There is SO much Paris has to offer for fun for the whole family. Here is a list of my top Parisian spots for toddlers that offer a river of delights.

The first time I ever traveled to Paris, I was 16 and ready to take on the world! I returned 14 years later with a little more understanding of the world…and with my daughter in tow, it was a very different experience of Paris than the first time I walked her cobbled streets! Most people would think that returning to Paris with my daughter at such a young age wouldn’t be as much fun – on the contrary!

So if you’re contemplating a trip to Paris, the City of Lights, and have your little tot in tow. As you flip through your mind’s postcards of boulangeries, romantic sunsets over the Seine, and art-filled museums, you wonder, “What does Paris have for my toddler?” Worry not! The French capital is not just a haven for lovers and gourmets; it’s also a playground for little explorers.

Cité des Enfants

First off, let’s dive into this children’s world inside the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. Cité des Enfants is a museum designed specifically for children and even has a section exclusively for 2-7-year-olds. Here, toddlers will find many interactive games and exhibits to pique their curiosity about science and nature. Try going on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

This amusement park and zoo is a toddler’s paradise. Hop onto the mini train from Porte Maillot, and you’re off on a delightful journey. The park houses animals, an enchanted house, boats to paddle in, and carousels to ride. Remember to carry snacks and a picnic blanket; after all, who could resist a French-style picnic amidst such charm!

Aquarium de Paris

What better way to captivate your little one than with the wonders of the underwater world? Aquarium de Paris, nestled in the gardens of Trocadero, is perfect for a toddler’s short attention span. They can marvel at over 500 species of marine creatures, enjoy delightful water shows, and even touch some friendly fish in special pools.

Playgrounds in Luxembourg Gardens

Filled with flower beds, fountains, and sculptures, the Luxembourg Gardens are a sight to behold. Even more, it houses beautiful vintage-style playgrounds and a traditional carousel, guaranteed to send your toddler into bouts of laughter. Be warned – once your kids discover this place, they may never want to leave!

Disneyland Paris

Would any list be complete without it? A day trip to the magical kingdom of Disneyland Paris will make dreams come true – not just for your toddler, but for you too! It’s designed to amaze visitors of all ages. Just make sure your tot has had a good nap before you go. The park’s enchantment is engaging but can be a bit tiring for the little ones.

Disneyland Paris is just as fun as its American and other international counterparts, with the added European culture (Mickey speaks French fluently). This wonderland is a short train ride from the city but well worth the trek. And depending on your toddler’s energy, you could visit both parks in one day. Fans can meet and greet everyone from Goofy to Captain Hook. In autumn, Disneyland hosts celebrations for both Halloween and Christmas. I highly suggest that if you are traveling with toddlers, as the title suggests to invest in the Fast Pass to avoid enormous queues.

La Ménagerie at Le Jardin des Plantes

One of the oldest zoos in the world, La Ménagerie boasts rare animals like the red panda and Przewalski’s horse. The settings are immersive, allowing your tiny adventurers to journey through different wildlife habitats.

L’Atelier des Lumières

This beautiful and jaw dropping studio recently opened as a space dedicated to digital art and is a huge hit for kids of all ages. Formerly the building was an iron foundry, this building remained empty for nearly two decades until Culture spaces decided to launch the city’s first digital art center. Its goal? To give the works of one artist – so far, they’ve had van Gogh and Klimt – the attention they deserve by projecting them across the ten-meter-high walls using first-rate equipment including 140 film projectors with BARCO lasers.

Marché aux Fleurs et Oiseaux

Throughout the Spring and Summer, the flower market comes alive every Sunday on Île de la Cité! Beautiful colors from hordes of flowers and then accompanied by the sound of squawking and chirping birds! Your littles will get a kick out of the parrots, chickens, and canaries that line the market. Easy access if you use the metro system; it is next to Cité metro station. Vendors sell other animals like ferrets and mice, but children are usually especially keen on the dwarf bunnies (which can be petted).

Sacré-Coeur

I didn’t take my own advice here, and I made this impressive climb with my little in my backpack! The view from the Sacré Coeur is one of the best in the city, and your kids and toddlers will enjoy all the space to run, the view, and, of course, all the fun random street vendors that park there for the day. Warning…there are about 300 stairs waiting for you, and the virtual lack of a queue means a no-fuss ascent. From atop the dome, Paris is at your feet, and children who make it to the top successfully will feel triumphant knowing they are nearly as high as the Eiffel Tower.

Parc André Citroën

If you need an excellent alternative to scaling the Eiffel Tower – take a hot air balloon ride! Resting in the Parc André Citroën, you can enjoy a more original view over the city. Ticket prices are on the same budget as visiting the Iron Lady, but there won’t be nearly as many tourists. Call ahead if you can to ensure that weather conditions are playing ball. It’s in a pretty park, in a pretty neighborhood, but there’s not much else out there. Parks are always a good place for toddlers to visit and take a break.

C’est La Fin- But the Adventure’s Just Begun!

Paris is full of light, love, culture, and food! These aren’t things that you can only enjoy as an adult! My toddler was 3 years old when we first went (2020), and we had a blast just going through the city streets, eating, and riding the tour “Red Bus.” Memories of our first venture are ones I know will stay with her for a lifetime, and that was just the first trip!

With its vibrant culture, Paris can offer a mosaic of cherished memories for your toddler and you. So why wait? Fasten your seatbelts, unfold those strollers, and say ‘Oui’ to a Parisian adventure. And when you return, do share your stories of toddler tales in Paris with us! We’d be delighted to hear your experiences and tips. Bon, voyage!

For more kid-friendly blogs and travel locations – check out this link!