10 spring things to do in Paris, before the Paris Olympics hit

There are plenty of things to do in Paris this summer that aren’t about the Paris Olympics. But because we love the city, but don’t love crowds, here are 10 things to do with kids this spring instead.

Guided Segway tour, Paris

Go on a guided Segway tour

If your kids are 12 or older you can tour Paris by Segway, taking in sights such as the Grand Palais, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Tours run from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending where you go. A great way to see a host of attractions and get to know the layout of Europe’s most monument-rich city.

Stay at family-friendly Hôtel Bourgogne & Montana this spring

Epic adventures at Jardin Nelson Mandela in Les Halles

Play big in the Jardin Nelson Mandela

With trampolines, rocket launch ramps, a Dino wall and fabulous views, the Jardin Nelson Mandela is a properly big playground in the district of les Halles. It has a 2,500 m² adventure zone for children aged 7-11, and a second playground with football field, basketball courts and ping-pong tables, decorated by celebrated street artist Romain Froquet.

Stay at family-friendly Citadine Les Halles Paris this spring

Baking bread at Ferme de Gally

Pick your veg and eat it at Ferme de Gally

The Ferme Ouverte de Gally, around a 40-minute drive from central Paris, is a child-friendly working farm offering food and animal workshops year round. It’s also a flower and fruit picker’s paradise, with a pay-for-what-you-pick policy, so enjoy a rustic change of pace and get earthy with this season’s courgette crop.

Stay at family-friendly Hôtel des Arts Montmartre this spring

Choco-Story, where even the Arc de Triomphe is edible

Get your Easter chocolate fix at chocolate museum Choco-Story

Take the metro to Opéra/Grands Boulevards and visit an actual museum of chocolate. Choco-Story tells the story of chocolate in Paris, so it’s educational as well as delicious. Kids will meet real chocolatiers, check out all the chocolatey exhibits, and of course, sample the wares (including proper hot chocolate). Très délicieux!

Stay at family-friendly Citadine Opéra Paris this spring

See Paris in bloom during cherry blossom season

Paris blooms in spring: first magnolia trees, next cherry blossoms, then chestnut blossoms. But it’s the cherries everyone gets excited about, and Jardin des Plantes near the Sorbonne has some of the biggest.

Or head out to the Parc de Sceaux for Hanami, the Japanese spring festival, which runs from 30 March to 28 April, with a weekend of festivities from 20-21 April.

Stay at family-friendly Serotel Lutèce this spring

The Palace of Versailles

Take in the royal splendour of the Palace of Versailles

Take a day trip outside the centre of Paris and discover the grandiose beauty of the Palace of Versailles, one of the greatest examples of French 17th Century art.

Since 1979, the Palace of Versailles has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and if you visit you’ll know why. With a string of kings in its past, there’s lots to discover in the historical stakes too.

Stay at family-friendly Novotel Château de Versailles this spring

Magicienne de la Terre exhibition and workshops, Pompidou Centre

Visit the Pompidou Centre for children’s exhibitions and a rooftop panorama

The Pompidou Centre has loads on this spring for families. From the Children’s Gallery to the teen space Studio 13/16, this contemporary art museum caters for all ages.

Exhibition-workshop ‘Magicienne de la Terre’ is running in the Children’s Gallery until the end of April. Don’t forget to go up on the roof and check out the panoramic views.

Stay at family-friendly Westin Paris – Vendôme this spring

Peter Pan themed electrical sky parade at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris for springtime theme park memory-makers

Disneyland Paris is a great day out for kids of all ages. Local deals are often competitive, so don’t worry if you haven’t booked ahead of your trip.

The theme park celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, and has been undergoing a $2.5bn expansion to coincide with the Paris Olympics, so there’s plenty of buzz around the place.

Stay at family-friendly Disneyland® Hotel this spring

Ladurée in Paris is the most iconic spot for a macaron or five

Get your authentic macaron fix at Ladurée

Macarons are synonymous with Paris, and Ladurée is the most iconic macaron shop of them all. Founded in 1862, Ladurée has branches throughout Paris, but the original tea salon is at 16 Rue Royale.

There are also salons on Rue Bonaparte and the Champs Elysées. Great for a rainy day, and when everyone just needs a little sugar. Pistachio or vanilla?

Stay at family-friendly Nuage on the Champs Elysées this spring

Hire a model sailboat in Luxembourg Gardens

Spend Paris in spring in Luxembourg Gardens

You can’t visit Paris with kids and not head into Luxembourg Gardens, in between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. As well as the beautiful gardens and statues, there’s a puppet theatre, as well as rides and slides, model yachts for hire on the boating lake, a playground, pony rides, swings, and tennis.

There’s also a restaurant, Madame’s Terrace, along with refreshment stalls, and kiosks.

Stay at family-friendly Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche this spring

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