📖 Guide · 6 min read

Paris museums for kids, by age

Which Paris museums to visit with children: Louvre, Orsay, Natural History, Cité des sciences, Musée de l'Homme and more, with recommended ages and free entry.

Updated 6 October 2026 · By the Gokido team

From age 3: little text, lots to see

The Cité des sciences (19th) is the entry point for the youngest thanks to the Cité des enfants (ages 2 to 7 and 5 to 12). The Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (5th) fascinates with its skeletons and animals. The Musée de l'Homme (16th) tells the story of humankind with objects and skulls that catch the eye.

The Musée de l'Armée (7th) appeals to children drawn to armour and uniforms, and is free for under-18s.

From age 4: the big museums, short version

The Musée d'Orsay (7th) and the Louvre (1st) are free for under-18s. With young children, do not aim to cover everything: pick three works, find them, and leave before tiredness hits.

The Musée d'Art Moderne (16th) and the Petit Palais (8th) have free permanent collections and are calmer than the big names.

The Guimet Museum (16th) and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (1st) also suit children from 4.

From age 6: themed museums

Choco-Story (10th) tells the story of chocolate, with a tasting. The Monnaie de Paris museum (6th) and the Museum of Hunting and Nature (3rd) suit curious children.

For a shorter visit, the Pavillon de l'Eau (16th, free) explains the water cycle, and the Maison de l'Air (20th) covers air and the environment.

Tips for visiting with kids

Book online, arrive at opening time and keep the visit to an hour or an hour and a half. Many museums close one day a week (often Monday or Tuesday): check opening hours. Ages shown come from the venues' information and may change.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Paris museums are free for children?+

The Louvre, Orsay and the Musée de l'Armée are free for under-18s. The permanent collections of the Petit Palais and the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris are free for everyone, as is the Pavillon de l'Eau.

What is the best Paris museum for a 3-year-old?+

The Cité des sciences with the Cité des enfants (ages 2 to 7), the Natural History Museum and the Musée de l'Homme are the best fits for toddlers.

From what age can you visit the Louvre with a child?+

From about 4, according to the venue's listing, with a short visit focused on a few works rather than the whole museum.