Top 10 Things to do in Paris with Toddlers

Top 10 Things to do in Paris with Toddlers

Originally published by Natalie on November 2019 and updated by Vanessa on May 2023.

Traveling with toddlers never promised to be easy, but knowing the right places to go in your destination city can make things a lot more enjoyable.

Admittedly, most of Paris is aimed at the mature tourist. There are a few attractions suitable for families with kids, while the rest are simply not entertaining to a child mind.

Read also; The Best Way to Visit Paris with Toddlers

So with toddlers we get creative. Here are ten things to look into:

1. Get the Paris Pass for You and Your Toddlers in Paris

First and foremost, if you are planning on sightseeing the major landmarks while in the French capital, and you intend to do so with a toddler at the hip, then the paris pass is imperative.

by Andrea Maschio – Unsplash

This is an initiative run by the tourism board of Paris through which on obtains preferential entry into all of the city’s biggest and best attractions. It gives visitors the avidity to skip the queues at all of the listed sites, which you’ll be very grateful for once you see the long, winding lines of people under the Eiffel Tower.

The Paris Pass is a must for all parents traveling with children.

2. Ride a Hot Air Balloon at Parc André Citroën in Paris

For lovers and newlyweds, there are romantic hot air balloon rides over both the city and over Versailles. These cost hundreds of euros and are usually not suitable for kids.

Parents should take their toddlers over to the Parc André Citroën where there is a child-friendly hot air balloon ride available at all times. It’s a no-frills, quick ride up that costs just €12 per person.

Toddlers absolutely love it!

Parc André Citroën – by jean-louis Zimmermann – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 7am to 8:30pm

ADDRESS: 2 Rue Cauchy, 75015 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Lourmel

3. Enjoy the Water Fountains at Parc André Citroën in Paris

While in the same park, head over to the flat ground water feature near the vending quarter.

This is a ground level series of fountains that spray water throughout the summer during daylight hours. Children are permitted to run amongst them, having hours of fun in the process.

Bring a change of clothing if you have other places to be afterwards.

Read also; How to have fun with children in Paris

4. Catch the Little Train of Montmartre in Paris

The little train of Montmartre is another favorite amongst parent travelers with young children.

The train departs hourly from outside of the Moulin Rouge, at the base of the Montmartre Hill. For just a few euros per person, you’ll be driven slowly up the hill, through the winding alleys of Montmartre until you come to the Scare Coeur church.

This ride is suitable for toddlers and up, even adults find the fun in it the minute they hop on board.

Petit Train de Montmartre – by Francisco Gonzalez – Wikimedia Commons

5. Day Trip to Disneyland in Paris

Disneyland Paris lies just 30km outside of the city center. Everyday, hundreds of families from around the world make their way to France just to treat their kids to this monumental experience.

Taking a day trip out to the park with your toddler is a great idea. The park is divided up into age-appropriate rides and attractions, of which many are for ages 3 and under.

Tickets for Disneyland don’t run cheap, so do adequate research first to see if you can work a full day plus transport into your travel budget.

Disneyland Paris – by Trifonneke – Wikimedia Commons

6. Watch a Puppet Show at the Marionnettes du Champ de Mars in Paris

I don’t think there is a toddler alive who would object to a good old puppet show, given the chance. These might seem like a thing of the past in most countries around the world, but the puppet industry lives on in Paris.

I believe that the Marionnettes on the Champ de Mars, beneath the Eiffel Tower, is the most appropriate show for this age group. Click here to visit their website for times, tickets and exact theatre location.

Read also; 10 Best Museums to Visit with Children in Paris

Marionnettes du Champ de Mars – by Marionnettes du Champ de Mars – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Various

ADDRESS: Avenue du Général Margueritte, 75007 Paris, France

Metro STATION: La Tour-Maubourg

7. Picnic Somewhere in Paris

Anyone needing to get their toddlers out of the house in Paris, need only head to the nearest public park and set up an impromptu picnic of sorts.

Grab a blanket, some snacks and ample water, and go spend some time on the grass. The Jardim du Luxembourg always seems to have a lot of young children running around, far more than other Parisian parks.

Remember: In the summer, sunbathing is permitted in all public parks across the city!

Paris – by George Kourounis – Unsplash

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8. Visit the Dali Museum in Paris

The Dali Museum is situated in Montmartre, close to where we caught the little train!

One might overlook a museum of Salvador Dali’s work when it comes to entertaining a toddler, but I believe this is one of the best museums in Paris for young minds.

Dali’s dream world is similar to childhood fiction. This museum is made up of multiple rooms displaying paintings and sculptures that reflect just that.

Your toddler will love getting up close and personal with giant, colorful snails; or admiring the many, many clocks stationed throughout the space.

Read also; The 10 Best Things to do in Montmartre with Kids

Dali Museum – by Dali Museum – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS: 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Abbesses

9. Ride a Boat on the Seine in Paris

Whenever I’ve been on a Seine boat ride, it’s always the excited toddlers that have their faces right up against the glass, pointing out all of the magical sites they spot on the banks.

These rides take place at all hours of the day, as well as in the night. Depending on the experience you want, there will be different packages to suit your needs. Dinner cruises aren’t recommended for children, but a ride past the Paris Christmas lights, for example, would be a great option!

Paris – by J Shim – Unsplash

10. Ride Different Carousels in Paris

According to the city of Paris, there are around 20 carousels in operation across the city at any given time.

Some of them have permanent homes, and some of them move to different locations depending on the season. Treat your toddler to a ride every time you encounter one of these majestic structures.

There is a really wonderful one in Paris’ Botanical Garden! There is also a great children’s play area as well.

Read also; Where to Hold Children’s Birthday Parties in Paris

Carousel in Parc de la Villette – by Greg Hanson – Wikimedia Commons

10 kid-friendly restaurants in Paris

1. Le Café des Chats

The Café des Chats lies in two districts of Paris; the Marais and the Bastille. Cat enthusiasts come here frequently because cats roam about on two floors for you to pet, much to the delight of youngsters.

This is the ideal place for families with children who adore cats. The café’s pleasant ambiance makes it an ideal place to unwind and spend quality time with your children.

Visitors can engage with the cats as well as attend workshops and events such as cat-themed craft-making and storytelling. If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in Paris, make Le Café des Chats part of your itinerary.

practical information

address:9 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris, France

opening hours: sun and tue-thur; 12-10:30 pm/fri-sat;12-11 pm

metro station: The Ledru-Rollin station

website:Le Café des Chats

2. Le Poussette Café

This is a concept store with a café and a shop under one roof. If you are pregnant or have children, you will find everything you need here. The store sells children’s clothing, toys, books, nursing supplies, and home décor.

This lovely location is complete with a play area and a workshop zone. The environment is welcoming, with baby seats at several tables and children running around barefoot.

practical information

Address: 6 Rue Pierre Semard, 75009 Paris, France

metro station: Bonne Nouvelle

3. Hard Rock Cafe

The Hard Rock Cafe is a must-see attraction for anybody visiting Paris. The Hard Rock Café Paris has been the indisputable home of American culture in Paris since 1991.

The Cafe, just a two-minute walk from the rush and bustle of Place de l’Opéra, is the place to unwind and experience the most authentic and delicious American food Paris has to offer.

This Café is great for music fans and fans of American cuisine. There are also special children’s menus available so tag them along. After your visit, don’t miss the Theater of Varieties, Musée Grevin, and Les Etoiles du Rex, which houses Europe’s largest cinema.

practical information

address: 14 Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France

opening hours: sun-thur; 11:30 am-12 am/fri-sat; 11:30 am-1 am

metro station: Grands Boulevards station

website: HARD ROCK CAFE

4. Casa Luca

Nicolas Richard, the youthful and daring proprietor of this magnificent trattoria, offers a modern and inviting atmosphere complete with comfy, dark pink seats, trendy wooden tables, and a blazing fireplace.

A view of the Arc de Triomphe establishes this establishment as a must-try dining experience. Customers enjoy the real Italian charcuterie, particularly the famed mortadella. The menu includes seven pizzas.

What’s more exciting about this place is the children’s cooking workshops that take place every Sunday at noon. While parents enjoy a delicious brunch, kids are put to work preparing pizzas, cakes, and more.

practical information

address: 82 Av. Marceau, 75008 Paris, France

opening hours: mon-sun;12-11 pm

metro station: George V

website: CASA LUCA

5. Chez He

Chez Hé is the ultimate kid-friendly restaurant. The restaurant is unique in that it not only serves wonderful Asian cuisine but also allows children to run wild in a 350 m2 play area in the basement.

It is a must for families, with its televisions to keep an eye on the kids from above and its reasonably priced dishes. Going to a restaurant with your family is a well-known reality that may rapidly turn into a nightmare.

Especially if there is no special children’s menu or place for them to occupy themselves while the adults chow down a fantastic, reasonably priced appetizer selection.

practical information

address: 4 Cité de l’Ameublement, 75011 Paris, France

opening hours: wed-Fri; 12-2:30 pm, 7-10:30 pm/sat-sun;12-11pm

metro station: Rue des Boulets

website: CHEZ HE – 何处思蜀

6. Bistrot Benoit

Benoit is a historic Parisian restaurant that opened in 1912 and was run for three generations by the same Petit family until 2005 when the acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse took charge.

Benoit is recognized for its warm, welcoming attitude, which is typical of a family business, and this remains true today. Additionally, it has been preserved to be like an old-fashioned Parisian Bistro with a genuine ambiance and many of its original decor elements, such as the tiles and mirrors.

This restaurant serves real French food of the highest quality. There is a special menu for youngsters that includes roast chicken with French fries and chocolate profiteroles.

practical information

address: Hall Napoléon Pyramide du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France

opening hours: mon and wed-sun; 11:45 am-5:30 pm

metro station: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

website: BISTROT BENOIT

7. Le Petit Poucet

This trendy eatery is well-known for its seasonal menu. There is never a dull moment here because provencal cookery has its own fan base. The entrée, main meals, desserts, and wines each have their own backstory.

The venue may host family gatherings, modest business events, and private parties. To avoid disappointment, make reservations. You’ll like bringing your kids here. On Sundays, a magician will perform tricks for them while you dine in solitude in the forested dining area.

practical information

address: 5 Pl. de Clichy, 75017 Paris, France

opening hours: mon-sun; 7 am-2 am

metro station: La Fourche

website: LE PETIT POUCET – PARIS

8. La Felicita

La Felicità will enchant both the young and elderly. In addition to the delectable cuisine and decor in this place, the second Sundays of the month are kid-friendly.

From 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., children from 0 to 12 years old are welcomed and are given free access to various universes; a cozy space for 0-2 year-olds with comforters, floor mats, and first-age toys, a creative leisure area with the customization of crowns, masks, and a play area with everything upside down, darts, and wooden games.

The kids have a great time, while the parents relax and enjoy the meal, and cocktails, or challenge their eldest or lover to a game of pinball or table football.

practical information

address: 5 Parv. Alan Turing, 75013 Paris, France

opening hours: tue-thur; 8:30 am-12 am/Fri; 8:30 am-1 am/sat; 11:30 am-1 am/sun-mon; 11:30 am-12 am

metro station: Grands Boulevards, Quatre Septembre and Richelieu – Drouot 

website: LA FELICITÀ

9. La Recyclerie

La Recyclerie is a shabby chic eatery, café, tiny farm, library, garden, and education center all rolled into one. It has long been lauded as an excellent place for kids to explore, and this is true.

You and your children will be able to participate in seminars, visit the henhouse and meet the hens and ducks, see the four beehives, the plant jungle, and composting and/or the collective vegetable garden.

practical information

address:  83 Bd Ornano, 75018 Paris, France

opening hours:mon-tue; 8 am-12 am/Wed;6:30 pm-12 am/thur;5 pm-12 am/fri;8 am-2 pm/sat;11 am-2 am/sun; 11 am-10 pm

metro station: Ornano train station

website: LA RECYCLERIE

10. Pássarito

This restaurant is well-known for serving French and Portuguese food. Pássarito’s foie gras, tapas, and caldo verde are sure to delight. Take a break and try some delicious parfait.

The overall impression will be incomplete without the wine, which is superb here. The restaurant also serves simple and healthful cuisine for children such as peas and bacon, boiled eggs, fruit cakes, and a variety of other kid-friendly specialties.

There is a children’s room available, complete with books, toys, board games, a huge table, drawing tools, and the restaurant’s mascots, Ulysse, Smarties, Dimitri, and Mimi-Ines, the parakeets. These restaurant owners are concerned about providing prompt service. You will pay low pricing here.

practical information

address: 10 Rue des Goncourt, 75011 Paris, France

opening hours:wed-sun; 6 pm-12 am

metro station: Goncourt