A Paris Family Trip is nothing short of magical. Exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge together will bring unforgettable moments. Strolling through Montmartre, enjoying croissants in cozy cafés, and taking in the city’s timeless charm makes Paris the perfect destination for creating cherished family memories. Every corner holds a new adventure.
A Paris Family Vacation: 11 Creative Ways to Keep Kids Engaged
Planning a Paris family vacation can be a magical experience for both adults and children, but keeping everyone entertained while exploring the city’s rich culture and history requires a little creativity. While adults may be eager to visit iconic sites like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, kids can quickly lose interest without activities that capture their imagination. The key to a successful Paris family vacation is finding ways to engage kids while allowing adults to enjoy the city’s landmarks and museums. With the right planning, it’s possible to balance fun and education in a way that makes everyone happy.
Consider organizing interactive experiences like a scavenger hunt through Montmartre, where children can look for famous statues while adults soak in the artistic history of the area. Incorporating playtime in parks such as the Luxembourg Gardens or a picnic by the Seine River are excellent ways to break up sightseeing with moments of relaxation. A Paris family vacation doesn’t have to be all about museums—opt for hands-on cooking classes where kids can learn to make French pastries, or plan an exciting boat ride along the Seine for a fresh perspective of the city. With a thoughtful mix of activities, a Paris family trip can be enjoyable for the entire family, blending iconic sites with engaging, kid-friendly experiences.
Paris Family Trip Table of Contents
Scavenger Hunt in Montmartre: A Fun Way to Explore on Family Vacations to Paris
Explore Montmartre
When planning family vacations to Paris, a scavenger hunt through Montmartre offers an exciting and interactive way to engage kids while exploring the rich history and charm of the neighborhood. Montmartre, known for its artistic heritage and whimsical streets, is full of iconic statues and landmarks that make for a perfect adventure.
Find the Moulin Rouge Windmill
No family vacation to Paris would be complete without visiting the iconic Moulin Rouge windmill. Kids can spot the vibrant red windmill that has graced the skyline since 1889, representing the world-famous cabaret. Website: Moulin Rouge Directions: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris. Take Metro Line 2 to Blanche Station.
Climb the Colorful Stairs to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the most colorful experiences in Montmartre. The stairs leading up are painted in vibrant hues, perfect for photo ops, and the view from the top is worth the climb. Alternatively, you can take the funicular at the base of the basilica if you want to save your energy for more exploring. Website: Sacré-Cœur Directions: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris. A 5-minute walk from Abbesses Station.
Find the Sinking House of Montmartre
For a playful optical illusion, head to the Sinking House of Montmartre. This trick requires some creativity—stand at the right angle near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, tilt your camera, and watch as the house appears to sink into the hill. Directions: Near Sacré-Cœur, Rue du Cardinal Dubois, 75018 Paris. Metro: Line 2 to Anvers or Line 12 to Abbesses.
Find the Can-can Dancers at the Montmartre Museum
The Montmartre Museum (Musée de Montmartre) is a great place for a scavenger hunt. Have your kids search for the famous Can-can Dancers, who were immortalized in artwork by Toulouse-Lautrec. The Can-can was a lively, often scandalous dance performed at Parisian cabarets in the 19th century, making this hunt both fun and educational. The museum not only has pictures but a video playing the dancing as well. Website: Montmartre Museum Directions: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris. Take Metro Line 12 to Lamarck-Caulaincourt Station.
Find the Love Wall – Le Mur des Je T’aime
Next on the list is the Love Wall in Montmartre, also known as Le Mur des Je T’aime. This 416-square-foot mural features the phrase “I love you” written in over 250 languages, symbolizing peace and love. Kids will love hunting for their language, while adults appreciate its romantic meaning. Website: Love Wall Directions: Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris. Take Metro Line 12 to Abbesses Station.
Find Le Passe-Muraille
A charming addition to your scavenger hunt is Le Passe-Muraille, a statue of a man walking through a wall. It’s based on a short story by French author Marcel Aymé, whose work highlights the magical spirit of Montmartre. Directions: Place Marcel Aymé, 75018 Paris. Take Metro Line 12 to Lamarck-Caulaincourt.
Find Place Dalida
At Place Dalida, you’ll encounter a statue of the famous French-Italian singer Dalida. Rub her bronze statue’s bosom for good luck—it’s a quirky tradition! Directions: Corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue Girardon, 75018 Paris. Metro Line 12 to Lamarck-Caulaincourt.
This family vacation to Paris scavenger hunt allows kids to explore Montmartre’s artistic treasures, while parents can enjoy the history. Click here for more things to see in Montmartre.
Visit the Eiffel Tower: A Parisian Icon
A family vacation in Paris wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. For many kids, this world-famous landmark is the highlight of their trip. Take the elevator to the top or climb the stairs for a bit of adventure, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city.
Kids can marvel at the engineering behind the Eiffel Tower while learning a bit of history. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and information points that make the visit more engaging for young minds. After visiting the tower, a picnic at the nearby Champ de Mars is a great way to relax and let the kids run around. Many families enjoy setting up lunch on the grass with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Explore the Louvre with Kids: Interactive Museum Visits
The Louvre might seem like an overwhelming museum for kids, but with a little planning, it can be a highlight of your family vacation in Paris. The key is to focus on specific exhibits and take advantage of family-friendly programs. Plus kids are free!
The Louvre offers treasure hunts and themed trails that help children engage with the art in a fun and interactive way. You can embark on a journey to find the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, or ancient Egyptian artifacts. Consider signing up for a family tour that caters specifically to children’s interests, with storytelling and hands-on activities.
Nearby, the Tuileries Garden offers a refreshing break. Kids can enjoy the outdoor playgrounds, fountains, and the seasonal Ferris wheel, while parents relax under the shade of the park’s chestnut trees.
On a sunny day, Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the best places to unwind with children in Paris. The park features beautifully manicured lawns, fountains, and statues, and it’s home to one of the most charming activities for kids—sailing wooden boats on the Grand Bassin pond.
Children can rent small, brightly colored sailboats and push them across the water with long sticks. This traditional pastime has been a favorite in Paris for generations and adds a delightful element of play to your day. The park also features puppet shows, playgrounds, and pony rides, making it a great stop during a family vacation in Paris.
Chocolate Museum: A Sweet Treat for the Whole Family
For families with a sweet tooth, a visit to the Musée Gourmand du Chocolat is a must. This chocolate museum takes visitors through the history of chocolate, from its origins in ancient civilizations to modern-day Paris. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and chocolate-making demonstrations, and of course, the free samples are always a hit.
The museum offers workshops where children can create their own chocolate treats to take home, adding a hands-on component to the visit. It’s a fun and tasty way to spend an afternoon in Paris.
Jardin d'Acclimatation: A Day of Fun and Adventure
When you need a break from the historic sites, head to Jardin d’Acclimatation, a delightful amusement park located in Bois de Boulogne. This 49-acre park is one of the best places for families to spend the day during a family vacation in Paris. The park features rides, puppet shows, a petting zoo, and playgrounds that will keep children entertained for hours.
The park has a mix of modern attractions and nostalgic charm, with traditional carousels and mini roller coasters. For children who love animals, there’s a section of the park where they can interact with farm animals, making it a favorite for little ones. Pack a picnic or enjoy one of the many cafés and food stands in the park.
Boat Rides on the Seine: A Unique Paris Experience
A family vacation in Paris isn’t complete without a boat ride along the Seine. Taking a Bateaux Mouches boat tour is an exciting way for kids to see the city from a different angle. The tour passes many of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Musée d’Orsay.
Many companies offer kid-friendly tours with audio guides that cater specifically to children. The commentary explains the history and fun facts about the buildings you pass, making the experience educational as well as entertaining. Boat rides are also a relaxing way for parents to sit back and take in the beauty of the city while the kids are captivated by the passing sights.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Nature and Adventure in the Heart of Paris
For families who love the outdoors, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a must-visit during a family vacation in Paris. Known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and suspension bridges, this park offers a natural escape in the heart of the city. Kids will enjoy exploring the park’s caves, climbing the steep hills, and watching the ducks swim in the pond.
There are plenty of picnic spots and playgrounds, making this park an ideal place for families to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. The park’s hilly terrain and hidden paths give it a sense of adventure, making it a favorite for active kids who love to explore.
Disneyland Paris: A Magical Day Trip from the City
While technically located just outside the city, Disneyland Paris is often a highlight of a family vacation in Paris. Easily accessible by train, this magical theme park offers the perfect mix of familiar Disney characters and European charm.
Kids will love exploring Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, going on rides inspired by classic Disney movies, and meeting their favorite characters. The park offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teens. For families looking for a break from sightseeing in the city, a day at Disneyland provides endless entertainment and excitement.
For older children and teens, a visit to the Catacombs of Paris offers a thrilling and slightly eerie experience. This underground labyrinth of tunnels is home to the remains of over six million Parisians, and exploring the catacombs provides a glimpse into the city’s dark history.
While the atmosphere may be too intense for younger children, many families with older kids find the catacombs to be one of the most memorable experiences of their family vacation in Paris. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as the catacombs are a popular attraction.
Cooking Classes for Kids: Learn to Make French Pastries
No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its culinary delights, and what better way to introduce your children to French culture than by participating in a cooking class? Paris offers family-friendly cooking classes where children can learn to make classic French pastries like croissants, éclairs, and macarons.
Many culinary schools offer classes specifically designed for children, making them a fun and educational experience. Not only will your kids learn valuable cooking skills, but they’ll also get to enjoy the fruits of their labor with a delicious treat at the end of the class. This hands-on experience is a great way to introduce children to French culture through its cuisine.
Science and Discovery at Cité des Sciences
For kids with a passion for science, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a fascinating destination. Located in Parc de la Villette, this interactive science museum is one of the largest in Europe and offers exhibits and activities specifically designed for children.
From hands-on experiments to space exploration exhibits, the museum offers a wide range of topics that will spark curiosity and inspire young minds. The museum’s planetarium, submarine exhibit, and children’s gallery are particularly popular. It’s a fantastic way to balance sightseeing with educational activities during a family vacation in Paris.
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Discover the best things to do with kids on a Paris family trip. Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, visit the magical Jardin d’Acclimatation, and enjoy a boat ride on the Seine. Our guide offers fun, family-friendly activities for an unforgettable Paris adventure.
Explore Épernay, France, and indulge in the world of Champagne. Explore the renowned Avenue de Champagne, tour prestigious cellars, and taste exquisite vintages. Our guide highlights the best Champagne experiences, uncovering the rich history and elegance that make Épernay a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
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Explore the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris and immerse yourself in the beauty of this serene oasis. Stroll through manicured lawns, admire vibrant flowerbeds, and discover statues and fountains that capture Parisian elegance. Let our guide enhance your experience of this quintessential Parisian retreat.
Visit the Catacombs in Paris and journey into the city’s mysterious underground. Explore the labyrinth of tunnels lined with centuries-old bones, uncovering a haunting yet fascinating side of Parisian history.
Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and explore a stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Marvel at Monet’s iconic Water Lilies and immerse yourself in the intimate galleries filled with artistic treasures. Discover this serene haven of art in the heart of Paris.
Travel Paris and experience the timeless allure of the City of Light. Stroll along the Seine, marvel at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, and savor world-class cuisine. Let our guide reveal the best of Parisian culture, history, and charm.
Travel Nice, France, and experience the sun-kissed beauty of the French Riviera. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, explore vibrant markets, and indulge in exquisite cuisine. Our guide offers insider tips to help you discover the rich culture, stunning beaches, and charm of Nice.
Travel Èze and experience the enchanting allure of this hilltop village on the French Riviera. Wander through medieval streets, enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and discover the exquisite Jardin Exotique. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm and serene beauty of Èze.