Family outings in Paris
Paris with children is a balance between big museums and gardens where you can catch your breath. Parisian parks, from the Luxembourg to the Buttes-Chaumont, offer carousels, playgrounds and lawns, while the science museums set aside entire areas for the youngest visitors. The metro is handy but not very stroller-friendly: a lightweight stroller or a baby carrier makes days much easier. Plan regular breaks; Paris is also best discovered on foot along the Seine.
Must-do activities
Cité des sciences et de l'industrie
The Cité des enfants has separate areas for ages 2 to 7 and 5 to 12, to be booked in advance, in Parc de la Villette.
Jardin d'Acclimatation
An amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne: rides, animals, water games in summer and plenty of green space.
Grande Galerie de l'Évolution and Ménagerie
In the Jardin des Plantes: the parade of mounted animals impresses young and old, and the Ménagerie is one of the oldest zoos in the world.
Luxembourg Gardens
Toy sailboats to push on the pond, a puppet theatre, a playground and pony rides. Free access to the garden.
Parc zoologique de Paris
The Vincennes zoo presents animals by major world regions in immersive settings.
Parc de la Villette
Themed gardens, large lawns and original playgrounds, free to enter, next to the Cité des sciences.
Free parks and playgrounds near Paris
- 🌳 Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques
- 📚 Médiathèque de la Canopée la fontaine
- 🛝 Aire de jeux des petits
- 💦 Baignade du Bas-Marie
- 🌲 Le Petit Labyrinthe
- 🌳 Jardin des Combattants-de-la-Nueve
- 📚 Médiathèque musicale de Paris
- 🛝 Terrain d'Aventures
- 🌳 Jardin Nelson Mandela
- 📚 Bibliothèque de l'Hôtel de Ville
- 🛝 Rue'Golotte
- 🌳 Jardin du Clos des Blancs-Manteaux - Francesca Dandolo
Making the most of Paris as a family
Whether you live in Paris or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Paris
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Paris, often with free cancellation.
See activities on GetYourGuide →See experiences on Viator →
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Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in Paris on FamiSwipe
FAQ
What can kids do in Paris when it rains?
The Cité des sciences, the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, the Aquarium de Paris and the many art museums offering workshops for children. The covered passages in central Paris also make a dry walk.
What are the free family activities in Paris?
The gardens (Luxembourg, Tuileries, Buttes-Chaumont, Villette), the banks of the Seine and many municipal libraries. Some national museums are free for under-18s; check the conditions on their websites.
Is the Paris metro stroller-friendly?
Few stations have elevators. A lightweight folding stroller, a baby carrier or the more accessible bus will make getting around simpler.
Which Paris parks have playgrounds?
The Luxembourg, the Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Monceau and the Villette have great playgrounds. FamiSwipe shows the playgrounds around you, wherever you are in Paris.