My little treasures
So you’ve taken them to the most culturally rich city in the world, among old world masters, Rodin sculptures and history rich from the Napoleonic era but do they care? When kids just want to be kids make a selection of our attractions below.
Most museums are free for the under 18s and remember all museums are free 1st Sunday of each month! Most close Mondays and some on Tuesdays, check their website to verify opening times.
Getting around: The Metro will get you anywhere in Paris efficiently; you can buy a 1-3 Day Paris Pass or a 10-pack of metro tickets. To get orientated on the first day, take one of those Tourist buses, to come and go at your leisure. Paris buses are also great although their routes take a little longer to comprehend. You can also Batobus (water taxi on the Seine), which stops at popular attractions and is also reasonably priced:
Tip: You can buy a 10-pack of metro tickets at most tabacs (newsagency) instead of queuing with other tourists
WITH KIDS
Babydisco Palais de Tokyo
— If you are in Paris over Autumn/Winter here's something to keep the kids warm, a disco for over five years.
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday starting September 26 until January 4.
Metro: Iena Entry: 10 euros. Book online via link below
www.palaisdetokyo.com
3, ave du President Wilson, 16th
Museum of Natural History
— This is a great museum for all ages. The permanent collection is not unlike the National History Museum in London, perhaps a little smaller but just as enjoyable. Some of the permanent displays include Minerals, Anatomy and Evolution displays. Numerous temporary exhibitions include: 'Aux Sources de la Terre' until 30 Nov, 2008 at 57 rue Cuvier
'Tresor de la biodiversite' until 9 Nov, 2008
Closed Tuesday. Métro: Jussieu
www.mnhn.fr
The Grand Galerie de L’Evolution
Do try:
— The Jardin Tuileries, in summer & spring its wonderful; rent a toy sailboat, ride the historic carousel or find a pony ride for the little ones.
A visit the Louvre - Go directly pass the queues with your personal Family Pass. Tour parts of the museum normally reserved and conduct a treasure hunt with your guide. Best for ages above 6 (295€ for a family up to 5).
Notre Dame Cathedral – visit the South Tower for a close-up view of the gargoyles – you’ll need to ascend 422 steps! Climb even higher for a magnificent view of Paris.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for an equally great view of Paris - be careful, do not attempt to cross the several lanes of traffic, take the underground walkway along the Champs Elysees. Be prepared to climb over 100 steps a panoramic 'Paris'. If you’re with a stroller there is a lift but also several steps you will need to manage to get to the top.
Below is an easy to print list from the American Embassy of parks for kids.
www.france.usembassy.gov
Les Marionnettes
— Where would Paris by without a Puppet show, these shows are held regularly in Parks across Paris, Normally every weekend and Wednesday when children all over France, do not go to school or go half day. The site below provides details and times of each show being held in Paris.
www.parisparis.com
Pinder - Jean Richard Travelling Circus
— During the year 'Pinder' tours France with its circus show, probably the oldest, since 1854, Pinder has toured the globe, I remember a Pinder show in Australia in 1970s. Its old fashioned circus routine, Lions dominate the show and the usual magic and clown shows. Tickets are reasonable from 15 euros to 50. They are back in Paris November 2008 until 11 January 2009, otherwise they are on Tour.
www.cirquepinder.com
Cirque National Alexis Gruss
— A traditional family circus for generations, even the latest addition born in 2006 is in the show. Dinner spectacle and show from 8 November 2008 until 1 March 2009, nightly from 7pm. Tickets range from 50 euros to 17 euros 'banquettes' plank seating. Dinner and show 90 euros every Saturday.
Metro: Ranelagh
www.alexis-gruss.com
Bois de Boulogne, 15th t: 01 45 01 71 26
Le Cirque d'hiver - Winter Circus
— In the heart of Paris, the 11th, this circus has been running since 1934. Circus artists from Russia, USA and Germany makes up the team of trapeze artists, lion tamers and of course clowns (from Italy in 2008). Winter show commences October 2008. Check their site for correct pricing. M:Ligne 8 Filles du Calvaire
www.cirquedhiver.com
110 rue Amelot, 75011 t: 01 47 00 62 32
Aquarium Tropical de la Porte Dorée
— Something of an oddity; a tropical aquarium housed in an art deco palace. They have crocodiles, sharks, cuttlefish and a large amount of tropical fish from around the world - a truly unique Parisian experience! Entry: €4.50, free for under 4s
M: Porte Doree
www.aquarium-portedoree.org
293 ave Daumesnil. t: 01 44 74 84 80