While some believe that bringing kids on a vacation could only cause complications, there’s no need to worry about it when planning a Parisian summer getaway. We’ve compiled the best kid-friendly activities in the bustling city of Paris, from trips to zoos to beach getaways on the Seine. These fun activities will inspire great memories in all children!
1. Visit Paris’s fairs
Paris has numerous fairs in the summer which provide great activities for all ages. The Fête des Tuileries is a traditional fair held in the Tuileries Gardens from late June thru late August. The fair has a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and roller coasters, as well as extraordinary food! The cuisine will satisfy the sweet tooth of adults and children alike as it specializes in crepes, churros, and beignets. Check out furnished apartments in the 1st Arrondissement, where this festival takes place. Another Parisian must-see fair is the Fête des Loges, the city’s oldest fair dating back to 1652. Very similar to the Fête des Tuileries in style, the fair has many attractions for your little ones such as carnival games and children’s roller coasters. Loges’s unique and excellent food selection is a highlight. While the traditional fair food is present, multiple restaurants serve their gourmet dishes for all to enjoy.
2. Bastille Day
Children will enjoy one of the largest celebrations in France’s capital city. Bastille Day, which is celebrated each year on July 14th, commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 that led to the abolition of feudalism and gave freedom to the citizens. This significant holiday is honored with a military parade down the famous boulevard Champs-Élysées, which has been an ongoing tradition since 1880. The parade includes foreign and French military personnel and marks the beginning of the festivities for the day. Savor the outdoor markets and bustling energy with your kids and end your day with a fabulous firework show at the Eiffel Tower. Don’t miss the chance to bring your family to one of the top yearly events in Paris!
3. Go to the beach at Paris Plages
Did you know that when the temperatures rise in Paris, man-made beaches pop up in several locations in the city? The Paris Plages are a great destination for you and your children! Since 2002, the city of Paris has imported massive amounts of sand for a beach getaway within the confines of the capital. The kids can play in the sand while you work on your tan. Learn more about the amusements of the Paris Plages. Do you want to live close to these beaches on your Parisian vacation? Check out these furnished vacation rentals in the 3rd Arrondissement.
4. Celebrate Fête de la Musique
Who doesn’t love music? Fête de la Musique is a great free opportunity to hear different genres of music in multiple settings, including halls, parks, and even metro stations. You and your little ones can enjoy everything from aspiring musicians from local venues to famous French music groups. This spectacular event takes place on June 21st, the day of the year with the most sunlight, and is considered a must-see. Discover this world-famous event in detail! Whether you like smooth jazz, classic rock, or pop music, this cherished Parisian festival can be enjoyed by all.
5. Visit famous Paris landmarks
A trip to Paris would not be complete without visiting some of the renowned landmarks within the city limits. The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1887 and is Paris’s most visited landmark. Visitors may climb multiple flights of stairs or take an elevator to reach an observation deck which offers great views of the city. You can also enjoy a meal in the restaurant on the tower. Stay close to this great Parisian monument by vacationing in a furnished apartment in the 7th Arrondissement!
Easily the most famous museum in Paris, The Louvre houses incredible works including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. This is a great place to bring your kids, since children’s admission is free! A less well-known landmark that shouldn’t be skipped is the Paris Statue of Liberty. A replica one-fourth the size of New York City’s statue, this monument commemorates the peace and alliance between France and the United States. To learn more about hidden sights within Paris, check out this guide!
6. Paris’s pools
Paris offers different methods to escape the warm summer temperatures. What better way to spend a hot afternoon than swimming in a public pool? Kids will love the uniqueness of Parisian pools, considering the fact that some are even situated on the River Seine! The Josephine Baker Swimming Pool is a floating swimming pool in the Seine that will be sure to become a lasting memory for you and your children! Discover who Josephine Baker is and why she is so celebrated in Paris. If you wish to take a dip in the cool waters of an indoor pool to prevent the possibility of sunburn, try Chateau Landon or Butte aux Cailles, both located in the 13th Arrondissement.
7. Carnaval Tropical de Paris
Carnaval Tropical de Paris is an annual festival that brings multiple cultures together for one large celebration! This celebration in the 11th Arrondissement originated as a festival for the Caribbean population living in Paris. It has since grown to include countries from all over the world, including China, Brazil, The Netherlands, and more! To be included in the parade, dressing up in a colorful costume and dancing is a must. If you prefer to be a spectator, join over 200,000 people who observe this great gathering for all ages. Considering staying in Paris for the summer? Check out these furnished apartments in the 11th Arrondissement.
8. Visit Paris’ zoo
What better way to spend an afternoon than visiting Paris’s largest zoo? The Zoo de Vincennes offers a fun and exciting way to learn about the different species from around our planet. Children will love an opportunity to see these exotic animals up close! Take a closer look at Le Bois de Vincennes while you’re there. This zoo, which was constructed in 1934, is located in the beautiful 12th Arrondissement and has been recently renovated. The animals’ enclosures have been updated to provide them the best care and environment. Discover some bed & breakfast apartments in and around this arrondissement!
9. Visit great Paris parks
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time in the many parks of Paris! The scenic green spaces are tempting for an afternoon stroll and the sports fields for some physical activity. Arènes de Lutèce is a Roman-constructed arena dating back to the first century. It originally held up to 15,000 people to view Gladiatorial fights, but now this historic location is preserved and open to the public. Children can be found playing in the areas where the gladiators fought long ago! Another great park is the Jardin des Plantes. This botanical garden houses many species of flowers, trees, and other types of plants. There’s even a small zoo on its grounds! Check out furnished apartments in the 5th Arrondissement, where this Jardin des Plantes is located. Lastly, your family should not overlook the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride in the Parc André Citroën. Located in the 15th Arrondissement, this reasonably priced ride in the sky will be a memory your children will cherish. Discover our guide to the top 10 parks in Paris!
10. Go on an adventure outside of Paris!
Go on a journey with your family outside of Paris using the suburban RER trains! The surrounding cities have so much to offer for both children and adults. If you feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle, take a day trip to Bases de Loisirs an hour outside of Paris. This retreat offers traditional beaches, kayaks, and even farms to explore! Another great site outside of the Paris city limits is the Palace of Versailles. This ornate structure is now a museum, but once housed the French monarchy for 100 years before the French Revolution. While it’s no longer an epicenter or French politics, there are still many political assemblies held at this historic location. Explore the splendor of the city of Versailles in its entirety.
Do you have any other kid-friendly activities you’d like to add to our list?
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