Paris With Kids

Lifts go all the way to the summit — no stairs required for younger children. The second floor is most manageable for families; the views are spectacular and the platform is wide enough that children don't feel exposed. Book the first entry slot of the day before crowds build.

Don't try to do the whole Louvre with children — it's soul-destroying. Instead: Egyptian Antiquities (mummies are universally compelling), the Armour collection (real suits of armour and weapons), and the Mona Lisa (they'll want to see it even if the queue is frustrating). Under-18s from the EU are free.

In La Villette, northeast Paris. The best children's science museum in France — interactive exhibits on space, maths, technology and the human body. The Géode IMAX cinema is next door (separate ticket). There's also an outdoor park with a real submarine and cycling paths.

Amusement park and small zoo in the Bois de Boulogne, west Paris. Rides, a puppet theatre, pony rides, a water park, farm animals, and a children's art museum (Fondation Louis Vuitton is adjacent). The oldest children's theme park in France, open since 1860.

The Paris aquarium in the Trocadéro, steps from the Eiffel Tower. 500 species, shark tank, ray touchpool, cinema screens showing underwater films. Not the biggest aquarium in Europe but conveniently located and well done for a city aquarium.

Since the December 2024 reopening, climbing the Notre-Dame towers gives you a gargoyle's-eye view of Paris — literally face to face with the famous chimera demons. The view over the Île de la Cité and the Seine is spectacular. Steep spiral stairs; not suitable for very young children.

Children love being on the water, and a Seine cruise covers most of Paris's major monuments in an hour. Bateaux Parisiens has commentary in 15 languages on headphones. The boat goes past Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay — all from the river.

The octagonal pond in Luxembourg Gardens has model wooden sailboats you can rent for 30 minutes. Children use a long stick to push them across and retrieve them. It's been a Paris institution since 1870 and children love it completely regardless of screens and digital entertainment.

45 minutes from central Paris on RER A. Two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. For families with young children, a full day here is mandatory. It's well-run, the rides are excellent, and it's significantly better than the California original in terms of theming. Book ahead; school holidays are very busy.

An art museum specifically designed for children, in the Marais. Interactive exhibitions introduce children to great artists and art movements through hands-on activities. Rotating exhibitions — check the programme. One of the best kept secrets for families in Paris.