10 Awesome Things to Do in Paris with Kids (No Long Lines, No Stress)
Paris in peak season? Long lines, crowded attractions, and restless kids. But guess what? You don’t have to deal with any of that. The city is packed with wild green spaces, secret playgrounds, and spots where kids can run free. You’re also never far from a crepe stand, making snack breaks as easy as a quick stop on any corner.
Here are ten amazing places where kids can play, explore, and experience Paris without standing in endless queues.
1. Jardin d’Acclimatation
This amusement park in Bois de Boulogne has been delighting kids since 1860. It’s packed with rides, water play areas, a mini zoo, and a little train. Locals love it, but it’s never as crowded as Disneyland. You’ll also find a Korean garden, a puppet theater, and plenty of shaded picnic spots.
2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
One of the most dramatic parks in Paris, built on old quarries with steep hills, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. It’s a great place for kids to run wild, explore caves, and chase ducks by the lake. There’s also a hidden merry-go-round tucked among the trees.
3. Playground at Champ de Mars (Near the Eiffel Tower)
Skip the long lines and let the kids enjoy the Eiffel Tower from the best possible view: a playground right beneath it! Located on the opposite side of the Seine, it has slides, climbing structures, and plenty of space to burn off energy while you enjoy the view. Free and never too busy.
4. Tuileries Garden Playground & Carousel
This garden next to the Louvre has an old-school carousel, a huge playground, and even trampolines. In the summer, there’s a funfair with a Ferris wheel and carnival games. No queues, no waiting – just grab a bench, let the kids run, and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic parks.
5. Jardin du Luxembourg
A paradise for kids, with one of the best wooden carousels in Paris, a sprawling playground (small fee), and model sailboats to push around the fountain. The park dates back to 1612 and is a favorite for local families. There’s also a tiny puppet theater with classic French marionette shows.
6. Bateau Mouche (Seine River Boat Ride)
A boat ride down the Seine means no walking, no lines, and great sightseeing from the water. These boats glide past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, keeping kids entertained while you enjoy the views. Try to go early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
7. Paris Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts de Paris)
Yes, a museum about sewers – and kids love it! It takes you into the tunnels beneath Paris, where you can see how the city manages its underground waterways. It’s weird, a little gross, and completely fascinating. Plus, it’s never crowded, which makes it one of the easiest attractions to visit.
8. Parc Zoologique de Paris (Vincennes Zoo)
This modern zoo is divided into five massive biozones, from the savannah to the Amazon rainforest. The towering Grand Rocher (a giant artificial rock) dominates the landscape. Unlike many big-city zoos, it has open, spacious enclosures, and even on weekends you won’t be stuck in long queues.
9. Canal Saint-Martin & Seine River Banks
Parisians head here to picnic, stroll, and let their kids climb the little play walls scattered along the banks. The canal itself has swing bridges and old locks that are fun to watch in action. No crowds, no waiting, an easy place to let kids roam freely.
10. Cité des Enfants (at Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie)
A hands-on science museum built specifically for kids. Everything is interactive – water games, construction zones, and experiments they can touch and try. Entry is timed, so it never feels packed. The best part? It’s inside Europe’s largest science museum, so there’s plenty more to explore nearby.
As you can see, Paris with kids doesn’t have to mean long lines and restless waiting. The city is packed with places where they can climb, run, explore, and experience something new without the usual tourist crowds.