Visiting Paris with toddlers can be a challenge, but if you’re looking for things to do you’ve come to the right place. We recommend keeping their active minds and bodies busy by foregoing some of the usual sightseeing tours in exchange for visits to some of the city’s toddler-friendly museums, galleries, and outdoor spaces.
Travelling on a tight budget? Check out the following posts
Free Things to Do in Paris with Kids, Free Things to do in Paris Part 1: Parks, Gardens & Outdoors, Part 2: Churches & Cemeteries, Part 3: Culture & History, Part 4: Museums and Part 5: Markets & Shopping.
Things to Do in Paris with Toddlers – Museums
While most museums in Paris won’t appeal to toddlers, these select few should be added to your list of things to do.
Grande Galerie de l’Evolution – Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle
36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Paris, 75005
Let your toddler’s imagination run wild on a visit to the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution where they can see a herd of lifelike animals stampeding through the gallery.
Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10 am – 6 pm (last admission at 5:15 pm)
Cost: €10 per adult, 7€ for children, free for children under 3 years old.
Musée Gourmand du Chocolat – Choco-Story Paris
28 boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris, 75010
Toddlers will love visiting Choco-Story Paris. Here, they can watch the chocolatiers perform chocolate-making demonstrations and indulge in as many samples as Mum and Dad will allow.
Hours: Open daily from 10 am – 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm)
Cost: 12€ per adult, 8,50€ for children ages 6 – 11, free for children under age 6.
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: Cité des Enfants
30 avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019, Paris
One of the most popular things to do with toddlers in Paris is visiting the Cité des Enfants. Here, interactive programs are 90 minutes long and geared toward children of different age groups. Toddler activities include learning about their bodies, participating in mock construction sites, performing simple science experiments and more. It is advisable to book these interactive programs in advance as sessions fill up quickly.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm.
Cost: €12 per adult, €9 for children, children under age 2 are free.
Musée du Quai Branly
37 Quai Branly, 75007, Paris
At the Musée du Quai Branly, family tours cater to toddlers ages 3-5. Along with a guide, young children and their families will depart on an hour-long journey of exploration where they will discover unique and rare artifacts from four continents. Those looking for something even more hands-on can sign up for a family workshop where they assume the role of people from another culture, learning about their traditions, beliefs and artistic practices along the way.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm,
(Ticket office closes an hour before closing time.)
Cost: €10 per adult, children under 18 are free.
Things to Do in Paris with Toddlers – Parks, Gardens and Outdoors
When you’re in Paris with a toddler, one of the best things to do is spending time in the city’s fantastic parks, gardens and outdoor spaces. We suggest packing a picnic lunch and exploring some of the destinations listed below.
Tuileries Gardens
Place de la Concorde, 75001, Paris
Located next to the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement, the Tuileries Gardens is one of the best green spaces for toddlers in all of Paris. Not only are there activities including a carousel, a ferris wheel, pony rides, a puppet theatre and a huge playground but there are magnificent gardens perfect for enjoying a family picnic.
Parc Floral de Paris
Esplanade du château de Vincennes, 75012, Paris
The Parc Floral de Paris has several great things to do with toddlers. There are outdoor gardens and indoor pavilions to explore which house all types of plants. There are several playgrounds to play in, and an 18-hole mini-golf course which is ideal for older children.
Parc André Citroën
2 rue Cauchy, Paris, 75015
Another all-time favourite among families is the Parc André Citroën. Located in the 15th arrondissement, this park offers one of the best views of the city from the Ballon Generalli. One of Paris’s most unique attractions, this tethered hot air balloon provides a bird’s eye view of the city from 150m above the ground. Lasting approximately 15 minutes, rides are the perfect length for busy toddlers with short attention spans. Once you land, be sure to check out the other activities in the park such as the ride-on toys, the ball-games area and the ping-pong tables. On a hot day, there are also water features perfect for the kids to splash in and cool off.
Hot-air balloon ride: €12 per adult, €6 for children ages 3-11, children age 2 and under are free.
Parc Rives de Seine
As your strolling around Paris, be sure to pass through the Parc Rives de Seine. From the Pont d’Alma to the Pont Royal on the left bank and from Pont Neuf to the Pont du Sully on the right bank there are many things to do for toddlers. The most popular family-friendly activities are the 20m-long blackboard to colour on, the playground, the maze, the oversized board games and the climbing wall
Jardin Nelson Mandela
32 rue Berger, 75001, Paris
Built during 2018, the Jardin Nelson Mandela offers two gated playgrounds that are perfectly suited for families. Here parents supervise their toddlers and children under age 7 in one area, while kids age 7-11 play in a separate area under the supervision of play leaders. Basketball courts, soccer fields, splash pads and climbing structures are only a few of the highlights which will have your kids begging to go back time and time again.
Parc de la Villette
211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019, Paris
One of the largest parks in Paris, Parc de la Villette is set on the outskirts of the city and features plenty of things to do for toddlers. Not your typical park, this park hosts a free open-air cinema in the summertime and has over 60,000 pieces of Lego for children to build with. There are also unique play structures and an activity zone where families will find games, toys and books to enjoy together.
Jardin des Plantes
57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris
The Jardin des Plantes is another great spot to visit with toddlers in Paris. There are open green spaces perfect for picnicking, along with playgrounds and ice-cream stands. The garden is also home to the National Museum of Natural History and the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes.
Parc de Belleville
47 rue des Couronnes, 75020, Paris
Boasting some of the best panoramic views of Paris, the Parc de Belleville is a great place to visit with toddlers. There are two playgrounds, one with a traditional play structure geared towards small children and the other with modern sloping walls and climbing nets designed for older children. There are also colourful gardens, fantastic walking paths, a lovely stream and beautiful fountains to enjoy.
Paris Plages
Each summer at the Parc Rives de Seine, the La Villette canal basin and the Voie Georges Pompidou, artificial beaches pop-up with resort-like activities perfect for toddlers. Aside from playing in the sand little ones will love swimming, playing mini-golf, and borrowing books, comics, and board games from the lending library.
Arenes de Lutece
49 rue Monge, 75005, Paris
If your little one needs to burn off some energy, be sure to check out the Arenes de Lutece. This former Roman amphitheatre is now a large open area encircled by stadium seating perfect for parents keeping a watchful eye over their children.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006, Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg is another fantastic place to visit with toddlers. There are many activities which will keep them busy for several hours including a carousel, pony rides, puppet shows, and my all-time favourite, the vintage toy sailing boats. A thrill amongst young children especially, visitors use a small pole to sail their toy boat around the lake in the park. There is also a fantastic playground complete with a slide, sandbox, tunnel system, swings, climbing ropes and more.
Cost: Entrance to the gardens is free; however, a small fee is required to access the playground. The toy sailboats are for rent at a cost of €4 for half an hour.
Parc Monceau
Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008, Paris
Families with toddlers will feel like they stepped back in time while visiting Parc Monceau in the 8th Arrondissement. Said to be one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, there are scenic walking paths, a swing set and a carousel, as well as vendors selling French delicacies like crêpes and hot chocolate.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Rue Botzaris, 75019, Paris
Designed in 1864 by Baron Haussmann, the Parc des Buttes Chaumont is one of the original green spaces in Paris. Built upon a limestone quarry, the park is quite hilly and boasts stunning panoramic views of the city below. There are also playgrounds, caves, ponds, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge that are guaranteed to be a hit with any toddler.
Locks on Canal St-Martin
Toddlers will be fascinated while watching the boats navigate the locks on Canal St-Martin, but be sure to hold their little hands tight. There are no guardrails!
Things to Do in Paris with Toddlers – Zoos & Aquariums
When visiting Paris with toddlers it’s important to give them a break from the typical Parisian landmarks and attractions. A great way to do this is by visiting one of the fantastic zoos or aquariums we have listed.
Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris
Welcoming guests since 1794, the Ménagerie at the Jardin des Plantes is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Both indoor and outdoor enclosures house over 200 species of animals, many of which are endangered. Committed to conservation and education, the Ménagerie is the ideal zoo to visit with toddlers eager to learn about wildlife.
Hours: Daily from 9 am – 5:30 pm (last admission 45 minutes before closing)
Cost: €13 for adults, 10€ for children ages 3-12, children under age 3 are free.
Parc Zoologique de Paris
Bois de Vincennes, Avenue Daumesnil, 75012, Paris
If your toddler is anything like mine, they will love spending the day at the Parc Zoologique de Paris. Located in the Bois de Vincennes, this state-of-the-art zoo is home to more than 1,000 species of animals from 5 unique biozones. Here, animal enclosures are spacious and well maintained, and the animals are happy and well cared for.
Hours: May to August: Daily from 9:30 am – 8:30 pm (10 pm on Thursdays in June and July).
End of March to end of April, start of September to end of October: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am – 6 pm, Weekends, all school holidays and public holidays from 9:30 am – 7:30 pm.
End of October to end of March: Every day except Tuesday from 10 am – 5 pm; open on Tuesdays during all school holidays and on public holidays.
Cost: €20 for adults, €15 for children ages 3 – 12, children under age 3 are free.
Cineaqua Aquarium
5 Avenue Albert de Mun, 75016, Paris
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day in Paris with your toddler, be sure to visit Cineaqua. Part cinema, part aquarium, this attraction combines cinema screens along with aquatic life to entertain and educate visitors of all ages. On display, there are 10000 fish, 25 sharks, 750 coral colonies as well as a touch pond.
Hours: Open daily from 10 am – 7 pm. (Last admission 1 hour prior to closing)
Cost: €15.90 for adults, €10.90 for children ages 3-17, children under age 3 are free.
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie – The aquarium
30 avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019, Paris
A great free attraction in Paris for toddlers is the small aquarium at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. Here there are three basins housing small marine animals, deep water predatory fish and colourful corals.
Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am – 7 pm
Cost: Admission is free for everyone
Things to Do in Paris with Toddlers – Arts & Culture
Looking to provide your toddler with an authentic Parisian experience? Check out these great suggestions.
Montmartre
75018, Paris
Another thing to do in Paris that toddlers love is riding the Funiculaire up to Montmartre and back again. Using an electronic elevator system, the Funiculaire transports riders to the top of the hill where they can explore Sacre Coeur Basilica and the rest of the 18ème arrondissement. I recommend purchasing your Funiculaire tickets in advance from any metro station that way you are guaranteed a ride. Should you choose to walk, please note that the streets leading up to Montmartre are steep and windy. They are definitely not somewhere I would want to be pushing a stroller or walking with my toddler.
Hours: Open daily from 6 am – 12:45 am
Cost: A single metro ticket is required to ride the Funiculaire. They cost €1.90
The Centre Georges Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004, Paris
Many people wouldn’t think to take their toddlers to a modern art museum while visiting Paris, but the Centre Pompidou has several great things to do for children. Aside from gawking at the peculiar exterior, toddlers age 2 and up are invited to attend scheduled art workshops while children over the age of 3 can take advantage of the Galerie des Enfants, which is filled with kid-friendly exhibits and activities.
Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday from 11 am – 9 pm
Cost: €14 for adults, free for children under the age of 18.
Le Centquatre
5 rue Curial, Paris, 75019
Le Centquatre is one of the newest artistic and cultural venues in Paris and a great place to visit with toddlers. Here, children under the age of 5 explore their own creativity and learn through play as they explore various materials, objects and games.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 12 pm – 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm. Closed for the month of August.
Cost: It is free to pass through the venue. Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Check out their website for details.
Palais de Tokyo
13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116, Paris
Toddlers from three to five years old will love the storytelling visits at the Palais de Tokyo, one of the great modern art museums in Paris. Held once a week on Sunday afternoons, the storyteller will take young visitors on a magical journey through the works of art on display.
Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 12 pm – 12 am
Cost: €12 for adults, children under the age of 18 are free.
Philharmonie de Paris
221 avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019, Paris
Depending on the time of year, the Philharmonie de Paris may have concerts or shows geared towards toddlers and families with children. Check out their schedule on the official website.
Puppet Shows
Outdoor puppet shows have been a part of growing up for toddlers in Paris for centuries, so if you are visiting the city with young children be sure to add this to your list of things to do. Based on popular children’s stores and fairytales, each show lasts about an hour with an intermission in the middle. Puppet theatres are located in city parks including but not limited to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Champ de Mars or Parc Monceau.
Hours: Showtimes vary depending on the theatre
Cost: Price varies depending on the theatre (usually between €4 and €6)
Things to Do in Paris with Toddlers – Leisure Activities
Other fun things to do in Paris with toddlers include taking part in some of the city’s leisure activities. Your kids will thank you!
Parc du Champ de Mars
2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007, Paris
While I tend to avoid major tourist attractions when I’m looking for things to do with my toddler, the Eiffel Tower is one place in Paris where I make an exception. The open space adjacent to the tower, the Champ de Mars, is the perfect place for toddlers to burn some energy while the adults enjoy a traditional Parisian picnic. Stay there late enough and you’ll be able to watch their little eyes twinkle as twenty thousand lights sparkle during the hourly Eiffel Tower light show.
Pailleron Sports Place
32 rue Edouard Pailleron, 75019, Paris
If you happen to be in Paris with toddlers on a rainy day, a fantastic thing to do is visit the Pailleron Sports Place. They have both a skating rink and a huge aquatic center complete with a sports pool, kiddie pool, and therapy pool. One important thing to note is that men are required to wear swim briefs. Bermuda shorts, shorts, boxer shorts, etc. are not permitted.
Hours: Check out the pool schedule here, and the skating schedule here.
Cost: Skating €3.10, swimming €2.60
Carousel Rides
Paris has roughly 20 carousels which are perfect for toddlers. Mainly found in touristy areas like the Eiffel Tower or in the Jardin du Luxembourg, the carousels offer a fantastic diversion from the everyday landmarks and attractions. Several of the carousels date back to the late 19th and a few even maintain original features such as wooden horses and antique signage.
Cost: Ticket prices range from about €2-5
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
Toddlers will love seeing Paris from the top level of a double-decker bus. Once aboard, riders can travel all over the city, listening to audio commentary along the way. You can hop on and off at any stop, as often as you like for the duration of your pass. Night tours are also available. Passes are available for one, two, or three days.
Hours: Schedules vary depending on the tour company.
Cost: Single-day passes start around €40 for adults and €20 for children ages 4-12
Seine River Cruises
Taking a boat trip down the Seine is one of the best ways to go sightseeing in Paris with toddlers. There are many options to choose from including hour-long guided tours, dining cruises, and hop-on, hop-off trips. Operated by Batobus, the hop-on, hop-off trips are best suited for toddlers since you can get on and off as often as you like. This allows you to visit the many fantastic stops along the way, such as Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, and Notre Dame.
Cost: A one-day Batobus Pass costs €17 for adults and €8 for children ages 3-15. The two-day pass costs an additional €2.
Cost: Departures vary depending on the tour company.
Sample some French Pastries
One of my all-time favourite things to do in Paris is also one of the best things to do with toddlers, and that would be eating pastries! Boulangeries and patisseries are around every corner, selling everything from fresh out of the oven croissants to delicate sacristains. I always love stopping to buy pastries for breakfast, they are the perfect fuel for a long day exploring the many attractions in Paris.
Disneyland Paris
Boulevard de Parc, Serris/Coupvray, 77700
If you’re travelling to Paris with a toddler, be sure to spend a day exploring the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland Paris. Just a short day trip from Paris, this fairytale-like amusement park is filled with rides, attractions, live shows, and parades. Hotels are available next to Disneyland Paris and in the neighbouring town of Marne-la-Vallée for families who prefer to spend more than one day enjoying the park.
Hours: Daily from 10 am – 11 pm
Cost: A one-day pass costs €87 for adults and €80 for children ages 3-11. Children under age 3 are free.
Jardin d’Acclimatation
Carrefour des Sablons, Bois de Boulogne, 75116, Paris
If you are looking to spend a fun day out in Paris with your toddler, you should definitely visit the Jardin d’Acclimatation. This small theme park offers numerous activities geared towards little ones including pony rides, a petting zoo, rollercoasters and splash pads.
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am – 7 pm,
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Parisian school holidays (zone C) and public holidays from 10 am – 8 pm. (Lineups for the attractions close 30 minutes before the park’s closing time.)
Cost: Entrance to the gardens cost €5 for adults and children from 3 years old. Attraction tickets are extra. Alternatively, unlimited passes can be purchased for €32 per person.
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