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Museums for Kids, Paris, France | |
| There's lots for children to see and do in Paris—including great museums! | ||
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If you're traveling to Paris with children, you'll probably want to take them to the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, if only to expose them to the amazing works of art in these two magnificent institutions. But there are a number of museums that are really designed to interest kids and to engage them in hands-on ways. Here are some you might want to visit. La Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieLa Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is a huge and wonderful science museum, with a great variety of interactive activities. It also has an IMAX theater in a cool silver globe. More... Musée des Arts et MetiersThe Musée des Arts et Metiers is a fascinating place with collections that demonstrate scientific instruments, materials, energy, communication, transportation, and more. Throughout the museum are interactive screens to help kids (and parents) learn more about specific subjects. More... Palais de la DecouverteThe Palais de la Decouverte also focuses on science and experimentation, and kids and learn more about how science happens. More... National Museum of Natural HistoryThe National Museum of Natural History, located in the lovely Jardin des Plantes, provides opportunities to explore evolution, botany, gems and minerals, and lots of other cool kid-friendly things. More... Musee des Arts ForainsThe Musée des Arts Forains is one of the more unusual museums in Paris. Located near the Parc de Bercy, it contains large items of Belle Époque fairground equipment and displays about some of the lavish shows and games of the past. More... Musée de la MusiqueIf your child is interested in music, head to the Musée de la Musique (which is very near the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie). This wonderful collection of musical instruments over the centuries is made more interesting by an audioguide, where you actually hear the instruments played. More... Cluny MuseumThe Cluny Museum is Paris's museum devoted to the middle ages. While the kids may not find the tapestries and statues too interesting, they'll probably like the arms and armor. More... ConciergerieKids might also enjoy going to the Conciergerie, on the Île de la Cité, to see where Marie Antoinette and others were imprisoned while waiting to go to the guillotine. More... Musée GrévinThe Musée Grévin, one of Europe's oldest wax museums, may not be the first museum you think of when you plan your Paris trip. But kids can see scenes from French history, as well as more modern folk. More... Arc de TriompheThe Arc de Triomphe has a small museum, and it also provides a wonderful opportunity for the kids to run up (and down) a lot of stairs. The views are great and the experience excellent. More... Towers of Notre DameWant more climbing? Go up the Towers of Notre Dame. Once again you'll get great views and a chance to get up close and personal with the gargoyles, always a treat. More... Musée des Égouts de ParisWhat kid could resist going underground and seeing how the sewers work? The Musée des Égouts de Paris provides an interesting look at what goes on under the street. I'm told they even sell souvenir rats. More... CatacombsAnd finally, for the brave and curious kids, visit the Catacombs, where the bones of 6 to 7 million Parisians rest. Probably not for the youngest of children, however. More... Disneyland?So yes, there are plenty of museums to entertain and educate children in Paris. Visit enough of these and you won't even be tempted to go to Disneyland.
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Above, La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Paris.
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