Most kids are interested and eager to learn and discover more things. If you are a Parisian or visiting the capital of France, you’re in luck… Many museums in Paris are likely to appeal to children. We have selected several museums in Paris for you and your kids.
15. Meet Lifesize Celebrities at the Grévin Museum
Introduce your child to this iconic Parisian venue and enjoy guessing the names of each artist, star, actor, or singer from the past and present. Visitors can pose alongside legends like Zidane, de Gaulle, and Gandhi.
Children will delight in finding statues of Marsupilami, Sophie la Girafe, Oggy and the Cockroaches, Miraculous, Titeuf, Kylian Mbappé, Matt Pokora, Messi, Kev Adams, and Squeeze. They can even take selfies in the recreated The Voice space!
14. Introduce Your Child to the Louvre Museum
This iconic Parisian institution is widely recognized. Admission is free for children (under 26), and guided tours and thematic workshops are regularly scheduled for young visitors.
Prepare for your visit, as the museum is vast! The Studio is an engaging area in the heart of the museum featuring a reading corner, giant coloring, and board games.
The museum’s cultural mediation team has created high-quality online content for young audiences, including stories, scavenger hunts, animated cartoons, podcasts, coloring activities, and more to enhance your visit.
13. A Kid-Friendly Museum: The Musée en Herbe
Visit the Musée en Herbe in the 1st arrondissement, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This museum is proud to be “the only museum for ages 3 to 103,” emphasizing its appeal across generations.
It hosts significant art exhibitions in which visitors actively participate. Family-friendly, playful walks are available, and birthday parties can even be held there.
Workshops for kids, including baby workshops for ages 2.5 to 5 and Maxi workshops for ages 6 to 12, are also offered.
12. Discover the World’s Treasures at the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum
Embark on a journey through Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas with your child! The Quai Branly Museum, one of the largest in Paris, is a gateway to global cultures, making it a must-see for educating and inspiring young audiences about art.
The museum features priceless works, a vast collection, surprising temporary exhibitions, and two hectares of beautiful gardens close to the Eiffel Tower.
Tip: The museum is open on Mondays during school holidays.
11. Explore the Museum of the Monnaie de Paris
Take your child to the captivating Museum of the Monnaie de Paris to uncover the secrets of coin production! Established by Charles the Bald in 864, it is one of the oldest institutions in the world.
The museum showcases rich collections, numerous artifacts, and the entire production process, highlighting the craftsmanship of the Monnaie de Paris. This unique visit is suitable for kids, with a special pathway designed for them!
10. The Pompidou Center: A Must-Visit for Modern Art Lovers
For children who appreciate art, introducing them to the Pompidou Center is a great idea. Everything about this museum is remarkable—from its architecture to its extensive permanent collection and dynamic temporary exhibitions.
Art enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy! Kids can view famous masterpieces from the 20th century, including works by Matisse, stunning Kandinskys, and beautiful paintings by Chagall.
The view of Paris from the museum’s top floor is a perfect way to conclude your visit.
9. Incredible Experiences at the Museum of Illusion
If you want a fun family outing, consider visiting the Museum of Illusion. Focused primarily on optical illusions, this museum has numerous captivating rooms that will entertain and fascinate visitors.
The experience will challenge your senses while providing insights into vision and brain function.
8. The Immersive Notre Dame Experience: a Feast for the Eyes
Our beautiful cathedral has not yet been rebuilt after the devastating fire of 2019… Fortunately, technology allows us to enjoy this gem as if it were still accessible to the public.
In fact, thanks to VR, Notre Dame may now be more accessible than ever! The virtual expedition offers a 45-minute immersive experience. You can tour the cathedral as if you were there, and that’s not all!
You will also get to relive its history and explore previously inaccessible areas.
7. Science Experiences: Learning Through Enjoyment
Another museum showcasing the fun side of learning is Science Experiences, an immersive multiscience museum of high quality.
This adventure combines sensory immersion with amusement park experiences based on science. Created by passionate individuals, the museum aims to amaze and entertain while effectively imparting knowledge.
6. Rex Studio for Movie Enthusiasts
For kids who love films, Rex Studio is a fantastic destination. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, this museum provides a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process.
Visitors can step into realistic sets and assume roles as directors, actors, or projectionists while learning how films are created.
It’s an engaging and entertaining experience for the entire family.
5. The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution: A Classic Destination
If your children haven’t yet explored the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution at the National Museum of Natural History, make it a priority!
For almost 30 years, this iconic site has continually evolved, with one enduring theme: wonder. Your children can embark on a grand adventure through biodiversity, marveling at various terrestrial and aquatic specimens.
4. The Paradox Museum
Although the Paradox Museum is still relatively unknown in France, that’s about to change! After delighting audiences in cities like Miami and Barcelona, this immersive and illusion-based venue has finally opened in Paris, appealing to children and adults.
For over two hours, families can explore over 90 incredible experiences, including optical illusions and surprising experiences, in a carefully designed multisensory adventure.
3. The Chocolate Museum for Treat Lovers
Your children will learn that education can be delightful at the Chocolate Museum! Over a 90-minute experience, they will uncover the secrets of chocolate: its history, how it’s made, and its rise in popularity.
The museum offers a kid-friendly educational tour. During the tour, children can sample chocolates and admire beautiful chocolate sculptures.
2. The Museum of Magic and Automata
Not many know about the fantastic magic museum in the 4th arrondissement.
Visitors can explore a unique collection of over a hundred automata and numerous magical artifacts and optical illusions.
To cap off the experience, a live magic show will entertain the entire family and provide insights into the history of French magic.
1. The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
When selecting Parisian museums that are engaging for children, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a must-mention.
Nestled in the city’s largest landscaped park, this museum invites families to explore the wonders of science and the excitement of discovery.
With features like a planetarium, an Argonaut submarine, and various exhibitions, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie makes learning enjoyable. The Cité des Enfants offers hands-on experiences tailored for kids aged 2 to 12.
Finally, we hope this article has been helpful. Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience!
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, many museums in Paris offer free entry for children under 18. This includes major attractions like the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. Additionally, EU residents under 26 can also benefit from free admission at many museums. Some museums may have free access on the first Sunday of the month, making it even more affordable for families to explore Paris' rich cultural scene.
The most kid-friendly area in Paris is Le Marais. This historic district offers plenty of activities for families, including parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and cultural attractions. Highlights for kids in Le Marais include:
- Place des Vosges: A beautiful park with playgrounds where children can run and play.
- Musée Carnavalet: A museum dedicated to the history of Paris, which often has exhibits appealing to younger audiences.
- The Pompidou Center: This museum of modern art has special children’s workshops and activities.
Additionally, the nearby Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis are great for leisurely strolls, with the opportunity to see iconic sights like Notre-Dame and enjoy ice cream from the famous Berthillon.
Other notable areas for families are Jardin du Luxembourg, where kids can enjoy puppet shows, pony rides, and a playground, and Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne, which features amusement park rides, a petting zoo, and other attractions for young children.
The Catacombs of Paris can be an intriguing experience for older kids, especially those interested in history and archaeology. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Age Appropriateness: The Catacombs can be quite dark and may be unsettling for younger children or those sensitive to topics related to death and burial. Generally, it's recommended for kids aged 10 and up.
- Content: The catacombs contain the remains of over six million people, arranged in artistic displays. While this may fascinate older kids, it can also be eerie for some.
- Accessibility: The visit involves descending a long spiral staircase (around 130 steps down) and navigating through tight spaces, which might be challenging for younger children or strollers.
- Educational Value: The Catacombs offer a unique perspective on Paris's history and are a significant part of the city's heritage, making them an educational experience.
If you decide to take your kids, prepare them by discussing what to expect, and gauge their comfort level with the experience beforehand.
