Guest post by Rissa Gatdula-Lumontad
Paris normally connotes images of romantic holidays and shopping sprees. Yet, Paris is also a great family getaway. There is a myriad of kid-friendly activities that you can engage in in this city of lights, among which include:
1) Ride a boat on the Seine. A cruise on the Seine is definitely a worthwhile endeavor especially for first-timers in Paris. It gives you an overview of the city from a different perspective while it traverses the canals passing through famous tourist spots. It can also be a wonderful bonding experience for the family, enjoying lunch on board amidst beautiful scenery. There are many companies offering boat tours. Take one that offers commentary in your language so the kids can appreciate the tour more. Or, if you are on a budget, take the Batobus, a water bus, which allows you to hop on and off several locations. It is a form of public transportation that is an alternative to the Paris Metro which can be more exciting for the kids.
2) Hunt for the best crepes. Although crepes originated in Brittany, many crêperies are found in Paris. This French delicacy can also be enjoyed in many street food stalls around the city. Whether your child fancies sweet or savory, you will find a place that offers crepes to suit his or her palate.
3) Visit Disneyland Paris. Where else to find the best kiddie entertainment than in the “happiest place on earth?” After storming the old castles, a tour of Sleeping Beauty’s castle can be a welcome prospect. Paris breaks with kids can turn into a magical, more memorable experience at Disneyland Paris. Check out special offers and packages before your visit.
4) Explore the Catacombs. For a totally unique adventure, bring the kids on an exploratory trip to the underground catacombs. Definitely not for the claustrophobic, this can be creepy for the younger kids but the older ones will surely find it a thrilling exploit. Be sure to come early as the lines can be long and admittance is limited to 200 visitors at a time.
5) See The Louvre and spend a relaxing afternoon at the Jardin des Tuileries. The Louvre is a must stop when in Paris, if only to see the Mona Lisa. But even if kids may not be interested in the museum, they will have a grand time at the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. Let them have fun with the chic play equipment around the park, or ride a carousel (or real ponies), all while you take a break on one of the benches. Rent small boats for them to sail in the pond.
6) Go up the Eiffel Tower. Or, if you and your brood are not up to the long lines and the hike, view the tower lights from the ground in the evening. Whether you’re inside or out, the tower will bring awe to both kids and kids at heart.
7) Go museum hopping. Recommended for kids are: the Musée Carnavalet, which has cool scale models of guillotines and artifacts like Neolithic canoes and royal toys; the Musée d’Orsay, which features bold and bright art by renowned masters like Van Gogh and Manet; the Pompidou Centre’s Musée National d’Art Moderne, which has a Children’s Gallery, and the Stravinsky Fountain where you can find musicians, mimes or fire-eaters entertaining you; the Palais de la Découverte, a science museum oriented for younger kids; the Cité des Enfants, a neat children’s museum which allows room for self-discovery. Take advantage of the free entrances at state-owned and some municipal museums. Come early to avoid long lines and for those with entrance fees, be sure to pre-book your tickets way ahead.
You’ll soon discover that there are limitless possibilities to enjoy Paris with the kids and that you may not be able to cover it all in one trip. But you likely won’t mind scheduling another visit!
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Photo credits:
Kids and Eiffel Tower: Vanessa Druckman
Disneyland Paris: Jeremy Thompson
Model boat at Jardin du Luxembourg: Guilhem Vellut