Paris has the reputation of being one of the most romantic cities in the world – heaven for a loving couple. But, there’s another side to Paris – it is also a family-friendly town! Taking a trip with the kids in tow? There’s a lot to keep the little ones amused. Here are some suggestions:
First, there are numerous carousels, pony rides in the Jardin du Luxembourg and guignols, or marionette theaters, taking place all over town. The little ones will especially enjoy the carnival at the Tuileries Gardens. Open in the summer months, this grand park offers the standard carnival staples such as a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, cotton candy and carnival games. Another hit with the young set is Parc Monceau’s playground in the 8th arrondissement or the Jardin d'Acclimmatation, an amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne. There is an elaborate playground there, some rides and even a museum for the toddler set.
A traditional favorite, for people of all ages, is the Eiffel Tower. If you’re in good shape, take a hike to the top with the kiddies the first day (great work-out) and/or take the elevator to the top at night for an awesome view of the sparkling City of Light.
A “spooky” outing is to the Catacombs deep underground. However, if the kids are claustrophic you may want to give this a miss. You follow an underground path below the streets of Paris that is filled with the bones of more than six million people, all stacked neatly in various combinations. There is lighting, but if your kids are a litle unsure of the dark, you might consider bringing a flashlight. Think of it as a more sophisticated “ghost story" experience than the family would share around a campfire at night!
Want to combine a fun outing with a little bit of education? Visit the Parc de la Villette and its child-friendly science museum, Jardin des Plantes, a great zoo in the 5th arrondissement near the Seine or the Jardin d’Acclimation, a unique and relaxed amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne.
The Cite de Science in La Villette is also excellent and fun for kids and adults alike. Afterwards you can take a trip from down the Canal St Martin through six locks and a 2 km tunnel to the Seine. A slow trip but good for a late afternoon when energy is flagging.
The Museum of Natural History (Musee de Histoire Naturelle) is a complex of museums clustered around a botanic garden close to Gare d'Austerlitz -- lots of fascinating things to see, including the spectacular taxidermy displays at the Hall of Evolution -- and not heavily 'touristed' at all. Close by is the Arene de Lutece, one of the original outdoor arenas built by the Romans, and still used for amateur football (soccer) games today. Your kids can tell their friends that they played their favorite sport in a 2000-year-old stadium!
Commute by train to either Disneyland Paris and WDW Studios, with the usual Disney-style rides and concessions, and Parc Asterix, which features such thrill rides as Tonnerre de Zeus, Goudurix and Mehnir Express. One word of warning: get to either park early to avoid long queues, especially during peak travel time.