What are the best things to do in Paris with kids
It may be called the ‘City of Love’, but don’t let this title fool you. While the city is full of romantic wonders for couples, it is also the perfect destination for kids to discover and explore.
The vibrant city has a lot to offer young travellers, who are likely to enjoy the picturesque views like the iconic Eiffel Tower, as well as the variety of museums which offer entertainment and discovery for the whole family.
As well as the obvious tourist attractions in Paris (including Disneyland of course), there are loads of open spaces that are perfect for children of all ages. Here are just a few of the best:
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont - The hillside park is a spectacle for the whole family to enjoy thanks to the serene pond, waterfalls, suspension bridge and spectacular views, combined with a giant playground, donkey rides and carnival games galore.
Jardin des Plantes - is home to big cats, red pandas and a primate house, while the Aquarium de Paris showcases an array of beautiful marine life. Children will love creeping their way through the shark tunnel, before getting up close and personal at the petting zoo.
Jardin d’Acclimatation - The only amusement park in Paris is home to thrilling rides, puppet shows, acrobatic obstacle courses and fun water-themed activities all in exceptional natural surroundings.
The list is endless when it comes to sightseeing in Paris, but if you’re hesitant about the family-friendly attractions, rest assured, the list is plentiful.
Do I need to hire a car in Paris?
If you’re only planning a short visit to Paris, you won’t need to hire a car. Thanks to the impressive metro network and attractions that are relatively close to one another, the city can easily be explored by public transport or on foot. In fact, street parking in the heart of Paris can be challenging and overwhelming, therefore, hiring a car could actually add some unnecessary stress to your trip.
Where can I find good prices when booking a hotel?
Choosing the right hotel for your holiday can make or break your trip. That’s why it pays to research ahead of time.
Whether you’re looking for accommodation in the heart of Paris or for a room based away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, it's always worth comparing rates on sites like Hotels.com and Booking.com. Sites like Travelzoo and Holiday Pirates are useful when it comes to searching for deals, especially if you're flexible in terms of when you can travel. Note that rates can often be cheaper on a Tuesday and Sunday night. August is also a great time to visit Paris in terms of finding an impressive deal. Parisians tend to flee south in August which means the city can feel calmer and quieter.
How we chose our recommendations
Our recommendations are based on feedback from real parents on the Mumsnet forums, customer testimonials, and review sites. Being parents ourselves helps us to understand what families need when booking a holiday, and we always offer unbiased, independent advice you can trust.
After we’ve collated our hotel picks, we then consult the likes of TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia to check reviews of individual properties, taking into consideration both positive and negative points to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and roundups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Loving nothing more than UK family holidays, city breaks and days out with the kids, Lucy has written several travel guides for Mumsnet, including the Best family hotels in Cornwall and the Best holiday parks in Devon.