Kids and Family in Paris

Expat families in Paris will find that the city has a wonderful selection of attractions for parents and kids to enjoy together. Indeed, with a range of theme parks, museums and outdoor attractions, France's capital city has something for everyone.

Entertainment for kids in Paris

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris first opened in 1992 and consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. Those who have been to either Disneyland or Disney World in the US might be disappointed by the size of Disneyland Paris. However, it still offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy and is well worth the cost.

Just outside the gates of the theme park is the Disney Village, which leads to one of four resorts. A number of special events are held in the park for annual festivities, such as Halloween and Christmas. Walt Disney Studios is also geared towards children. Kids can ride on almost all the rides without adults.

Musée Grévin (Paris Wax Museum)

The Musée Grévin is one of Europe's oldest wax museums and currently boasts several life-sized wax figures, from Leonardo da Vinci to Marilyn Monroe and former French president Nicolas Sarkozy. This is a fun and unique outing for kids and parents to enjoy. The museum's Kids Discovery tour allows the young ones to learn about how wax artists bring famous personalities to life.

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (Museum of Science and Industry)

Parc de la Villette, in the northern tip of the city, is a vast museum dedicated to having fun while learning about science. The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie regularly curates exhibitions designed to capture children's imaginations and adults' curiosity. Special exhibitions for younger children and young adults guarantee that no one in the family will be bored.

Jardin d'Acclimatation

This amusement park and garden hosts a house of mirrors, an archery range, a miniature golf course, zoo animals, a puppet theatre, shooting galleries and La Prévention Routiere, a miniature roadway operated by the Paris police. Expats worn out by all the attractions can always enjoy the garden, which is full of beautiful flowers and grassy areas to picnic, as well as a lagoon where boats can be rented.

Gaîté Lyrique

This modern cultural institution is devoted to exploring mixed media and digital art forms. Located within a beautifully restored 19th-century theatre in the Marais neighbourhood, the Gaîté Lyrique has a rotating calendar of events ranging from music and multimedia performances to design, fashion and architectural exhibitions. There is even an interactive room dedicated to video games. Older kids will enjoy the colourful and stimulating exhibits that often focus on aspects of play.

CinéAqua

Not far from the Eiffel Tower sits this state-of-the-art aquarium, which boasts the largest tank in France. Complete with projection rooms, live shows and hands-on workshops, children and parents alike will be entertained and educated about underwater life.