There is the Paris you see on postcards and TV shows; and there is the Paris of local
moms. That is the one we are taking you to today, with Charlotte, a Parisian mama of 4 and publisher of the Little Voyageurs’ Paris with Kids City Guide, spilling Parisian mamas’ best kept secrets. So get ready to discover the coolest place to experience Paris with kids…
Things to Know When Traveling to Paris with Kids
Traveling to Paris with kids will have different outcomes depending on your kids’ ages (read our tips for traveling with toddlers). The city really works well for all ages, but here are little things you might want to know to enjoy your family trip to Paris:
- A stroller is easy to use in the streets here, but not so easy to use in the subway. (Check out our guide to the best travel strollers.)
- Boulangerie will become your best friend for delicious emergency snacking needs. If you want to do it the French way, buy a ‘pain au chocolat’ for your kids’ 4pm snack; le “goûter” in French.
- If your child needs a break from visits, open your google map, spot a green square (“un parc”), and head there for some playground time. You will find one almost on every corner in Paris.
4. If you can travel with your kids’ scooter, do it. Parisian kids all use theirs in the street to get from A to B, so your kids will feel a little Parisian too – and you’ll be able to cover more ground than if they were on foot.
Transportation
Subway and buses are easy, fast, and go everywhere. I suggest getting a “forfait visite Paris”, which is one ticket for all transportation to use for 1 to 5 days.
Kids under 4 are free and kids from 4-11 get a discounted rate.
Stay
My favorite neighborhoods to visit in Paris with kids are the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissements. All very central, mostly along the Seine river, and very easy to walk around. I always love staying in an apartment when I go on a city trip with my 4 little kids, as it gives us a lot more space for downtime (which you need when exploring all day). Read more about where to stay in Paris with kids.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Yes, there are kid-friendly restaurants in Paris which you will enjoy as much as your kids! My top four are:
1. Marché des Enfants Rouge: the oldest indoor market in town, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003
2. La Recyclerie: a place where children are naturally drawn to be more responsible. Eat, meet, create, and share at the workshop, with a coffee, or on the farm, 83 Bd Ornano, 75018
3. Rosa Bonheur sur Seine: a houseboat docked on the pedestrian Seine riverbank.
Pizza, oysters, and tapas on the menu to enjoy onboard or ashore, Port des Invalides, 75007
4. La Felicità: a unique place with a selection of the best Italian dishes. Pizza and pasta stands. There’s something for everyone. Family-friendly program on weekends, 5 Parv. Alan Turing, 75013
Our 10 Favorite Things to Do in Paris with Kids
1. Brunch at Le Comptoir Général
A killer design inspired by Jules Verne’s novels or Indiana Jones. A true adventure for the young pirates. For the older ones: a selection of 200 rums. All aboard!
84 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010
Activity type: Dining
Cost: Kids brunch €16; adults brunch €39
2. Musée des Arts Forains
An unusual and timeless museum. Book a guided tour slot in advance (suitable for ages 5 and over). Welcome to wonderland!
53 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012
Activity type: Museum
Cost: €12.80 for kids; €18.80 for adults
3. Shop at Bass
Selling timeless toys since 1969. With a reputation built around the love of craftsmanship, this store is unique and unmissable.
229 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005
Activity type: Shop
Cost: free to visit, products vary
4. Marin d’Eau Douce
Be the captain of your own boat and sail across the lake of la Villette.
37 Quai de la Seine, 75019
Activity type: Experience
Cost: from €45
5. Jardin du Luxembourg
A must! This gorgeous garden is packed with fun for all ages: puppet show at Guignol mini theater, a massive playground at Ludo Jardin, miniature boats for rent at the
fountain, dual swings near the tennis courts and pony rides. Plan to spend half the day
there, and eat at La Table du Luxembourg.
Activity type: Park
Cost: free
6. Macon & Lesquoy
Baguette, croissant, camembert! Macon & Lesquoy is the ultimate souvenir store. Luckily they won’t go bad on the journey home, as they’re really just decorative brooches.
37 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010
Activity type: Shop
Cost: free to visit, products vary
7. Musée Maillol
A human-sized museum offering kids booklets at the front desk. Complete this visit with the nearby Rodin Museum and enjoy its new space for youngsters.
59-61 Rue de Grenelle, 75007
Activity type: Museum
Cost: €16.50 for adults, €12.50 for children, under 6’s free
8. Jardin Nelson Mandela
A playground of adventures halfway between the Wizard of Oz and Mario Bros. The
kids just love it.
Allée Jules Supervielle, 75001
Activity type: Park
Cost: free
9. Les BonBons
Sweets, cookies, and confectionaries. A top secret candy store to keep for yourself.
6 Rue Bréa, 75006
Activity type: Shop
Cost: free to visit, products vary
10. Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection
Art for kids. In the nomadic children’s space, educators welcome little ones with appropriate tools to help them understand what they see.
2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001
Activity type: Museum
Cost: €14 for adults, €10 under 18s
Book Your Memorable Family Vacation in Paris
That’s it, you are finally ready make your dream family trip to Paris a reality. Not sure how to get started? Head to Kid & Coe Paris listings to find the perfect family stay and discover our tips for traveling internationally with kids.
Get in touch with Charlotte, French mama of 4, family travel founder of Little Voyageurs to help you plan your family trip to Paris in more detail.
Discover Charlotte’s travel planning packages here and for more recommendations like these, get the Little Voyageurs Paris with Kids City Guide available both in print of pdf version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a fantastic place for all ages.
Yes, there are lots of parks with playground to take breaks from visits, and the sidewalks are really stroller friendly.
Three days is a good start. Plan a week to be able to see most of it.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-16th-arrondissement/the-docteur-blanche-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/rue-montorgueil/the-leopold-bellan-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-de-sevres-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-10th-arrondissement/the-rue-saint-maur-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-11th-arrondissement/the-jean-pierre-timbaud-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-15th-arrondissement/the-rue-de-olivier-de-serres-residence