audio guide, everyone gets different perspective. 1-hour cruises perfect length for kids' attention spans. Best value-per-hour activity in Paris.
Types of cruises:
- Daytime sightseeing (1 hour): €12-18 per person = €48-72 family. Basic cruise with audio guide. Bateaux Mouches, Vedettes de Paris, Batobus (hop-on/hop-off).
- Evening cruise (1 hour): €15-22 per person = €60-88 family. See Paris lit up at night, Eiffel Tower sparkle show from water. Magical!
- Dinner cruise (2-2.5 hours): €80-150 per person = €320-600 family. Multi-course French meal, live music. Expensive but special occasion worthy.
💡 Parent Strategy
- Do evening cruise (7-9pm): See Paris landmarks lit up, catch Eiffel Tower sparkle show (on-the-hour after dark) from boat = spectacular. €15-22/person = €60-88 family.
- Best companies: Bateaux Mouches (classic boats), Vedettes du Pont Neuf (smaller boats, better for kids), Bateaux Parisiens (departs from Eiffel Tower base).
- Book online: Save 10-15% vs buying tickets at dock. Choose timed departure.
- Bring snacks: Onboard food pricey (€8-12 sandwiches, €5-8 drinks). Pack picnic snacks.
- Sit upper deck: Better views, fresh air. Lower deck = enclosed, AC, good if cold/rainy.
How long: 1 hour (daytime/evening cruise), 2-2.5 hours (dinner cruise)
Best for: Every family. Universal appeal ages 5+. Great mid-trip break when kids tired of walking.
Skip if: Severe motion sickness (river is calm, but some people struggle), rainy/windy weather (miserable on deck)
Luxembourg Gardens Ages 3-14 FREE (€4-6 activities)
Why #5: Luxembourg Gardens is Paris's perfect family park—playground with climbing structures, pond where kids rent toy sailboats (€4-6, push boats with sticks), sprawling lawns for picnics, Medici Fountain for photos. After museum-heavy mornings, spending 2-3 hours here lets kids RUN, parents relax, everyone recharges. Quintessentially Parisian experience locals love.
What to do:
- Playground: FREE. Climbing structures, swings, slides for ages 3-12. Always busy with French kids (good for socializing).
- Pond sailboats: €4-6 per boat rental (30 min). Kids push toy sailboats with long sticks. Classic Parisian activity featured in movies.
- Picnic: Buy baguettes, cheese, fruit from nearby Monoprix/boulangerie (€15-25 family). Eat on lawns or benches. Local tradition.
- Puppet shows: Théâtre des Marionnettes (in park) shows Wed/Sat/Sun. €5-7. In French but visual enough kids follow.
- Pony rides: €6-8 per ride (5-10 min). Small ponies for ages 3-8.
- Luxembourg Palace: Senate building (not open to public) but gorgeous exterior/gardens to explore.
💡 Parent Strategy
- Schedule mid-trip: After 2-3 days museum-heavy sightseeing, kids NEED outdoor time. Luxembourg Gardens = perfect break.
- Bring picnic: Monoprix supermarket 5-min walk away. Buy supplies, picnic on lawns = €15-25 vs €60-90 restaurant lunch.
- Sailboats = highlight: €4-6 rental (30 min) = cheap entertainment kids love. Great photos.
- Visit afternoon: 2-5pm when kids' energy crashes. Let them run wild, parents sit with coffee from kiosk (€3-5).
- Combine with Panthéon: 5-min walk away. See Panthéon dome/tombs (Voltaire, Rousseau, Curie) then play at gardens after.
How long: 2-3 hours (can spend full afternoon if kids love it)
Best for: Families with kids 3-14 needing outdoor break, picnic lovers, budget-conscious (mostly FREE)
Skip if: Teens uninterested in playgrounds (take them to Marais shopping instead), rainy weather (playground/lawns muddy)
Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre Ages 6+ FREE (dome €6)
Why #6: Sacré-Cœur basilica sits atop Montmartre hill with panoramic Paris views. Take funicular up (included in Metro pass), explore hilltop artist square (Place du Tertre), watch street artists paint portraits, wander cobblestone streets. Bohemian Paris vibe different from grand monuments. FREE basilica interior, €6 to climb dome for 360° views.
What to do:
- Sacré-Cœur basilica: FREE entry. White domed church, gorgeous interior mosaics. Climb 300 steps to dome (€6) for views rivaling Eiffel Tower (cheaper!).
- Funicular ride: Up Montmartre hill (covered by Metro pass). Kids love cable car feel.
- Place du Tertre: Artist square where painters offer portraits (€30-60). Fun to watch artists work.
- Wall of I Love Yous: 5-min walk from Sacré-Cœur. Wall with "I love you" in 250 languages. Quick photo stop.
- Café des Deux Moulins: Amélie movie café. Hot chocolate/crêpes.
💡 Parent Strategy
- Go morning (9-11am) or late afternoon (5-7pm): Midday crowds overwhelming. Early/late = manageable.
- Take funicular up, walk down: Funicular covered by Metro pass (free!), saves steep uphill climb with kids. Walk down easier (20-min descent through charming streets).
- Skip portrait artists unless budgeted: €30-60 per portrait, aggressive sales tactics. Watch others being painted = free entertainment.
- Dome climb: €6 per person = €24 family. 300 steps (no elevator). Views excellent but similar to Eiffel Tower. Skip if already did Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe.
- Beware pickpockets: Montmartre crowds attract thieves. Keep bags zipped, valuables in front pockets.
How long: 2-3 hours (basilica, artist square, wandering streets)
Best for: Families wanting bohemian Paris vibe, free activity (basilica interior FREE), kids 8+ who handle stairs for dome climb
Skip if: Mobility challenges (hill steep even with funicular), hot summer day (exposed hilltop = brutal heat), kids under 6 (stairs/crowds difficult)
Musée d'Orsay Ages 12+ €32 adults, FREE kids
Why #7: Musée d'Orsay houses world's best Impressionist collection—Monet's Water Lilies, Van Gogh's Starry Night, Renoir, Degas, Manet. Teens studying art in school find it life-changing. Converted railway station building = stunning architecture. Smaller/more focused than Louvre (easier to digest). But young kids (under 12) find paintings boring vs interactive museums.
Highlights:
- Monet's Water Lilies series
- Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône, Self-Portrait
- Renoir's Bal du moulin de la Galette
- Degas's ballet dancer sculptures/paintings
- Manet's Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe
- Clock tower with city views (photo spot!)
💡 Parent Strategy
- Best for ages 12-17: Teens studying Impressionism in art class NEED to see originals. Younger kids (under 12) last 60 min max before "when are we done?"
- Paris Museum Pass = skip 45-min line: €110 for 2 adults (2 days), kids under 18 FREE. Walk right in.
- Focus on top floor: Impressionist masterpieces on Level 5. Start there, work down if time/interest allows.
- 1.5-2 hours = perfect length: Smaller than Louvre, more manageable. Don't try to see everything.
- Café on 5th floor: Behind giant clock (beautiful!). Pricey (€8-12 snacks) but atmospheric for break.
How long: 1.5-2 hours (focused visit of Impressionist highlights)
Best for: Teens 12-17 interested in art, families who loved Louvre and want more, Impressionism fans
Skip if: Kids under 12 (too young for art appreciation), museum-fatigued family (pick outdoor activities instead), limited time (prioritize Louvre or Versailles)
Arc de Triomphe Ages 8+ €26 adults, FREE kids
Why #8: Napoleon's iconic monument at Champs-Élysées. Climb 284 steps (no elevator) for city views including Eiffel Tower. Watching the insane 12-lane traffic circle below (NO lane markings, chaos!) entertains kids. Tomb of Unknown Soldier at base. Less impressive than Eiffel Tower/Versailles but solid 45-60 minute activity.
What kids like:
- Traffic circle watching = entertainment (how do they not crash?!)
- Climb challenge = 284 steps, accomplishment feeling
- Eiffel Tower views from top (different perspective)
- Eternal flame at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
- Champs-Élysées shopping afterward (H&M, Sephora, Disney Store)
💡 Parent Strategy
- Paris Museum Pass = skip line, FREE under 18: €26 × 2 adults = €52 ($57) if buying separately. Kids under 18 FREE.
- Stairs only: 284 steps, no elevator. Kids 8+ handle fine. Younger kids/anyone with mobility issues = skip.
- Go sunset: Best lighting for photos, see traffic circle lit up at night.
- Underground entrance: DO NOT cross traffic circle on foot (deadly!). Use underground tunnel from Champs-Élysées side.
- Combine with Champs-Élysées shopping: Walk down Champs-Élysées after (1.5 km to Place de la Concorde). Teens love shopping.
How long: 45-60 minutes (climb, views, descend)
Best for: Families wanting city views cheaper than Eiffel Tower, kids 8+ who handle stairs, families with Paris Museum Pass (free for kids included)
Skip if: Kids under 8 (stairs hard), mobility challenges, already did Eiffel Tower + Sacré-Cœur dome (view fatigue), limited time (lower priority than Eiffel Tower/Versailles/Louvre)
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie Ages 5-12 €42 family
Why #9: Paris's interactive science museum—planetarium, submarine exhibit, kids' zones for ages 2-7 and 5-12, hands-on Explora exhibits. Similar to London's Science Museum (less polished but still excellent). BEST "kid museum" Paris offers. Perfect rainy day activity or when kids tired of art museums. Ages 5-12 sweet spot.
What's there:
- Kids' City 2-7: Age-appropriate interactive exhibits, building zones, water play
- Kids' City 5-12: Science experiments, body exhibits, TV studio, construction site
- Planetarium: Shows about space, solar system (€3 extra)
- Argonaute submarine: Real 1950s submarine to explore inside
- Explora permanent exhibits: Light, sound, math, universe, genes—hands-on
💡 Parent Strategy
- Reserve Kids' City time slots: Book online ahead (free reservation) for Kids' City 2-7 or 5-12. 90-min sessions, limited capacity.
- Location: Northern Paris (Parc de la Villette), 30 min Metro from center. Worth trek if kids love science.
- Plan 3-4 hours: Kids want to stay longer. Bring snacks (onsite café expensive).
- Rainy day perfect: Entirely indoors. Save for bad weather day vs wasting sunny day indoors.
- Cost: €12 adults, €9 kids (5-25) = €42 family. Kids under 5 free. Planetarium €3 extra.
How long: 3-4 hours (kids want more time)
Best for: Families with kids 5-12 who love science, rainy day backup plan, museum-art-fatigued kids needing interactive break
Skip if: Kids under 5 or over 13 (wrong age range), perfect weather (outdoor activities better), short Paris trip (lower priority than Eiffel Tower/Louvre/Versailles)
Crêpe-Making or Macaron-Making Class Ages 7+ €60-100 per person
Why #10: Hands-on cooking classes let kids make crêpes, macarons, or croissants—then eat their creations. Cultural activity teaching French cuisine basics. Kids love interactive experience vs museum-staring. Classes offered in English by multiple companies. 2-3 hour activity, small group sizes (8-12 people).
Types of classes:
- Crêpe-making: Easiest for kids. Make sweet crêpes (Nutella, sugar-lemon, jam) or savory (ham, cheese). €60-80 per person, 2 hours.
- Macaron-making: More advanced, ages 10+. Learn French technique, make 10-15 macarons to take home. €80-100 per person, 2.5 hours.
- Croissant/pastry: Most complex, ages 12+. Make croissants from scratch (dough, laminating butter layers). €90-120 per person, 3 hours.
- Market tour + cooking: Visit market with chef, buy ingredients, cook French meal. €100-150 per person, 4 hours. Best for teens.
💡 Parent Strategy
- Book crêpe class for most families: Easiest, fastest (2 hours), most kid-friendly. Everyone succeeds = confidence boost.
- Companies: La Cuisine Paris, Cook'n With Class, Le Foodist—all offer family-friendly classes in English.
- Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead: Popular classes sell out, especially summer.
- Morning classes best: 9-11am or 10am-12pm. Kids fresh, cook then eat creations for lunch (saves restaurant meal!).
- Cost: Expensive ($60-100/person × 4 = $240-400 family) but unique memory, hands-on, includes lunch.
How long: 2-3 hours (depends on class type)
Best for: Families wanting interactive cultural activity, food-loving kids ages 7-17, rainy day alternative, families with cooking interest
Skip if: Budget-tight ($240-400 family = expensive), kids uninterested in cooking, short trip (lower priority than major sights)
Quick Comparison Table: Top 10 at a Glance
| Rank | Activity | Best Ages | Cost (Family of 4) | Time Needed | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eiffel Tower | 5-17 | €80-110 ($87-120) | 2-3 hours | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Versailles | 10-17 | €40 ($44) adults only | Full day | 9/10 |
| 3 | Louvre | 10+ | €34 ($37) adults only | 2-3 hours | 8/10 kids, 10/10 art |
| 4 | Seine Boat Tour | 5+ | €55-75 ($60-82) | 1 hour | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Luxembourg Gardens | 3-14 | FREE (€4-6 boats) | 2-3 hours | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Sacré-Cœur | 6+ | FREE (€6 dome) | 2-3 hours | 8/10 |
| 7 | Musée d'Orsay | 12+ | €32 ($35) adults only | 1.5-2 hours | 7/10 kids, 10/10 art |
| 8 | Arc de Triomphe | 8+ | €26 ($28) adults only | 45-60 min | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Cité des Sciences | 5-12 | €42 ($46) | 3-4 hours | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Cooking Class | 7+ | €240-400 ($261-435) | 2-3 hours | 8/10 |
How to Build Your Perfect Paris Itinerary
5-Day Paris Itinerary Using Top 10:
Day 1: Eiffel Tower + Seine Cruise
- Morning: Explore Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower photos
- Afternoon: Eiffel Tower climb/elevator (2nd floor or summit)
- Evening: Seine river cruise (7-9pm), see sparkle show from boat
Day 2: Versailles (Full Day)
- 9am: RER C train to Versailles
- 10am-1pm: Palace interior (Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments)
- 1pm: Picnic lunch in gardens
- 2-4pm: Gardens, Marie Antoinette's estate
- 5pm: Return to Paris
Day 3: Louvre + Luxembourg Gardens
- Morning: Louvre (9am-12pm, focus on highlights)
- Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens (2-5pm, sailboats, playground, picnic)
Day 4: Montmartre + Cooking Class
- Morning: Crêpe-making class (10am-12pm)
- Afternoon: Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre wandering
- Evening: Dinner in Marais
Day 5: Choose Your Own Adventure
- Option A (Art Lovers): Musée d'Orsay + Arc de Triomphe
- Option B (Young Kids): Cité des Sciences
- Option C (Relaxed): Tuileries Gardens, Champs-Élysées shopping, Sacré-Cœur revisit
Frequently Asked Questions
The Eiffel Tower is the #1 must-do Paris experience for families. Kids of all ages are mesmerized by the iconic structure. Book summit tickets in advance (€100 family of 4), arrive at sunset to see sparkle show at night (every hour on the hour after dark). Climb stairs to 2nd floor for adventure or take elevator. Allow 2-3 hours including wait times and photo ops at Trocadéro.
Yes, Versailles ranks #2 for families and is absolutely worth the trip. The opulent Palace, Hall of Mirrors, and expansive gardens captivate kids ages 8+. Take RER C train (30 min from Paris), arrive at opening (9am) to avoid crowds. Kids under 18 get FREE palace admission. Bring picnic lunch for gardens. Marie Antoinette's estate and canal boats add adventure. Budget full day (6-7 hours).
The Louvre works best for kids ages 12+ who appreciate art and history. Younger children (8-11) can enjoy it with focused 90-minute visit to highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory. Kids under 7 typically find it boring. Visit opens at 9am to beat crowds. Kids under 18 get FREE admission. Download museum app for self-guided family tour. Skip if kids prefer interactive science museums.
Top free Paris family activities: Luxembourg Gardens (playground, pond sailboats, picnic lawns), Notre-Dame exterior and plaza, Sacré-Coeur Basilica and Montmartre neighborhood, Seine riverbank walks and bridges, Trocadéro gardens with Eiffel Tower views, and street performers at Pompidou Center. Kids under 18 also get FREE admission to major museums (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Versailles Palace).
5-7 days is ideal for Paris with kids. This allows time for top attractions (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles) without rushing, plus downtime at parks and cafés. Sample 5-day itinerary: Day 1 - Eiffel Tower and Seine cruise, Day 2 - Versailles full day, Day 3 - Louvre and Luxembourg Gardens, Day 4 - Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur, Day 5 - Notre-Dame and Latin Quarter. Build in rest time to combat jet lag.
Paris attractions are more teen-friendly than young-kid-friendly. Best for ages 12-17 who appreciate art, architecture, and culture. Top kid-friendly picks: Eiffel Tower (universal appeal), Luxembourg Gardens (playground, boats), Seine cruises (relaxing sightseeing), Versailles gardens (running space), and cooking classes (hands-on fun). Skip if kids need interactive museums - London offers better hands-on science/natural history experiences for young children.
First day in Paris should be low-key to handle jet lag (6-9 hours ahead of US). Arrive in morning, drop bags, then do easy outdoor activities: walk Luxembourg Gardens, grab croissants and picnic, explore Latin Quarter, casual Seine riverbank stroll. Avoid major museums when exhausted. Get sunlight to adjust circadian rhythm. Early dinner (6-7pm) then see Eiffel Tower sparkle show at 9pm before early bedtime. Save Louvre and Versailles for Days 3-5 when energy returns.
Paris with stroller is challenging but doable. Many Metro stations lack elevators (check RATP website for accessible stations). Cobblestone streets at Montmartre and Latin Quarter are bumpy. Bring lightweight umbrella stroller vs bulky one. Better option: baby carrier for Metro navigation and museum visits. Consider booking hotels near elevator-accessible Metro stations. Versailles gardens and Luxembourg Gardens are stroller-friendly with paved paths.
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