Guide to Toddler Travel and Carousel Hopping in Paris

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Jennifer Schwartz
Curated By

Jennifer Schwartz

  • France

  • Paris

  • Arts & Culture

  • Boutique Travel

  • City Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • International Travel

  • Kid-Friendly

  • Sightseeing

  • Gardens

carousel with tower in the background during daytime
Curator’s statement

Pack up the kids, we're headed to Paris! Exploring the City of Lights through the eyes of a child is magical. I encourage you to slow down and take the time to drink it all in, enjoy every moment, hop on a carousel and go to Ladurée and indulge.

The Fora Difference

Book with Jennifer to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Paris, France

Unlock perks by contacting Jennifer to book your trip.

Things to do in Paris, France

ferris wheel next to gardens with cloudy skies

Luxembourg Garden & Ludo Jardin - Ludo Jardin is the playground that tops all playgrounds, and has the breathtaking Luxembourg garden as a backdrop. For a nominal entry fee, there are activities for all age groups including a climbing tower, zip line, and sandy area. Just outside the entrance is one of the oldest carousels in Paris, the Manège Garnier, dating back to 1879.

The Louvre, Musée de l'Orangerie, & Tuileries Garden Ferris Wheel & Carnival - The Louvre with kids is absolutely do-able, just make sure to head to the Tuileries Garden for the Ferris wheel and carnival beforehand. My kids were so tired that we were able to take in the collections at both the Louvre and Musée de l'Orangerie before they woke up from their nap.

Champs de Mars, Trocadero Gardens, & Carousel of the Eiffel Tower - Instead of climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, opt for a picnic on the Champs de Mars and the charming wooden carousel at the foot of the Pont d’elena bridge, looking up at the Eiffel Tower. The photos are iconic.

Ambassade Biologique Recherche, Playground Jardins des Champs-Élysées, & the Disney Store - You can’t leave Paris without walking the Champs-Élysées. While the kids hang out at the Disney Store, sneak away, if you can, for treatment at Ambassade Biologique Recherche. There’s also a lovely shaded playground, right before you cross Av. de Marigny.

Carousel de Saint-Pierre & Sacré-Cœur - This double-decker carousel, at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur, is picturesque. Make sure to go in the morning or late afternoon, as there is no shade.

Ajaccio Square & Rodin Museum - Between the Rodin Museum and the Invalides, there’s an unassuming park with a wooden playhouse, a nice shady spot for a break.

Day Trips from Paris

Palace of Versailles - Pack a picnic, head to Versailles and let the kids be a princess or prince for the day!

Places to eat & drink in Paris, France

tables outside of a building with an orange awning
  • Musée de la Vie Romantique - A delightful museum and tearoom serving light fare.

  • Pink Mamma - Gorgeous and hip Italian trattoria in the Pigalle Quarter.

  • Le Dépanneur - Casual restaurant and bar with a great atmosphere.

  • Le Pigalle - All-day cafe and bar, with a tapas-style menu.

  • Maison Louvard - Restaurant and bakery in the 9th Arrondissement.

  • Maison Aleph - Levantine bakery serving mouth-watering pastries.

  • Chez Raja - Delicious Indian cuisine.

  • Ladurée - Iconic spot for macarons, pastries, and chocolates.

Advisor - Jennifer Schwartz

Travel Advisor

Jennifer Schwartz

Get in touch with Jennifer

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Jennifer within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

For more travel tips, check out my other guides: Guide to Picturesque Picnics in and around Rome, From City to Sea: Guide to Lisbon and the Alentejo Coast and Best Activities & Hotels for a Winter Adventure in Zermatt.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris, part of our larger series on travel to France.