In short
Visiting Paris as a family without breaking your budget is entirely possible thanks to numerous zero-cost options.
- Free admission to museums extended for Europeans under 18 or 26
- City green spaces equipped with rides, theaters and play areas
- scenic attractions freely accessible year-round
- Workshops and thematic itineraries designed to stimulate children's curiosity
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The best solutions for little explorers
Without having to buy a ticket, the French capital offers a variety of experiences that will enchant children of all ages.
Natural History Museum (Jardin des Plantes)
Strolling through the Grand Gallery of Evolution and the outdoor collections allows you to immerse yourself in the world of nature without having to pay for it on the main avenues.
Walk on the Coulée Verte (Promenade Plantée)
An old elevated railway transformed into a suspended park: perfect for walking safely away from city traffic.
The Luxembourg Gardens and the sailing boats
In addition to the accessible playground, the large central pool is the ideal meeting point for observing the traditional wooden model boats.
Cité des Sciences (External areas of the Parc de la Villette)
The surrounding park offers play installations, giant submarines to admire from the outside, and large clearings where you can let off steam.
Our advice
Take advantage of the first Sunday of the month to enjoy free family admission to the major state museums. Just remember to book your time slot online well in advance to avoid long waits!
All activities by age group
Planning your trips around your children's needs and schedules ensures a peaceful and fun vacation for everyone.
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Ideal for: very young children surrounded by nature, bodies of water and farm animals.
Luxembourg Gardens
Ideal for: children aged 3 to 8 years old to play with boats and race along the avenues.
Park of La Villette
Ideal for: children aged 6 to 12 thanks to the giant dragon and playgrounds.
Centre Pompidou Square
Ideal for: Entertainment for all ages with extravagant fountains and street performances.
Coulée Verte René-Dumont
Ideal for: strolling or walking on a completely pedestrian path.
Arenes de Lutèce
Ideal for: Young explorers fascinated by stories of gladiators and ancient spaces.
Museums and places with free access for minors
Many Parisian cultural institutions offer reduced rates for children or free access to their permanent collections.
| Museum / Attraction | Free for Children / Teenagers | Access Note | See adult options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louvre Museum | Free for under 18s | Mandatory online time slot reservation | Tickets |
| Musée d'Orsay | Free for under 18s | Priority entrance dedicated to families | Tickets |
| Carnavalet Museum | Free for everyone | Permanent collection on the history of Paris always free | Tickets |
| Petit Palais | Free for everyone | Splendid internal garden ideal for a quiet break | Free |
| House of Victor Hugo | Free for everyone | Located in the beautiful Place des Vosges | Free |
| Centre Pompidou | Free for under 18s | External square with the colorful Stravinsky Fountain | Closed |
Recommended experiences in Paris with children
Parks and green areas with spaces dedicated to children
Selecting the right green space allows you to alternate cultural visits with moments of pure outdoor recreation.
| Park | Attractions for Children | Neighborhood / Arrondissement | Services Present |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuileries Garden | Trampolines and vintage rides | 1st Arrondissement | Kiosks, restrooms and tubs with chairs |
| Buttes-Chaumont Park | Suspension bridge, cave and waterfall | 19th Arrondissement | Picnic areas, bars and large open lawns |
| Park of La Villette | Dragon Garden and ecological carousel | 19th Arrondissement | Wide open spaces, cycle paths and bars in the Cité |
| Monceau Park | Fenced playground and vintage carousel | 8th Arrondissement | Drinking fountains and shade trees |
| Champ de Mars | Play areas with a view of the Eiffel Tower | 7th Arrondissement | Crepe kiosks, benches and large clearings |
Need to know
- EU minors enter state museums for free.
- Transport is free for children up to 4 years old.
- Many parks offer safe, fenced-in play areas.
- The water from the city fountains is always drinkable.
To keep in mind
- Booking free tickets avoids long waits.
- Strollers encounter steps in old metrostations.
- Public restrooms in parks often require waiting.
- Some historic play areas require a small supplement.
Perfect activities for kids
5 practical tips from the expert
Traveling to Paris as a family becomes a breeze if you know a few little tricks of the trade.
Plan breaks in parks near museums
After a visit to the Louvre, give the children a moment to let off steam on the lawns of the Tuileries Garden to prevent them from getting tired.
Take advantage of the Wallace fountain network
Always carry water bottles with you to fill up at the characteristic green cast iron fountains scattered throughout the city: the water is very fresh and free.
Opt for buses or walking instead of the metro
Traveling above ground avoids the long flights of stairs at historic stations and offers little ones a free panoramic tour of the city.
Take advantage of the free municipal museums for everyone
Institutions such as the Musée Carnavalet or the Petit Palais do not charge admission fees for their permanent collections, even for accompanying adults.
Organize the snack on the banks of the canal
The Canal Saint-Martin and the Bassin de la Villette offer pedestrian spaces ideal for enjoying a snack while watching the boats pass through the locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can strollers be brought into free museums in Paris?
Yes, almost all Parisian museums allow strollers. Larger museums, such as the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay, have dedicated elevators and even a free stroller rental service at the cloakroom.
What's the best way to get around Paris for free with kids?
Children under 4 travel free on all RATP public transport (metro, bus, RER, tram). Children between 4 and 9 years old are entitled to 50% off tickets. Traveling by bus allows you to avoid stairs and enjoy the scenery.
Are there free public bathrooms equipped for baby changing?
The automated public restrooms (sanisettes) on the streets of Paris are completely free and sanitized after each use. Most museums and department stores also have spaces equipped with changing tables.
Which free parks are best suited for very young children?
The Luxembourg Gardens and Monceau Park offer fenced play areas divided by age group, shock-absorbent flooring, large areas shaded by centuries-old trees, and paths easily accessible with strollers.
