Children in Paris

Your grandaughter might enjoy the Doll Museum. museedelapoupee.com. All of you will enjoy a cruise on the Seine or you could go by boat on the Canal St. Martin up to the Science Museum at La Villette. Lots of interactive stuff there for kids.

I've never been in Paris with children but they'd probably like the Natural History Museum near the Jardin des Plantes, there's a dinosaur exhibit that runs until May sometime. Also the younger one (and maybe the boys too) might like the puppet show at the Luxembourg Gardens. Most kids like the wild fountain by the Pompidou and 'hamster' tube escalators with views of the city. This website has some good ideas too. www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/04/ten-great-things-to-do-with-kid I'm sure you'll have fun showing them Paris, most places are very enjoyable when seen with kids.

Nancy mentioned puppet shows at the Luxembourg Gardens... that's one of the fun things there. Also... a fantastic playground, a carousel, donkey rides. My son was 11 first time we went to Paris and the Luxembourg Gardens was one of his favorite places. Another fun place is the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne (the park on the west side of Paris). It's an old fashioned amusement park for kids 12 and under. My son also loved the street performers on the pedestrian bridge behind Notre Dame leading to Ile St. Louis, and in front of Notre Dame at night. He enjoyed any boat on the Seine, climbing to the top of Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe, riding the Metro, and of course the ET. He also really enjoyed Versailles (inside and out) - loved riding bikes there or taking the little "train" in the gardens. And he especially liked going to the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. It's where they filmed "Man in the Iron Mask" with Leonardo di Caprio featuring the 3 Musketeers. Perfect chateau for boys especially.

Things my kids like: Climbing towers. Notre Dame is their favorite. They also like Arc de Triomphe. Take the elevator up the Eiffel Tower and walk down. They do love all the street performers in these areas, walking up and down the Champs Elysees, and taking a break in the Shakespeare & Company bookstore across from Notre Dame. Museums - Outdoor sculpture garden at the Rodin museum is their favorite. As for the Louvre, they lie the cool Egyptian part that includes a stolen little burial chamber you can walk in, the Medieval Louvre part that's underground and Napolean's Apartments. They like the Centre Pompidou. There's a hands on children's area. If you have an art lover, they might like the D'Orsay. The Orangerie is a must for anyone who likes Monet. They tolerated Ste. Chappelle. Did not like Invalides (Military Museum) or Pantheon. Food - Latin Quarter serves at any time of day. Great place to grab a gyro. They love getting sugar crepes from street vendors. Eating is always popular with my kids LOL. They thought Montmarte was too crowded, but did like watching the artists. If you want to venture out further, my kids really liked Giverny. But they actually like Monet and his art. They didn't appreciate Versailles like I had hoped they would. They actually preferred the smaller Trianons to the grand palace. I know we've done and seen more, but that's what pops to my mind. I know people rave about the gardens, but for kids that are used to super fun playgrounds, they aren't that great. I would expect your oldest grandson would be quite underwhelmed.

Your grandsons would probably love the Catacombs (my 11 year old did), but might be a bit much for the youngest. Walking through an underground passageway lined with bones and skulls - a unique experience for us!

Another thing my son has always loved and your grandsons and husband might enjoy too... there is a car dealership on the Champs Elysee that has super fancy, super expensive sports cars. A thrill for most guys.