Paris for Kids

Traveling with the whole family to Paris? Paris is filled with parks and museums that are fun for all ages. And for those who've had the luck to make the move to France, summer is the time when out of school youngsters need to be kept busy, the perfect opportunity to explore the city.

Here are a few suggestions to child friendly spots guaranteed to please both children and adults alike.

Disneyland in Paris — The French offspring of America's leading theme park is an identical twin of the original. It's out of the way but great for kids and the kid at heart. Is it worth giving up a day in Paris to visit an American (albeit with a lot of French!) theme park? The answer is a resounding "YES"! Pure fun for the whole family. A day in which you can't help smiling from dawn to dusk (closes at 23.00 during the summer months). Disney is at its best as you wander around the truly magical kingdom. From Paris, take the RER, line a (direction Marne la Vale). The journey lasts between 35 - 40 minutes. Get off at the last stop, and the Disney Village is on one side, with the park on the other. Our recommendation is to spend 2 days at Disney staying overnight at one of the resort's hotels. You can watch the lit up parade at 22.30, and the fireworks at 23.00, without worrying about catching the last Metro ride to Paris.

La Croisiere Enchantee — Cruise the Seine for 1 hour with a children's music show written and composed by Pierre Bluteau. The boarding at Bateaux Parisians departs every Sat, Sun and public holidays. Tel: 01-4411-3344 for more info.

Musee De La Poupee — Tucked behind the Centre Pompidou on an easily overlooked dead-end road is a treasure that no doll lover should miss. This quaint six room museum features the evolution of the doll in France, with selected references to important dolls and stuffed animals.The displays depict different aspects of daily life in France from Teatime to farmers'market to a day at school. Impasse Berthaud, 75003, Metro: Rambuteau, Open daily except Mondays 10am-6pm. Tel: 01-42-72-73-11

Musee Grevin (Wax Museum) — Amid light shows and disarming sound effects, paraffin personalities such as Lara Croft, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Ronaldo and Spiderman greet visitors. Kids will enjoy identifying their favorite stars and sports heroes and parents can find educational value in the historical figures and scenes rendered in wax, including the majority of the French kings, the assassination of Henri IV, the Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre, the Inquisition and the French Revolution. 10 boulevard Montmartre, 75009, Metro: Grands Boulevards,Tel: 01-47-70-85-05

Musee De La Magie — The Magic Museum offers an eclectic collection of magic tricks and accessories, dating back to the early 1800s. At the entrance, a mysterious hand emerges from a small black box, welcoming visitors and setting the tone for visit. It's all about fun. Younger children will enjoy the many interactive tricks: antique fortune telling machines, deforming mirrors, as well as numerous eye and brainteasers. Older kids and parents will enjoy demystifying some of the most famous magic tricks. Visitors are invited to attend the live magic show: the magician speaks in French, but his tricks speak for themselves. Ask for the free English-language brochure at the front desk. 11 rue Saint Paul, 75004- Metro: Saint Paul, Open Wednesday, Saturday and Saturday, 2pm-7pm. Tel: 01-42-77-45-62

Jardin Des Plantes — Founded in 1626 during the reign of Louis Xlll, is a prime choice for a summer day. While adults will gravitate to the impressive botanical garden, counting over 2,600 species of plants, kids will revel in the zoo, which is home to bears, panthers and chimps. Don't miss the beautiful Musee de L'Histoire Naturelle situated at the northeast corner of the park also appealing to all ages. Place Valhuber, 75005, Metro: Gare d'Austerlitz.

The Luxembourg and Tuileries Gardens — Hanging about in parks should not be overlooked as perfectly respectable Parisian activity. The Jardin du Luxembourg and the Tuileries both provide shallow water basins where kids can rent and set sail, miniature wooden sailboats, enjoy pony rides and jungle gyms. The playground at the Luxembourg Garden is truly elaborate, and year round you can enjoy the traditional Guignol puppet show in a theater near the tennis courts. In the summer months, the Tuileries is home to an amusement park.

Grande Galerie de l'Evolution — A Natural History Museum with interactive displays.

Eiffel Tower — Over 6,000,000 people visit per year, yes it worth the trip. Musee de la Curiosite et de la Magie — Located in the former home of the Marquis de Sade a unique and enchanting collection of magican acts and props.