Paris with Kids: Must-Visit Museums and Interactive Spaces

Paris isn't just for art lovers and romantics — it's also one of the best cities in the world for curious kids. Beyond its famous landmarks, Paris hides a world of interactive museums, science centers, and creative spaces designed to make learning feel like play. With a wealth of children's museums and family-friendly attractions, the city offers endless opportunities for young minds to explore and discover.

Whether your children are fascinated by dinosaurs, outer space, or painting, there's something in the city that will light up their imagination. Here's a guide to the best museums and interactive attractions for kids in Paris, perfect for any season.

1. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (La Villette)

A must-visit for families, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is Europe's largest science museum and a paradise for young explorers. Located in the La Villette district, it's designed to help children understand the world through touch, sound, and movement.

The highlight for most families is the Cité des Enfants, a hands-on section split into two age groups (2–7 and 5–12 years), featuring experiments with light, water, and construction. Kids can engage in exciting science experiments, fostering their curiosity and understanding of scientific principles. Don't miss the planetarium, where little astronomers can marvel at the stars, or the Argonaute submarine, a real naval vessel you can step inside.

📍 Best for: Ages 3–16

🕓 Tip: Reserve your slot for the Cité des Enfants in advance — it's very popular on weekends.

2. Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle

Located in the beautiful Jardin des Plantes, this natural history museum is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world — and still one of the most impressive.

Kids will be in awe of the Galerie de Paléontologie, home to towering dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and ancient creatures. For younger children, the Galerie des Enfants offers interactive exhibits about animals and the environment. Outside, you can stroll through the botanical gardens or visit the Ménagerie, one of the world's oldest zoos.

📍 Best for: Ages 5+ and animal lovers

🕓 Tip: Combine your visit with a picnic in the Jardin des Plantes — there's plenty of shade and space for kids to play.

3. Palais de la Découverte (Les Étincelles)

While the Palais de la Découverte near the Grand Palais is being renovated, its temporary home, Les Étincelles du Palais de la Découverte, continues to amaze families as a premier discovery museum in Paris.

This hands-on science space offers workshops and demonstrations on electricity, chemistry, astronomy, and math — all explained in an exciting, easy-to-understand way. Many sessions are led by real scientists who turn experiments into mini shows that kids adore, providing interactive experiences that blend education with entertainment.

📍 Best for: Ages 6–12

🕓 Tip: Check the event calendar — some workshops are available in English.

4. Musée en Herbe

The Musée en Herbe is a small art museum designed entirely for children. Exhibitions are colorful, playful, and full of surprises — think of it as an art gallery crossed with a game zone.

Each exhibition is interactive, with riddles and clues to guide children through masterpieces by famous artists. Workshops allow kids to paint, sculpt, or craft their own works of art inspired by what they've seen, making it one of the most engaging children's museums in Paris.

📍 Best for: Ages 3–12

🕓 Tip: Book workshops in advance — they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

5. Musée des Arts et Métiers

Older kids and teens will be fascinated by the Musée des Arts et Métiers, a museum dedicated to invention and innovation. It showcases more than 2,500 objects — from the earliest airplanes and cameras to robots and vintage cars.

It's the perfect place to spark curiosity about how everyday things work. Parents will enjoy it just as much, especially with the museum's mix of history and engineering.

📍 Best for: Ages 8+

🕓 Tip: Don't miss the full-scale model of Foucault's Pendulum in the main hall.

6. Musée de la Magie (Museum of Magic)

Hidden beneath the Marais district, the Musée de la Magie is one of Paris's most unique museums. Step inside and you'll find optical illusions, disappearing acts, and a collection of vintage magic props.

The best part? Live demonstrations performed by real magicians throughout the day. It's whimsical, slightly mysterious, and guaranteed to keep children entertained with its interactive experiences.

📍 Best for: Ages 5–12

🕓 Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through Le Marais — plenty of nearby cafés and ice cream shops.

7. Atelier des Lumières

If your kids love bright colors and moving images, they'll be mesmerized by the Atelier des Lumières, Paris's immersive digital art museum. Giant projections of works by Van Gogh, Monet, or Klimt swirl across the walls and floors, creating a sensory experience that feels alive.

The museum's stunning multimedia displays transform art into an immersive journey. Even toddlers enjoy sitting on the ground and watching the light dance around them — and parents will find it breathtaking too.

📍 Best for: All ages

🕓 Tip: Arrive early for the best spots and check the current exhibition schedule before your visit.

8. Musée Grévin (Wax Museum)

A fun break from traditional museums, the Musée Grévin is Paris's wax museum and a hit with older children and teens.

Your kids can pose with wax figures of superheroes, athletes, and even French historical figures. There's also an interactive area where they can learn how these lifelike sculptures are made.

📍 Best for: Ages 6+

🕓 Tip: Great rainy-day option near the Grands Boulevards area — close to shopping and cafés.

9. Paris Aquarium (Cinéaqua)

Right next to the Trocadéro, the Paris Aquarium combines education with pure wonder.

Inside, you'll find more than 13,000 sea creatures — including rays, sharks, and clownfish (a favorite with toddlers). There are small shows, feeding times, and touch pools where children can interact safely with marine life.

📍 Best for: All ages

🕓 Tip: Visit in the morning before it gets crowded, and plan a picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower afterwards.

10. Musée de l'Illusion

Perfect for a mix of laughter and learning, the Musée de l'Illusion offers optical tricks that bend your perception — upside-down rooms, rotating tunnels, and impossible reflections.

Kids love testing their senses and taking creative photos, and parents can join in on the fun. It's one of the most modern, family-friendly museums in central Paris, offering unique interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

📍 Best for: Ages 6+

🕓 Tip: Great for quick visits between other sights — it's located near Châtelet.

Bonus: Outdoor and Seasonal Experiences

If your kids still have energy to spare, combine your museum visits with open-air learning:

• Jardin d'Acclimatation – A mix of amusement park, zoo, and mini-science fair, perfect for younger kids.
• Parc de la Villette – Often hosts outdoor exhibitions, art installations, and weekend science workshops.
• Paris Planetarium shows – Held regularly at Cité des Sciences, great for budding astronauts.

These outdoor experiences complement Paris's indoor museums, giving families a balanced mix of culture and play.

Practical Tips for Visiting Museums with Kids

• Book museum tickets online to skip queues.
• Many museums in Paris are free for children under 18.
• Go early — mornings are quieter and more enjoyable.
• Pack snacks and water — museum cafés can be expensive.
• Always check for temporary exhibitions and workshops; they often change monthly.
• Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass for savings on multiple attractions.
• Check accessibility options for strollers or visitors with special needs.
• Look for family programs offered by museums for enhanced experiences.

Where to Stay in Paris with Kids

Location is key when exploring Paris with children. Staying in central neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the Latin Quarter means shorter travel times and easier access to museums.

At Paris Vacation Rentals, you'll find spacious, family-friendly apartments with kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and proximity to public transport — perfect for parents who value comfort and flexibility during their stay.

Final Thoughts

From glittering light shows to prehistoric giants, Paris's museums prove that learning can be an adventure. Each one offers a new way for children to explore art, science, and imagination through interactive experiences and engaging exhibits.



Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer family stay, these museums and interactive spaces will make your trip to Paris unforgettable — for both kids and grown-ups alike. With so many children's museums and family-friendly attractions, Paris truly stands out as a destination where education and entertainment go hand in hand, creating memories that will last a lifetime.