Entertaining a 5 year old
 

My French friends (who are from Le Midi) are going back for a visit and they are changing planes in Paris. Their daughter wants very badly to see le Tour Eiffel so they will stay one night so that she can see some of the joys of Paris. They have asked me for recomendations as to how they can entertain her. The only thing I can thing of is the carousel. I think it's close to Notre Dame but can't be sure. Anybody have any thoughts on this? I really appreciate your help.

There are many great things !

read my trip report (A Magical Vacation with two little girls or something).

couple things quickly come to mind:
- Luxembourg Gardens - pony rides
- double decker carousel across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower
- museum: Picasso, Louvre (obviously in small doses - but every kid knows the Mona Lisa)
- Berthillon
- playground above carousel across from Eiffel Tower (incl. huge sand box)
- playgrounds all over the city... I know where, but hard to describe w/o a map (Le Marais, next to Seine on way from Ile St. Louis to Picasso, 7th)
- jumping on the black and white pillars at Palais Royal (also a small playground at the other end)

she will have a wonderful time and won't want to leave !

There was also a carousel in Les Halles across from the BHV department store a week ago along with the ice skating rink-don't know how long that stays.

I still think that the Eiffel Tower appeals to EVERYONE no matter what their age and you can always stop and have a drink and snack on the 2nd floor (I believe at the snack concession).

Thanks very much for your input. I'll be seeing them tonight and will give them your recommendations.

"the Eiffel Tower appeals to EVERYONE"

Not me - I think it's hideous.

To Noncomformist - I'll bet you're great fun on a trip.

It's a perfectly legitimate opinion.

At the Tuilleries, our 6yo son loved floating the boats in the fountain. There is also a nice playground on the north side, along with a carousel and trampolines (small ones built into the ground, for a small charge).

Batobus is fun to get around on.

The playground at the Luxembourg Gardens (small charge) was loads of fun.

We didn't make any of them, but there are Guignol performances at the Luxembourg Gardens and other spots around town.

Also the Musee Rodin is not too far from the Eiffel Tower; his statues are accessible, and there are sandpits to play in at the back of the garden (bring a couple of small toys).

Very nice toy department in the Galleries Lafayette.

Thank you for responding and your great ideas. I had totally forgotten about the carousel near the Eiffel Tower. Go figure. I love this forum and appreciate all the thoughtful and constructive contributions.

You could take her to the Musée des Sciences Naturelles de l'Homme, formerly Musée de l'Homme in Palais de Chaillot. It has been completely redone. Don't miss Galerie de l'Evolution with dinosaurs etc.