Five Things ChatGPT Says You Should Do in Paris With Toddlers — And Why You Shouldn’t Do Any of Them

Paris with toddlers looks easy online: carousels, hot chocolate, charming little museums. But anyone who’s actually traveled with a two-year-old knows better. Here’s a rundown of five popular suggestions — and the reasons you should probably skip them.

1. Visit the Musée en Herbe

The pitch: A museum designed for children, with interactive exhibits.The reality: It’s cramped, underwhelming, and feels more like a playroom dressed up as a museum. If you want something toddler-friendly that’s still Paris, walk through the Louvre’s courtyard or the Musée d’Orsay’s main hall. You’ll see something memorable without wasting an afternoon.

2. Stop for Hot Chocolate and Madeleines

The pitch: A cozy café break with Parisian treats.The reality: Madeleines are hit or miss (sorry but it's true), and the hot chocolate is rarely worth the hype. Don’t waste toddler patience on something you can easily replicate at home. Go to a real patisserie instead — an éclair or a Paris-Brest will be more memorable for everyone. If you want a proper Madeleine, the best one we've ever tasted is here: https://lefooding.com/en/shops/causeries

3. Spend the Day at the Jardin d’Acclimatation

The pitch: Mini rides, animals, and wide paths for strollers.The reality: It’s an amusement park. A pleasant one, but not why you came to Paris. If you live here, it’s fine; if you’re visiting, it’s a distraction from the things that make Paris, Paris.

4. Run Around at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

The pitch: A big park with hills, bridges, grottos, and ducks.The reality: It’s far from the center, and ultimately, it’s just a park. Unless you live nearby, it’s not the best use of limited time. There are plenty of small squares and gardens closer to where you’ll already be.

5. Ride the Carousels

The pitch: Vintage charm and smiling toddlers on painted horses.The reality: Ok, so this one is actually spot on. Acclaimed by toddlers the world over, they have an irresistible appeal. They’re only two euros per ride, and inexplicably, kids never tire of them.