8 Fun Things to Do in Paris with Kids
Finding fun family activities in Paris can sometimes feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Between the museums where you can’t touch anything and the endless queues that test every parent's patience, little adventurers tend to lose their patience.
And yet… Paris is full of playful gems just waiting to light up the curiosity (and the senses) of the whole gang. We’ve rounded up 8 seriously good ideas to laugh, marvel, and learn — without even realizing it.
1. Les Canards de Paris: the bus that drives… and sails!
ELet’s start with our favorite duck — Marcel! Forget the usual tour buses — this one floats. If your last bus ride lacked a little flair, it’s time to hop aboard this quirky half-bus, half-boat. 100% fun guaranteed!
Led by funny guides, you’ll cruise past Paris’s top landmarks before — splash! — diving straight into the Seine. (No need for a swimsuit — you’ll stay dry… well, almost.)
While the kids giggle through the splashes, grown-ups get to see the city from a whole new angle. It’s joyful, offbeat, and the kind of Paris memory you’ll talk about long after the trip. Forget the dull hop-on hop-off — Marcel is the unmissable way to discover Paris without leaving your seat.
More about Les Canards de Paris here.
2. Dive into the Paris Aquarium beneath the Trocadéro
Let’s stay in the water — again, no swimsuits needed — and head to the Paris Aquarium, just across the river from the Eiffel Tower. A short walk from our Marcel’s departure point at the Champ de Mars, this magical spot is tucked right beneath the Trocadéro, and it's a hidden gem for families.
Inside, you’ll find 13,000 sea creatures: sleek sharks, diva-like carps, colorful tropical fish, and Europe’s largest jellyfish collection, floating like glowing dancers. There’s even a touch pool where kids (and curious grown-ups) can gently interact with some of the sea life — no grumpy museum guards here!
Add to that a real mermaid show and fun seasonal events, and you’ve got the perfect mix of wonder and calm. You’ll come out amazed, maybe even a little zen (unless your kids are on turbo mode)… all without ever leaving Paris.
3. Captain your own boat on the Canal de l’Ourcq
Okay, we’ll admit it — we really like water. But can you blame us?
It’s way more fun than walking on pavement. With Marin d’eau douce, you can be the captain of your own electric boat on the peaceful Canal de l’Ourcq, far from the usual tourist crowds. No license needed — just a sense of adventure (and maybe a baguette or two).
Kids love taking the wheel (with a grown-up nearby, of course), spotting ducks along the banks, and munching on snacks mid-ride. Whether it’s for a floating picnic, an afternoon goûter, or just a breezy cruise toward Pantin — a little town on the edge of Paris — this is a perfect moment to slow down between major sights.
In short: calm waters, happy kids, relaxed parents. Win-win.
4. Hands-on fun at Cité des Enfants
Also located in the Parc de la Villette area, the Cité des Enfants might just be the only museum in Paris where no one says “Don’t touch!”. Here, kids are free to push buttons, splash water, build things, chase beams of light, and spin around to their heart’s content.
Split into two zones — one for ages 2–7 and another for 5–12 — the exhibits are tailor-made for curious minds and busy little hands. It’s interactive, clever, and packed with surprises.
And the best part? It doesn’t feel educational (even though it totally is). Your kids will love it… and you just might, too.
5. My first Cabaret: feathers, fun, and no awkward jokes
My first Cabaret, staged by Kamel Ouali — a beloved choreographer known in France for his work on musicals and TV talent shows — is a sparkling introduction to the world of cabaret, made for families (read: no awkward winks).
Think magic, music, dance, acrobatics, and a joyful, interactive atmosphere that will wow the kids and charm the grown-ups.
Don’t speak French? No worries. While a few moments are in French, the show is visual, vibrant, and easy to follow — pure entertainment that speaks every language.
The bonus? It’s staged at the legendary Paradis Latin, one of Paris’s most iconic cabarets. 100% Parisian, 200% fabulous
6. Wheels, walks, and wows along the Seine
No need to break the bank to enjoy Paris with kids. In a city where crossing the street can feel like an extreme sport, the Parc Rives de Seine offer a welcome break. Reserved for bikes, scooters, strollers and pedestrians, it’s a peaceful ribbon of fun stretching along the river.
From Pont Neuf to Pont de Sully, you’ll zigzag past postcard-perfect views, playgrounds, climbing walls, picnic spots and pétanque courts. It’s safe, scenic, and yes — your kids may still manage to find a reason to complain (probably hunger), but you’ll be too busy enjoying the view
7. Jardin d’Acclimatation: nature, animals & roller coasters
Commissioned by Napoleon III as Paris’s answer to Hyde Park (with a bit more flair, naturellement), and designed by the Haussmann-era dream team, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is where leafy paths, laughing kids, and a touch of old-school Parisian charm come together.
You’ll find 450 animals, more than 1,800 trees and 42 attractions — from the iconic flying chairs to the brand-new "Défi du Dragon" roller coaster. Our favorite? The 3D Rafting Adventure, which launches you into a wild jungle river… all without leaving the city — but yes, you’ll scream for real. What can we say, we love water and a little chaos.
Choose your pace: a simple park pass for a walk, an unlimited ticket for thrill-seekers, or à la carte if you're squeezing in a quick ride between cultural stops. And yes, adults have just as much fun — maybe more.
8. Musée Grévin for selfies with French legends
Want to prove to your friends you’re really in France? Send a selfie next to Marie Antoinette, President Macron, or even Christian Dior — all waiting for you at the Musée Grévin. This famous wax museum is a fun, slightly surreal way for families to discover the people who’ve shaped French culture, from history and fashion to food and music.
You’ll spot Kylian Mbappé for the football fans, chefs like Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse and Pierre Hermé for the foodies, and Edith Piaf for those who love a classic French tune. And yes, international stars like Katy Perry or King Charles III are here too.
It’s playful, unexpected, and the perfect way to mix fun and French culture in one photo-filled visit.
With all these fun family ideas, we hope we’ve inspired you to discover Paris a little differently — laughing, wandering, and exploring together. Because yes, this city isn’t just for grown-ups with guidebooks. It can be a giant playground for kids and parents alike.
So grab your sneakers and your cameras — and if you hear a bus full of people shouting wildly in front of the monuments… don’t worry. That’s probably just us. Quack quack 🦆