Long Weekend in Paris with Kids & Toddlers

Day 1

Arrive in Paris, check in and relax for a bit. It's always a good idea to start a trip to Paris with a picnic at the Eiffel Tower. Shop along Rue Cler for bread, meats, cheese, wines. Once you have your supplies, head to Champ de Mars and set up on the grass. They are also two lovely playgrounds right along the Champ de Mars. You could spend a few hours here relaxing, especially if you are jet-lagged. You can also book tickets to go up the Eiffel Tower (this might be scary for kids under 10).

Tip - ask the wine shop to open your wine bottle and get some cups before you head to your picnic!

If you aren't jet-lagged or are feeling a bit more ambitious, you could start your adventures at the Arc de Triomphe and make your way towards Trocadero to enjoy the view (you will also find a nice open grass space for kids to play). Then continue across the river to Rue Cler and Champ de Mars to relax and picnic!

Things to Keep in Mind

- It is easy to get around via uber/taxi, metro, buses, and regional trains. Hotels can also help schedule transfers. If you choose to take public transportation, you can buy packs of 10 tickets from kiosks, which can be helpful when traveling with kids.

- Les Halles Train/Metro station has an underground mall with a food court area that has several options for easy, family friendly meals.

- We have never had an issue with our son at restaurants. We usually avoid anything too fancy and try to eat a bit earlier in the evening if we are worried. We were even offered high chairs on our first few trips to Paris when he was still a baby.

Day 2

Start the day with a croissant on your way to the Louvre. Book your tickets early and get there right when it opens. After you finish, let the kids run around the Jardin des Tuileries and grab lunch or a coffee nearby.

Next, make your way to the Galeries Lafayette (Hausmann location) for a rooftop view of Paris (and shopping!). You can also grab a coffee and snack with a cool view on the 3rd floor at Cafe Coutume.

Or - if shopping isn't your thing - head to Montmartre to explore the Sacre Coeur and the surrounding area. (This might not be the best area for toddlers, so instead head back for nap time). If you have older kids, they may enjoy the climb to the top of Sacre Coeur - it has amazing views over the city. But the climb can be a bit tricky.

Later in the day, take a river cruise where you can relax and see the main sites from the water. If you time it right, you can enjoy the sunset!

Day 3

Start the day with breakfast at a cute cafe. Then head to Luxembourg Gardens, where the kids can relax and play. There is a playground that costs a small fee. You can also let the kids push the sailboats around the pond. You can have a picnic lunch here.

Spend the afternoon exploring the pedestrian streets of the Marais. Kids will love all the different food shops (pastries, gelato, macarons, etc) and maybe even a toy store!

If you haven't done a boat cruise yet, be sure to do it today!

Tip - If you are an early riser, head to Trocadero to watch the sunrise. You can even book a family photo shoot in advance.

Day 4

If you have extra time, you can look into a day trip: Versailles, Champagne, or Disneyland, for example. All can be reached by regional trains.

If you prefer to stay in Paris - check out some of the sights you may have missed! And of course, enjoy a few more delicious meals.