Paris is a family trip when gardens are part of the itinerary, not a reward after monuments. Plan one ticketed highlight each day.
Parent tip: Check timed entry, station accessibility and pickpocket precautions in crowded areas.
Read our Paris family guide: areas, where to stay and tips
A small museum in the Tuileries Garden built around Monet's Water Lilies, eight huge panoramic paintings in two oval rooms lit by daylight. Downstairs are paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso. It can be seen in about an hour, a good art stop for children who would tire in the Louvre.
Europe's big science museum at Parc de la Villette. Book a 90-minute Cité des enfants session (ages 2-6 or 5-10), with Cité des bébés for under-2s, then explore the planetarium, the Argonaute submarine and exhibitions for older children.
A flexible low-pressure outdoor reset can balance museum-heavy days.
Historic inventions and machines offer a technical alternative to Paris art museums.
Historic aircraft and rockets at Le Bourget airport north of Paris, including a Concorde you can board.
The iron tower with three visitor levels: book a time slot and choose lift to the 2nd floor, lift to the top, or stairs to the 2nd floor to suit the children's legs and patience.
An indoor marine-life stop that can balance an outdoor day.
Biodiversity displays suit families drawn to animals and nature.
A playful art museum made with younger visitors in mind.
The children's department of the Galeries Lafayette department store on Boulevard Haussmann, with toys and children's clothes.