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.

• ✓Seeing the Mona Lisa up close (arrive early or late to avoid massive crowds)
• ✓Exploring the Egyptian mummies and ancient artifacts that fascinate most children
• ✓The impressive glass pyramid entrance and underground shopping area
• ✓Greek and Roman sculptures including the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory
• ✓The Medieval Louvre foundations visible in the basement level

1. 1.Book timed entry tickets online in advance to skip the pyramid queues, which can be extremely long. Look for the less crowded entrances at Porte des Lions or Carrousel du Louvre.
2. 2.Pick up a free family guide at the information desk or download the museum's family app with kid-friendly trails before you start exploring.
3. 3.Don't attempt to see everything. Choose 2-3 specific sections (Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculptures, or Medieval Louvre) and spend quality time there rather than rushing through.
4. 4.Visit on Friday evenings when it's open late and slightly less crowded with tour groups, giving families more breathing room.
5. 5.Bring snacks and plan for breaks at the Tuileries Garden right outside, where kids can run around between gallery visits.

Visit on Monday mornings right at opening (9:00 AM) when crowds are smallest, or Friday evenings after 6:00 PM for a more relaxed atmosphere. Avoid weekends and Wednesday afternoons when school groups dominate. Off-season months (November through March, excluding holidays) offer the most comfortable experience.

Admission is free for anyone under 18 and EU residents under 26 (bring passport). Adults pay approximately 17 euros. The museum has nursing rooms, family restrooms, stroller access (though narrow in some areas), and coat check for storing bags. Multiple cafes are available inside, though pricey, so many families pack snacks.

Open year-round except Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25. Summer months (July-August) are extremely crowded with international tourists. Consider visiting during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for better weather and manageable crowds.

Angelina Paris (226 Rue de Rivoli) is famous for hot chocolate and pastries that kids love, just a 5-minute walk away. For casual meals, the Carrousel du Louvre underground shopping area has a food court with various options including McDonald's and Paul bakery.