Top Family Things To Do in Paris – Parks, Museums & More

Paris is packed with family things to do — and not just for the grown-ups. Science museums, zoos, hands-on exhibits, and boat ponds mean your crew will be happily occupied (and maybe even learning something). You might not peg Paris as the ultimate kid-friendly escape, but think again. Most museums are free for children under 18, and discounts abound at the best Paris attractions for families. Your wallet will thank you.

Need a little leverage for that museum visit? A promise of Disneyland Paris should do the trick. Bribery works. But the city itself is a playground: two zoos, sprawling parks, more than a hundred museums, and plenty of pastry stops in between. With so many family-friendly activities in Paris, you may start wondering who's actually having more fun — the kids or you.

Family Museums in Paris

Mother & daughter examine a sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, photo MAM

Museums in Paris aren't just for grown-ups who love dusty statues and inscrutable abstract art. The city is full of family-friendly activities in Paris that go well beyond the Mona Lisa. Take your kids on a proper museum adventure — one where they can push buttons, twist knobs, and get their hands on the fun stuff.

We especially like the Cité des Sciences out in Parc de la Villette, where curiosity actually is the point. And for a more relaxed vibe (and a Monet or two), head to the Musée de l'Orangerie, where the size is manageable, the crowds are less intense, and the water lilies are hypnotic even for younger visitors. You'll find that some of the best family things to do in Paris come with air-conditioning, gift shops, and just enough cultural enrichment to make everyone feel like a good parent.

Family-Friendly Walking Tours of Paris

Two children, the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars. What could be better?

Think of these walking tours as your Paris cheat code — a clever way to keep the kids moving, learning, and (hopefully) not asking "Are we done yet?" every five minutes. These self-contained jaunts hit the big monuments, the must-see museums, the wow-factor landmarks, and the grand old cathedrals. Better still, they're led by professional guides who know exactly how to read a crowd — and pivot if attention spans begin to fade.

We like these tours because there's a clear schedule and a set route. That means fewer meltdowns over what's next and more time enjoying the sights. You'll get real information, witty commentary, and the kind of Paris itinerary for families that actually works. No scavenger hunts, no cartoon mascots — just smart, well-paced tours that make Paris feel like a living, walkable storybook.

Take Time to Relax in the Parks of Paris

In the Tuileries a young girl finds herself a seat

Sometimes the best family things to do in Paris don't involve tickets, lines, or historical facts — just green space, open sky, and a bench with a view. Paris parks are the unsung heroes of any family trip. They're where kids get to run, shout, and climb something that's not 800 years old… and you get to sit down for five minutes.

We recommend the Jardin du Luxembourg, with its sailboat-filled pond, pony rides, and a puppet theatre that hasn't changed in decades (in the best way). Over in the 19th Arrondissement, Parc de la Villette blends rolling lawns with science pavilions and playgrounds that verge on architectural sculpture.

Toss in a baguette, some fruit, maybe a hunk of cheese, and congratulations — you've just mastered the Paris picnic. It's the low-key, family-friendly activity that hits pause on the sightseeing sprint and reminds everyone to just enjoy being here.

Don't Miss the Zoos of Paris

A giraffe at the Paris Zoological Park, photo by Mark Craft

Kids love animals. Parents love activities that wear kids out. Enter: the two terrific zoos of Paris — easily two of the best Paris attractions for families. These aren't grim concrete pens of yesteryear. They're real-deal, habitat-minded, animal-loving places with wide paths, educational exhibits, and just enough snack options to bribe your way through the final stretch.

If you're working on a Paris itinerary for families, save space for at least one zoo day. It's one of the most reliably fun things to do in Paris with children — especially when everyone needs a break from the museums (and the sidewalks).

The Zoo at Jardin des Plantes

In the heart of the Latin Quarter sits one of the oldest zoos in the world. The Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is tucked inside the botanical gardens, giving you three attractions in one: a zoo, a natural history museum, and a peaceful park filled with exotic plants.

Compact enough for little legs but full of surprises — red pandas, snow leopards, and even some very opinionated monkeys. It's an easy Metro hop to Jussieu, and a day here checks all the family-friendly activities in Paris boxes.

The Paris Zoological Park

Out in the Bois de Vincennes, the Paris Zoological Park brings a bigger, wilder energy. This is where the giraffes roam, the rhinos munch, and yes — there are lions.

Recently given a major upgrade, the park is now a sprawling, eco-conscious habitat zone divided into geographic regions. It's educational, sure, but the kind where no one notices because they're busy watching vultures strut around like royalty. One of the best family things to do in Paris when you've got kids who love big animals and wide open spaces.

Paris Chocolate Tours

Really, who can resist a chocolate tour in Paris?

Make your children's chocolate dreams come true (and yours, too!) On these sweet-toothed tours you'll meander through charming Paris neighborhoods and stop at some of the best artisan chocolate shops in the city. We're talking about real-deal chocolatiers — the kind where the truffles gleam like jewels and the staff talk about cocoa beans the way sommeliers talk about wine.

You'll learn how the chocolates are made, meet the master chocolatiers, and — the main event — taste their exquisite creations. It's one of the most unexpectedly fun things to do in Paris with children. We still remember 9-year-old Alexandre's face when he was handed a perfectly round chocolate golf ball. Years later, he's still talking about it. And frankly, so are we.

Disneyland Paris

M-I-C K-E-Y   M-O-U-S-E, photo Disneyland Paris

And what's a trip to Paris without a little bit of magic and a few strategically-timed bribes? Just outside the city limits sits the happiest diversion your children could ask for: Disneyland Paris. It's big, it's bold, it has two separate parks, and it's one of the easiest day trips you can take from the city. You could spend just one day here — or find yourselves lured into a second. It happens.

We always recommend a transportation-and-ticket package deal to keep things simple and tantrum-free. And to help with the planning part, we've put together everything you need — tips on tickets, tours, nearby hotels, and how to snag a few Disneyland Paris deals. Because once the kids hear the word "Mickey", there's really no going back.

• Disneyland Paris Deals…
• Disneyland Paris Reviews & Recommendations…
• Best Disneyland Hotels…

Family Things To Do in Paris

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Paris has a reputation for haute couture, fine dining, and serious art — but scratch the surface (or just travel with a child), and you'll find a city that's surprisingly welcoming to families. In fact, we think Paris is one of the easiest big cities in Europe to visit with kids. The Metro is simple to navigate, the parks are plentiful, and there are more family-friendly activities in Paris than most guidebooks let on.

The real trick is knowing how to plan a trip to Paris that keeps everyone entertained without wearing anyone out. That's where these family things to do in Paris come in handy. Mix a few walking tours with downtime in the gardens, sprinkle in some chocolate, and maybe toss in a giraffe or two — and suddenly, you've got yourself a Paris itinerary for families that actually works. And that's something worth shouting about (possibly from the top of the Eiffel Tower).