I’m a Mom in Paris—and These Are My 11 Must-visit Spots With Kids in the City of Light

Paris is a city that travelers often approach with high expectations. From world-class dining and renowned museums to picturesque parks and charming cafes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a trip—especially with kids in tow. As an American mom of a toddler and a 5-year-old, married to a native Parisian, I’ve learned how to explore the City of Light at a leisurely pace the entire family can enjoy. While Paris offers countless experiences that delight visitors of all ages, these 11 spots are our family’s trusted favorites, places where both little ones and grown-ups can savor the true spirit of the city.

Musée Rodin

Located on Paris’s Left Bank, this intimate museum showcases the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin—most notably The Thinker. In addition to its acclaimed collection, the property features beautifully manicured sculpture gardens and an on-site cafe, perfect for a casual coffee or an ice cream break. The museum offers a year-round calendar of family-friendly events, such as the chasse aux œufs (Easter egg hunt), where our daughter delighted in collecting eggs throughout the gardens in exchange for chocolates. A current highlight for families is L’Atelier Rodin, a dedicated space where children of all ages can explore the art of sculpture through hands-on activities.

Grand Palais

There’s always a captivating exhibition or event to discover at the architecturally stunning Grand Palais. Our family has enjoyed attending a variety of seasonal happenings, from ice skating at Le Grand Palais des Glaces to the Festival du Livre de Paris, which brings together hundreds of authors and publishers. The Children’s Palace recently debuted its very first exhibition, “Transparence,” a sensory journey exploring the concept of transparency through science and art, on view until Aug. 2027. In addition to this must-see exhibition, the Grand Palais is home to two expansive spaces dedicated to play and curiosity, including Le Salon Seine—a family-friendly area with interactive art, creative games, a collaborative mural, and a cafe.

A quick note for families with event tickets: Be prepared for long lines at the entrance, even if you’ve purchased tickets in advance.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

A standout destination beloved by visitors of all ages, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum and cultural center celebrated as an architectural icon. The “David Hockney 25” exhibition is currently stealing the spotlight until Aug. 2025, accompanied by an art workshop designed for children ages 6-10 and their families. After your visit, let your little ones burn off some energy in the vast Bois de Boulogne park that surrounds the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Be sure to check the museum’s annual programming, which includes popular events like Nuit des Musées and the Family Festival, among others.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

For families seeking the thrill of an amusement park without committing to a full day at Disneyland, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is an ideal alternative, located within minutes of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This destination is a true Parisian institution, adored by locals and visitors alike for its wide range of attractions, from roller coasters and carnival-style games to an educational farm with hands-on animal encounters. My husband loves bringing our kids here with his family, sharing the magic of his own childhood visits across generations. Leave it to Paris to offer an amusement park experience that’s genuinely enjoyable.

Jardin des Plantes

Paris is home to an impressive collection of parks and gardens, like the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, but we always find ourselves returning to the Jardin des Plantes, nestled in the city’s 5th arrondissement. Take your time exploring the gardens, including the greenhouses, which are noteworthy even when the blooms aren’t at their peak. Inside the gates, you’ll also find La Ménagerie (the zoo) and several museums, including the well-known Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. You could easily spend an entire day discovering the Jardin des Plantes—a place sure to spark the curiosity of every family member.

Jardin Catherine‑Labouré

One of the reasons I love raising kids in Paris is the fact that you can find a park or playground on nearly every block. We’re lucky to have several options scattered throughout our arrondissement, but this quaint jardin (garden), just minutes from Le Bon Marché, has become a regular escape for our family. Tucked off Rue de Babylone, it’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there—but step inside and you’ll find a well-maintained playground, a green space for lounging, and benches situated beneath leafy vines, ideal for reading. This hidden gem provides a welcome pause from the bustle just beyond the park’s edge.

Chantelivre

Browsing for books is a simple yet extremely satisfying way to spend an hour (or two) in Paris. We’re spoiled by the abundance of charming bookshops in Paris—like Chantelivre on Rue de Sèvres, a delightful spot known for its curated selection of children’s literature. With cozy reading nooks in a newly renovated space, this bookshop is also home to La Maison des Histoires, an interactive musée jouer (play museum) inspired by classic children’s books designed with young kids in mind. Grab a coffee and pastry at the cafe before settling into story time. 

Oobatz

What kid (and adult) doesn’t love a good slice of pizza and a pizzookie (cookie topped with ice cream) for a decadent dessert? Located in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, Oobatz is serving up slices the whole city seems to be talking about. While the restaurant itself is quite intimate, it accepts reservations and opens for dinner service at 6 p.m.—much earlier than many other Parisian establishments. In other words, it’s deal for a laid-back family meal—just don’t forget to book your table ahead of time. 

HolyBelly

When it comes to brunch in Paris, HolyBelly is a family-run favorite, best known for its seriously good pancakes in the 10th arrondissement. While we don’t make it here as often as our little ones (or we) would like, we recently hopped on the metro for a weekend visit—and it’s always well worth the trip. HolyBelly doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to plan ahead. On weekends, we aim to get there right at opening (9 a.m.) to beat the crowd, while weekdays are typically more relaxed. If there happens to be a line, it tends to move quickly. One unexpected perk: The lively environment easily absorbs toddler chaos, so there’s no need to stress about noise here.

Plaq

Hot chocolate is another beloved Parisian specialty, with iconic spots like Angelina, Carette, and Les Deux Magots earning reputations for some of the best cups in town. But Plaq offers a distinctly different experience. With their bean-to-bar philosophy, they oversee every step of the process, from sourcing the cocoa beans to crafting each final creation. They now have two locations in Paris, including their newest outpost on Rue du Cherche-Midi. There, you’ll find an exciting selection of treats, including their signature chocolate bars, seasonal specialties like ice cream in the warmer months, or a personal favorite: hot chocolate topped with chantilly when the weather turns cold.

Café Isaka

Inspired by the flavors of Asia, Café Isaka brings a playful twist to typical artisanal ice cream you might find elsewhere. Tucked in the heart of Paris’s 1st arrondissement, it’s a charming stop for a refreshing pause amid a day of wandering the city. Whether you’re craving a classic scoop or curious to try their signature fried ice cream, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every sweet tooth. Grab your treat and stroll over to the nearby Palais-Royal to enjoy it among the gardens.