Large parks like Parc Monceau in the 8th or the Luxembourg Garden in the 6th provide green lawns, fountains, rides and play areas, but on sunny weekends they are packed. Restaurants are not always kid-friendly, though some larger chains like Hippopotamus or Hard Rock Café are welcoming and provide children’s menus.

Museums like Cité des Sciences provide fun learning experiences for children aged 3 and up. The always popular guignols, French marionettes, put on shows in many parks around town. There is also a little place called Disneyland Paris just a short drive or RER ride east of the city which has been known to entertain a child or two.

Childcare and babysitting services are abundant, the majority regulated by the city government. Visit the City of Paris website (www.paris.fr) for more information.