Paris 2024 Olympics with kids: how to visit & what to expect
Visiting the Paris 2024 Olympics with kids is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you do not need stadium tickets to enjoy it: free fan zones, street races and Olympic decorations are all over the city. The Games run from 26 July to 11 August 2024, followed by the Paralympics from 28 August. Here is what is on, how to plan with children and where to escape the crowds.
What's on: dates, places and prices
The Olympics start with an opening ceremony on the Seine on 26 July, then sports take place in venues across Paris and beyond. Many iconic places become venues: beach volleyball next to the Eiffel Tower, fencing in the Grand Palais, urban sports on Place de la Concorde and equestrian events at Versailles.
| What | Where | When | Good for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening ceremony | along the Seine | 26 July | older kids | free (upper quays, with registration) to premium |
| Olympic competitions | venues across Paris | 24 July – 11 August (football and rugby start before the ceremony) | 6+ | mid-range to premium |
| Road cycling, marathon, triathlon | streets of Paris | several days | all ages | free |
| Celebration sites and fan zones | parks and squares | during the Games | all ages | free |
| Paralympic Games | venues across Paris | 28 August – 8 September | 6+ | budget to mid-range |
Price per ticket: budget = under about €30, mid-range = about €30–100, premium = over €100. Approximate; check official sources before you go.
See family attractions in Paris on the Kid.ooo map
What's in it for kids by age
Young children enjoy the atmosphere, flags and fan zones, while older kids can follow a sport and cheer for their country.
- Toddlers (1–3): short visits to a fan zone in the morning, then a park and a nap.
- Preschoolers (3–6): watching cyclists or runners pass by on the street, face painting and flags.
- School kids (6–12): a ticketed event in a sport they love, such as swimming, gymnastics or BMX.
- Teens: urban sports at Concorde, evening sessions and the buzz of the fan zones.
Top experiences: the Olympics with kids and family attractions
For families, the best mix is one ticketed event, a few free street races and fan zones, and plenty of time in parks.
The Ville de Paris runs free celebration sites with giant screens and activities in many districts, with programmes listed on its website. In the north-east, the Parc de la Villette hosts a big fan area during the Games, and it already has playgrounds, lawns and the dragon slide. Next door, the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie is a great indoor break on hot or rainy days.
At the Château de Versailles, the equestrian events take place in the palace gardens, so parts of the park may be closed during the Games. Check before you go.
Practical: parking, prams and baby change
Do not drive into Paris during the Games; use public transport, walk and allow extra time.
- Security zones: around venues there are closed perimeters. Some areas need a digital pass or a ticket to enter, so check the official rules before you go.
- Public transport: metro and RER fares are temporarily higher during the Games, and some stations near venues close. Buy tickets in advance on your phone.
- Prams: a light, foldable buggy is best. Many stadiums have strict bag rules.
- Baby change: museums, department stores and large cafés are your best options.
- Heat: late July can be hot. Bring water, hats and sun cream, and plan indoor breaks.
Where to eat nearby
Avoid the busiest areas around venues at lunchtime and eat a little away from the crowds. A picnic in a park is easy and cheap: bakeries sell sandwiches, quiches and fruit tarts. Many bistros have simple kids' dishes like steak-frites or pasta.
Find kid-friendly restaurants and cafés in each district on the Kid.ooo map.
Alternatives if it's busy
If the crowds are too much, the classic family spots in and around Paris are still open and often calmer than usual. The Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne has rides, playgrounds and farm animals. The Jardin du Luxembourg has a big playground, ponies and toy sailboats. Outside the city, Disneyland Paris is a full day of fun.
More playgrounds in Paris are in our list of Europe's most spectacular playgrounds, and indoor options in Europe's best indoor attractions for kids. If you enjoyed the Euro 2024 atmosphere, see our family fan zones guide.
For family travel and photo ideas, follow @macs_explore on Instagram.
More attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Kid.ooo is a free kid-friendly places map where parents share playgrounds, cafés and attractions across Europe. Look up things to do with kids in Paris and save a shady playground and a family café near your hotel for the days between Olympic events.
Find playgrounds in Paris on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family visiting Paris.
Frequently asked questions
Can you watch the Paris 2024 Olympics for free with kids?
Yes. Road events like cycling, the marathon and parts of the triathlon can be watched for free along the route, and the city runs free celebration sites with giant screens. Some fan areas ask you to register in advance.
Is Paris safe and easy with children during the Olympics?
Security is very high, with police everywhere and closed zones around venues. It is safe, but getting around takes longer, so plan extra time, carry ID and check which areas need a pass.
Can I bring a pram to Olympic venues?
Rules differ by venue, and many stadiums have strict bag and pram policies. For street events and fan zones, a light buggy or a baby carrier is the most practical choice.
When are the Paris 2024 Paralympics?
The Paralympic Games run from 28 August to 8 September 2024. They are a great alternative for families, often with easier tickets and smaller crowds.
Find family places near you
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