Best Things to do in Paris with Kids

Paris might be famous for romance, art, and fine dining, but it’s also a surprisingly kid-friendly destination. Families traveling to the City of Light can enjoy a blend of history, adventure, and pure fun. From climbing the Eiffel Tower to day-tripping to London on the Eurostar, Paris offers plenty of activities to keep kids (and parents) engaged.

This guide highlights the Best Things to do in Paris with Kids, with practical details on time commitments, ticket costs, where to buy tickets, and how to get there.

1. The Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Kids will love the thrill of climbing (or taking the elevator) up to the viewing platforms.

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours, including security and waiting times.
• Cost: Tickets range from €11.80 (kids 4–11) to €29.40 (adults) for elevator access to the summit. Children under 4 are free. Be sure to get on 60 days before to claim access to the summit tickets. Check again two weeks prior, as some more may become available closer to the date.
• Tickets: Buy online in advance at official site.
• Getting There: Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim or RER C to Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. Both stops are within a 10-minute walk.

Tip: Visit at sunset for magical views and stay for the evening light show (every hour on the hour).

2. The Louvre Museum

The Louvre may sound intimidating with kids, but it can actually be a highlight if planned well. With treasures like the Mona Lisa, Egyptian mummies, and medieval castle foundations, there’s plenty to keep little minds curious.

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours (focus on kid-friendly highlights).
• Cost: Adults €22, kids under 18 free.
• Tickets: Reserve timed tickets online at louvre.fr.
• Getting There: Metro Line 1 or 7 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre.

Tip: Use the Louvre’s “Family Trails” guide for fun themed scavenger hunts.

3. Musée d’Orsay

This museum, housed in a former train station, is much smaller and more manageable than the Louvre. Kids may not know Monet, Degas, or Van Gogh yet, but they’ll be amazed by the vibrant impressionist colors.

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours.
• Cost: Adults €16, kids under 18 free.
• Tickets: Skip the line by booking at musee-orsay.fr.
• Getting There: RER C to Musée d’Orsay or Metro Line 12 to Solférino.

Tip: Stop by the giant clock windows for some of the best Paris skyline photos.

4. The Catacombs of Paris

If your kids are older (12+ is recommended), the Paris Catacombs are a fascinating—and slightly spooky—experience. Walk through underground tunnels lined with the bones of millions of Parisians.

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours.
• Cost: Adults €29, youth (17 and under) €5, kids under 5 not allowed.
• Tickets: Advance tickets required from catacombes.paris.fr.
• Getting There: Metro Line 4 or 6 to Denfert-Rochereau.

Tip: Wear good shoes—the tunnels are damp and uneven.

5. Pizza Night in Paris

French food is amazing, but sometimes kids just want pizza. Luckily, Paris has plenty of family-friendly spots. Restaurants like LouLou Friendly Diner (near the Eiffel Tower) or Pink Mamma (Pigalle) serve delicious pizzas that rival Italy.

• Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours.
• Cost: Around €10–€15 per pizza.
• Tickets: No tickets needed—just reservations if possible.
• Getting There: Varies by restaurant, but the Metro is always your best bet.

Tip: Mix it up with dessert crepes from a street stand afterward.

6. Palais Garnier Opera House

Even if you don’t attend a performance, the Opera House is worth touring. Kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale palace, with its sweeping staircases and gold-lined ceilings.

• Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours.
• Cost: Adults €15, kids under 12 €10.
• Tickets: Buy tickets at operadeparis.fr.
• Getting There: Metro Lines 3, 7, or 8 to Opéra.

Tip: Look up at Marc Chagall’s painted ceiling—it’s a colorful surprise above the chandelier.

7. Disneyland Paris

For a full day of pure family fun, head to Disneyland Paris. Just 40 minutes outside the city, it’s a magical mix of classic Disney rides and uniquely Parisian touches.

• Time Needed: Full day (10–12 hours).
• Cost: Around €62–€105 per ticket depending on season. Kids under 3 free.
• Tickets: Buy in advance at disneylandparis.com.
• Getting There: RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (right at the park entrance).

Tip: Bring snacks and refillable water bottles to save time and money.   

8. Arc de Triomphe

Climb to the top of this iconic monument for one of the best views in Paris. The traffic circle around it is a sight to see on its own!

• Time Needed: 1 hour.
• Cost: Adults €13, kids under 18 free. It’s free if you don’t go up to the top.
• Tickets: Skip the line by booking at paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr. 
• Getting There: Metro Lines 1, 2, or 6 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile.

Tip: Sunset is spectacular, with the Champs-Élysées lit up below.

9. Palace of Versailles

Step into royal history with a trip to Versailles. Kids will enjoy exploring the palace’s lavish halls and running through the endless gardens.

• Time Needed: Half-day to full day.
• Cost: Adults €21, kids under 18 free. Gardens are free on non-fountain show days.
• Tickets: Book online at chateauversailles.fr.
• Getting There: RER C train to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche.

Tip: Rent bikes or a golf cart for the gardens—it saves time and keeps kids happy.

10. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Perched high on Montmartre Hill, Sacré-Cœur is one of Paris’s most stunning landmarks. The basilica itself is beautiful, but kids will also love running around the steps outside and enjoying panoramic views of the city. Street performers often entertain crowds nearby, making it lively and family-friendly.

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
• Cost: Entry to the basilica is free. To climb the dome: Adults €7, kids €5
• Tickets: Tickets for dome access are sold on-site
• Getting There: Metro Line 2 to Anvers, then climb the hill or take the funicular (included with a regular Metro ticket)

Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid large crowds and combine it with a stroll through Montmartre’s cobblestone streets. I like the climb up to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral better than the Sacre Coeur Basilica if I had to pick one for my little kids to do. Save their legs.

11. Day Trip to London

Yes, you can visit London in a single day from Paris! The Eurostar high-speed train whisks you from Gare du Nord to St. Pancras in just over 2 hours. Kids will love the novelty of crossing under the English Channel.

• Time Needed: Full day (train ride + London highlights).
• Cost: Eurostar tickets from €50–€120 one-way. Kids under 4 free on a lap.
• Tickets: Book in advance at eurostar.com.
• Getting There: Depart from Paris Gare du Nord.

Tip: Focus on family-friendly London highlights like the Tower of London, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, or the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Check out the Best Things to Do in London with Kids.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a family in Paris doesn’t mean compromising. In fact, the city offers an amazing mix of world-famous landmarks, kid-friendly activities, and even magical detours to Disneyland or London. By balancing a few hours in museums with hands-on fun—plus a pizza night—you’ll create a trip that both parents and kids will remember forever.

So whether you’re climbing the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Louvre, or riding the Eurostar to London, these Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids will keep your whole crew happy. If you want to pack light for your whole trip, see how we did London and Paris with Kids with only a Personal Item.