Which Paris Museum Pass Sites Are Best for Kids?
The pass covers some brilliant sites for children — the hands-on Cité des Sciences, the Louvre’s mummies and knights, the Army Museum’s armour, the Arc de Triomphe climb and the Air and Space Museum. Under-18s enter free, so the pass is just for adults. Here’s how to plan a family-friendly trip.
Children go free
Under-18s of any nationality enter the national museums free, so you only buy passes for the adults. That makes the pass great value for families, and its flexibility — short visits, leave when you like — suits children’s attention spans perfectly.
The Cité des Sciences — hands-on fun
Top of the list is the Cité des Sciences at La Villette, included in the pass, with interactive exhibits, a submarine and space displays. The children’s area (Cité des Enfants) may be booked separately, but the main museum is a fantastic, hands-on day out covered by your pass.
The Louvre — mummies and knights
The Louvre isn’t just paintings: children love the Egyptian mummies, the medieval moat foundations and the grand sculptures. Pick a short, story-led route — mummies, then the Mona Lisa — to keep little ones engaged without overwhelming them, all on your pass.
Les Invalides — armour and Napoleon
The Army Museum at Les Invalides is a hit with many children: suits of armour, swords, cannons and Napoleon’s grand tomb. It’s a vivid, dramatic museum that brings history to life, and it’s included in the pass.
Climbs and big sights
Older children often enjoy climbing the Arc de Triomphe for the view (no reservation needed), and the Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget thrills with real planes and rockets. The Versailles gardens, meanwhile, give younger ones room to run — all covered by the pass.
Best pass sites for kids
- The Cité des Sciences — hands-on science.
- The Louvre — mummies and knights.
- Les Invalides — armour and Napoleon.
- The Arc de Triomphe — a climb and a view.
- The Air and Space Museum — planes and rockets.
- The Versailles gardens — space to roam.
Keep visits short and varied
With children, plan one or two highlights per outing rather than marathons, mix indoor museums with outdoor monuments, and build in snack and run-around breaks. The pass’s freedom to leave the moment they’ve had enough — with no wasted ticket — is its biggest gift for families.
Remember free visitors still need slots
Even though they’re free, children usually need to be added to your (free) reservation at sites that require timed slots. Include them when you book the adults’ slots so the whole family enters together, and carry proof of age in case it’s checked.
Let the children help plan
A simple trick for happy museum days is to let each child pick one “must-see” — mummies at the Louvre, a rocket at the Air and Space Museum, armour at Les Invalides. Giving them ownership keeps them engaged, and the pass’s flexibility means you can chase their interests without worrying about wasted tickets. Mix their choices with a park or a garden break, and the whole family stays happy.
Buy your family Paris Museum Pass
For a family trip, buy Paris Museum Passes for the adults online in advance — under-18s come free — book free slots for everyone, and mix kid-friendly sites with breaks. Secure your passes and keep the children engaged across Paris.
Frequently asked questions
Which pass sites are best for kids?
The Cité des Sciences, the Louvre, Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe and the Air and Space Museum.
Do children need a pass?
No — under-18s enter free; you buy passes for adults.
What’s the most hands-on site?
The Cité des Sciences at La Villette.
Is the Louvre good for kids?
Yes — mummies, knights and sculptures, on a short route.
Do free children need reservations?
Yes — add them to the booking at sites that require slots.
How do I keep kids engaged?
Short, varied visits with breaks — the pass lets you leave anytime.