We absolutely love Paris! We’ve traveled with and without kids, for short trips and longer, and every time it’s magical. We have had a wonderful experience every time we’ve gone, despite it not typically being known as a family travel … Read More
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We absolutely love Paris! We’ve traveled with and without kids, for short trips and longer, and every time it’s magical. We have had a wonderful experience every time we’ve gone, despite it not typically being known as a family travel destination.
There is so much to enjoy on a family vacation to Paris that I’d definitely recommend at least 5 days in Paris. However, now that we’re living in London, it feels like a dream to be able to go just for a couple of days.
If you’d like a FREE printable PDF itinerary and packing list for visiting Paris with kids, just click on the link below and pop in your email and it’ll come straight to your inbox.
And if you can only spend two days in Paris, here’s everything we did on a weekend in Paris in January with kids in tow.
See THIS MAP to view all the best sites for a Paris family vacation!
Packing for Paris depends on the season, but in general, you’ll want to focus on comfortable clothing, weather-appropriate layers, and essentials for walking-friendly days. For some specific ideas, see this post that details everything I wore for a trip to Paris with N, our oldest.
Especially with a big family, it’s important for us to pack minimally so we don’t feel totally overwhelmed when we travel. Here are some of our favorite minimal packing essentials for families!
For more packing ideas here’s what I packed for:
Paris is divided into a series of 20 areas (arrondissements) that spiral outward from the center. In general, I love several of the single digit arrondissements, especially if it’s a relatively short Paris family trip. Here’s a full post on the best areas to stay in Paris for families.
If you’re wondering where is the best area of Paris with kids, here are some of my favorites:
Getting around Paris is easy and efficient, thanks to its well-connected public transportation system. For most visitors, the Metro and walking is the easiest and most affordable combo. You can use RER (suburban trains) for day trips, and taxis only when necessary.
If you are traveling beyond Paris on a larger Europe trip, it might be best to rent your own vehicle for maximum flexibility.
And if you do end up needing to drive, here is a complete post about traveling with car seats. And here are our favorites by age:
Finding the best places to eat in Paris with kids can be a wonderful adventure – as long as you know where to look. In general, I find Paris restaurants to be very kid-friendly; most restaurants will be extremely accommodating and almost all have things like high chairs available. Bistros and brasseries tend to have more relaxed atmospheres and kid-friendly menus, such as Le Relais de l’Entrecôte for its famous steak-frites and Chez Janou for its lively ambiance and extensive dessert selection. Many cafes near parks, like Jardin du Luxembourg, provide outdoor seating and open spaces for kids to play. Don’t miss the chance to visit creperies, like Breizh Café, where the whole family can enjoy sweet and savory crepes. Additionally, exploring local markets such as Marché des Enfants Rouges can be a fun way for kids to try a variety of fresh, local foods in a casual setting.
Here are a few favorite spots to eat in Paris with kids:
And we love to stop by lots of chocolate shops and boulangeries along the way! Here are some of our favorites:
To get acquainted with the city, I recommend kicking off your visit with a kid-friendly tour with Zoe Petit Paris. Guided tours are 2.5 hours and are specialized for families with adaptations based on the ages of the children. She even brings sketching supplies, bubbles and chalk to keep kids engaged. If you prefer, she also has downloadable self-guided tours here.
After exploring all morning, grab lunch at L’As du Falafel or King Falafel. They are right by each other and are both yummy!
Next, I’d recommend taking a cooking class or cheese-making class. This macaron baking class for families looks especially fun! Or try this chocolate making workshop or this French pastry class for all ages. And here’s a very highly rated cheesemaking workshop!
Round out your first day with a Paris sunset photo shoot! Here are some of the best spots in the city to catch sunset:
Or, hire a professional with flytographer! Click below to book a memorable family photo session!
Now that you have a better sense for the city, it’s time to hit some sites – starting with the iconic Louvre. It’s best to visit the Louvre early and to join a tour, especially for your first time. Be sure to book a tour that includes the Mona Lisa. Or, you can do the Louvre’s self-guided tour. Pro tip: enter through mall side unless Pyramid magically has short lines. You can also get a timed-entry ticket to skip the line, but I’d still recommend going early for smaller crowds.
Time for a treat! Stop by Angelina’s for their signature hot chocolate. Parisians line up for this special treat, with a blend of cocoa from Niger, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Next, grab some takeaway lunch and walk over to the Tuileries Garden for a lovely picnic. Be sure to stop at the carousel!
Located within the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a must-visit in Paris, especially for art lovers! This museum houses Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies and also features works by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani. It’s also much smaller than the Louvre or d’Orsay (see day 5), so it makes for a great stop with kids.
If you still have some energy and daylight, make a stop by Bibliotheque Nationale. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France is the French national library with multiple locations, but you’ll be in the area of the Richelieu Library. The architecture is absolutely stunning and the free spaces are worth a wander.
Grab dinner nearby on or near Rue Richelieu, then head over to Place du Trocadero to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up. It’s one of the best things to do in Paris at night and the perfect way to top off the day!
Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and is a must-visit! The cathedral has been undergoing restoration since the devastating 2019 fire, but reopened in December 2024 for visitors to enjoy. There is so much to take in, from the Gothic architecture to the rose windows and beautiful sculptures. Be sure to visit the towers to get amazing views of the city.
Just a short walk from Notre Dame is Sainte-Chapelle , a stunning Gothic chapel with incredible stained-glass windows. The chapel was built by King Louis IX to house relics of Christ’s Passion and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The lower chapel is also worth a look.
Grab some lunch and then head for Berthillon on Ile St Louis. This legendary shop has some of the best ice cream in Paris. Since the original shop can get quite busy, many nearby cafés also serve Berthillon ice cream – be sure to get some when you come across it!
For the afternoon, I recommend another tour that lets you explore the city a different way. If you want something more active, this bike tour focuses on charming, lesser-known gems and this one focuses on the city’s iconic treasures. Or get out on the water with this Bateaux Mouches Seine river cruise. You can relax on the deck while you take it all in!
Going up the Eiffel Tower is one of the most memorable experiences in Paris. You get to enjoy the most breathtaking views of the city from multiple levels. Take the stairs or elevators to the open-air viewing platforms on the first two levels. For the ultimate experience, the summit provides a stunning panoramic view, including landmarks like the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre. Since it’s a popular attraction, booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long lines.
For the afternoon, head to Paris’s historic amusement park, Jardin d’Acclimatation. There’s a mix of rides, playgrounds, and green spaces, so it’s a bit more low-key and enjoyable for families. Get lunch at the park and be sure to look for the interactive workshops for kids.
Visiting the Catacombs of Paris can be a bit eerie, but it does offer a unique glimpse into the city’s underground history. The network of tunnels holds the remains of millions of Parisians after being moved from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century. The walk through the dimly lit corridors lined with neatly stacked bones is haunting and oddly fascinating. Tickets should be booked in advance, as daily visitor numbers are limited, and it’s best to wear comfortable shoes since the tour involves stairs and uneven pathways.
You’ll likely be ready some fresh air after being underground. Grab some sandwiches and head to Luxembourg Gardens. This is one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots in Paris – perfect for a picnic and a stroll. There’s a lovely playground, but don’t miss the vintage carousel and the small pond where kids can sail toy boats.
After some play, head over to Musée d’Orsay, which is known for its incredible collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art – Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir, among many others. The museum is more manageable than the Louvre, making it a great option for families want to experience world-class art without feeling overwhelmed. The top floor offers a beautiful view of the Seine and Paris through the iconic clock window.
For a different art experience, walk along the Seine and visit the many art vendors. Get dinner at Breizh Cafe – the galettes are a favorite, but don’t miss dessert with salted caramel sauce!
Montmartre is one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Parisian charm.Be sure to stop at Sacré-Cœur, which has one of the best panoramic views of Paris—climbing to the top of the dome is well worth it for an even more spectacular sight. The Place du Tertre, just a short walk from the basilica, is the heart of Montmartre’s artistic soul, where painters and caricature artists set up their easels, making it a great spot to bring kids. The best way to explore is by foot, but the Montmartre funicular provides an easy ride up to Sacré-Cœur for those who prefer to skip the climb.
For a nice nature break, head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of Paris’s most beautiful and unique parks. There are winding paths, waterfalls, and peaceful lake, making it a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing escape from the busy city. Don’t miss the suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Or, if you’re ready to hit another museum, head to The Petit Palais. This hidden gem offers free entry to its impressive collection of fine art. Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture is as much a highlight as the artwork inside, which includes masterpieces by Monet, Rembrandt, and Courbet.
For a relaxed afternoon, head to the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Located on the Left Bank, it’s one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods There are tons of delicious cafes, boulangeries, chocolate shops, and patisseries. I recommend La Grande Épicerie a gourmet food emporium offering an incredible selection of cheese, patties and international treats. And for an extra special treat, visit the Jacques Genin boutique for handmade chocolates, caramels, and ganaches (and more!).
For trips longer than a few days, the Palace of Versailles is a fantastic day trip from Paris. Kids will especially love the Hall of Mirrors with shimmering chandeliers and gilded décor. The gardens are also perfect for kids to run around and explore, with fountains, sculptures, and even rowboat rentals on the Grand Canal for a fun outdoor activity. A highlight for families is Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, a village where children can see farm animals and charming cottages. Since Versailles is massive, it’s best to arrive early and wear comfortable shoes.
If you still have time after returning from Versailles, the Musée de l’Armée is a fascinating stop to deep dive into France’s military history. It’s best known as the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose massive tomb sits beneath the golden dome of the Dôme des Invalides. The museum’s collection includes armor, weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from the Middle Ages to World War II. The museum is well-organized, allowing families to explore everything from Louis XIV’s battles to World War I and II strategies at their own pace.
Obviously there’s PLENTY more to do in Paris! We’ve been a number of times and still have more on our list. If you have more time, here are some more options for things to do in Paris with kids including unique things to do in Paris:
