A Mother’s Information to the Finest Locations to Go to in Paris With Youngsters

Paris is a metropolis that vacationers typically method with excessive expectations. From world-class eating and famend museums to picturesque parks and charming cafes, it’s simple to really feel overwhelmed when planning a visit—particularly with youngsters in tow. As an American mother of a toddler and a 5-year-old, married to a local Parisian, I’ve discovered the way to discover the Metropolis of Mild at a leisurely tempo your complete household can take pleasure in. Whereas Paris gives numerous experiences that delight guests of all ages, these 11 spots are our household’s trusted favorites, locations the place each little ones and grown-ups can savor the true spirit of town.

Musée Rodin

Situated on Paris’s Left Financial institution, this intimate museum showcases the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin—most notably The Thinker. Along with its acclaimed assortment, the property options fantastically manicured sculpture gardens and an on-site cafe, good for an off-the-cuff espresso or an ice cream break. The museum gives a year-round calendar of family-friendly occasions, such because the chasse aux œufs (Easter egg hunt), the place our daughter delighted in accumulating eggs all through the gardens in trade for goodies. A present spotlight for households is L’Atelier Rodin, a devoted house the place kids of all ages can discover the artwork of sculpture by means of hands-on actions.

Grand Palais

There’s all the time a charming exhibition or occasion to find on the architecturally gorgeous Grand Palais. Our household has loved attending quite a lot of seasonal happenings, from ice skating at Le Grand Palais des Glaces to the Pageant du Livre de Paris, which brings collectively lots of of authors and publishers. The Kids’s Palace just lately debuted its very first exhibition, “Transparence,” a sensory journey exploring the idea of transparency by means of science and artwork, on view till Aug. 2027. Along with this must-see exhibition, the Grand Palais is residence to 2 expansive areas devoted to play and curiosity, together with Le Salon Seine—a family-friendly space with interactive artwork, inventive video games, a collaborative mural, and a restaurant.

A fast word for households with occasion tickets: Be ready for lengthy strains on the entrance, even if you happen to’ve bought tickets prematurely.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

A standout vacation spot beloved by guests of all ages, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a recent artwork museum and cultural middle celebrated as an architectural icon. The “David Hockney 25” exhibition is at the moment stealing the highlight till Aug. 2025, accompanied by an artwork workshop designed for youngsters ages 6-10 and their households. After your go to, let your little ones burn off some vitality within the huge Bois de Boulogne park that surrounds the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Make sure you verify the museum’s annual programming, which incorporates standard occasions like Nuit des Musées and the Household Pageant, amongst others.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

For households in search of the fun of an amusement park with out committing to a full day at Disneyland, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is a perfect various, situated inside minutes of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This vacation spot is a real Parisian establishment, adored by locals and guests alike for its wide selection of points of interest, from curler coasters and carnival-style video games to an academic farm with hands-on animal encounters. My husband loves bringing our children right here together with his household, sharing the magic of his personal childhood visits throughout generations. Depart it to Paris to supply an amusement park expertise that’s genuinely pleasing.

Jardin des Plantes

Paris is residence to a formidable assortment of parks and gardens, just like the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, however we all the time discover ourselves returning to the Jardin des Plantes, nestled within the metropolis’s fifth arrondissement. Take your time exploring the gardens, together with the greenhouses, that are noteworthy even when the blooms aren’t at their peak. Contained in the gates, you’ll additionally discover La Ménagerie (the zoo) and a number of other museums, together with the well-known Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. You would simply spend a whole day discovering the Jardin des Plantes—a spot certain to spark the curiosity of each member of the family.

Jardin Catherine‑Labouré

One of many causes I like elevating youngsters in Paris is the truth that you could find a park or playground on almost each block. We’re fortunate to have a number of choices scattered all through our arrondissement, however this quaint jardin (backyard), simply minutes from Le Bon Marché, has turn into an everyday escape for our household. Tucked off Rue de Babylone, it’s simple to overlook if you happen to don’t comprehend it’s there—however step inside and also you’ll discover a well-maintained playground, a inexperienced house for lounging, and benches located beneath leafy vines, supreme for studying. This hidden gem offers a welcome pause from the bustle simply past the park’s edge.

Chantelivre

Shopping for books is an easy but extraordinarily satisfying method to spend an hour (or two) in Paris. We’re spoiled by the abundance of charming bookshops in Paris—like Chantelivre on Rue de Sèvres, a pleasant spot recognized for its curated choice of kids’s literature. With cozy studying nooks in a newly renovated house, this bookshop can be residence to La Maison des Histoires, an interactive musée jouer (play museum) impressed by traditional kids’s books designed with younger youngsters in thoughts. Seize a espresso and pastry on the cafe earlier than settling into story time. 

Oobatz

What child (and grownup) doesn’t love a superb slice of pizza and a pizzookie (cookie topped with ice cream) for a decadent dessert? Situated in Paris’s eleventh arrondissement, Oobatz is serving up slices the entire metropolis appears to be speaking about. Whereas the restaurant itself is kind of intimate, it accepts reservations and opens for dinner service at 6 p.m.—a lot sooner than many different Parisian institutions. In different phrases, it is deal for a laid-back household meal—simply don’t neglect to e book your desk forward of time. 

HolyBelly

In the case of brunch in Paris, HolyBelly is a family-run favourite, greatest recognized for its significantly good pancakes within the tenth arrondissement. Whereas we don’t make it right here as typically as our little ones (or we) would really like, we just lately hopped on the metro for a weekend go to—and it’s all the time properly definitely worth the journey. HolyBelly doesn’t take reservations, so it’s greatest to plan forward. On weekends, we goal to get there proper at opening (9 a.m.) to beat the group, whereas weekdays are sometimes extra relaxed. If there occurs to be a line, it tends to maneuver shortly. One sudden perk: The vigorous setting simply absorbs toddler chaos, so there’s no have to stress about noise right here.

Plaq

Scorching chocolate is one other beloved Parisian specialty, with iconic spots like Angelina, Carette, and Les Deux Magots incomes reputations for among the greatest cups on the town. However Plaq gives a distinctly totally different expertise. With their bean-to-bar philosophy, they oversee each step of the method, from sourcing the cocoa beans to crafting every remaining creation. They now have two places in Paris, together with their latest outpost on Rue du Cherche-Midi. There, you’ll discover an thrilling choice of treats, together with their signature chocolate bars, seasonal specialties like ice cream within the hotter months, or a private favourite: sizzling chocolate topped with chantilly when the climate turns chilly.

Café Isaka

Impressed by the flavors of Asia, Café Isaka brings a playful twist to typical artisanal ice cream you would possibly discover elsewhere. Tucked within the coronary heart of Paris’s 1st arrondissement, it’s an enthralling cease for a refreshing pause amid a day of wandering town. Whether or not you’re craving a traditional scoop or curious to strive their signature fried ice cream, there’s one thing on the menu to fulfill each candy tooth. Seize your deal with and stroll over to the close by Palais-Royal to take pleasure in it among the many gardens.