Paris is one of those cities that genuinely lives up to the hype with kids in tow — even if you only have a day or two, there’s plenty to see that won’t cost a fortune. This list rounds up the best free and good-value things to do in Paris with children, so you can make the most of your family visit without blowing the budget.
#1. Climb the Eiffel Tower, Champ-de-Mars
Your kids will love this stunning landmark! The Eiffel Tower is busy year-round and queues can be long, so take the stairs if you can — the line is usually shorter, it costs less, and you get a real sense of how high you’re climbing as you go.
Once you reach the second level, you’ll need to take the lift to the very top, where there’s often another short wait. If you’d rather skip the climb altogether, stand back and enjoy some brilliant family photos from the Champ-de-Mars instead. There’s also a small playground with a carousel at the south end of the Champ-de-Mars that younger children love.
#2. Visit Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic sights, and it’s well worth a visit. The building is genuinely impressive, with magnificent stained glass windows and beautiful stonework to admire.
Kids usually enjoy hunting for the gargoyles perched around the building — see if you can spot the one wearing a hat, tucked around the side of the cathedral! Afterwards, take some time to wander the squares and bridges nearby, which are often full of street performers and live music.
#3. Cité des Enfants
A firm favourite with families — the Cité des Enfants is packed with hands-on activities built around games, action and fun experiments. There are two sections, one for 2 to 7 year olds and one for 5 to 12 year olds, so it suits a wide age range. Some activities use braille and sign language, and while French is the main language, audio guides are available in others. Demonstrations run throughout the day, and it’s worth booking ahead for a visit to the Planetarium.
Visiting Disneyland Paris? Check out Disneyland Paris on a Budget.
#4. Outdoor Adventure at Jardin du Luxembourg
These beautiful gardens date back to 1612 and are split into formal French gardens and a more relaxed English-style section, with a forest and a large pond in between where kids can steer little remote-control boats.
There’s plenty to explore — an apiary where children can learn about bees, greenhouses with striking orchids, and famous statues dotted throughout the gardens, including the grand Medici fountain. There’s a lovely playground here too (a small fee applies), along with regular puppet shows and live concerts at the bandstand.
#5. Arc de Triomphe
A great alternative if you’d rather avoid the Eiffel Tower queues with the kids. The Arc de Triomphe is well worth the visit, and entry is free for children and teens (check current age limits before you go, as these can change).
You’ll need to climb around 40 steps to reach the top, but the view over Paris is well worth the effort. The ‘eternal flame’ at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is relit each evening — it’s worth checking the current time locally, as this can vary.
#6. Views at the Sacré-Coeur
The views from outside the Sacré-Coeur are some of the best in Paris, so have your camera ready as you climb the steps up Montmartre hill. Inside this gleaming white basilica, look up to see the ceiling covered in the largest mosaic in France. The surrounding streets are full of charming shops, cafés and restaurants, making it easy to turn the visit into a longer wander.
#7. Take a Boat Ride on the Seine
If the weather turns, a river cruise is a great way to see Paris while staying dry — and everyone gets a seat! Rides typically run for around an hour and take in views of the city’s major landmarks, with live or audio commentary usually available in French and English. For younger children, look out for family-friendly cruises with costumed characters and storytelling built in — it’s worth checking what’s currently on offer, as operators and themed cruises change from year to year.
#8. Free Visits at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
Paris has long had a reputation for offering free or reduced-price museum access, including “first Sunday” free admission at some major museums and free entry for under-26s at others. Museum access schemes do change, so it’s worth checking current opening details and admission policies directly with each museum before you visit — but it’s well worth looking into, as some incredible art can be seen without spending a cent.
Want more ideas for a Paris trip? See 10 FREE Things to do in Paris with Kids.
Can you recommend any more budget-friendly things to do in Paris with kids? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
If you’re planning trips to other cities with the kids, take a look at Free Things to do in Brisbane or Free Things to do in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris expensive to visit with kids?
It doesn’t have to be. Many of Paris’s best-loved sights — including views from the Sacré-Coeur, the outside of Notre-Dame, and the Jardin du Luxembourg — cost nothing to enjoy, and several major attractions offer free or reduced entry for children and young people.
What’s the best way to avoid queues at the Eiffel Tower?
Taking the stairs rather than the lift is usually quicker and cheaper, and it’s a fun challenge for older kids. If queues aren’t for you, the Arc de Triomphe offers similarly spectacular views with a shorter climb.
Are museums in Paris free for kids?
Many museums offer free or discounted entry for children and young people, and some have free admission days. Policies vary by museum and do change, so it’s worth checking directly with each venue before you travel.
What’s a good rainy-day option in Paris with kids?
A boat cruise along the Seine is a great choice, as most cruises are covered and offer great views of the city’s landmarks without anyone getting wet.
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