Things to do in Paris on a Family Weekend


 

Headed to Paris for a weekend with your family? That’s great! Paris is very cosmopolitan and full of rich history, amazing parks and delicious food. Sounds like the perfect destination for a family weekend!

But there’s so much to see and do in Paris, it can be tough to narrow down your list to the must-see places! Don’t worry, I created this guide for you that contains all the unmissable things to do in Paris on a family weekend!

 

Discover Paris on a Boat Cruise

prague_boatride

Taking a boat cruise on the Seine is an absolute must during your family weekend in Paris. You have a few different options that provide a relaxing, panoramic way to see the city for kids and adults alike.

The first option for a family river cruise is on the famous Bateau-Mouche. This is the traditional river cruise through Paris, you’ve probably seen the boats passing by. If you choose this option, you’ll be on a non stop cruise past Paris’s most famous monuments. During the 2 hour cruise, you will pass by the Eiffel tower, Hotel de Ville, Notre-Dame and Concorde. By the end, I think you’ll agree that the view from the Seine is pretty incredible.

You can reserve tickets online in advance for certain times, I definitely recommend a cruise at sunset. Nothing beats watching the sun go down over the Ville Lumiére. Adult tickets are €12 and €6 for children under twelve.

bateaux-Mouches – Port de la conference 75008
metro Alma-mearceau

By Gautier Salles via Unsplash

Another option for a family boat cruise in Paris is to take the Batobus. Not too many people know about this part of Paris’ extensive public transportation network. And it’s one of the city’s best kept secrets.

Here’s why: the Batobus is basically a water shuttle in the heart of Paris. Running between 9 different locations, you can hop on or off wherever you’d like.

Courtesy of Batobus – Sourced from their website

With stations in front of the Eiffel tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Jardin des Plantes and even Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Batobus is really one of the best ways to discover Paris. Especially as a family! Kids of all ages will love this unique way of visiting the city from the Seine.

An unlimited day pass for adults will cost you €17 and for children fifteen and under, it’s just €8.

batobus Louvre – Quai du Louvre 75001

Jardin d’Acclimatation: An Entire Park Dedicated to Family

jardin_acclimation

A beautiful park, with pony rides, water fountains, lazy rivers and more, in Paris?

Yes, you heard right! The Jardin d’Acclimatation is one of the best parks in Paris during the summer, especially for kids!

This Jardin is located in the Bois de Boulogne, which is a huge park at the very edge of of Paris city limits. Believe me, if you’re visiting Paris as a family, this place is worth the metro ride!

They have over 49 activities available! So as you can imagine, this spot is a favorite for locals, and Parisian kids often beg their parents (or nannies) to visit the Jardin. Carousels, puppet shows, pony rides and even ice cream shops… What else do you need to have a fun family weekend in Paris?

There is even a jardin plage or garden beach in summertime! Don’t miss this Jardin, it’s by far one of the best places to discover Paris on a family weekend!

jardin d’acclimatation –  Bois de Boulogne, Route de la Porte Dauphine à la Porte des Sablons, 75116 Paris
metro les sablons

Visit the Jardin du Luxembourg as a Family

Courtesy of Parisinfo.com

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of Paris’ oldest and most beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect place to visit on a family weekend because there’s something here for everyone.

The park spans 25 hectares and is separated into English-Style and French-style gardens. Take a stroll through the gardens where you can see thousands of different plants and trees from all over the world.

In the middle of the park, separating the English and French gardens is a huge fountain. Here you can rent toy boats to sail in the fountain, and this is one of the favorite pastimes of local kids. For parents, there are plenty of lounge chairs spread around the fountain, so you’ll have a front row seat for the inevitable boat race. Plus, you have the magnificent Senat building in the background, definitely a feast for the eyes.

The park also has tennis courts, basketball courts and pétanque arenas, all of which are available to the public. For tennis and basketball, you just have to check online beforehand and reserve a time. Pétanque is usually first come first served, and if you stay long enough, you’ll definitely get to see some local pros in action.

Finish off your visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg with a coffee or sweet treat at the famous Angelina café, located in the garden.

jardin du luxembourg – Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard – 75006 Paris

Rainy Weather during Your Family Weekend in Paris?

paris_aquarium1

Paris is also known for its unpredictable whether! But don’t let it get you down, there’s plenty of things to do in the city, rain or shine.

If it’s raining during your family weekend in Paris, I have a solution for you! Underneath the Trocadéro there is a special place that the entire family will appreciate: the aquarium of Paris! Built in 1867, it was actually the first aquarium in the world! Today, there are more than 9,000 species in the Aquarium and more than 600 corals!

From sharks to jellyfish and everything in between, there’s plenty to see here to fill up a rainy afternoon. Kids and adults alike will love discovering this unexpected spot in Paris.

aquarium de paris – 5 Avenue Albert de Mun 75016
open monday through saturday 10:00-19:00

So now you have some ideas of things to do in Paris on a family weekend! I hope this has been helpful for you and that you’ll enjoy discovering Paris with your family.

 

See you soon in Paris!

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