Paris with a Baby: The Best Things to Do with Little Ones

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Yes, you can enjoy Paris with a baby. In fact, the City of Light can be surprisingly baby-friendly — once you know where to go. While wild museum marathons and late-night dinners might be off the table, there’s still plenty to enjoy at a gentler pace (and with a stroller in tow).

This guide is for all the moms and dads out there wondering:
“Will Paris work with a baby?”
The answer is yes — and here’s exactly how.

1. Relax & Stroll in Paris’ Parks

  • Jardin du Luxembourg

    • Why go: Wide gravel paths, shady trees, ducks to watch, and lots of benches for feeding or resting.

    • Baby bonus: A puppet theatre, carousel, and fenced-in playground (though it’s for slightly older kids, the vibe is great).

    • Parent perk: Grab a crêpe from a stand and breathe for five minutes.

  • Jardin d’Acclimatation

    • A little farther out (in the Bois de Boulogne), this retro amusement park has soft rides, animals, a petting zoo, and lots of shady strolls.

    • You can rent a mini electric boat for the lake — babies love the motion!

  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (a hidden gem)

    • Less manicured than Luxembourg, this park has hills, a suspension bridge, and waterfalls. Great for baby naps in motion while you get those steps in.

  • Champ de Mars (Eiffel Tower Park)

    • The perfect combo of fresh air, postcard views, and child-friendly fun — right under the Eiffel Tower.

    • Playgrounds: Two fenced, toddler-friendly playgrounds with soft ground and mini slides. Plus child pedal cars and two merry-go-rounds, including the Manège 1913: a beautifully preserved, hand-cranked double-decker carousel with classic wooden horses.

2. Take a Calm Seine River Cruise (with a Stroller!)

You don’t need to skip the famous Bateaux-Mouches just because you’re with a baby.

  • Boats are stroller-accessible

  • The views are fantastic for parents and mesmerizing for tiny eyes

  • Cruises last about 1 hour — just enough to enjoy without meltdown risk

For information and a complete review of river cruises in Paris, see our blog post “Cruising the Seine in Style: The Best Paris Boat Tours Compared”!

3. Baby-Friendly Museums (Yes, They Exist!)

4. Best Baby Stops: Cafés & Play Corners

  • Ground Control (12th arrondissement)

    • Giant indoor/outdoor space with food stands, plenty of seating, and often baby play areas

    • Parents can chill with coffee or wine — your call

  • Free, artsy space in the northeast where babies and toddlers can play… and dance!

  • Not always open daily — check in advance

  • Other “Café Poussettes” worth a visit:

    • Space 12 (15th)
      A true stroller café with a gated play area, coffee bar, and even stroller parking. Designed specifically with parents and tiny humans in mind.

    • Bambin (20th)
      Stylish and family-ready: great coffee, pastries, weekend brunch, a kids’ corner, high chairs, changing tables, and space for strollers.

    • Ernestine Café (18th)
      Nestled near Montmartre, this café offers a children’s menu, an enclosed playroom with a view, and even occasional kid-friendly workshops.

    • Petite Forêt (8th)
      Think soothing colors and soft play: 20 m² play area, stroller parking, yoga sessions, and healthy homemade snacks.

    • Tribu (9th)
      A warm, community café with dedicated spaces for kids aged 0–6. Great for connecting with other families while the little ones explore.

    • Pomme Maison de Famille (19th)
      More than just coffee — this family hub includes a peaceful courtyard and even yoga/Pilates classes for parents, with play options for kids up to 8 or 9.

    • April Café (10th)
      Light-filled and welcoming, with high chairs, changing facilities, and a full calendar of workshops for kids — plus cake and lattes for grown-ups.

5. Bonus: Visit a Château (the Easy Way)

  • Parc de Sceaux

    • 30 mins by RER B

    • Peaceful château grounds, wide stroller paths, cherry blossoms in spring

  • Château de Breteuil

    • Storybook-themed gardens that captivate little imaginations

    • Outdoor play areas designed for young children

  • Château de Champs-sur-Marne

    • Expansive parkland with easy walking routes

    • Quiet atmosphere perfect for toddler naps on the go

No crowds, no pressure. Just a lovely French château and garden experience without the Versailles chaos.

Paris is more than doable with a baby — it’s delightful. The trick is to slow down, embrace the moments, and choose sights that work with your rhythm instead of against it. From tree-lined parks to peaceful museums and stroller-friendly boat rides, there's so much here to enjoy as a family.