


Aquarium de Paris
About
Located in the stunning Trocadéro Gardens with Eiffel Tower views, this underground aquarium offers an immersive marine experience perfect for families exploring Paris. Kids will be thrilled by the interactive touch pools where they can gently handle sea creatures, while parents appreciate the air-conditioned respite from city sightseeing. The aquarium features over 10,000 fish and invertebrates, including an impressive 3-million-liter shark tank that captivates visitors of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive touch pools where children can gently touch sea stars, rays, and other marine creatures under supervision
- ✓Massive shark tank with viewing tunnel that lets kids walk underneath sharks and tropical fish
- ✓Daily feeding demonstrations and educational talks (check schedule, some in English)
- ✓Medusa room featuring mesmerizing jellyfish displays that glow in dimmed lighting
- ✓Special kids' activity area with games and educational stations about marine conservation
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line and save money, as walk-up prices are higher for international visitors.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (9:30-11:00 AM) for the smallest crowds and best viewing at the touch pools.
- 3.Bring hand sanitizer or wipes, as kids will want to touch everything after the interactive pools, though handwashing stations are available.
- 4.Combine your visit with the nearby Trocadéro Gardens and Eiffel Tower for a full day, as the aquarium takes only 1.5-2 hours to explore.
- 5.English information is available, but download a translation app for detailed exhibit descriptions, as many signs are primarily in French.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings between 9:30-11:00 AM for the calmest experience, or Saturday evenings (when open until 9:00 PM) for a unique after-dark aquarium adventure with fewer families. Spring and fall offer the best balance of manageable Paris crowds and comfortable walking weather to combine with outdoor attractions.
What to Know
Admission costs around 20-25 euros for adults and 13-16 euros for children (moderate price range), with family packages available. The aquarium is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, has bathrooms with changing tables, and offers a small snack bar, though meal options are limited so plan to eat nearby.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, making it an excellent rainy day or hot summer activity in Paris. Check their website for special holiday programming during Christmas and school vacation periods, which may include themed workshops but also larger crowds.
Real Experiences
@aquariumdeparis
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Nearby Eats
For kid-friendly dining, try Cafe Carlu at the nearby Palais de Chaillot for casual French fare with spectacular Eiffel Tower views, or walk 10 minutes to Rue de Passy for creperies and casual bistros with children's menus. Many families pack picnic supplies to enjoy in the adjacent Trocadero Gardens when weather permits.
More Activities Near Paris
Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
Located at Le Bourget Airport just outside Paris, the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace is one of the world's oldest and most impressive aviation museums. With everything from vintage biplanes and Concorde jets to space rockets and flight simulators, this massive collection brings aviation history to life in a way that captivates children and adults alike. The interactive exhibits and hands-on simulators make this far more than just looking at planes, offering an engaging educational experience that inspires future pilots and engineers.
Louvre Museum
The iconic Louvre Museum offers far more than just the Mona Lisa for families. With specially designed children's tours, interactive family guides, and treasure hunt activities, even young visitors can engage with world-class art spanning thousands of years. The museum's sheer size means you can focus on just a few galleries, making it manageable for families without feeling overwhelmed.
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a quintessential Parisian park offering a delightful blend of classic French garden beauty and family-friendly activities. Kids can sail toy boats on the Grand Bassin pond, ride the vintage carousel, watch puppet shows at the marionette theater, and enjoy excellent playgrounds, all while parents soak in the elegant Parisian atmosphere and manicured gardens.
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes offers a perfect blend of nature, science, and discovery in the heart of Paris. This historic botanical garden features a compact zoo (Menagerie), engaging Natural History Museum exhibits including dinosaur galleries and taxidermy collections, and sprawling gardens where children can run freely while parents enjoy the beautiful landscaping and greenhouse displays.