Best things to do in Paris with teenagers

Travelling with a teenager? We know the drill: you need activities cool enough to keep them engaged but flexible enough for family time. Luckily, Paris delivers on both. From sky-high viewpoints and quirky museums to street art and sweet treats, there’s no shortage of things to do that’ll score points with your teen—whether they’re into TikToks, thrill rides, or simply soaking in a vibe. This guide rounds up the top picks that blend culture, fun, and freedom so your teen can explore Paris their way (and you can enjoy the trip without hearing "I'm bored."). Let's dive in.

Climb the Montparnasse Tower 

📍 Address: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris 

💸 Included with the Paris Pass 

While everyone flocks to the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower gives you something even better—a view that actually includes the Eiffel Tower. Teens love the wow-factor of the panoramic terrace, 210 meters above the city. It’s fast, thrilling, and there’s zero queuing stress thanks to the high-speed elevator. 

There’s also a fun interactive exhibit inside that highlights Parisian landmarks from a sky-high perspective, plus plenty of Instagram opportunities at the top. Whether they’re into skyline selfies, scoping out the city's layout, or just zoning out above the crowd, this tower stop is a certified teen hit. 

Explore the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie 

📍 Address: 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris 

💸 Included with the Paris Pass 

Think of it as Paris’s version of a science theme park. Cité des Sciences is packed with hands-on experiments, high-tech demos, and mind-blowing exhibitions that cater to the curiosity (and short attention spans) of most teens. 

There are rooms dedicated to space, robotics, gaming, and even virtual reality experiences. The planetarium and immersive simulators bring learning to life in ways that don’t feel like school. It’s great for STEM fans—or anyone who likes to push buttons and watch stuff happen. 

Bonus: it's located inside a huge park with canals and skate spots, so teens can chill before or after their brainy session. 

Take a Seine River Cruise 

📍 Departure: Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower) 

💸 Included with the Paris Pass 

Let’s be honest—cruising down the Seine is a vibe. The views are constantly changing, there’s a breeze in your hair, and it gives your teen a break from walking (while still technically sightseeing). 

They’ll pass landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay, all from a seat that doesn’t require much effort. Some cruises even have onboard commentary via headphones, which teens can half-listen to while snapping pics or scrolling. 

It’s ideal for late afternoons when everyone’s energy is dipping but you still want to squeeze in one more experience. 

Visit the Centre Pompidou 

📍 Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris 

💸 Included with the Paris Pass 

Funky from the outside and full of contemporary cool inside, Centre Pompidou tends to win over even the most art-averse teens. The modern art exhibits are bold, interactive, and sometimes a little weird—in a way that sparks curiosity. 

There’s also a rooftop terrace with a killer view of the city and lots of fun nooks to hang out or take photos. If your teen leans toward the creative or quirky, this is the museum that’ll speak their language. Plus, the escalator ride up the building’s clear tube is a surprise favorite. 

Chill Out at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 

📍 Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris 

💸 Free 

This isn’t your average park. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is full of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and even a suspension bridge that teens love crossing for the ‘adventure vibes.’ It’s less manicured and more moody than places like Jardin du Luxembourg—ideal for teens who want space to sprawl out or shoot photos for their feed. 

There’s a faux temple perched high on a hill (Temple de la Sibylle), a lake with ducks, and winding paths that feel like a mini escape from the city’s buzz. Bonus: you’ll see tons of Parisians lounging here with snacks, guitars, and books. It’s peak local hangout energy. 

Try Retro Arcade Games at Reset Bar 

📍 Address: 17 Rue du Cygne, 75001 Paris 

💸 Free entry with drink purchase 

This quirky spot combines a gaming arcade with a casual hangout bar—and it’s teen-approved (especially during the day before it becomes more of a nightlife vibe). Reset Bar has vintage consoles, arcade cabinets, and multiplayer classics like Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, and Street Fighter. 

It’s free to play as long as you grab a soda or a snack. The whole space has neon lights, game-themed decor, and a laid-back vibe that teens find refreshingly fun and low-pressure. For parents tagging along, there’s usually coffee, mocktails, or board games nearby. 

Check Out the Catacombs of Paris 

📍 Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris 

💸 Entry from €29; not included with Paris Pass 

If your teen is into anything spooky, historical, or TikTok-worthy, the Catacombs of Paris will tick every box. Descend 131 steps underground to wander through tunnels lined with the bones of millions. It’s eerie, fascinating, and strangely respectful—a glimpse into the city’s darker past. 

This one’s best for older teens and those who enjoy the macabre side of history. The tour is self-guided, and it never feels too long. Book ahead—slots sell out fast. And yes, you’ll climb 112 steps to get out. Worth it for the bragging rights. 

Snap Selfies at the Palais de Tokyo 

📍 Address: 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris 

💸 Entry ~€12; not included with Paris Pass 

Palais de Tokyo is one of Paris’s most experimental art spaces, and it leans hard into contemporary, large-scale installations that look as cool as they are thought-provoking. It’s raw, industrial, and nothing like a typical museum—exactly the kind of place that gets teens engaged. 

They’ll find immersive light shows, soundscapes, and interactive exhibits that shift with each new artist takeover. There’s also an edgy gift shop and a sleek café with chill seating for debriefing or refueling. This is the kind of place where a gallery visit becomes a whole vibe. 

Climb the Towers of Notre-Dame (When Reopened) 

📍 Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris 

💸 Expected to reopen in 2024; entry details TBC 

Once Notre-Dame reopens, climbing its towers will be high on every teen’s to-do list—literally. The 387-step climb leads to unforgettable views, plus close-up encounters with the cathedral’s famous gargoyles. 

It’s physically challenging in a fun way, and feels more like an achievement than a chore. The narrow spiral staircase and stone alcoves give the ascent a medieval, video game feel. At the top, the panoramic view is unbeatable—and likely to get shared instantly to whatever app they’re currently obsessed with. 

(Keep an eye out for official reopening announcements and ticket info.) 

Scale the Panthéon’s Dome 

📍 Address: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris 

💸 Not included with the Paris Pass 

The Panthéon doesn’t always top the typical tourist list, which is exactly why it’s perfect for teens who want something a little less obvious. Inside, it’s all about grandeur and famous names (Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie), but the real highlight is the dome climb. 

The 360° view of Paris is jaw-dropping, and because it’s less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, teens can linger, snap photos, or just vibe out without the crush of crowds. The crypts below are also just the right amount of eerie and fascinating. 

Take Cool Shots at Rue Crémieux 

📍 Address: Rue Crémieux, 75012 Paris 

💸 Free 

If your teen’s into photography, TikTok, or Instagram, Rue Crémieux is a goldmine. This cobblestoned street is lined with pastel-painted houses, colorful shutters, and adorable plants—think Notting Hill with French flair. 

It’s one of the most photogenic places in Paris, and totally walkable if you’re heading east. Just a heads-up: it’s residential, so remind your teen to snap respectfully and skip loud videos or dance challenges. It’s a quick stop, but worth it for the grid content alone. 

Go Underground at the Musée des Égouts (Sewer Museum) 

📍 Address: Pont de l'Alma, 75007 Paris 

💸 Entry from €9; not included with Paris Pass 

This one sounds weird, but teens love the weird. The Musée des Égouts (Sewer Museum) takes you into Paris’s underground network—yes, actual walkways alongside real, functioning sewers. It’s gross in the best way and surprisingly informative. 

The engineering is impressive, and the exhibits walk through the evolution of sanitation and water in Paris. If your teen is into science, tech, or “gross but cool” stuff, they’ll get a kick out of it. Bonus: it’s a quiet reprieve from tourist-packed museums. 

Enjoy the View from Montparnasse Tower 

📍 Address: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris 

💸 Included with the Paris Pass 

Forget the Eiffel Tower queues—Montparnasse Tower offers a smoother ride to a better view. Teens will love the glass elevators that zoom to the 56th floor in 38 seconds, and the open-air terrace has panoramic views (with way fewer people blocking the perfect Eiffel Tower backdrop). 

There’s a café at the top, sleek touchscreen guides for identifying landmarks, and loads of space to take it all in. It’s a top pick for watching the city light up after dark—cooler, quicker, and just as magical. 

Teens can be tricky travel companions, but Paris makes it easier than most places. Whether they’re climbing towers, snapping moody photos, or loading up on sugar and souvenirs, the city gives them space to explore and express themselves—without sacrificing the grown-up fun. With a little planning and the right mix of stops, your Paris trip can be a win for the whole crew.

Need some more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in Marais or stay local and see what's around the Louvre. 

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