Fun Things to Do with a Teen in Paris

Paris isn’t just for couples or museum lovers. It’s a great city to explore with a teenager too. We’ve visited with my teen and found plenty of fun, unexpected ways to keep him engaged and excited. Here’s what worked best for us.

What to Do in Paris with a Teen

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Paris with a teenager:

  • Ice skate on the Eiffel Tower
  • Visit the Catacombs
  • Explore shops and street art in Le Marais
  • Take a baking class at a real boulangerie
  • Cruise the Seine at night
  • Go underground at the Sewer Museum
  • Shop along Rue de Rivoli
  • Check out the Centre Pompidou
  • Browse the Marché aux Puces
  • Visit the Louvre (but keep it short)

We’ve done all of these and found they kept our teen interested, engaged, and even impressed.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower (or Ice Skate on It!)

The Eiffel Tower is iconic for a reason, but long lines can be rough with teens. Grab tickets online in advance or skip the climb and enjoy the view from below. The Champ de Mars park is great for a picnic or people-watching. One year, we even ice skated on the Eiffel Tower during winter. Yes, that’s a real thing and it was unforgettable.

2. Take a Seine River Cruise

Seeing Paris from the river is a totally different experience. There are lots of cruise options, but we like the evening ones when the lights come on. The Eiffel Tower sparkles, the bridges glow, and it’s a great way to unwind after a day of walking.

3. Visit the Louvre Without Trying to See It All

The Louvre is incredible, but trying to tackle the whole thing in one go just doesn’t work, especially with teens. We focus on a few big highlights like the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo, then take a break. The Egyptian and Greek antiquities are usually a hit too. An audio guide or museum app helps keep it interesting without feeling like a lecture.

4. Visit the Centre Pompidou

This modern art museum looks wild from the outside and is just as creative inside. Teens into art, photography, or architecture usually love Centre Pompidou. There’s always something unexpected to see, and the top floor has great views over the city.

5. Visit the Catacombs

The Catacombs were one of our favorite experiences, even though my son wasn’t quite a teen at the time. We made our way there by metro and headed down into the tunnels.

In the late 1700s, Paris’s cemeteries were overcrowded, so the remains of over six million people were moved into underground tunnels to relieve the pressure. The bones are now carefully arranged into walls and patterns that stretch for miles beneath the city. It’s quiet, eerie, and completely fascinating. My son was totally absorbed by it all. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a part of Paris most people don’t expect.

6. Take a Cooking Class or Chocolate Workshop

Paris is a dream for food lovers, and teens can get in on the fun too. We took a baking class at a working boulangerie, where we made baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat from scratch. We even got to take home what we baked. There are also chocolate workshops and macaron classes that are a hit with teens.

7. Go Underground at the Sewer Museum

If your teen is into the weird and fascinating, this one’s worth a detour. The Paris Sewer Museum takes you below the streets into the actual underground tunnels that run beneath the city. It’s part history, part science, and surprisingly interesting. You’ll learn how the sewer system works, see old tools and maps, and walk through real passages used by workers. It’s definitely not your average museum visit, but we thought it was pretty cool.

8. Visit the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the largest flea markets in the world and full of personality. From vintage jackets and retro sneakers to antiques, posters, and random treasures, there’s something around every corner. Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering the stalls is a fun way to spend a few hours.

Know Before You Go

Is Paris teen-friendly? Yes, but it’s all about balance. Mix iconic sights with downtime and hands-on experiences to keep things fun for everyone.

Getting around: The metro is easy to use and safe. If you’re going further out, taxis or rideshares work well.

When to visit: Spring and fall are great for fewer crowds and nice weather. Winter brings Christmas lights and even ice skating on the Eiffel Tower. Summer is lively but can be hot.

Where to stay: Look for family-friendly hotels or rentals in neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or near the Eiffel Tower. These areas are central, walkable, and full of life.

Food tips: Casual cafés, crepe stands, and bakeries are perfect for quick teen-approved meals. And yes, it’s totally fine to stop for a treat more than once a day.

More Family-Friendly France Guides

Exploring Provence — Lavender fields, lakes, and villages with character
Champagne Region — Vineyard visits, small towns, and fizzy fun for the adults
Corsica Uncovered — Beaches, hikes, and mountain drives for the adventurous
Alsace in Every Season — Storybook villages, wine routes, and Christmas markets

Want even more ideas? Listen to The Getawayz Podcast for real stories and personal tips from our time in France.