Paris has long had a reputation as a city of museums and long queues, not especially suited to children. That overlooks its parks, historic attractions and spaces designed specifically for younger visitors, many of them free or reduced-price. Here are three spots that win over families every time, right in the city or just on its edge.
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La Cité des enfants, at the Cité des sciences
Inside the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie (Parc de la Villette, 19th arrondissement), the Cité des enfants offers two separate spaces by age group: 2-6 and 5-10, each organized into hands-on themed zones (water play, a mock building site, a funfair, a "figure it out" workshop...). Visits run as timed 90-minute sessions, best booked online in advance to avoid queueing. Full price is €15, or €19 with the general exhibition included.
Le Jardin d'Acclimatation, the historic amusement park
Opened in 1860 by Napoleon III in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, this family park now runs around forty rides in a Jules Verne-inspired setting, including La Rivière Enchantée, a boat ride that's been sailing through the gardens since 1928. The Guignol puppet theatre, housed in the former stables since 1952, and a small farm round out the visit. Entry to the park is free for children under 80cm tall. Opening hours, prices and access are detailed on the Jardin d'Acclimatation page.
Le Jardin du Luxembourg and its Guignol puppet theatre
The most Parisian of the city's public gardens has offered attractions for children since the 19th century: the Théâtre des Marionnettes, staging Guignol shows since 1862, miniature sailboats you can steer across the large octagonal pond, pony rides, and a large fenced playground. Like every municipal park in Paris, entry to the garden itself is free.
Tips
- Free or reduced entry rules for children vary a lot (sometimes under 2, sometimes under 18): check the official price list before you go.
- Book the Cité des enfants online: sessions fill up fast at weekends and during school holidays.
- By age: the Cité des enfants targets 2-10 year olds, the Jardin d'Acclimatation suits all ages, the Guignol puppet theatre in the Luxembourg Garden mostly appeals to 4-8 year olds; teenagers often prefer street art in the 13th or Belleville.
- Free outing: the Luxembourg Garden and the Jardin d'Acclimatation (free for children under 80 centimetres). In the rain, the fully covered Cité des sciences is the safest bet; our rainy-day guide covers more options.
- For Disneyland Paris, first read our note on crowds and dated tickets at Disneyland Paris so you are not turned away at the gate.
- Nature day: the Paris Zoological Park (Vincennes zoo) shows over 3,000 animals in recreated landscapes.
- Outside Paris, the Chantilly estate combines a château, open space and forest without the Versailles crowds; our practical guide covers the trains and the day on site.
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