Paris with small children

[warmmfeet]

Just got our 2 year olds passport through, we didn't expect it to be here so quickly and I'm now hoping to book a last minute trip over bank hol weekend.

I'm thinking Paris as 4 year old would love to see the Eiffel Tower. Seen some reasonable flight and hotel packages.

But what else is there for small children to enjoy in Paris?! Anyone done it? I remember the water fountains outside the Louvre.

I'm not really thinking Disneyland on this occasion because that will significantly increase cost. Another time.

Or if not Paris has anyone done a long weekend somewhere in Europe with little kids that worked well?!

We went with our two year old a few years ago. She loved the Eiffel Tower (and is still fascinated by it), the tuileries gardens and a walk along the seine where they have lots of climbing frames etc on route. She also liked the pastries.

(We are actually going back with her this summer (she's 8 now) and she has requested to go up the Eiffel Tower again so it definitely made a lasting impression!)

Jardin d’Acclimation www.jardindacclimatation.fr/en/attractions There’s a miniature train that runs from Porte Maillot through the Bois de Boulogne to the park entrance. There are loads of rides and attractions, plus a decent animal farm/petting zoo.

There’s a brilliant playground in Jardin du Luxembourg. You have to pay a small fee to enter but it’s amazing. There are also puppet shows (Wed, Sat and Sun from 2pm), pony rides, remote control boats and a carousel.

Palais de la Découverte has loads of fun interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Everything’s translated into English too, and I definitely recommend the new Acoustics room.

For crepes, definitely visit La Creperie du Clown.

Jardin de Tuileries has lots of kids activities such as a traditional carousel (north of the garden, near the Castiglione entrance) an in-ground trampoline, and adventure playground.

The Cité des Sciences is a little out of the way but it’s got to be one of the best museums for kids in Paris. Inside, there’s the Cite Des Enfants where you can book a 90 minute session. There are two options for the Cité des Entrants – one for kids aged 2-7 and on for kids aged 5-12. You should probably buy your tickets online first.

Jardin des Plantes has a zoo, maze, quirky carousel and the natural history museum www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/en/galleries-gardens-zoo-libraries-2913

The Pompidou has an area especially for small children https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/visit/children-and-families

Placemarking with interest.

Jardin de Luxembourg has a lovely kids play area and watch people sailing the little boats. River trip with dinner was fun too

Age 3, dd spent 2 hours going up and down the escalators on the outside of the Pompidou centre.

Fivemoreminutes1 said everything I was going to say - we did most of that with 2yo and 5yo and it was great. 2yo loved the view from the Eiffel Tower!

I have fond memories of doing just that - aged 15!

Oh I'm so excited now! Thanks everyone 🙂

You could get the train to Disneyland (but do it on the last full day or she might want to spend the rest of the trip there!)

Hi everyone - still planning this - very last minute now. Curious to ask

Where did everyone stay? What area? We are looking at budget hotels Ibis or Novotel type thing.

Thanks 😊

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads that's so cute! Hope to fit that in

Paris hotels are expensive - I normally look on the booking map where they show price and then go to hotel website

I would stay Le marais - close to lux gardens - or near Pompidou - or near opera. But depends where you like. If staying a bit further out then close to a metro station

My DS loved the river boats Bateaux Mouches at a similar age.

Last time we went there was a guy outside the Louvre making huge bubbles which was also a big hit.

https://www.cite-sciences.fr/fr/au-programme/expos-permanentes/la-cite-des-enfants/

not sure if anyone mentioned this place but it’s amazing for little ones - especially if it’s raining!