Practical guide to fun activities for children in Paris

1. Visit the Jardin d'Acclimatation: an amusement park for children

Located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a must-visit for Parisian families and passing visitors. This park harmoniously combines vintage rides, natural spaces, a mini-farm, playgrounds, and even puppet shows.

The youngest will marvel at the farm animals, while the older ones will try out the gentle thrill rides like the flying teacups, the little train, or the enchanted river. The green setting and the variety of activities make it an ideal destination for a full day.

Additionally, seasonal events and educational workshops regularly enrich the programming, making it a reliable choice throughout the year.

👉 Discover even more outings with children in Paris in this complete selection.

2. Discovering the City of Science and Industry: a world of discoveries

The City of Science and Industry, located in the Parc de la Villette, is a paradise for little curious minds. This iconic place offers interactive exhibitions, educational games, and spaces dedicated to children, such as the City of Children (ages 2-7 and 5-12), specially designed for learning while having fun.

Children can experiment, build, and explore the world of living things, robotics, or space, all in a safe and stimulating environment. It’s the perfect place to spark their imagination and satisfy their thirst for knowledge — even parents can find their inner child there!

Additionally, why not extend the day with a fun city tour? The Kids Tour in Paris by panoramic bus is an excellent way to discover the monuments in a fun and age-appropriate manner, thanks to commentary specially designed for them.

🧠 Fun, interactive, and captivating: the City of Science turns learning into an exciting adventure.

3. Explore the Paris Zoological Park: a wild adventure

Want to escape in the heart of the capital? The Paris Zoological Park, located in Vincennes, offers an immersive experience amidst wildlife. Children can meet over 180 species from five continents: giraffes, lions, lemurs, penguins, and even tropical snakes.

The thematic trail allows visitors to discover each animal in a recreated natural environment: the savannah, the rainforest, Patagonia… A way to awaken the curiosity of the youngest and introduce them to the richness of biodiversity.

And for families ready to go a little further, the Thoiry Zoological Park is an excellent alternative near Paris. It offers a car safari close to the animals, glass tunnels in the heart of the enclosures, and many educational activities for children.

🦁 An educational nature outing that delights all budding explorers.

4. Having fun at Disneyland Paris: magic and enchantment

If there is an outing that makes children's eyes sparkle (and let's admit it, also those of parents), it's a day at Disneyland Paris. Just 35 minutes from the center of Paris, the famous park immerses you in a fairy-tale universe where every corner tells a story.

Between magical parades, encounters with Disney characters, and iconic attractions like “It’s a Small World,” “Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast,” or “Ratatouille: The Totally Crazy Adventure,” wonder is guaranteed at every moment.

The park regularly offers special deals, like the adult ticket at the price of the child ticket, ideal for a more accessible family outing. To get an even clearer idea, take a look at the reviews on Disneyland Paris: they all agree on the magic of the place.

✨ A day at Disneyland Paris guarantees you leave with stars in your eyes... and your head filled with memories.

5. Participate in a creative workshop at the Musée en Herbe

Located in the heart of Paris, the Musée en Herbe is a true gem for introducing children to art in a fun and original way. Designed for ages 3-12, this museum like no other offers interactive exhibitions, game trails, and above all, creative workshops that allow children to express themselves freely.

The activities change regularly and are often inspired by famous artists (Keith Haring, Vasarely, Niki de Saint Phalle…) or universal themes like superheroes, animals, or colors. Guided by passionate mediators, children leave with their creation, proud as can be.

It’s the perfect place to awaken their artistic sense, fine motor skills, and curiosity while having fun.

🎨 A gentle and colorful cultural activity, ideal for a creative afternoon with family.

6. Having fun at La Villette: between playgrounds and activities

La Villette park is one of the largest green spaces in Paris... and a true adventure ground for children! Located in the 19th arrondissement, this park combines culture, nature, and outdoor games, for a complete and invigorating outing.

The youngest love its many themed playgrounds, such as the Dragon of La Villette (a huge slide shaped like a fantastic creature), giant swings, or climbing structures. In summer, misters and water installations transform the park into an urban oasis.

La Villette also hosts numerous family events: outdoor concerts, film screenings, science workshops, or children's shows. Not to mention the immediate proximity of the Cité des Sciences or the Philharmonie to complete the day.

🌳 A multifaceted space where children can run, climb, create... while parents take a breather.

7. Navigate the Seine with children's cruises

What if you discovered Paris differently, from the water? Boarding a cruise on the Seine offers children a playful and magical perspective on the capital's monuments. Some boats even offer routes specially designed for the youngest, with adapted commentary or onboard activities.

In addition to introducing them to the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, or the Louvre without having to walk miles, this smooth ride also appeals to parents. It’s calm, convenient, educational, and above all: original!

To extend the experience, why not combine the outing with a grand musical show? The Lion King at the Mogador Theatre is a visual and auditory masterpiece, perfect for enchanting children after an afternoon cruise.

🚢 A gentle and poetic way to explore Paris, ideal for little dreamers.

8. Marveling at the Aquarium of Paris: an underwater journey

Want to dive into the heart of the oceans without leaving the city? Head to the Aquarium of Paris, located at Trocadéro, for a fascinating immersion in the aquatic world. With over 13,000 fish, sharks, jellyfish, and corals, it’s a true window into marine biodiversity.

Children love to observe colorful fish, marvel at the hypnotic dances of jellyfish, or watch the commented feedings by the caretakers. Educational workshops and themed activities are also offered throughout the year, turning the visit into a true sensory and educational adventure.

A little extra that hits the mark: a touch pool allows the little ones to pet koi carp or starfish, under the supervision of staff.

🐠 An ideal outing to awaken awareness… and aquatic imaginations.

9. Discovering puppets at the Guignol Anatole Theatre

A great classic that never ages: puppet theatre, a true Proustian madeleine for parents, and guaranteed bursts of laughter for children. The Guignol Anatole Theatre, located in Montsouris Park, perpetuates this tradition with funny, lively, and interactive shows.

The colorful characters — Guignol, Gnafron, the policeman, and the crocodile — come to life under the expert hands of the puppeteers to tell stories full of twists and turns. Here, children are not just spectators: they participate, shout, laugh, and intervene throughout the show.

The bucolic setting of the park also allows for combining a cultural outing with a snack break, a run on the grass, or a ride on the old-fashioned carousel.

🎭 A simple, joyful, and authentic moment… that transcends generations without ever aging.

10. Strolling in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: nature and play

If you are looking for a place to breathe, explore, and let loose in the heart of the city, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a safe bet. This atypical park in the 19th arrondissement, resembling a romantic garden, is full of surprises for children: caves, a suspension bridge, waterfalls, large lawns, and all kinds of hiding spots.

Little adventurers will love running along the steep paths, climbing on the rocks, or racing leaves in the streams. The park also features several well-designed play areas, as well as a puppet theater and a vintage carousel, to complete the experience.

It’s the perfect kind of place for a nature break with family, away from the Parisian hustle and bustle.

🌿 A park where you can dream, climb, laugh, and picnic freely.

11. Discovering art at the Pompidou Center with activities for children

The Pompidou Center is not just a temple of contemporary art — it is also a vibrant, lively, and interactive place that welcomes children with open arms. Through its Children's Gallery and creative workshops, the museum offers a first approach to art from a child's perspective.

Immersive exhibitions, participatory installations, sensory pathways… Here, art becomes a game. Children can draw, manipulate, imagine, and even exhibit their own creations in an environment that stimulates both curiosity and reflection.

Meanwhile, parents can also enjoy the permanent collections or the panoramic view of Paris from the top floor.

🖼️ A bold cultural space that gives children a taste for creation and artistic exploration.

12. Take a hot air balloon ride at Parc André Citroën

Are you looking for a truly unique activity to do with your children in Paris? Take them to gain some height aboard the hot air balloon at Parc André Citroën. Located in this modern park in the 15th arrondissement, the Balloon of Paris offers a spectacular view of the entire capital… at 150 meters altitude!

This gentle and silent experience delights both children and adults. You can discover the iconic monuments from a completely new perspective, in a peaceful and magical atmosphere. The ascent is quick, smooth, and accessible to the youngest.

And for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the park itself is a pleasant playground: water jets, themed gardens, large lawns, and play areas to let off steam after the flight.

🎈 A poetic outing, suspended in time, to be experienced at least once as a family.

13. Participate in the workshops at the Palace of Discovery

The Palace of Discovery, located in the west wing of the Grand Palais, is a true treasure trove for budding young scientists. Here, science becomes an exciting adventure through workshops, demonstrations, and live experiments.

Electricity, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics… Each field is presented in a playful and interactive way, in simple language, often accompanied by spectacular effects that immediately captivate children. The scientific hosts make each session lively, involving both young and old.

It is the perfect place to reconcile children with science, or on the contrary, to nurture an already established passion. And all of this, in a magnificent heritage setting.

🔬 A clever and fascinating outing that proves that science can also be spectacular and fun.

14. Explore the Grévin Museum: meet the wax celebrities

Want to spot Kylian Mbappé, Lady Gaga, Harry Potter, and the Mona Lisa in one visit? Head to the Grévin Museum, a place as fascinating as it is unexpected where children can get up close to the wax figures of their favorite celebrities.

This legendary museum offers an immersive journey through carefully crafted and often spectacular settings: red carpet, ice palace, classroom, or TV studio. The youngest love to pose next to their idols or pretend to be stars for a day.

The tour is punctuated by visual and sound animations that make the visit even more lively, and a space is even dedicated to fictional characters and childhood heroes, for an extra touch of magic.

📸 A museum unlike any other, where you laugh, marvel, and collect family selfies.

15. Let off steam in the trampoline parks of Paris

Need to move, jump, laugh, and expend energy? The trampoline parks of Paris are dream playgrounds for children (and parents who dare to join in!). These fully secured indoor spaces offer areas for free jumping, ninja courses, foam pits, and even basketball hoops on trampolines.

Among the most popular addresses: Jump XL, Let’s Jump, or You Jump, all located in the nearby suburbs or the outskirts of Paris, easily accessible by transport. These parks are perfect for letting off steam after a quieter day, organizing a birthday party, or simply unwinding with family.

Supervised by instructors, children can play safely and leave… well tired but with smiles on their faces.

🤸‍♂️ A fun and sporty activity to definitely include in the holiday or weekend program!

Conclusion: Paris, a giant playground for children

Whether you live there or are just passing through, Paris is full of treasures to explore with family. Between playful museums, green parks, scientific experiences, enchanted cruises, and magical shows, the capital reveals itself in a new light… from a child's perspective.

Each activity presented in this article is a gateway to wonder, discovery, and shared laughter. Because there is nothing more precious than these moments of family bonding, Paris deserves to be experienced intensely, with curiosity, whimsy… and a lot of energy!

In summary

👉 What to do in Paris with children?
Dozens of must-do activities await you: amusement parks, interactive museums, creative workshops, fun cruises, shows, and much more. The City of Light becomes the most beautiful playground for your little explorers!

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Don't wait any longer to organize your next family outings! Check out our good deals, book your tickets in advance, and give your children an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Paris.