Little ones can run, play, and sail the day away at Luxembourg Gardens. You can rent a vintage toy sailboat and watch it glide across the Grand Bassin du Luxembourg, but that's not all the Gardens offer to keep kids occupied. You’ll also find a playground with climbing structures, swings, and, in true Paris fashion, a piece of art that doubles as a maze. You can also grab a seat at the marionette theater, which is also the city’s largest puppet theater, for a show.

Whether you take the stairs or the glass elevator, the journey up the Eiffel Tower is half the fun, with peekaboo views of the city unfolding as you ascend. Once you're at the top, though, you (and the kids) can marvel at panoramic views of Paris below. Point out landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, from 1,000 feet (305 meters) in the air. Stick around after sunset to see the tower light up—then watch as it twinkles on the hour, each hour, for five magical minutes.

If you need a break from clocking steps, hop on a cruise of the Seine River. It's a great way to see the sights; spend an afternoon gliding past Parisian icons while a local shares insight and snacks for the kids. After your boat ride, explore the Parc Rives de Seine, a promenade stretching from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, and the Berges de Seine, a sprawling 25-acre (10-hectare) green space. Kids can bike, scooter, and burn off energy on climbing walls.

Home to the towering Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre is filled with fun surprises for kids. Start with a stop at Place du Tertre, where young artists can watch street painters at work, try their hand at creating their own masterpieces, or sit for a portrait. For an insider’s take and to escape touristy crowds, you can explore this top family destination in Paris on a Montmartre walking tour with a local guide to share off-the-beaten-track sights and point you to the city’s best croissants.

The Louvre might not top the typical list of fun things to do with kids in Paris, but with a little planning it can be an enjoyable family experience. The key: Skip the lines with a private guided tour designed for kids. The guide keeps everyone engaged with fun facts and stories tailored to your children’s ages, all while avoiding meltdowns. Afterward, burn some energy exploring the iconic glass pyramids outside, which is perfect for photo ops—and a fun way to cap off your museum adventure.

One way to get kids to love a museum is to make it interactive. At La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, kids can pilot spacecraft in the Planetarium, explore the human body, and get hands-on in the La Cité des Enfants section. Over at the French National Museum of Natural History, history comes alive through tactile displays and engaging lessons. Little ones can try illusions, perform tricks, and watch live magic shows at the Museum of Magic.

No family Paris travel guide is complete without highlighting the city's best pastries, desserts, and crepes. Head to Ladurée for their famous macarons. Check out Le Bonbon au Palais (not far from the Louvre), a candy shop designed like a classroom that curious kids will adore. For another way to explore, kids can tour the scenic streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and visit Paris’ oldest chocolate shop on a treasure hunt through the neighborhood.

Nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Jardin des Plantes offers a beautiful escape from the bustle. Kids will love the small zoo, the Ménagerie, and strolling through the plant gardens. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grass for a relaxing family afternoon. Families looking to capture their Parisian adventure should consider a small-group walking tour with a guide to snap the perfect shots at nearby mainstays, such as Fontaine Saint-Michel and Eglise Saint Julien Le Pauvre.

Paris is home to some of the most enchanting carousels in the world, making it easy to add a little whimsy to your family adventure. The Jardin du Trocadéro Carousel offers a picture-perfect ride with the Eiffel Tower as its backdrop. Otherwise, you can visit the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) and ride the vintage carousel. For extra fun, head to La Villette Park where a whimsical, double-decker carousel wows kids with its spinning hot air balloon, planes, and more.

Versailles is an easy and worthwhile Paris day trip for the whole family. The epic Palace of Versailles dazzles with its ornate rooms and stunning Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces), but the real magic lies in the expansive Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles. Wander past manicured lawns, hidden groves, and the grand Versailles Fountains (Les Fontaines), or rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal for a scenic adventure.