Paris is one of the most magical cities to explore as a family — and the good news is you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. Between iconic landmarks, gorgeous parks and world-class museums, there are plenty of free things to do in Paris with kids that will fill your days with wonder without emptying your wallet. Here are 10 of our favourites.
#1. Photos at the Eiffel Tower, Champ-de-Mars
No list of free things to do in Paris would be complete without this stunning landmark. There’s a fee to climb the Eiffel Tower, but it costs nothing to stand back, admire the view and take beautiful family photos. There’s also a small playground with a carousel at the south end of the Champ-de-Mars, perfect for letting little legs run free afterwards.
#2. Stroll La Promenade Plantée
Situated in east Paris, La Promenade Plantée is a lovely way to explore the city with kids. This tree-lined trail runs for 4.5km, taking you across viaducts and above the streets along a former railway line — a great spot for a family walk with a difference.
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#3. Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
There’s good reason why Notre Dame Cathedral remains one of the most popular attractions in Paris. The building itself is truly impressive, with magnificent stained glass windows and beautiful artwork. Kids will love spotting the gargoyles perched around the exterior (see if you can find the one wearing a hat!). Afterwards, take time to enjoy the squares and bridges nearby, which are often filled with live music and street performers.
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#4. Play-time at Parc André Citroën
This fun, futuristic park is a great open green space and the only Parisian park that opens onto the River Seine. Split into three themed sections, Parc André Citroën features computerised fountains, waterfalls, glasshouses and rare, exotic plants. Kids will love the:
- ball-games area.
- ping-pong tables.
- spring-based toys.
- tethered air balloon offering a ride high above the park.
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#5. Explore Jardin du Luxembourg
These breath-taking gardens date back to 1612 and are split into French and English-style sections. In between the two you’ll find a small forest and a large pond where you can steer remote-control boats.
Kids can learn about bee-keeping in the apiary or admire the stunning orchids in the greenhouses. There are lots of famous statues dotted throughout Jardin du Luxembourg, including the monumental Medici fountain. A small fee applies for the popular playground, and there are often puppet shows and live concerts at the bandstand.
#6. Sacré-Coeur
There are incredible views from outside the Sacré-Coeur, so make sure your camera is charged before you climb the steps to the top of Montmartre hill. Inside this gleaming white basilica, the ceiling is covered with one of the largest mosaics in France. The streets around the Basilica are full of charming shops and restaurants worth exploring afterwards.
#7. Free Open-Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette is a great place to visit with kids. Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the park features a number of red pavilions, or folies, that double as fantastic giant climbing frames, plus a Chinese dragon slide for kids to shoot down. During the summer months, a free open-air cinema runs in the park — a lovely evening activity if your visit lines up with it.
#8. ‘All You Need is Love’
The Love Wall in Montmartre makes a lovely free thing to do with the kids. Situated close to the Sacré-Coeur, this mural features the words I Love You written in hundreds of different languages. Have fun trying to spot different translations together and snap a sweet family photo in front of it.
#9. Free Visits at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
Several of Paris’s greatest museums offer free or reduced-price access at certain times, so it’s well worth checking ahead of your visit. Museums like the Musée d’Art Moderne, the kid-friendly Pompidou Centre, and the Musée d’Orsay have historically offered free entry on certain days, though schedules and eligibility can change, so check current details before you go.
It’s also worth knowing that some major museums, including the Louvre, offer free or reduced entry for younger visitors and EU residents under a certain age — again, worth confirming current terms before your trip. A number of smaller museums, such as the Musée de la Vie Romantique and the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, offer free entry year-round, so they’re a safe bet if you want guaranteed free culture on your trip.
#10. Jardin des Plantes
The main botanical garden in France, the Jardin des Plantes makes a wonderful free family visit. The area is simply beautiful and features:
- playgrounds.
- ice-cream stalls.
- tropical greenhouses.
- a labyrinth.
The garden is also home to a small zoo specialising in conserving endangered species, and the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle. Both venues require a small entrance fee, and the museum is particularly good value thanks to its brilliant interactive exhibits for kids. With so much to see, you could easily spend three to four hours here alone, exploring the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution and its wide variety of animal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eiffel Tower free to visit with kids?
Viewing and photographing the Eiffel Tower from the Champ-de-Mars is completely free. There’s a charge only if you want to go up the tower itself.
Are museums in Paris free for children?
Many Paris museums offer free or reduced entry for children and young people, and some offer free access on certain days. Policies vary by museum and can change, so it’s a good idea to check each museum’s website before you travel.
What’s the best free outdoor activity for families in Paris?
Parks like Parc André Citroën, Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes are all fantastic free options, offering playgrounds, green space and plenty of room for kids to run around.
Is Paris walkable with kids?
Yes — many of the free attractions on this list, such as the Love Wall, Sacré-Coeur and Notre Dame, are within walking distance of each other in central Paris, making it easy to combine several free activities in one day.
Can you recommend some more free things to do in Paris with kids? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
More City Break Ideas
If you’re travelling with kids to other city destinations, check out Free Things to do in London or Fun Things to do in Berlin.
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