We are planning on visiting Paris next summer, so I was looking through this post and thinking about all the things we’ll want to see and do with an 8, 6, and 3 year-old. Paris is the perfect place to visit with young kids. From its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to its charming cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens, there are tons of fun things for kids to do in the French capital. A few months before my daughter’s sixth birthday, I took her to the City of Light.

We spent four days in Paris, although we really only had three full days to explore since one day was spent resting before going to the eras tour. We had the most wonderful trip, and after visiting more remote areas in Europe with my children, I am now convinced that traveling to cities with kids is the way to go. I am going to share everything we did, our favorite family-friendly adventures, and how we got around. Here’s my guide to Paris with kids. I am breaking my rule and traveling to Europe with a child under age 4, but my husband really wants to go, and I think (or hope) that being in a big city will be fun.

A Guide to Paris with Kids

This was my first visit to Paris with a young child. I had a pretty good idea of some of the things I wanted to see and do, but no idea where my not-so-adventurous eater would eat. Or how to plan out our days, and what activities to do together. So I turned to Zoe of The Petit Guide to help me plan out what to see and do. I gave her my rough itinerary, and she made a few tweaks, and gave me some great tips for navigating the city with a young child. 

Our trip was a little different since we planned the entire thing around the eras tour. It was Margot’s dream to see Taylor Swift in concert, and the tickets I purchased were 7x less than they would be in the states. But a very late concert meant sleeping in on our second day knowing we would be up until midnight, and sleeping in after being at the concert, too. I wish we had more time, because there’s so much more I would have loved to do with her. Next time! 

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Planning Your Trip to Paris

Choose the right place to stay:

Opt for family-friendly hotels or apartments located in central areas close to public transportation and attractions. We stayed at Maison Delano in the 8th arrondissement, and it was a great location with kids. It’s very walkable and only 10 minute walk to the Tuileries. I loved our hotel but would also stay in the 6th near Luxembourg since we had so much fun there. I chose this hotel because it happens to be on the same street as our wedding venue (in the photo above) and which was the first spot we visited after dropping our things off at the hotel. 

Planning your trip:

I would recommend a call with Zoe of The Petit Guide to map out what to do each day, along with ideal activities for your kids depending on their ages and interests. I found this especially helpful when it came to choosing kid-friendly places to eat. That was huge for us since my daughter is a picky eater. 

Weather considerations:

We traveled in early-mid May. Our first day was a little cooler, but we had warm, sunny days the rest of the trip. The week prior to our trip was chilly and rainy, and I’ve experienced cold, rainy weather in June in Paris. I would always pack a travel umbrella, shoes that you can wear in the rain, and of course, layers. 

Language:

French is the primary language spoken in Paris, but I found that many locals also speak English. I would recommend learning a few key phrases with your kids, and have them experience using them in Paris. My daughter said “bonjour,” “merci,” etc. 

Book a Paris photographer:

We booked a photo shoot with Lindsey of Pictours Paris and it was the best experience! I really wanted photos of us together beyond what I could get with an iPhone and tripod, and I will treasure these photos forever. She made it fun – we went to the Tuileries, rode the carousel, and walked around, and the photos are so beautiful! You can follow her in IG, too. (Our session was not gifted – I paid her and will definitely book another shoot with her the next time we’re in Paris). 

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Practical Tips for Traveling with Kids:

Transportation

Utilize Paris’s efficient public transportation system, including buses and the metro, which are stroller-friendly. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel within specified zones. The G7 app allows you to book cars with car seats and booster seats. It’s the best way to get around with a booster, but the car seats were not properly installed, so I wouldn’t consider using them. 

Getting to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

I brought a travel vest that functions like a car seat/booster. It was essential for getting to and from CDG airport, and we used it a few times within the city. 

Getting Around

We have to take my train obsessed son to the metro station. He will love it, and I’m pretty sure the girls will love it, too. I highly recommend downloading the city on google maps, so you’re able to navigate Paris without being connected to wifi or cellular data. 

Time to Rest

Pace your itinerary to allow for rest breaks and downtime, especially for younger children. Consider scheduling afternoon naps or quiet activities to recharge before exploring further. I opted to have the stroller to make navigating the city easier, and we explored as much as we could, and then ordered food to the hotel room when she was too tired to go to dinner. 

Safety

Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Ensure that kids know basic safety rules, such as staying together and not talking to strangers. It’s all the same basic stuff that you’d practice while traveling anywhere. And make sure you keep your bag on your body, and ideally, have a bag that’s closed on top (again, that’s just common sense while traveling). 

Taxis

I used the G7 app (recommended by Zoe) almost every day. G7 made our life so easy. You can request a car with a booster, so it was really easy to get around. I would not request a car with a car seat since the car seat since the car seats never seemed to be properly installed. So if you have a doona or booster, these are great. I would otherwise rely on the Metro which is a great way to get around, but I didn’t want to navigate that solo with a stroller and 5 year-old. 

Do you need a stroller in Paris? 

This is very child-dependent, but I knew we’d need a stroller, and am so glad I brought our travel stroller. I chose a stroller than can be opened and closed one-handed, and it has a carry strap, so it’s great for solo travel with a young child. We did a ton of walking, and there was no way she was going to last. I wouldn’t plan on carrying it for long periods of time, but it was easy to use and ideal for solo travel with a young child. 

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Where to Stay in Paris

We stayed at Maison Delano in the 8th arrondissement. I did not partner with this hotel in any way, and want to share why it’s so family friendly. When booking, I saw that you can receive 50% off a second or connecting room, as well as complimentary breakfast and special welcome gifts for children. Margot was given the sweetest little stuffed dog, and everyone was so nice to her. The complimentary breakfast was great, and made mornings so easy! 

I booked a smaller room, but since I used Amex they upgraded us, which was a nice plus. I would make sure the hotel doesn’t have any big events happening during your stay, or request that your room is on the street side of the hotel and not their restaurant side. There was a wedding on our last night, and at 10:30PM, the music was so loud — there was no way we could have fallen asleep. The party was expected to last until midnight, so the staff offered to move us to a room on the other side of the hotel. Given how tired she was and the fact that we had a flight the next day, I took them up on their offer. 

I loved both rooms, but probably preferred the smaller room for the two of us since it had city views and a bath. 

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My favorite Paris attractions

You could easily spend a whole week in Paris and still not see everything. There is a lot worth seeing, that you can easily pass while walking, driving, or boat tours on the Seine. One of the things she really wanted to do was take a leisurely stroll along the River Seine with macarons. It was so special getting to do that with her. We saw the Arc De Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Eiffel Tower, gardens, carousels, Pont Neuf and much more. 

Eiffel Tower: A visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. I have been to Paris a handful of times, and have never been to the top floor since the experience can take an hour and-a-half, and heights aren’t my favorite. I’d rather go to the top of Arc di Triomphe or Montmarte for city views. We did have a late dinner next to the Eiffel tower (Zoe recommended Francette, and it was great!) and were able to see it sparkle at 10PM. We both loved it! 

Palace of Versailles: If we had more time, I would have taken a day trip to Versailles, and would also recommend a guided tour there. 

Montmartre: Visit Sacre Coeur and ride the 2-story carousel. Walk around, get a crepe, and order mac and cheese at Le Coq & Fils. It’s a great place to visit with the best views, and lots to see and do. 

The Columns of Buren: Margot loved climbing the black and white columns at Palis Royal. There are 260 of them in varying heights, and they’re a fun spot for playing and taking photos. 

Champ de Mars: This park is right next to the Eiffel Tower, so it’s a beautiful and iconic spot to visit. 

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Although currently under restoration, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of Parisian history and architecture. Take a stroll around the exterior and explain its significance to children.

Jardin d’acclimatation: A friend recommended this amusement park, so the next time we visit the city, we’ll definitely visit. I’ve also been told Disneyland Paris is a lot less crowded and easy to navigate, but spending a day at a Disney park when I could be in Paris feels like a waste of a day to me. It’s just a short train ride from the city center though, so if we had more than a week and my kids were dying to go, I’d probably take them. 

My Favorite Gardens in Paris

Luxembourg Gardens: Luxembourg is one of my favorite spots in the city, and it’s especially perfect on a warm, sunny day. This is one of the best places to spend an afternoon in Paris with young children. Grab a picnic lunch, ride the carousel, rent a wooden boat, get an ice cream cone, and ride the pony rides. There’s an amazing playground, too. The carousel was her favorite – make sure your child sits on one of the outer ponies to participate in a jousting game. She loved it! I would plan on spending a lot of time here. If we had more time, I would have taken her back a second day. 

Tuileries Garden: Our hotel was a 10 minute walk to the Tuileries. Margot loved the carousel, boats, and giant cotton candy which is sold right at the carousel. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, but we did end up having more fun at Jardin du Luxembourg. 

Jardin des Plantes: This is a beautiful garden that I love visiting, but we only had so much time. I would recommend it, but would prioritize Luxembourg and the Tuileries. 

Family-Friendly Activities:

Seine River Cruise: Go on a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine River – one of the best ways to see Paris landmarks. Many cruises offer commentary in multiple languages, including English.

Picnic in the Park: Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a picnic in one of Paris’s picturesque parks, such as Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. Let kids run around and play while you sit and relax.

Puppet Shows and Street Performers: Keep an eye out for street performers and puppet shows in popular areas like Montmartre or along the Seine. These impromptu performances are sure to captivate young audiences.

Museums

There are so many wonderful museums in Paris. Museums are also a great way to spend a rainy day in the city. Just be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines! I tried to pop into Musée de L’Orangerie to show her the water lilies. Unfortunately, the line was way too long, so we missed it. I didn’t know how tired we’d be on our first day, and didn’t want to buy tickets and mis out. 

We only had 4 days in the city, so we weren’t able to make it to my favorite museums. Next time, we’ll definitely go to L’Orangerie. I love the Picasso Museum, Musée D’Orsay, and Musée Rodin, but wouldn’t do more than 1 in a day, and we just didn’t have the time. I highly recommend planning your trip out and purchasing advanced tickets for these museums. 

How to visit the Louvre

This was actually my first time visiting the Louvre. I would recommend going but would only do it with a private tour. But—I would prioritize all of the other museums I listed. We didn’t make it to any of them this time around, but I’ve been to all of them and really enjoy each one.

We did a 2 hour tour scavenger hunt tour with Paris and Beyond Tours. It was perfect and kept my daughter so engaged. She got the best history lesson, and had a blast. Josephine was wonderful and planned a scavenger hunt, which I think would be fun for kids 5-10. She walked us right in (yes, you get to skip the lines) and made the experience fun and enjoyable for both of us. It was short and sweet, which is just what a 5-year-old needs. This would be wonderful for families with older kids, too. She really caters the tour for families depending on your kids ages.

The other kids similar in age to my daughter were being pushed in strollers with iPads which is no way to experience the Louvre. So go, but book a tour to keep everyone engaged. She loved the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, and searching for (and learning about) the various statues and jewels.

Galerie Dior: If you have a child that likes gowns and sparkly things, this is a must-see. My daughter audibly gasped at every turn, and it was by far one of her favorite things we did on the trip. 

Dining with Kids

Paris is a city with such great food, but this was not my food trip. I love few things more than sitting at a cafe for hours,  just people watching and taking in the city. That is not what this trip was. After long days, she was definitely a little tired. There were 2 nights we ended up going back to the hotel to relax, and ordered food via Uber eats. This is not something I’d normally do in Paris. But I valued exploring with her more than anything. It wasn’t worth making her sit through a meal at the end of a long day. 

Boulangeries: Pain au chocolat was the favorite of the trip, so she had that every single morning. Boulangeries are great for a little treat, croissant, or warm baguette. 

Kid-Friendly Restaurants: Look for restaurants with children’s menus and accommodating staff. Many establishments in Paris welcome families and provide high chairs and kid-friendly utensils.

Local Markets: Experience Parisian culture by visiting local markets like Marché Bastille or Marché des Enfants Rouges. Sample fresh produce, cheeses, and pastries, and let kids pick out their favorite treats.

Picnics: Take advantage of Paris’s abundance of bakeries and delicatessens to assemble a picnic lunch or dinner. Find a scenic spot in a park or along the Seine and enjoy a relaxed meal as a family.

Bakeries and Patisseries: Indulge in Paris’s pastries and desserts at local bakeries and patisseries. She loved sugar crepes (you can find them on almost every corner) and Laduree’s macarons! Let kids sample macarons, éclairs, and croissants, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon at a café with hot chocolate and crepes.

Where we ate

Popu Pizza: Kids can make their own pizzas, but we ended up ordering pizza to our hotel room via Uber Eats. Zoe recommend Popu Pizza, and it did not disappoint. 

La Maison d’Isabelle: Go here for a croissant! 

Coq et Fils: This is a nicer restaurant in Montmartre, and my picky eater loved the mac and cheese. I ordered the roast chicken and potatoes, and it was delicious. I would recommend making a reservation for dinner. Again, I didn’t know how tired she would be, but we got lucky and they had a spot at the bar for us. 

Francette: This restaurant is on a boat docked directly under the Eiffel Tower. Get a meal or or drink with a view. If you have a picky eater, they offer chicken tenders. I was tired and not that hungry since it was so late, so I just ordered an aperol spritz and had a few bites of her dinner. Make a reservation for 9 or 9:30 to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at 10PM. 

Uber Eats: No, this isn’t a restaurant, but if you’re traveling with kids and staying at a hotel or Airbnb, it’s a great option for ordering food when you need some down time. 

Our favorite toy stores and Shops

Si Tu Veux: Zoe also recommend this charming toy shop. I bought a beautiful wooden boat for Jack. The girls each got a few small toys, too. 

King Jouet: This store isn’t nearly as charming as Si Tu Veux, but Margot loved it. 

Galeries Lafayette: This Parisian Department store was fun to walk through, but we didn’t stay too long. We also stopped in Petit Bateau across the street and bought a few things. 

What I’ve Learned About Traveling to Europe with Kids

This was my third time in Europe with a young child. And I have some thoughts on the best age for an international trip. We took our first to Puglia right after she turned one, and both girls to Tuscany when they were newly two and four. Then I visited Paris with my almost six year-old. Toddlers are tough, but I loved being there with my oldest when she was four and six. 

The flight, the sleep, and attempting to keep the girls up for dinner when they were toddlers didn’t feel worth it. Sleep was horrible, and my second was a great sleeper back at home. It might have been different in a big city, but I’d argue that it’s way more fun once they turn four. 

Letting go of the idea of “doing it all” allows you to actually enjoy the moments you do have. You can’t see every museum or eat at every restaurant, and that’s ok. You’re not going to have late, indulgent dinners out, or sit outside with a glass of wine without a little chaos, but traveling with kids is still really special. My advice is to wait until they’re four. Traveling solo with my daughter was really easy. She did great, and we had the best time.

How Traveling Has Changed for Me as a Mom

Before I had kids, travel meant late dinners, long museum visits, and endless walks through the city. Now, it’s about early mornings, playground stops, and always knowing where the nearest chicken tenders are. It’s so special to see everything through here eyes. I can picture what her face looked like when she saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time. There’s a certain kind of magic in seeing your child fall in love with a place that you love. It’s a totally different kind of trip, but if you can embrace that, there’s nothing like it. 

Packing Tips for Paris with Kids

If you’re planning a similar trip, pack light, but pack smart. I brought outfits that could be mixed and matched. A small crossbody bag, ballet flats, comfortable sneakers, and layers. I packed lightweight layers, plenty of snacks (you’ll thank yourself later), and a foldable stroller that fits easily in taxis or trains.

Don’t forget an extra outfit in your day bag for spills or sudden weather changes, and small travel games or coloring books for downtime. Paris is incredibly walkable, but the days are long, so having those little comforts on hand makes a big difference.

What We’ll Do Next Time

When we visit Paris with all three kids, I’d love to spend more time in the Luxembourg Gardens, explore the Natural History Museum, take a Seine River picnic cruise, and visit the Musée d’Orsay. I’d love to show my younger daughter where we got married, too. We will wander through Le Marais, and introduce them to French hot chocolate at Angelina. I know it will look different traveling with three, but I’m excited to create new memories together. I see the trip as just enjoying the beauty and simplicity of Paris. Parks, carousels, long walks, playgrounds, a river cruise, and the magic of this beautiful city. I’d like to take the girls to Versailles, too. My daughter loved French history more than I thought she would. 

Paris offers tons of experiences for families traveling with kids, from  landmarks and museums to charming parks, carousels, and ponds with little toy boats that they can play with. By planning ahead and incorporating family-friendly activities into your itinerary (and some time to rest) you can create lasting memories and foster a love of travel in your children. My daughter has asked to go back countless times, and we both can’t wait to take her little sister next time. We were both so sad to leave, and I love that she felt the same magic that I do whenever I’m there. We had the best time together, and can’t wait to go back.