Family Fun in Paris: Best Parks, Museums, and Activities for Kids
- Absolutely French
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Introduction: A Weekend Waiting to Be Lived
It’s Saturday morning in Paris. You’ve finished your croissant, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you think: “We need to get out of the house… but where do we go?”
Whether you're newly arrived or you've been living here for a while, finding fun, enriching activities for the whole family can feel overwhelming. There’s no shortage of options in Paris—yet sometimes it’s hard to know what’s actually enjoyable for children and parents.
So here’s your go-to guide for family-friendly parks, museums, and unforgettable experiences in the City of Light.
The Challenge: So Many Options… Too Little Time
Paris is a playground of culture, history, and green spaces. But for expat families, it can take time to find the gems that actually work with real kids in real life.
You may ask:
Is it stroller-friendly?
Will my toddler enjoy this museum… or melt down in five minutes?
Is there food nearby? Bathrooms?
Will we feel welcome, even if our French isn’t perfect?
Many parents feel a bit lost at first. But once you find your rhythm, Paris transforms from overwhelming to magical.
The Discovery: Our Favorite Family Spots in Paris
Let’s break this down by category—so you’re never short on ideas again.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Spaces
1. Jardin d’Acclimatation
📍Bois de Boulogne This amusement park meets garden is a dream. Rides, pony rides, splash zones, and picnic areas. A perfect weekend escape.
2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
📍19th arrondissement With dramatic hills, secret caves, suspension bridges, and a lakeside temple—it’s a full-blown adventure park, no tickets required.
3. Parc de la Villette
📍19th arrondissement Home to themed gardens (like the dragon garden!), water play areas, and massive open lawns—ideal for scooter races and impromptu picnics.
4. Jardin du Luxembourg
📍6th arrondissement Timeless charm: puppet shows, vintage carousels, and the beloved sailboats in the fountain. Don’t miss the large playground (small fee, worth it!).
🖼️ Museums & Indoor Adventures
1. Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
📍Parc de la Villette Interactive, colorful, and kid-first. The Cité des Enfants zones are designed for ages 2–7 and 5–12. Reserve in advance!
2. Musée en Herbe
📍1st arrondissement A museum made for kids, with hands-on exhibitions and playful takes on famous artists. Staff speak English, and workshops are frequent.
3. Palais de la Découverte
📍8th arrondissement Think science meets magic show. Kids love the live demonstrations—from electricity to chemistry explosions.
4. Aquarium de Paris
📍Trocadéro A relaxing and visually stunning escape. Bonus: there's a soft play area inside and even a small shark tank!
🎠 Unique Parisian Experiences for Families
Bateaux-Mouches Family Ride
A short cruise on the Seine offers a stunning (and seated!) way to see the city. Look for kid-friendly commentary options.
Le Jardin des Plantes + Ménagerie Zoo
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Botanical gardens, playgrounds, and a small but charming zoo—perfect for toddlers.
Paris Plages (summer only)
Each July & August, the Seine transforms into a beachside boardwalk, complete with sand, games, and misting stations. Free fun for hot days.
Workshops in English
Look out for seasonal workshops at:
The American Library in Paris (crafts, storytime)
Shakespeare & Co (literary fun)
Cooking classes at Le Foodist (some offer kids’ options in English)
The Transformation: Paris Becomes “Your City”
For the Nguyen family—originally from Singapore—weekend outings became their way of discovering Paris and each other.
“We stopped trying to ‘sightsee’ and started treating Paris like a playground,” they said. “Now we have our favorite picnic bench in the Jardin du Luxembourg and a favorite science demo at the Palais de la Découverte. The city feels like home.”
Conclusion: Your Paris, Your Pace
You don’t need a perfect itinerary. Just start with one museum, one garden, one stroll.
Take photos. Try new snacks. Let the kids lead the way. In time, your family will have your spots—their first carousel, the hill they always roll down, the museum they beg to revisit.
Because in Paris, childhood isn’t just welcomed—it’s celebrated.
👉 So go. Explore. Make memories—one museum hall, garden path, and carousel ride at a time.
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