Paris with Young Kids — Leslie Sand

Paris With Young Kids: Tips From a Mom Who Survived—

and Loved It

Let me start with the honest truth: traveling with young kids is equal parts rewarding, exhausting, and humbling, especially as a single mom. I knew going into this trip that visiting Paris this time would look very different from my previous adult trips, and it did. We were also incredibly lucky that one of my close friends lives in Paris, where we stayed, so we had the inside scoop on the best playgrounds, kid friendly restaurants, and local spots that made the experience so much easier and more enjoyable for all of us.

As a travel advisor, I obviously love exploring the world, and I wanted to figure out how to share that love with my kids while also making sure they were actually having fun and not feeling overwhelmed. For context, my boys were 5 and 7 during this trip, and neither had ever been out of the country or experienced a big walking city before. Watching them navigate the metro, figure out crosswalk signals, and slowly find their footing in a completely new environment was genuinely incredible to see. By the end of the trip, they were absolute pros and already begging to go back.

The biggest tip I have is don’t overdo it. Setting expectations is everything. That slower rhythm of one major site a day, maybe two, with plenty of room to breathe was the difference between magical memories and full on meltdowns. Europe also tends to move at a slower pace, and honestly, it was really nice to embrace the long lunches, slower mornings, and actually relax a little on vacation too. Everyone’s travel style is different, but here’s how we structured the trip in a way that worked really well for us.

What we Loved

Luxembourg Gardens

This was our first day, and it was exactly the right call. After a long overnight flight, the last thing anyone needs is a packed sightseeing agenda. I highly recommend not planning any tours for the first morning because kids will usually want to sleep in a little and not feel rushed to be somewhere at a certain time.

The Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement are everything jet lagged kids need: open green space, a beautiful central pond, and the classic Parisian tradition of renting wooden sailboats and chasing them around the water (€8 for 30 minutes and honestly they were very into this). There’s also a wonderful fenced playground with a giant slide, a zipline, and sand toys for around €2.50 per child. Clean bathrooms and a carousel are right there as well. We spent a few hours here getting some much needed energy out.

Afterwards, wander to Le Relais de l'Entrecote nearby. It’s a fantastic French bistro that is kid friendly and has outdoor tables if the weather is nice. The Croque Madame is a great go to for kids, and the frites were an instant win too.

The Eiffel Tower

Obviously a must do in Paris, but this is one attraction that definitely requires advance planning. Elevator tickets to the summit go on sale exactly 60 days in advance on the official website and sell out very quickly during July and August. Set a reminder and book them the moment they open if you can.

If you miss that booking window, you’ll most likely need to reserve through a tour operator. I highly recommend choosing one that includes elevator access, especially with younger kids. The staircase climb is 674 steps just to the second floor, which is not ideal in the summer heat with little ones.

Eiffel Tower Tour -This tour is a good option for families because it includes elevator access as well as summit access, which made the experience much easier and more enjoyable.

The Champ de Mars lawn was sadly closed when we were there, but if it’s open, stop at Les Gourmandises d’Eiffel on Rue de Grenelle for croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguette sandwiches before your picnic. Right next to the lawn, there’s a wonderful playground where kids can burn energy. Also, The public water fountains at the playgrounds are clean and safe to drink from, a lifesaver for the kids.

Lunch with Eiffel Tower Views

For a sit down lunch with Eiffel Tower views, Monsieur Bleu is beautiful. I almost always prefer nicer lunches with kids in Europe because the midday atmosphere tends to feel much more relaxed than dinner service. Le Girafe has a gorgeous terrace and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, though the food reviews can be a little mixed. I would go more for the atmosphere and experience than the food itself.

The terrace at Loulou Paris is also a fantastic option and the most kid friendly since kids can run around the nearby gardens and open space while you relax a bit. I’ll talk more about this spot later because we loved it.

For a rooftop Eiffel Tower view, head to Perruche, located on top of the Printemps department store. The views are incredible, and the department store itself is definitely worth exploring afterward. Just expect a bit of an upcharge at all of these restaurants since you are absolutely paying for the view and location. Reservations are a must, especially during the summer months.

The Louvre and Tuileries Gardens

We skipped the Louvre itself, and honestly, I have zero regrets. At 5 and 7, I just didn’t feel my boys were at the right age to fully appreciate it yet. That said, if visiting the Louvre is important to you, there are some fantastic family focused guided tours designed specifically for kids that make the experience much more interactive and engaging. I’ve also had clients with older children do the Musée d’Orsay instead and absolutely rave about it. I’ll link both options below.

What we absolutely did not skip was the Tuileries Garden right outside the Louvre. The kids still got to see the famous pyramid and explore the gardens without the pressure of a long museum visit. There’s plenty of room for them to run around, a classic carousel, and a small trampoline park.

The terrace at Loulou Paris alongside the garden has beautiful Eiffel Tower views and is probably one of the most kid friendly lunch spots in the area since children can run around the nearby gardens and open space while you relax a bit with a glass of rosé or Sancerre.

Or, for a more budget friendly option, grab picnic supplies and sit right next to Loulou day or night. One of our favorite memories from the trip was doing a nighttime picnic so the kids could see the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It didn’t get dark until around 9 pm, which actually worked out perfectly. I highly recommend grabbing some wine, letting the kids run around a bit, and just relaxing instead of stressing about getting everyone to sit still through another restaurant dinner.

If you’re staying in the 9th arrondissement, make a stop at Mamiche and order the ham and cheese sandwich, but make sure to get it pressed. And whatever you do, do not skip the homemade Nutella doughnuts. There will probably be a line, but it is absolutely worth the wait, and it moves quickly. This was probably my favorite meal I had in France, no joke.

My Top Tour recommendations

Private Louvre Tour for Kids
I really love Context Private Tours, which can be a great options with families because the guides can cater more towards your needs vs a large group tour. Every client I have ever booked with Context always raves about their experience and guides.
Private tour Louvre Treasure Hunt
This is another fantastic private option that I’ve used for clients. The interactive treasure hunt format makes the museum feel much more engaging and fun for kids, which can be a game changer when trying to hold their attention in a large museum setting.
Private Musee d'Orsay Tour for Kids -
The Musée d’Orsay is another excellent museum option and is usually less crowded and overwhelming than the Louvre. It’s housed inside a stunning former train station, and many families find the shorter layout and more approachable size much easier with younger children.

Arc de Triomphe

This one is consistently underrated for families. There are only 284 steps to the top, which is much more manageable for older kids, and there’s also an elevator option for younger children and strollers.

From the top, you get great views in Paris and can really see the city exactly as it was designed, with twelve grand boulevards radiating outward from a central point and the entire layout unfolding in its original geometric design. The Eiffel Tower views from this angle are spectacular as well.

Notre- Dame Cathedral

As most people know, Notre Dame suffered a devastating fire in April 2019. The good news is that it reopened to the public in December 2024 after five years of restoration, and it is genuinely breathtaking to see in person. Entry is still free, but the lines can be extremely long. The cathedral now sees over 40,000 visitors a day, and without a reservation you could easily wait up to three hours.

The fix is simple: reserve a free timed entry slot on the official Notre Dame website or app up to two days in advance. Slots are released at midnight Paris time and go quickly, so set a reminder. Thursday evenings are also a hidden gem since the cathedral stays open until 10 pm and crowds tend to be much smaller.

Notre-Dame tour for kids - If wanting a deeper dive in the history, here is a great tour.

Since I had visited Notre Dame on a previous trip to Paris last year, I decided to skip the line this time and opt for a Seine River cruise instead. Honestly, I thought the large sightseeing boats might feel a little cheesy, but it actually worked out perfectly. We did it in the late afternoon when the kids desperately needed a break from walking. It gave everyone a chance to sit down, snack, decompress, and still enjoy the city.

The boat passes right by Notre Dame, and the views of the cathedral from the water are beautiful. My kids loved spotting all the gargoyles and seeing the city from a completely different perspective. We did this very Seine River Cruise option, but honestly, it fit exactly what we needed that day.

If you want a more luxurious experience, I would absolutely recommend booking a private wooden boat and relaxing with a bottle of champagne while cruising through Paris. This one is highly rated: Private Seine River Cruise

Great Day Trips From Paris

Versailles- Great option with kids, especially because of the amount of space. The gardens are massive, giving children plenty of room to run around, and a family bike or golf cart tour of the grounds is genuinely one of the most fun and easy ways to explore the estate without tired-leg complaints.

Private Versailles Tour : This one includes transportation from your hotel (return transfers can also be arranged too
Versailles Bike Tour : A fun way for families with older kids to explore the grounds.
Golf Cart Tour : Perfect for younger children so you can see more of the estate without tiring little legs out.

Reims -Visit the famous Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot for tastings while kids explore the stunning Gothic cathedral. An easy and manageable half-day trip from Paris. Family-friendly tours and guides can easily be arranged.

Giverny- A beautiful half-day trip from Paris and home to Claude Monet’s famous gardens and house

Half Day Giverny Tour : Easy, scenic, and especially lovely in spring and summer.

Loire Valley- We stayed a few nights in Amboise- One of the most charming towns in Loire Valley. The highlight for families is Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life. Kids love the interactive invention models, gardens, and playground areas. Chateau d’Amboise is also beautiful and very laid back adventure for kids. For lunch, La Terrasse is a great family-friendly option with beautiful château views.

There are so many amazing towns throughout the Loire Valley, and with the high-speed train, it’s surprisingly easy to visit from Paris — many areas are only about an hour away. It makes for a fantastic day trip filled with charming villages, beautiful countryside, historic châteaux, wineries, and great local food.

Normandy- A deeply meaningful and memorable experience. A private guided tour is absolutely worth it here for the historical context and ease of logistics.

Normandy Beaches and D Day Tour : Will be picked up from the train station, guided touring of the major historical sites, and return transport.

A Few More Restaurant Recommendations

Fontaine de Mars : A beloved, century-old Parisian brasserie near the Eiffel Tower, known for its charming Belle Époque settingand delicious southwestern French classics — cassoulet, duck confit, and coq au vin.
La Rotisserie d’Argent : The casual sister restaurant of the famed Tour d’Argent, serving classic French comfort food — roast farm chicken, duckconfit,foie gras, and quenelles — in a charming setting with red leather banquettes, checked tablecloths, and views of the Seine and Notre-Dame.
Pink Mama : A vibrant, multi-story Italian restaurant known for its stunning interior design, authentic wood-fired pizzas,a panoramic rooftop, and a hidden basement speakeasy with craft cocktails. Great for if wanted to change it up from French cuisine for a night.

Hotel Recommendations

Whether you stay on the Left Bank or Right Bank of Paris, the city is very easy to navigate, especially with taxis and the Metro. Personally, I don’t love staying in the Champs-Élysées area, as it has more of a Times Square-type energy and can feel crowded and overly touristy compared to other parts of Paris. But that is my personal preference. That said, if luxury is the priority, Four Seasons Hotel George V and Ritz Paris are both iconic and truly extraordinary hotels in that area.

Finding hotel rooms that comfortably fit a whole family in Paris can definitely be challenging, so here are a few great options with larger room configurations and family-friendly accommodations that I often recommend.

Bel Ami — A beautiful boutique hotel close to Luxembourg Gardens. The apartment option is ideal for families needing more space
Mandarin Oriental — The more luxurious option in the 6th, with larger family-style rooms.
La Fantaisie — A boutique hotel in the 9th with genuinely beautiful design and a family room available. Feels more like living in Paris than being a tourist in it.
Hotel Pulitzer — An excellent, more affordable option with connecting room availability, essential for families in most European hotels.
Sofitel Le Scribe — A great location in the Opera area with some larger room options well-suited to families.

I’m also able to offer complimentary VIP perks at all of these hotels and more, so please feel free to reach out and let me help make your Parisian stay even more special and seamless.

The Bottom Line

Paris with kids is absolutely doable, it just looks a little different than it did before children. But honestly, that version can be even more meaningful. Watching your kids ask questions about history, try new foods without being asked, and navigate a foreign city with growing confidence after just a few days is something really special. That’s a version of Paris you simply can’t experience any other way.

Don’t be afraid to go. Adjust your expectations, keep your days flexible, leave room for playgrounds and pastries, and let the city do the rest.

Children may forget the toys, but they will never forget the memories made exploring the world with you.

If you have questions about planning a family trip to Paris — from choosing the right neighborhood and hotel to family-friendly tours, transportation, restaurants, and day trips, I’m always happy to help. Reach out anytime!

Paris

What we Loved

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