Itineraries for Your Trip to Paris
3 Days in Paris for Families
The most romantic city in the world is a great family destination, as I found when I pivoted from taking dreamy couple weekends in Paris to planning playful séjours en famille. My family and I have sailed the toy boats on the fountain at Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg), biked through Le Marais, made macarons, and clocked many kilometers on the metro—and covered the blockbuster sights of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre at a tot-friendly pace. (And don't worry—there are plenty of fun things to do in Paris with teens, too.)
To avoid cranky kids and long lines, plan ahead—and leave some free time each day to explore the parks and public spaces. Here are my insider tips for three family-focused days in the City of Light.
If you only have time for one thing, make it an elevator ride to the dizzying top of the Eiffel Tower.
Paris sizzles in summer, so do your sightseeing in the cooler morning hours and hit the leafy parks in the afternoon.
Get a city overview with a kid-paced walking tour through Paris. Take in the A-list sights like Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysées, and Arc de Triomphe, and break with a picnic lunch at Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries). If a walking tour is too much, try a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
A morning of walking is bound to tucker kids out. This afternoon, see the sites from a different perspective on the River Seine boat tour. You can opt for a private tour for an extra relaxing experience as you float through Paris. Some evening boat tours offer dinner on board, a fun treat for older kids.
If your kids are like ours, they will have been clamoring to summit the Eiffel Tower since landing in Paris. Today, head to the top of the famous landmark. Prebook your Eiffel Tower experience to avoid ticket lines and head to the second floor or the summit for 360-degree views.
Paris is home to some of Europe’s premier art collections, and even the youngest travelers can appreciate masterpieces when presented by a kid-friendly guide. Join a family tour of the Louvre or the Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay) with an expert who knows how to keep kids interested and engaged.
Take a break from Paris's urban bustle with a day trip to an attraction outside the city. If your kids are young (or young at heart), one destination tops the list for an unforgettable day trip: Disneyland® Paris. Prebook your tickets, which include transportation to and from the park by coach, train, or private van.
Alternatively, visit a completely different wonderland at the lavish Palace of Versailles. This royal residence always impresses young princes and princesses with its decadent interiors and the sweeping surrounding Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles). Enjoy seamless logistics with a tour that includes round-trip transport from Paris by coach, train, or private driver.
- What are the best family-friendly attractions to visit in Paris with kids?
Many of Paris’ top attractions appeal to visitors of all ages. Kid-friendly favorites including the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks, green spaces including the Luxembourg Gardens, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more. And if you don’t mind making a short trip out of town, Disneyland® Paris is a must-do when traveling with younger visitors.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Paris with kids?
Although summer is prime time for school holidays, it’s not necessarily the best time to visit Paris—the city can get very hot and crowded, and many businesses close during the August holidays. Instead, aim for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons, when it will be more comfortable to take in the city’s sights and outdoor attractions.
- What are the best neighborhoods in Paris to stay in with kids?
If you’re visiting with young ones, it’s best to stay somewhere central. The well-located 1st and 8th arrondissements have many hotels and are near top sights and public transit options. Alternatively, hop across to the Left Bank and stay in either the vibrant Latin Quarter or stately Saint-Germain-des-Près, both of which are also conveniently situated.
- What are the best things to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day?
A rainy day is the optimal time to explore Paris’ world-famous museums with young visitors. It’s worth booking a family-friendly tour of the Louvre, so kids can come face to face with the Mona Lisa and other icons. The Musée d’Orsay is also a great place to explore with budding art lovers.
- What’s the safest way to get around Paris with kids?
Paris public transit, including the Métro and buses, is generally safe and very convenient (although note that many stations are only accessed by stairs, so may not be ideal for kids in strollers). When young ones get tired, it’s great to see the city by hop-on hop-off bus or Seine River cruise.