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Paris pour les Petits
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Paris is a town to let kids act like adults. Plenty of museums and historical stuff. Don't forget to grab a pariscope to find regular gigs like cycling/rollerblading excursions on Sundays. For when you've given up trying to fit in, the cinemas on the Champs Elysees and at Bercy village run recent movies in "VO" (english). For dining, stick to "bistro" type restaurants in residential areas for a warmer welcome for kids (hint: parisians eat at 8)
Boating at Jardin de Luxembourg
For the 5-8 yr olds, the leafy Luxembourg park has a fountain where you can sail boats with the young parisians.
Patinoire de l´Hotel de Ville
In winter, the space outside city hall is transformed into a skating rink. Check the Omnisports center at Bercy year round.
Cité des Sciences et Industrie
Science exhibits for every age (try to look at least as smart as your 10-year-old). Permanent and revolving exhibits as well as the staple of science parks - an IMAX.
Biking around Canal Saint Martin
Let off some steam biking around the Canal St Martin. Ask the local rental guy for route suggestions. Costs about €15/day for a bike (don't forget www.velib.fr too). Warning: off the beaten track, cycling is an extreme sport
Aquaboulevard
Tacky and splashy - there are plenty of municipal pools around paris (called Piscine - like at Les Halles), but Aquaboulevard comes with wave machines. Forget your gear? Nearby Decathlon sports store will sort you out
Fontainebleau castle and park in Fontainebleau
Old King Louis abandoned work on the Louvre to build Versailles when he found out his finance minister built this for himself. See the castle that inspired another. About 30mins on train from Gare de Lyon
Parc Asterix in Mortefontaine
Never managed to make it here, but definitely worth a mention - The French comic hero, Asterix, inspires this large amusement park that rivals larger Disneyland
Disneyland in Chessy
Given half a chance, I'd happily spend the day on Space Mountain. Best thing about Disneyland in summer is that the evening tickets are half price and the kids are all tired and gone home (no queues!). Metro €8 ("Marne la Vallée"), entry ~€25.
Parc du Champ de Mars
At the foot of the Eiffel tower, a great place for street-savvy kids (15+) to loaf around on a sunny afternoon.
Paris Catacombs
Macabre and definitely for teens - miles of old caverns stacked with hundreds of skulls and bones. Take a guided tour; last thing you want to do is get left behind here!!
Stade De France in Saint-Denis
Worth a trip for the soccer/rugby fan, this is home to the bigger matches. Local team you should cheer for is PSG / Paris Saint Germain - check listings or ask anyone you catch reading the "L'equipe" newspaper.
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Badaude said 6 months, 1 week ago:
Great Guide: also try La Menagerie in the Jardin des Plants, not to mention the Natural History Museum there. And, yes, I spent last night at a Michelin-starred restaurant. At the next table was a perfectly-behaved French child - 3 years old at the most - acting as though he'd been dining in style all his life...