Paris may not look kid-friendly at first glance. Those tiresome metro tunnels and stairs; the endless list of cultural attractions that seem a bit daunting, especially for younger children. But there are plenty of great things to do with kids in Paris: it's just a matter of planning your vacation around a few attractions that you're likely to enjoy (and in most cases learn from) too.
1. Musee Grevin (Paris Wax Museum)
©2006 Tchitcha. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.
It may be a little old-fashioned, but that's the point. The Musée Grevin is one of Europe's oldest wax museums (it was inaugurated in 1882) and today boasts around 300 life-sized wax figures, from Leonardo da Vinci to Marilyn Monroe and current French President Nicolas Sarkozy. This is a fun and sufficiently odd outing for kids and parents to enjoy, and the museum's "Kid's Discovery" tour will allow younger ones to learn about how wax artists bring famous personalities to (near) life.
2. Paris Parks and Gardens
©2006 Courtney Traub.
Parisian parks are known for their stately, impeccably groomed and presented lanes, lawns, and flora, but they are also wonderful places to play and discover. From old-world pasttimes like sailing toy boats at the Jardin du Luxembourg, riding ponies and enjoying vintage puppet shows, to fun and games on sleek, mentally stimulating new playgrounds, the city's parks and gardens can provide an ideal opportunity for parents to relax a bit while the kids let loose.
3. Cite des Sciences (Museum of Science and Industry)
Nestled in Paris's ultramodern Parc de la Villette in the northern tip of the city is a vast museum dedicated to learning about science-- the fun way. The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (Museum of Science and Industry) regularly curates exhibits designed to captures children's imaginations and pique adults' secret curiosities-- shows like "Snot", which explored common human body functions in a comical, matter-of-fact manner. Special exhibitions for younger children and young adults guarantee no one in the family will be bored.4. Disneyland Paris
©2006 Jo in Pink. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.
Let's face it: a day or two at Disneyland Paris is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The resort facilities, including a golf course, Disney Village, and Davey Crockett Ranch camping grounds, can provide adults an amusing excursion too.
Getting there: From the Chatelet-les-Halles RER station, take RER line A, direction "Marne la Vallée-Chessy" to the end of the line. The park entrance is within minutes of the train exit.
5. Menagerie (Zoo) at the Jardin des Plantes
©2008 Ashley Byock.
The Menagerie, which was founded as a public zoo after the French Revolution, hosts dozens of species of rare animals, in a format that is decidedly out of date. The zoo still has its charm, somehow, though, and can provide a welcome outing for parents looking for kid-friendly activities in Paris.
Also see: Vincennes Zoo
6. Paris Plage (Paris Beach)
©2007 Courtney Traub.
Inaugurated in 2002, Paris Beach (or "Paris Plage" in French) is a free summer event that transforms several spots in Paris into full-fledged beaches, each with a distinct theme. The beach has become a permanent fixture in the Parisian summertime scene. From sunning in the sand to swimming in pools suspended over the Seine, kayaking, or enjoying an evening concert, Paris Plage offers activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.
