Things to do with young children in Paris in August

Question

I will be going to Paris in August with 3 other adults and 3 children (aged 2 to 6).

What kind of things are worth seeing/doing that will keep them amused? I would like options for if the weather is good or bad and ideally away from the usual tourist traps.

2 adults and 2 children only speak English, the others speak English and French.

Answer 1

When the weather permits, you could do the following:

• Sailing a model in the pond at the jardin de Tuileries close to the louvre museum

• Row a boat in Bois de Bologne
• Stroll along and have breakfast at at the Cité Internationale Universitaire. It is a campus for international students, with a great atmosphere. You can have breakfast, brunch or lunch at the main building
• Visit one or more of the many parks (Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Montsouris)

• In the Parc Montsouris there is also a puppet theatre, but I never managed to visit it due to irregular opening hours.

  When the weather is bad, you are a bit more limited. You could visit the Catacombes of Paris. It is an impressive underground system where millions of skeletons are stored. I would go there with my small kids, but I know parents who wouldn't.

Finally I could recommend all the cliche's. Children might relate to the Notre Dame if they have seen the Hunchback of the Notre Dame. You could watch Amelie and go to the Sacre Coeur afterwards.

Paris, in my opinion, is one the nicest cities for young and old. So do enjoy

Answer 2

The thing that comes to mind first is Disney Land Paris. I know it's not Orlando but it'll be fun.

There is also a whole slew of items like:

• Museum of Science and Industry
• The Zoo
• Wax Museum

Found all of above in Go Paris About.com

Now interestingly enough there is a website dedicated to visiting France with family.

There is also a list of Top Attractions on Frommer's. You might have to do a little research on what is actually in each one and find ones appropriate for your kids.