At Tots City Guide recommends visiting the Montparnasse district with kids. Yes, it’s more than just a big Paris station! There are tons of family-friendly things to do near Gare Montparnasse and Tour Montparnasse, from theatre shows to baby cafes, playgrounds and more. Here are our top recommendations (and top travel tips):
THEATRE FOR SMALL KIDS IN PARIS
There are many Paris theatres with family-friendly shows in the Montparnasse district. Check out this top things to do with kids under 6!
Theatres in Montparnasse include:
Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse
About Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse: Founded in the 19th century – as a medium sized 400 seater venue, it’s a great spot for family-shows.
Shows from ages: 4 years+
See info on current shows on the website under ‘Jeune Public) here
Bobino Theatre
About the theatre: A historic, well-known music-hall, named after a popular Italian clown from the 19th century.
Shows from ages: For children from approx 3 years old.
Find more info and book in here
About the theatre: A teeny but very cosy and cute theatre tucked down a quiet side street right by Montparnasse station.
Shows from ages: Can be suitable from 2 (great because it’s a small theatre), but shows generally aimed from 3 years.
PRO TIP: There are no toilets in the theatre, so be sure to make a stop beforehand.
Find more info and book in here
Great Point-Virgule
About the theatre: This modern theatre consists of two comfy spaces with between 430 and 220 seats.
Shows from ages: Recommended from 3 years old +
Find out more and book in here
Théâtre Gaîté Rive Gauche
About the theatre: This historical venue hosts 300–400 seats, with occasional family‑friendly programming. Owned by the Théâtre Gaîté tean down the road.
Shows from ages: Some shows from 3 years old.
Find out more and book in here
There are tons more family-friendly theatres in Paris – see the Tots City Guide top theatre recommendations in this 2026 Guide
PARKS IN & AROUND MONTPARNASSE
Square Gaston-Baty
Probably the nearest playground to Montparnasse station, featuring Slide, a sea saw and water tap.
Pros: Great location near theatres, cafes and restaurants. Set under trees – great during the hot summer months.
Cons: A few, potentially sketchy people sitting around so just be aware of the park’s location near the station and stay vigilant with your kids.
Square Georges‑Lamarque
A small, tree-lined square with playground – with obstacles perfect for small kids, including slide and climbing structures
Cons: Reviews state how noisy it is here near the traffic
Square Aspirant Dunand
Park with large playground featuring slide and climbing frame
Cons (if travelling with small kids): Playground for older kids from 4 years
Nearby parks
Nearby – a 15-20 minute walk away is Jardin du Luxembourg. Find top ideas and things to do with kids HERE
BABY CAFES IN & AROUND MONTPARNASSE
There are no baby cafes in the Montparnasse district itself, but nearby, walkable baby cafes include:
Discover all the Paris baby cafes in this Tots City Guide round up HERE
FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN & AROUND MONTPARNASSE
A hub of buzzing Parisian restaurants, bars and cafes, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly restaurants in the Montparnasse district. Tots City Guide recommends for kid-friendly lunches:
Le Tournesol – best for a casual lunch near the theatres
Large, friendly restaurant, with plenty of space for a buggy and a menu that caters well for vegetarians too. Kid’s menu is classic steak/ chicken nuggets – great value with big portions!
Find out more about Le Tournesol here
La Crêperie de Josselin – best for traditional style / Crêpes.
TIP: This place is popular so be sure to arrive as early as possible – ideally 11.20AM just before opening.
Find out more about La Crêperie de Josselin here
La Coupole – best for high end dining
This Parisian brasserie is known for its seafood and oyster bar. It’s congratulated for being kid friendly. (Tots City Guide cannot confirm), but the staff are said to sometimes offer activity books to kids. Kids menu available on request.
Great option if you’re really keen for a fancy meal in an iconic Paris setting. But note this is a sit down service so kids will need to try and sit still (for a bit at least! Bring toys!!).
Find out more about La Coupole here
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse – best for buzzy atmosphere
This Art Nouveau restaurant has beautiful decor. The staff are congratulated in reviews for their attentiveness to small kids. With efficient service. No stated kids menu, but menu prices range from €6–€14 for mains – so children can pick and choose what they want to eat.
Find out more about Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse
Indiana Café – best for very casual vibe & international menu
Sometimes, when you’re travelling with toddlers, you just want somewhere you can eat and not be judged…Well this chain restaurant – Indiana Café – is an easy bet for families, with a vast international menu (and affordable kid’s menu), it can be a good pit-stop with small kids, although admittedly not at all the romantic French experience you’ve dreamed of..
Find out more about Indiana Café here
Explore more kid-friendly Paris restaurants on the Tots City Guide Toddler & Baby Map
BABY CHANGE FACILITIES IN & AROUND MONTPARNASSE
Eek! Baby has dropped one and you need to change a nappy ASAP. Here’s where you can change a baby around Montparnasse…
TOP CHOICE: Les Ateliers Gaîté (small Westfield shopping centre) – At Level 1 you’ll find a baby space with baby mat and microwave
Gare de Montparnasse (run by 2theLoo) – baby‑changing tables in the toilets – note toilets they are paid and you may need to ask staff for access)
OTHER AREAS & PARIS ARRONDISSEMENTS WITH KIDS UNDER 6:
1st Arrondissement: Tuileries & The Louvre with kids under 6
15th arrondissement: Jardin Du Luxembourg with kids under 6
15th arrondissement with kids under 6
Disneyland Paris with babies, toddlers and kids under 6
FAQ — Visiting Montparnasse with Kids Under 6
Is Montparnasse a good area for toddlers in Paris?
Yes — although you may think it’s just a bbig station, the Montparnasse district is one of the easier Paris neighborhoods for families with young kids thanks to wide sidewalks, lots of parks, cafés, crêperies and good public transport connections.
Are there stroller-friendly activities in Montparnasse?
Mostly yes. The area is relatively flat and many cafés, parks and museums are accessible with a stroller, though be prepared as some most Paris cafés are small and have limited indoor space. Luckily many of the Paris baby cafes are located in this area!
What are the best rainy-day activities in Montparnasse with kids?
Good rain-safe options include baby cafés, bookshops, theatres and nearby museums such as the Fondation Cartier or the Catacombs visitor areas (although these would probably be more suitable to visit with older kids from around 5 years+)
Where can you eat with young kids in Montparnasse?
Montparnasse is famous for family-friendly crêperies, casual cafés and bakeries with quick service, high chairs and easy kid menus. Visit the Tots City Guide Baby & Toddler map to see where to eat in the Montparnasse district.
Is Montparnasse walkable with small children?
Yes — many attractions are close together, making it easy to explore slowly with toddlers or preschoolers without needing constant metro trips. However, be aware this is an extremely busy area with lots of traffic!
What age group is this guide best for?
Every guide on the Tots City Guide website is designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers under 6, with a focus on short activities, playgrounds, toy areas, snack stops and flexible outings. However, many of these ideas can be applied to older kids too!
Are there playgrounds near Gare Montparnasse?
Yes — there are several small playgrounds and green spaces within walking distance of Gare Montparnasse, plus the station is an approximate 15 minute walk to Jardin du Luxembourg, (and there is SO much to do here with small kids)
How much time should families spend in Montparnasse?
Anything from half a day, to a full day out as there are lots of things to do near Montparnasse station with kids, from playgrounds, to café stops and indoor activities. However, we’d recommend planning your day in advance, especially if you’re planning a theatre trip as you’ll need to get tickets before to avoid disapointment.
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