When you think about a family trip to Paris, iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre come to mind. However, for those traveling with children, it’s essential to plan activities that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Paris is home to countless outdoor spaces, activities, and adventures perfect for kids. This guide will help you explore the best outdoor activities in Paris for families, making sure your trip is both enjoyable and memorable.
One of the best ways to engage kids in Paris is through interactive outdoor games (You can trust us, we've been doing this for a few years, and this is the feedback we've received from all the parents). From Paris with Fun offers a series of treasure hunts and outdoor escape games designed specifically for families. These activities take you on an exciting journey through some of the most famous parts of the city. Kids solve clues, learn historical facts, and discover hidden gems, all while having fun.
Treasure Hunt along the Seine: This outdoor game allows families to explore Paris from a unique perspective. You’ll follow clues along the Seine, visiting iconic spots like the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, and Notre-Dame. It’s a great way to see the city and keep kids entertained at the same time.
Historic Heart of Paris Game: If you want a more cultural experience, this game takes you through the oldest parts of Paris, where you’ll learn about the city’s rich history while solving puzzles. Perfect for curious kids and history-loving parents.
These treasure hunts last about two hours and are an excellent way to make sightseeing exciting for children. Plus, they’re educational and help families bond while exploring the city together.
2. Best Activities in Paris for Families : Jardin du Luxembourg: Playgrounds, Pony Rides, and Model Sailboats
The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the best family-friendly parks in Paris. Located in the 6th arrondissement, it offers plenty of activities to keep kids entertained while parents relax in the beautiful gardens.
Children’s Playground: The park features an enclosed playground with climbing structures, swings, and sandboxes. It’s a great spot to let kids run off some energy after a day of sightseeing.
Pony Rides: For an extra treat, children can take pony rides around the park, a favorite among younger kids.
Model Sailboats: Head to the large pond in the center of the park and rent a small wooden sailboat. Kids can race them across the water, steering them with sticks, which has been a traditional activity here for decades.
In addition to these attractions, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a beautiful space for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, with plenty of shaded benches and grassy areas perfect for resting.
3. Biking Along the Seine
If your family enjoys cycling, renting bikes and riding along the Seine River is a fantastic way to experience the city. The banks of the Seine, particularly near the Rive Gauche (Left Bank), are pedestrian and bike-friendly, offering stunning views of the river and nearby landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Grand Palais.
Many companies offer family-friendly bike rentals, including options for children’s bikes or bike trailers for younger kids. Biking allows you to cover more ground than walking while still taking in the beauty of the city at a relaxed pace.
For those looking for a more structured activity, guided bike tours tailored to families are available. These tours ensure that your ride is both safe and informative, with plenty of stops for photos and breaks.
4. Picnic at Champ de Mars (Eiffel Tower Park)
No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, and the Champ de Mars park that stretches out in front of the monument is a perfect place for a family picnic. Pack some sandwiches, pastries, and fresh fruit from a nearby bakery, and enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the tower.
Playgrounds: After eating, kids can burn off energy at one of the playgrounds scattered throughout the park. With swings, slides, and climbing structures, these playgrounds are perfect for little ones.
Carousels: For younger children, the carousels near the Eiffel Tower offer a whimsical ride in a magical setting.
The wide open space of the Champ de Mars allows for games of frisbee or just a relaxing afternoon on the grass, making it an ideal spot for families.
If you’re looking for a hands-on experience that both kids and adults will love, why not try a bread-making class? Fro what we have heard during our treasure hunts, this is one of the best activities in Paris for Families that people told us about. Learn how to bake traditional French baguettes, brioche, or ciabatta with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water. The class offers step-by-step instructions on mixing, kneading, and shaping dough, and you’ll even learn the secrets behind the iconic slashes on the crust.
At the end of the class, you’ll taste your freshly baked bread with French butter, cheese, and jam. Plus, you’ll take home your own creations to enjoy later. It’s a fun and educational way for kids to learn about French culinary traditions and to experience the pride of making something from scratch. And after a class like this, every trip to a Parisian bakery will feel a little more special!
Paris offers so much more than its iconic landmarks; it's a city full of surprises, especially for families. From treasure hunts and outdoor games to relaxing bike rides along the Seine and engaging cooking classes, there’s something for every age and interest. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the City of Light—one filled with both learning and fun.
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