When you think of a trip to Paris, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t necessarily your children. Surprisingly however, Paris is one of the most child-friendly cities you can visit. The many parks, children’s museums and easily-recognisable landmarks make Paris a feast for your child’s senses, laying the foundation for their interest in culture, foreign language and the arts. Travelling to Paris puts what your child knows about France and the French language into context. It allows them to experience the language as it is spoken and gives them a reason to practice. In this blog, we give you some ideas about how you can introduce your kids to this culture-rich city in a way that’s relevant and interesting to them. And you never know, by looking at Paris from this different angle, you might even find some unexpected joys of your own…
Must-Sees
There are a few must-sees in Paris that will delight both parents and children alike. Children will recognize some of the city’s most well-known monuments from their cartoons – think Ratatouille, The Aristocats, and Peppa Pig in
Paris. You might even want to watch some of these cartoons as a family before you leave. Can you imagine the
look in their eyes when they actually see some of these famous sites for real?
- The Eiffel Tour
The story behind Paris’ most recognizable monument is fascinating, not only for adults but also for kids,
thanks to a fun treasure hunt you can pick up on the first floor. The many monuments you can see from
the top are just as rich in history so make sure to pack some binoculars so little eyes can explore the
skyline for themselves. Just below the Tour itself is the Champs de Mars, where you’ll find an excellent
park with a playground, fairground rides and other activities. - The Musée du Louvre
The Louvre is another must-see in Paris. Luckily, the museum does a great job catering for kids so make
sure to check out the website before you go – there are plenty of fun videos that’ll spark your kids’
interest. - A Cruise en Bateau Mouche
After your trip to the Louvre, relax by taking a boat cruise on the Seine. Family-friendly tours leave close
by the Museum and are a great way to see many well-known monuments without getting too tired.
Parks and Gardens: a breath of fresh air
Visiting Paris in Spring or Summer is a great way to make the most of Paris’ many green spaces. The city’s parks
and gardens are perfect for taking time out from the hustle and bustle and enjoying what French life is all about. Many parks offer fun activities that let kids learn about French culture and language through play…
- Jardin des Tuileries
Located near the city’s most well-known museums, Le Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect spot to relax between visits. Initially built as a private garden for the French royal family, this green oasis has fun activities for kids such as a fairytale-like carousel, wooden sailboats and a playground with slides, swings and trampolines. Why not encourage your kids to use their French language to meet some local kids?
Meanwhile, parents can watch the Parisian world go by while enjoying a pastry from a nearby stall. - Jardin du Luxembourg
Not only is the Jardin du Luxembourg one of the city’s most beautiful parks, it also has a host of fun, cultural activities for kids. Make sure to see a Marionette Show at the puppet theatre. Kids can also ride ponies or hire a toy sailboat to float in the pond. For some more fun, you could even set your kids out on a hunt to find the 20 sculptures of “Queens of France”. - Le Jardin des Plantes
Little adventurers will love the Jardin des Plantes with its own Zoo, Art Deco hot house, and enormous network of hollowed-out bushes. So, how about a game of “cache-cache” (hide and seek)?
Paris’ Museums are Surprisingly Kid-Friendly
Paris is known for having some of the most outstanding museums and art galleries in the world. Here are our recommendations for museums that are likely to be the most fun for little ones in the city of light:
- The Musée en Herbe
Located close to the Louvre, this itsy-bitsy museum is a delight for kids aged 4 to 104. The regularly changing exhibitions get kids interested in art through big splashes of color, interactive displays and fun activities. And with only four small rooms, it’s easy to capture and keep kids’ attention! - The Musée d’histoire naturelle
Kids will love this museum filled with impressive life-sized animals including elephants, rhinos and tigers. The museum also houses imaginative exhibits including a virtual reality room where you can explore the evolution of man or experience a 15-minute journey on board a submarine. - Cité des sciences et de l’industrie de Paris
Paris’ largest children’s museum has all sorts of fun exhibits for curious kids and adults aged two and up. Learn anything and everything about the human body, transportation, science, mathematics, robots, and more. To keep the older kids entertained, there’s also an IMAX cinema, laser game, virtual-reality room, freefall and space-flight simulators.
Amusement Parks
It’s safe to say that one thing your kids already know about is some of Paris’ amusement parks. So why not make
the most of their enthusiasm to get them learning some French words for fun…
- Le Jardin d’Acclimatation
For those who don’t want to spend a whole day at Day at an amusement park, Le Jardin d’Acclimitation is a great option. With over 40 rides, a jungle gym and even a small aviary, Le Jardin d’Acclimitation is located in the Bois de Boulogne, right on Metro Line 1. As an added bonus, The Louis Vuitton Foundation art museum is just next door : ) - Le Parc Astérix
Le Parc Astérix is a theme park based on France’s much loved comic book series The Adventures of Astérix (Astérix le Gaulois in French). The comic book’s main characters, Asterix and Obelix, roam around the park
greeting visitors while they navigate the park’s rollercoasters, merry-go-rounds and different areas including the Land of the Gauls, ancient Egypt, the Roman empire, and more. - Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is France’s most popular amusement park with around 12 million visitors per year. Like its American counterparts, Disneyland Paris is a pretty sure bet for kids. Parents will also be pleased to know that its less expensive than Disneylands in the US and Japan.
Other ideas
- Bastille Day Fireworks
- Macaron-making class at Galleries Lafayette
- Exploring the spooky underground Catacombs
Learning about French language and culture in a classroom is one thing. But giving your child the opportunity to develop an interest and passion of their own is what will drive their own learning. Planning a trip to Paris based on your child’s interests and hobbies will enable you to get the most of your trip and create an unforgettable experience for your child. So the experience stays with them even after they come home, why not get them to make a travel journal with cultural experiences they enjoyed and language they learned? Paris is, after all, known for its ability to inspire.