Father’s Day in Paris: 11 epic dad-approved experiences

Steak, speed, sightseeing and plenty of Parisian flair—discover the best ways to help Dad feel like king for a day in the City of Light.

Go kart

Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to let loose, indulge and show Dad just how awesome you think he is. Whether he loves art, sport, gadgets, sizzling steaks, or high-octane adventure, Paris has your back. We’ve tracked down the best outings for every kind of dad—from classic museums and river cruises to go-kart racing, brewery tours and steak dinners. Here’s your cheat sheet for the perfect Paris Father’s Day…

Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb

 

History-loving dads are in for a treat in the Army Museum at Les Invalides, where centuries of French and global military history come alive. You’ll wander grand marble galleries filled with antique armor, precision-engineered weapons, maps, and suits worn by kings and generals. The crown jewel is Napoleon’s tomb—a dramatic domed crypt that never fails to impress, no matter how many museums Dad’s seen.

The atmosphere is grand and inspiring, with exhibits that trace everything from medieval battles to World War II. Dads with a taste for strategy and gadgetry can ogle intricate siege weapons and historic rifles up close (while younger family members get a thrill from the life-sized horses and fancy uniforms). The museum includes interactive zones and fascinating short films that break down pivotal moments in history, without feeling like a lecture. Don’t miss the chance to stretch your legs in the sunny Esplanade garden afterwards. 

Racing at Paris Kart Indoor

Paris Kart Indoor is the ultimate Father’s Day playground. Just a short trip from the city center, this electric karting complex brings the thrill of real racing to everyone—with no driver’s license required. Races are run Grand Prix-style, with qualifying heats and time-tracked laps that put your skills (and Dad’s competitive streak) to the test.

The vibe is all revved-up excitement: the roar of engines, a track packed with hairpin turns and speed-friendly straights, and race marshals eager to make sure everyone has maximum fun. Each kart is designed for zippy acceleration, meaning Dad can channel his inner Le Mans legend.

After the checkered flag, hang out in the race lounge to compare lap times, swap stories and toast your favorite moments with an ice-cold soda or coffee from the bar. For adrenaline, bonding and some family-friendly bragging rights, karting is a Father’s Day winner.

Steak Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Steak

simple—and utterly perfect: juicy entrecôte steak, sliced thin and served with a secret-recipe green peppercorn sauce, golden fries, and crunchy baguette to mop up every last drop.

The ambiance is warm, bustling, and energetic, with old-school waiters keeping your plate piled high with fires, and wine glasses clinking all around.

Paired with a good Burgundy wine, lunch or dinner here feels like a real celebration, and it’s the perfect spot to treat Dad to something hearty and 100% Parisian. Book ahead if you can; Father’s Day fills up fast. Pro-tip: try the tarte au citron for dessert—zingy enough to balance the meat and fries, and a favorite among regulars.

Seine cruise with Bateaux Parisiens

 

Relaxed, stylish and packed with sightseeing, a Seine River cruise is a Father’s Day classic that everyone can enjoy together. Boarding near the Eiffel Tower, Bateaux Parisiens boats offer an hour of total city immersion from the water—think grand palaces, Notre-Dame views, and the perfect vantage point for Paris’s beautiful bridges.

Dads with a soft spot for architecture or photography will love the ever-changing backdrop, while your live commentary (in English and French) sprinkles in fun facts and a dash of humor. Opt for a lunch, brunch or dinner cruise for an extra-special treat—multi-course French menus are paired with flowing drinks and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best river views.

The vibe on board is leisurely but festive, with everyone snapping photos, planning their next stop, or just enjoying a fresh perspective on the landmarks. It’s a Dad-approved way to beat the city crowds and soak up Paris in ultimate style.

Stade de France tour

 

For sports fans—especially soccer and rugby—a guided tour of Stade de France is a winning bet. France’s largest stadium opens its doors to behind-the-scenes exploration, so you and Dad can walk through locker rooms, out onto the pitch, and even sit where the team managers plot their strategies.

The guide’s stories bring the stadium alive, from epic World Cup wins to electrifying concerts. Family photos on the players’ bench are a must, and the museum area lets you check out memorabilia, championship trophies, and highlight reels.

It’s a surprisingly interactive experience, great for parents and teens alike. The sheer scale of the stadium impresses even non-sports fans, and ready access from the city center means you can slot the tour in as part of a bigger Father’s Day adventure. Afterward, head to a nearby brasserie for a celebratory drink and relive your favorite moments together.

Museum of Air and Space

 

Is your dad a would-be pilot or a lifelong aviation enthusiast? Head north of the city to Le Bourget and step into the Museum of Air and Space, one of the oldest and largest museums of its kind on the planet. Massive hangars showcase everything from World War I fighter planes to rockets, Concorde jets, space capsules, and even a helicopter you can board.

The crowd is a warm mix of families, hobbyists, pilots, and kids craning their necks to spot the next gigantic jet overhead. Detailed exhibits break down how flight actually works, with cool simulators where Dad (and you) can test your skills as pilots or astronauts. Interactive displays mean it’s hands-on fun—control a robotic arm, climb into a cockpit or watch short films in the onsite cinema.

Outside, picnic tables offer a great pause with runway views, and the gift shop is loaded with gadgets, models and fun souvenirs.

Beer-tasting at Paname Brewing Company

Craft beers

Toast to Father’s Day at Paname Brewing Company, a bustling microbrewery perched right on the Canal de l’Ourcq in the northeast of the city. With huge windows and an even bigger terrace, the space is lively with laughter, chatty bar staff, and tour groups sampling frothy local pours. Their house-crafted beers run the gamut from crisp lagers to hazy New England IPAs and powerful stouts—there’s a style here for every palate.

Order a guided tasting flight so you and Dad can compare notes on your favorites. Pizzas, juicy burgers and cheese-laden boards round out the food menu and, on sunny days, there’s no better spot in Paris for canal-side people-watching.

Le Grand Rex Cinema Tour

 

Movie-buff dads will absolutely dig the Grand Rex, Paris’s legendary art deco cinema palace. The main auditorium is visually stunning—gigantic star-lit ceiling, deep red velvet seats, and a feeling of old-school glamor throughout. On Father’s Day, take the guided Rex Studios tour to travel behind the scenes, where secret passageways, projection booths and vintage film sets transport you to the golden age of cinema.

Get hands-on by recording your own voice-overs or montages and learn movie magic from a crew of passionate guides. The exhibit walk-through is interactive, with just enough playful energy to bring out your dad’s inner child.

After the tour, stick around for a film on the largest screen in France or grab popcorn and a drink in the ground-floor bar. The location is close to great brasseries and gaming arcades, making it a fun launch point for a day (or night) on the town.

Paris Catacombs

 

Dads with a sense of adventure and a love of the unusual will get a kick out of touring the Paris Catacombs. Descend spiral stairs deep beneath the city and step into dimly lit tunnels lined with carefully stacked skulls and bones—a true underworld journey packed with historical drama. The mood is atmospheric, fascinating and just a tad eerie.

Self-guided audio tours (available in English) tell the story of how Paris solved its ancient cemetery crisis, with tales of revolution, celebration and innovation buried under every cobbled step. It’s an experience you’ll be talking about long after you emerge blinking back into the sunlight. Afterwards, debrief over coffee and a massive croissant at nearby La Rotonde—an old-fashioned Paris brasserie with cozy booth seating.

Musée des Arts et Métiers

 

If Dad is curious, crafty, or just can’t resist tinkering with gadgets and old-school tech, the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Invention) might just be his ultimate playground. Housed in a striking former priory, the museum’s galleries brim with inventions and engineering marvels—from the original Foucault’s Pendulum to early planes, cars and automatons. Interactive screens, models you can touch, and English-language signage make it engaging for all generations.

This place nails the blend of old and new: Dad’s favorite inventions from childhood might be there, right beside cutting-edge 21st-century robotics. Don’t miss the dramatic display of vintage cars and flying machines suspended from cathedral-like rafters—it makes for the coolest family photo ops imaginable.

If Dad ever said “don’t take it apart unless you can put it back together,” you’ll know you came to the right spot.

Arcade Fun at La Tête Dans les Nuages

Arcade games

Add a blast of nostalgia (and a bit of friendly competition) to Father’s Day with a trip to La Tête Dans les Nuages—Paris’s biggest arcade. Here, Dad gets to challenge you to air hockey, F1 racing games, classic pinball and more along walls upon glowing wall of fun games. There are hundreds of machines, from retro favorites to cutting-edge VR simulators, perfect for friendly battles between family members.

You’ll hear cheers and laughter from every corner, and the sprawling setup means nobody ever has to wait long for a turn. This is a weather-proof, energy-burning, all-ages playground with plenty of opportunity for goofy family photos. For a Father’s Day memory that’s pure fun from start to finish, this arcade is a Paris legend.

Looking for more things to do in Paris with the family? Check out our guide to the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day and discover all the best family-friendly attractions in town.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with The Paris Pass® - just choose a pass to get started!

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Build your unique Paris itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (2-17)
0
How many days?

What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Guided Climb
Louvre Museum

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Tour
Tours de Notre-Dame de Paris