The Top 5 Things To Do in Paris with Tweens and Teens

 Paris is a city that is full of history, culture, and beauty. It is a place that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but it can be especially magical for tweens and teens. There are so many things to see and do in Paris that will appeal to this age group. From visiting world-famous museums to exploring the city's many parks, churches, and monuments, there is something for everyone in Paris.

One of the best things about visiting Paris with tweens and teens is that they are old enough to appreciate the city's many cultural attractions. They can visit the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou, and they can also take in a show at the Opera Garnier or the Moulin Rouge. Paris is also a great city for shopping, and tweens and teens will love browsing the many shopping streets and beautiful department stores. Sometimes the sheer number of things to do in Paris can seem overwhelming, especially if you only have a few days to enjoy the city. After many trips to this amazing place with students, friends, and family, here are my favorite things to do with tweens and teens in the city of lights:

1. Visit the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries which contain the remains of more than six million people. The remains were transferred from the overflowing cemeteries in the city of Paris in the 18th and 19th centuries and the tour of this fascinating underground world is a must visit attraction with teens and tweens. It is not as creepy as it sounds and is also a great choice during the hot summer months and rainy days since you are out of the elements.

My tips: Book online as soon as they release the tickets (right now that is 7 days before) and go ahead and pay for an adult ticket for your child if you can. Tickets for under 18 can’t be reserved in advance, meaning you would still have to wait in line, and they don’t come with the audio guide. Trust me that the tour would not be worth it without the audio guide explaining what you are seeing.

2. Tour the PSG Stadium

The Parc des Princes stadium tour is a great way to experience the home of Paris Saint-Germain football (soccer) team. The tour takes you behind the scenes and you get to see the locker room, the press room, and the VIP boxes. You also get to walk out onto the pitch and experience the same view that the players do. You can easily reach the stadium via the metro from the center of Paris and you can book your tour in advance. This is a favorite of my kids and is a great way to mix up a trip that is usually filled with a lot of history, museums, and churches.

3. Explore the Louvre Museum with a Guide!

The Louvre is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. It's home to some of the most iconic works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Your tweens and teens may not be interested in all the art, but they'll still enjoy exploring the museum and seeing all the amazing things it has to offer, especially if they have someone knowledgeable and engaging showing them the highlights. This is a place where I think that it is absolutely worth the money for a guide. Without one, your teens and tweens will likely wander aimlessly and overwhelmed for a few hours and then leave without actually knowing much about what they saw. When I have toured with wonderful guides, the experience has been a highlight of the trip for everyone.

My Tips: Plan to have lunch before or after your tour in shopping area under the Louvre. It is a great opportunity for teens and tweens to try a French McDonald’s if they want to and there other options for adults. There is also a Laduree store so that you can get your macaron fix! Additionally the Louvre gift shops are always a hit for some souvenirs.

4.Go to the the Top Floor of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and it's a must-see for any visitor to Paris. Taking your teenager to the top floor of the tower will give them a chance to see Paris from a bird's-eye view and experience one of the city's most iconic attractions. It’s also a perfect spot for those Instagram pictures and reels!

My Tips: I suggest buying your tickets online in advance before you go so that you can make sure to have a ticket to the top floor. Fewer of those are available since the elevators from the second level to the top are smaller and they often sell out. Also I prefer to go with teens and tweens at night when the tower is lit up and it sparkles for 5 minutes every hour.

5.Visit Sainte-Chapelle

Saint-Chapelle is a beautiful Gothic church located on the Île de la Cité in Paris. The church is known for its stunning stained glass windows, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of medieval art. While I have always loved seeing these beautiful stained glass windows, now that Notre-Dame is closed for renovations, this should be your choice for a church to take tweens and teens to while you are in Paris. My own kids loved their time here and thought it was amazing.

My Tips: While it is hard to plan around the weather, especially when it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, Sainte-Chapelle is extra special on sunny days when the light is streaming in. Also, please be aware that you have to go through security and metal detectors to enter and you have a limited amount of time to spend inside.

BONUS: Are you planning a day trip to Versailles? If so, I highly recommend renting bikes for a ride around the gardens, especially if it is a beautiful day. This activity is always a hit with tweens and teens!