Paris with Kids
A Gentle Guide to Wonder, Rhythm, and Rediscovery
I studied abroad in Paris in college, the kind of season filled with late nights, long walks, and an endless hunger for art and discovery of a vibrant culture. But coming back now as a parent has reshaped the way I see the city and how I want to experience it. Paris still holds all of its beauty, but the lens has shifted. It’s less about checking off every museum and cafe, and more about tuning into rhythm, wonder, and the pace of little feet and curious minds.
Here’s how we approached Paris this time around, with children in tow, and why slowing down made it all the more magical.
One Thing a Day
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer, it’s this: plan for just one thing each day. One main activity or destination is enough. Kids need space, both physical and emotional: to wander, ask questions, and let their interests lead the way. That slow pace also invites a different kind of travel: one rooted in presence, not pressure.
It gives room for morning bakery runs, impromptu playground stops, and quiet moments sitting by the Seine watching the boats drift by.
One of the entrances to the Jardin des Planets
Jardin des Plantes | Nature, Creatures, and Curiosity
On one of our slower mornings, we made our way to the Jardin des Plantes, a garden I once rushed through on my way to class. This time, we lingered. The wide paths, blooming flowers, and shady trees became an invitation to play.
Jardin does Plantes in the spring is a must
Tucked along the Left Bank of the Seine, the Jardin des Plantes is far more than a botanical garden though the gardens themselves are dreamy. This sprawling green space is home to a charming zoo (Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes), which our kids absolutely adored. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the world and has an old-world charm that makes it feel like stepping into a storybook.
There’s something here for everyone: big cats, monkeys, flamingos, and even a red panda if you’re lucky. It’s small enough not to overwhelm and shaded by centuries-old trees, which means kids can roam a little freely while adults soak in the Parisian calm.
Magnolia’s favorite—the red pandas in the Ménagerie
The Ménagerie is a the small zoo tucked inside the garden, feels like a little secret. There’s something old-fashioned and charming about it, with winding paths and quiet animal enclosures. It’s manageable for younger kids, and there’s enough variety to spark questions and delight.
There’s something here for everyone: big cats, monkeys, flamingos, and even a red panda if you’re lucky. It’s small enough not to overwhelm and shaded by centuries-old trees, which means kids can roam a little freely while adults soak in the Parisian calm.
Stay a little longer: there’s also a natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons and glittering mineral exhibits is perfect for curious minds on a rainy afternoon.
Gardens at the Jardin des Plantes.
Versailles | Let Them Run
We debated Versailles, but last minute we booked tickets, the passport to the palace and gardens. The grandeur can be overwhelming, but we took a chance—and I’m so glad we did. We planned a guided tour for the palace interiors and left lots of time to explore the gardens, watch the fountains, and sink into the magic of the Queen’s Hamlet, a quiet, storybook corner of the grounds that felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
While some might shy away from Versailles with kids, don’t write it off. The trick is to allot time to spend a whole day there and book a guided tour of the inside the Hall of Mirrors and head straight to lunch before venturing off to the gardens and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. The Hamlet feels like a fairytale village, complete with thatched-roof cottages and winding paths that beg to be explored.
You can rent a bike or even a golf cart to get around the grounds, turning what could be a long walk into a fun adventure. Stop into La Petit Venise or pack a picnic and let the kids run wild in the open air. It’s history, yes, but with enough space and imagination.
There were swans and ducks to chase, secret paths to explore, and space to roam without the pressure of “look but don’t touch.” There are also row boat to rent on the canal and opportunities to let the day unfold at your own pace.
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and Rustic Gardens: The Original Cottage Core
Musée d'Orsay | Maybe Next Time?
Let’s talk honestly: the Musée d’Orsay is stunning. Housed in a former train station, its clocktower views and world-class collection of Impressionist art are breathtaking. But. For many kids, especially those under 10, I found it was a bit much. We tried the Musée on our visit last summer. I love the quiet galleries lined with impressionist art and sculpture, I found while beautiful, it didn’t hold our children’s attention (even with the audio guide) the way dinosaurs, red pandas or sprawling outdoor spaces do.
If you’re an art lover itching to go, consider going solo or with older kids who have a genuine interest. Otherwise, skip it this time and promise yourself a return visit in the future: Paris isn’t going anywhere.
Follow Their Wonder
What I’ve learned most from seeing Paris through my children’s eyes is that their sense of wonder can’t be scheduled. It might show up in the way the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night or in a street performer’s puppet show. It might be a baguette bigger than their head or a new park to climb.
By planning less, we invited more of those moments in. We followed their rhythm—and in doing so, found a slower, more spacious Paris than I ever noticed before.
Honorable Mention
The Jardin du Tulieries has lovely fountains to float boats and the gardens are in wild bloom in spring. Many Parisians spend time sitting and enjoying the sunshine.
A Picnic Spread by the Amazing Sel Hospitalite
Tips for a Paris That Feels Like Play:
Eat simply: Bakeries (boulangeries) are your best friend. A baguette, some cheese, and fruit from a market make the perfect on-the-go picnic..
Embrace the playgrounds: Paris is dotted with charming playgrounds and carousels: don’t rush past them. It some of the sweetest, most thoughtful spaces for children tucked between historic streets. Let kids be kids even in the heart of a city.
Let go of “must-sees”: You’re not here to conquer a checklist. You’re here to share joy, curiosity, and connection with each other, and with the city.
Lower expectations: You don’t have to see everything. The beauty of Paris is in the wandering, the little discoveries, and the moments of delight you can’t plan for.
Paris will always be Paris; timeless, dazzling, full of stories. But parenting has taught me to read those stories differently. With more pauses. With more softness. And with deep gratitude for the little hands that help me see it all anew.