Visiting Versailles with kids doesn’t have to be a formal, over-structured experience. In fact, some of my best family memories have been made by exploring the castle and gardens with my children in creative, cost-effective ways.
Here are some fantastic nearly-DIY options to keep kids from all ages engaged and curious while discovering the rich history of this iconic landmark. Heck, you might even learn a thing or two, and definitely have fun along the way, like we did!
1. Take a Self-Guided Street-Art Tour
🎨 Self-Guided Walk for Families
💰 Cost: Only €6 for the entire family-friendly guide!
👶 Perfect for Kids: Recommended for children aged 5 to 12
While Versailles is steeped in royal history, its surrounding neighborhoods also boast vibrant and eclectic street art. For only 6 Euros you can take a self-guided walk to discover murals and installations that add a contemporary twist to this historic town.
ExplorHappy’s guide makes it easy to navigate these artistic gems, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience that kids will love.
2. Rick Steves’ Audio Tour of Versailles
🎧 Audio Guide Link: Rick Steves Audio Tours
💰 Cost: Free
👶 Not just for Kids: Recommended for people of all ages
For older kids and parents who enjoy storytelling, Rick Steves’ free audio tour of Versailles is a gem. Download it before your visit, pop in your earbuds, and let Rick Steves guide you through the palace’s most iconic rooms.
In just under an hour, this engaging narration covers the rise and fall of the French monarchy, weaving in vivid stories about Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and the events leading to the French Revolution. It’s like having a personal historian in your pocket!
3. The Little Detectives at Trianon
One of the most enchanting parts of the Versailles experience for kids is hidden away in Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and the Petit Trianon. This magical area feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with picturesque cottages, winding paths, and charming farm animals.
📖 Guidebook Recommendation: The Little Detectives at the Trianon
💰 Cost: Only €10 for the entire family-friendly guide!
👶 Perfect for Kids: Recommended for children aged 5 to 12
Make the adventure even more exciting by grabbing the guidebook, The Little Detectives at the Trianon. This interactive booklet follows the tale of two women uncovering the mystery of the Petit Trianon. Is it haunted by the ghost of Marie Antoinette? With comics, mazes, and puzzles, this guide lets kids explore history in a fun and imaginative way.
🛤️ Getting There: The easiest way to reach the Petit Trianon is by taking the Little Train (Petit Train), a hop-on-hop-off shuttle that circles the grounds. Tickets are €9 for adults, and kids under 12 ride free.
💡 Pro Tip: Order the guidebook ahead of time, as it’s not always available at the château gift shop. The on-site investigation lasts about an hour and is perfect for kids when guided by an adult.
4. Geocaching in Versailles
📍 Get Started: www.geocaching.com
💰 Cost: Free
👶 Perfect for Families: Recommended for anyone age 0 to 99
Turn your visit into a treasure hunt! Geocaching is a modern-day scavenger hunt where participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches” around the world. Versailles has over 1,000 caches waiting to be discovered, each hiding a piece of history.
Download the free app, and you’ll receive coordinates to begin your hunt. Not only is this activity thrilling for kids, but it’s also educational—you’ll uncover fascinating tidbits about the gardens and palace as you search.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a small trinket to leave behind in the cache as part of the geocaching tradition.
5. Feed the Ducks and Swans
🦢 A Simple Joy in the Gardens
💰 Cost: Free
👶 Perfect for Kids: Recommended for children aged 3 to 12
The Grand Canal is not just a stunning backdrop for photos—it’s also home to flocks of ducks and swans that kids love to watch and feed. Bring along a small bag of bird-safe snacks, ideally cracked corn or defrosted peas—or even a stale baguette and let the kids enjoy this timeless activity.
Watching the graceful swans glide across the water and seeing the ducks eagerly paddle over for treats adds a calming, nature-filled pause to your day of exploring Versailles. Keep your eyes peeled for the carp in the water who will battle with the swans and ducks for treats.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan this stop as part of your picnic break near the Grand Canal for a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
Other Budget-Friendly Tips for Visiting Versailles with Kids
- Pack a Picnic: Skip the pricey on-site cafés and pack your own lunch. The Grand Canal area offers plenty of scenic spots to spread out and enjoy a meal.
- Free Entry for Kids: Admission to the Palace and the Trianon estate is free for children under 18 years old (and under 26 for EU residents).
- Bring Refillable Bottles: Save money on drinks by refilling water bottles at the drinkable (potable) fountains around the gardens.
A Day Full of Fun and Memories
Versailles offers so much more than its gilded halls. From solving mysteries at the Petit Trianon to geocaching and exploring street art, these DIY tours let kids connect with history in hands-on, engaging ways.
Whether you’re on a budget or simply looking for unique ways to enjoy the palace, these activities promise an unforgettable family adventure.
So, pack your curiosity, grab your family and maybe a guidebook or two, and get ready to explore Versailles like never before!
