Paris is extremely child-friendly.  You may not want to spend hours in the Louvre or pricey bistros, but if you tweak your plans a bit you will find a huge amount of child-centered activities to do.

Today’s Washington Post has a great article that traces the author’s trips to Paris with her young son.  Among her recommendations for those traveling with children are:

• The carnival at the Tuileries Gardens.  This is open in the summer months, and offers carnival staples such as a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, cotton candy and carnival games.
• Parc Monceau’s playground in the 8th arrondissement.
• The Eiffel Tower, especially at night when it sparkles with lights.
• The Batobus, a bus that makes stops up and down the Seine river.  A lot of fun for kids and a great alternative to the metro.
• Marionette shows in the parks.
• Circuses:  At almost any time of year you can find at least one circus in town.
• Parc de la Villette and its child-friendly science museum.
• Canal St. Martin cruise
• Jardin des Plantes, a great zoo in the 5th arrondissement near the Seine.
• Jardin d’Acclimation, an unique and relaxed amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne

Worried about what to feed your child in Paris?  Along with the traditional steak-frites served in most bistros, the author suggests a croque monsieur, baguette sandwiches and the beloved pain au chocolat.

To read the entire article, go to this Washington Post article.