10 Mostly Cheap Things to Do in Paris With Kids (2024)
Discover budget-friendly family fun in Paris with these ten kid-friendly spots! From lush gardens to playful parks and captivating statues, enjoy Paris together!
Is it possible to experience Paris without breaking the bank? Absolutely! I recommend budgeting for essential expenses like food and accommodation, then exploring the plethora of affordable and often free activities for families in the city.
Paris generously offers a wealth of free attractions, including parks, gardens, statues, and captivating architecture. With the city's abundance of charming sights and stylish fashion, doing Paris on a budget with kids is more achievable than you might imagine.
Why visit Paris with kids?
Paris, a city rooted in its long-standing traditions, revealed a refreshing playfulness during my visit in June.
Immersed in the vibrant streets of Paris, you'll uncover a harmonious fusion of gardens, captivating museums, and breathtaking beauty that ignites your senses unlike anywhere else.
Love is woven into the fabric of this city, as Parisians effortlessly express the four-letter word without hesitation.
As a parent venturing through Paris with kids, I was pleasantly taken aback by how effortlessly we embraced a slower rhythm, cherishing every precious moment.
In Paris, the art of leisure is a well-practiced craft among the locals, offering us a valuable lesson in the joy of idleness that we wholeheartedly embraced.
BONUS: Check out 5 Little-Known Reasons To Visit Paris With Kids
Before you go, check out these Paris guides perfect for families.
What is the best way for a family to get around Paris?
Based on my personal experience, we opted for walking or using Uber to navigate through the charming streets of Paris. Uber rides were hassle-free to arrange, and we discovered that exploring Paris on foot revealed its true beauty.
Other families traveling to Paris have mentioned that the bus, metro, or tram are also convenient modes of transportation. However, if you're accompanied by a baby or toddler in a stroller, like we were, I would suggest avoiding public transportation to minimize any potential challenges or inconveniences.
Where to stay in Paris with kids
Travelers love Saint Germain as it is safe, local, and friendly. It is also close to a handful of parks for kids to run free. We stayed at two luxury hotels in Paris and we both welcomed to families.
Nolinski Paris Hotel |Nolinski Paris is located across the street from the Louvre and it has a pool!
Le Burgundy Hotel | Just steps away from the iconic Coco Chanel store and a mere 5-minute stroll to the Tuileries Garden, complete with its charming park, delightful carousel, tempting ice cream, and cozy cafes, Le Burgundy Hotel presents a high-end experience for families in search of a touch of luxury.
How to plan a vacation to Paris with kids
TIP: Don't limit your Paris visit to museums and cultural attractions when traveling with kids.
Otherwise, you might find yourself dealing with restless little ones.
To truly experience the enchantment of Paris with your kids, discover the spots where they can unleash their energy and have fun.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some exciting ideas for kid-friendly activities in Paris.
10 kid-friendly cheap things to do in Paris
01 | SPEND HALF A DAY AT JARDIN DES TUILERIES
The Tuileries Garden, located in front of the Louvre, is an enchanting haven that could easily occupy hours of your time.
Originally a royal garden, it has now become one of Paris' top attractions.
This sprawling park is divided into three sections, each offering a plethora of sights and activities to explore.
However, what truly captured my heart were the charming cafes scattered throughout the area. Nothing beats the joy of indulging in delicious treats amidst the serene beauty of a public park, and you'll even find delightful ice cream options to satisfy your cravings.
LOCATION | Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France
02 | VISIT THE LOUVRE
Unmissable must-see: The Louvre Museum - an essential Paris experience.
Insider Tip: Purchase and reserve your tickets in advance, and aim to arrive early.
With its vast collection, exploring every corner of the Louvre could take days. Prior to your visit, check their website to customize your itinerary based on your family's interests.
Remember, kids may reach their art saturation point at some stage.
A standout feature of the Louvre is the dedicated children's discovery and creation area on the ground level of the Richelieu wing. It offers interactive experiences where kids can engage and touch, not just observe.
LOCATION: 75001 Paris, France
03 | SPEND AN EVENING AT THE JARDIN DU PALAIS ROYAL
Jardin Du Palais Royal feels like a little village tucked into a big city.
You can find refuge in the heart of Paris here with your kids among old architecture, fountains, and beautifully landscaped rose bushes.
This lovely park is also within easy walking distance of the Louvre.
BONUS| There is a public sandbox for children to play in and restaurants in the area to find a bite to eat. This is the perfect place to hang out before dinner as the sun goes down.
LOCATION| 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
04 | RIDE EVERY CAROUSEL
Fulfill your childhood nostalgia for a carousel ride in The Tuileries Garden.
When we cruised through the park, this was one of the activities that we loved. The carousel also played American tunes. I thought this was super funny.
TIP| If you decide to eat at the cafe next to this park, one parent can wait at the table for the food to arrive while the other one takes the kids to the park.
LOCATION| Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France.
North of the garden, near the Castiglione entrance.
05 | VISIT THE PLAYGROUND AT JARDIN DES TUILERIES
As I previously mentioned, the possibilities for enjoyment in Tuileries Park, located near the Louvre, are truly boundless. Amidst the picturesque gardens, you'll discover a dedicated children's park adorned with an array of captivating play structures.
What delighted me further was the sight of both locals and tourists alike, all relishing the playground's offerings. It was evident that this park holds immense appeal for individuals of all backgrounds, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
LOCATION| Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France.
North of the garden, near the Castiglione entrance.
06 | VISIT THE PLAYGROUND AT JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Jardin Du Luxembourg is home to the ultimate playground in Paris. We stumbled into this park as we were walking around the area. We ended up spending the rest of the morning in the sandbox.
This park puts other parks to shame. It has features for kids of all age levels and an endless amount of structures to play in and around. Parents can sit and enjoy the 17th-century park while kids run off steam.
BONUS| The park was recently redone in 2019 and is both safe and clean.
LOCATION| Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard 75006 Paris.
For a deep dive into what this playground has to offer, check out this article, ULTIMATE GUIDE TO JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG PLAYGROUND IN PARIS.
07 | SPEND A DAY AT PALACE OF VERSAILLES
Palace of Versailles makes for a lovely day with kids. Roughly a 30-minute drive outside of Paris, give or take with traffic, you can explore one of the most exquisite palaces in the world. Tour the palace, learn some history, and also see the gardens.
In fact, I would bet on it that most kids would enjoy the gardens of the palace more than the palace itself.
From numerous fountains and little cupid statues to ponds and even a train ride around the grounds, the gardens are a marvelous way to take in the rich culture of France while getting fresh air. Plus, the fountains will take your breath away…
READ MORE| 10 Things To Know Before You Visit The Palace of Versailles With Kids (In The Summer).
LOCATION| Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.
08 | ENJOY THE SEINE RIVER
One of the less structured yet delightful activities to partake in with kids is taking a leisurely walk to appreciate the various bridges and footbridges that gracefully stretch over the Seine River.
You can amble along, absorbing the scenic views until little feet grow weary, and then treat yourselves to a delightful ice cream indulgence.
09 | VISIT SAINT GERMAIN FOR CHOCOLATE SHOPS
Saint Germain is known for being a hub for the artsy and intellectual folk. The place was the meeting point for existentialists, painters, and writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Here you will find things like museums, cafes, luxury stores, and a famous church.
From a kid’s point of view, however, they would love that chocolate shops can be found on almost every street in St. Germain.
We visited Alain Ducasse and stocked up on gourmet chocolates. Ducasse chocolates are know for their single-origin ganaches, flavoured ganache and praliné.
10 | ENJOY PARIS STREET FOOD
When it comes to experiencing the charm of Paris with kids, my personal favorite is through the avenue of food.
Embark on a delectable adventure by savoring an array of street food delights, from mouthwatering crepes to tantalizing ice cream shops and exquisite French macarons.
Devote an afternoon to sampling these culinary treasures with your little ones, creating lasting memories and delightful flavors that will surely leave a lasting impression of Paris.
Before you go, check out these Paris guides perfect for families.
What are your favorite things to do in Paris with kids? Please share them!
Paris with kids FAQ
How many days do you need in Paris with kids?
5 days is a great amount of time to spend in Paris with kids without feeling rushed.
Can you get around Paris without knowing French?
Navigating Paris without speaking fluent French is entirely feasible, as many people, particularly those in the service industry, are proficient in English. However, it is still considerate and appreciated to familiarize yourself with a few basic French phrases such as greetings, farewells, and expressions of gratitude.
Do children pay for the bus in Paris?
No charge for children under age 4. For kids between ages 4 -9 they pay half price.
Is Paris-child-friendly?
While Paris may not be specifically marketed as a child-centric destination, it still offers plenty of enjoyable activities for families. It's true that the city has long been renowned as a mecca for lovers and artists, but it also presents a unique charm that can be appreciated by visitors of all ages.
Is it safe to bring kids to Paris?
Indeed, Paris is a safe destination for families traveling with kids. However, as with any dense city, it's always wise to exercise caution and be mindful of your belongings. Taking basic precautions to protect your belongings is advisable when exploring any major city.
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