Ideas for visit with grandkids in June

Your granddaughter might enjoying visiting Galeries Lafayette department store — also check to see if they have fashion shows while you are there. Also of interest may be the Palais Garnier.

Would the kids enjoy a Seine river cruise? Jardin des Plantes?

Hi, Elizabeth, I just got back from Paris after spending 10 days in London and then 3 days in Paris with two of my grandkids (girl age 11 and boy age 15). We only had a few days, but both kids wanted to see the Louvre, so we wound up going on a Tuesday morning shortly before it opened at 9am, and got in fairly quickly. There weren't big crowds there yet, either, so you might want to thing about visiting. The kids really enjoyed their time there.

Also, I totally understand not wanting to stand in line at the Eiffel Tower but you might want to consider one of the Seine river cruises. We went on one that started at 8:15pm, left from the Pont Neuf and wound up at the Eiffel Tower for the sparkle effect they do nightly. Again, the kids really enjoyed it, especially seeing the Eiffel Tower all lit up, and then the sparkles coming. It was very cool.

Those are great ideas, I was just researching a boat trip and my little fashionista will love all the shops. It's her little brother I worry about -- maybe I'll just let him lose in the Luxembourg.

Chateau Vincennes on the metro line one is an old fashioned fortress castle and the kids might get a kick out of it. It is easy to visit, in fact we did it when the staff at the Pompidou went on a flash strike and we had planned to go there; just hopped on the metro and headed for Vincennes.

How about motorcycle sidebar rides, visiting the park at the Eiffel Tower to watch the lights turn on, street vendors, visit Luxembourg Gardens.

Helpful reference: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/let-s-go-to-the-theatre-a008

I would definitely take them to the 5th floor of the d'Orsay for the Impressionist art and let your ballerina admire Degas' art with dancers and his ballerina sculpture, Petite Dancer Age 14. And make a big impression when they first get up there to see the big D'Orsay clock and look out across to Sacre Coeur. (You could do this in an hour; go first thing in the morning.) If they need a snack inside the museum we discovered The Restaurant (2nd floor) when there last spring. It's an amazing room. Not the cafe that you will encounter. It's a bit more hidden.

Also I would go to Montmarte; ride the petite train around the area; ride the funicular; enjoy the views! And visit Sacre Coeur if you wish.

Instead of going up to the Eiffel Tower; just look at the Eiffel Tower (nighttime twinkles are extra special from the Trocadero.
Take a Seine River cruise. Maybe the nighttime so you see the lights twinkle then.

Versailles is soooooooo crowded no matter when you go. Be sure and buy tickets that include the gardens because they will want to get out of those cramped quarters inside quite quickly.

Enjoy! Sounds like so much fun! Our last visit was last spring and can't wait to get back.

For your grandson, how about a tour of the PSG stadium? https://stadiumtour.psg.fr/en/

Another activity that may interest your grandchildren: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/event/fete-des-tuileries-e022

elizabethpope,
For both kids, the Invalides (Army Museum) has lots of weapons, suits of armor, and Napoleons tomb (very impressive). Our kids were 8 and 11 when they first went and really got a kick out of it. From there it's a short walk to the Rodin Museum. Just stroll around the garden and look at the statues outside. There is a fee even if you don't go into the house, but the best part is outside, IMO. The statues are wonderful (I confess to visiting there each time I am in Paris). Yes to the boat ride on the Vedettes de Pont Neuf (my preferred option...less crowded than Bateaux Mouches). Grab a seat on the top deck for the best views. Take a light jacket, even in the summer as it is cooler on the water. A very inexpensive hour's treat! And seeing the Eiffel Tower from the Champs de Mar and/or the Trocadero is a great memory.
Be sure to buy a crepe from a sidewalk vendor. Walk along the Seine and examine the wares sold by the bouquinistes. It's a very "Paris" experience. Notre Dame is a must, plus Ste. Chappelle (maybe a concert there?) Opera Garnier will make their eyes pop. Don't forget to look up at the Chagall ceiling there. It is also a short walk to Galleries Lafayette. The department store has a beautiful domed ceiling and from the rooftop you get a nice view of Paris. I'm sure I left something out. Oh, well, it will probably come to me in the middle of the night!
Okay, I am done. Have fun!
Oh yes...while in Montmartre go into Sacre Coeur. The Church isn't medieval, but the mosaics are beautiful and impressive!
Amusez-vous bien!

Before you decide not to go up the Eiffel Tower find out if that is what the kids want to do. I have taken several ten year olds of two different generations to Paris and going up the ET was the top of the list for each of them. You can get timed tickets 7 days out at 1 pm Paris time.

If you want to go on a boat ride I advise you to make a reservation, especially in June. Kids might like the Jardin d'Acclamitation in the Bois de Boulogne. They have activities for kids. Also there is an equestrian center in the Bois. I do not know if they can accomodate having kids ride horses - others might know. Peter

Thanks to everyone for these excellent suggestions. A friend also suggested a meal in a very traditional brasserie like Bofinger's. Also I'm told it's wise to splurge on jump-the-queue tickets for Versailles at least. I'm forwarding these ideas to the kids and their mother -- also ordered Rick's latest Paris book since it's been 7 years since my last visit. I know much has changed post-Covid. Again, Merci.