Paris With Kids: Our Family Travel Guide to the Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & How to Save
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I'm going to say something that might surprise you: Paris is one of my favorite cities we've visited with our kids.
I know. Paris probably isn't the first destination that comes to mind when you're planning a family vacation. Most people picture romantic dinners, fancy restaurants, art museums, and couples strolling along the Seine.
But Paris with kids? It's SO much better than you might expect.
We took our two girls to Paris when they were just four and six years old, and some of my favorite memories from that trip had absolutely nothing to do with the expensive attractions.
Watching them play in the beautiful Parisian gardens. Seeing their excitement when they spotted the Eiffel Tower. Eating French pastries. And seeing how excited they were about visiting places they'd only seen in pictures.
We've now traveled to 14 countries with our girls, and Paris is still one of the European destinations I recommend to families.
And here's the best part: we used points and miles to help cover our flights and hotel, making a family trip to Paris much more affordable than you might think.
If you're planning a trip to Paris with kids, here's everything I'd recommend, including our favorite family-friendly attractions, where we stayed, how we got around, and how we used travel rewards to save money.
Is Paris Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely. And I actually think Paris is one of the most underrated European destinations for families.
Before visiting, you might wonder whether your kids will enjoy a city known for museums, architecture, and historical landmarks.
But what surprised me was how many of our favorite experiences were completely free.
Paris has beautiful public gardens, playgrounds, enormous parks, and famous landmarks you can appreciate without purchasing expensive attraction tickets.
And the city itself is part of the experience.
Walking along the Seine, stopping at a bakery for a croissant, watching boats cruise past, or finding a little playground tucked into a gorgeous park can be just as memorable as visiting one of the famous attractions.
Another thing that surprised us?
The Parisians were SO sweet to our girls.
I know France sometimes gets a reputation for being unfriendly toward tourists, but that wasn't our experience at all.
People went out of their way to be kind to our daughters, giving them attention and even candy.
Honestly, the girls were practically treated like royalty. 😂
It's one of the things I remember most fondly about traveling to Paris with young children.
A Look at Our Family Trip to Paris
We visited Paris as part of a larger European trip that also included Venice, Italy, and Athens, Greece.
Our girls were four and six at the time, so we knew we needed a balance of sightseeing and activities they would actually enjoy.
We didn't want to spend the entire trip dragging them from one museum to another.
Instead, we mixed some of Paris's most famous attractions with parks, playgrounds, and time to explore.
Some of the highlights of our family trip to Paris included:
Seeing the Eiffel Tower and playing at the nearby Champ de Mars playground.
Visiting the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa.
Exploring Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, and Parc Monceau.
Walking around Paris and enjoying its beautiful architecture and atmosphere.
Staying at a hotel with incredible views of the Eiffel Tower.
We also made sure we weren't trying to squeeze too much into every day.
When you're traveling internationally with young kids, sometimes taking a break in a beautiful garden is exactly what everyone needs.
Best Things to Do in Paris With Kids
There are so many family-friendly things to do in Paris that you could easily spend an entire week exploring the city.
But these are the places and experiences that stood out most from our trip.
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower With Kids
Obviously, you can't visit Paris for the first time without seeing the Eiffel Tower.
And this was one of the highlights of our trip for the girls.
But here's something I always tell parents planning a family vacation to Paris:
You don't have to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for your kids to love it.
We actually didn't go up the Eiffel Tower at all.
And the girls still thought it was incredible.
We enjoyed seeing it from the ground, taking pictures, and spending time around the surrounding area.
Sometimes we get so caught up in booking every famous attraction that we forget kids are often perfectly happy just experiencing the moment.
If your children are older or especially interested in going up the tower, you can absolutely purchase tickets for the elevators or stairs.
But if you're visiting Paris with toddlers or younger children, don't feel like you're missing out if you skip going to the top.
Family travel tip: Visit the Champ de Mars area while you're there. It's a great place to relax, let the kids move around, and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower.
2. Let the Kids Play at Champ de Mars
One of the best things about visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids is that you can combine sightseeing with playtime.
Champ de Mars is the large green space near the Eiffel Tower, and it's a popular place for both tourists and locals.
We spent time at a playground in the area, which was such a nice way to let the girls have some fun after sightseeing.
And really, how many playgrounds come with views of the Eiffel Tower? 😂
This is one of my favorite family travel tips for Paris: whenever possible, combine a famous attraction with something your kids can enjoy.
It makes the day more fun for everyone.
3. Visit the Louvre Museum to See the Mona Lisa
I know what you're thinking.
Taking a four-year-old and a six-year-old to one of the most famous art museums in the world?
Sounds like a questionable decision. 😂
But this was actually one of the most memorable parts of our Paris trip.
Our girls had learned about the Mona Lisa in art class, so getting to see the actual painting in Paris was a pretty big deal.
And I loved that they were able to connect something they'd learned at school with a real-life experience.
That's one of my favorite things about traveling internationally with kids.
It's one thing to see famous paintings, landmarks, and historical sites in a book.
It's completely different to stand in front of them.
The Louvre Museum is enormous, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring the collections.
But with young kids, I wouldn't recommend trying to see everything.
Pick a few things your family is interested in and focus on those.
For us, seeing the Mona Lisa was the priority.
Tips for visiting the Louvre with kids:
Book your tickets in advance.
Decide which artwork you want to see before arriving.
Allow extra time for security and crowds.
Don't feel like you need to explore every gallery.
Remember that visitors under 18 generally receive free admission, although reservations and entry rules should always be checked.
4. Explore Jardin du Luxembourg
If you're searching for the best parks in Paris for kids, Jardin du Luxembourg should absolutely be on your list.
This was one of the beautiful gardens we visited with our girls, and it's exactly the kind of place that makes Paris such a great destination for families.
Located in the 6th arrondissement, Luxembourg Gardens is known for its manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, fountains, and shaded walking paths.
It's also home to several family-friendly attractions, including a playground and the famous pond where children can sail miniature boats.
One of my favorite things about Paris is that so many of the public gardens are incredibly beautiful.
They don't feel like an afterthought. They're actual destinations.
And when you're visiting Paris with kids, having somewhere to slow down and let them enjoy themselves is priceless.
Family travel tip: The gardens are free to enter, but some activities, including the playground and miniature boat rentals, may have additional fees.
5. Visit Jardin des Tuileries
Another gorgeous park we explored was Jardin des Tuileries, also known as the Tuileries Garden.
Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this is one of the most famous public gardens in Paris.
It's a perfect stop to add to your itinerary if you're visiting the Louvre Museum.
Instead of going straight from one crowded attraction to another, you can enjoy the gardens, admire the fountains, and give the kids a chance to relax.
I loved that we could spend time somewhere so beautiful without needing a ticket or reservation.
And for anyone planning a budget-friendly family trip to Paris, the city's public gardens are one of the easiest ways to enjoy an incredible experience without spending money.
6. Spend Time at Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau was another park we visited in Paris, and it's a great option for families.
Located in the 8th arrondissement, this beautiful public park has winding paths, open green spaces, and unique architectural features.
It's a lovely place to take a break from the busier tourist attractions.
I know visiting parks probably doesn't sound like the most exciting part of a European vacation.
But when you have young children, these little breaks can make such a difference.
Our girls got to play, we got to enjoy the scenery, and everyone was happy.
And honestly, some of my favorite photos and memories from our European trips have come from moments just like these.
7. Enjoy the Eiffel Tower at Night
Another experience I'd recommend when visiting Paris with kids is seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated after dark.
The tower is beautiful during the day, but it's especially magical when it lights up at night.
After dusk, the Eiffel Tower typically sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of each hour until its nightly lighting schedule ends.
It's one of those classic Paris experiences that's perfect for families.
And you don't have to book an expensive tour to enjoy it.
You just need to find a good viewing spot.
Keep in mind that sunset can be pretty late during the summer, so this may be easier with older children or kids who can stay up a little later.
More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Paris
If you have additional time in Paris, there are several other popular attractions worth considering.
Take a Seine River Cruise
A Seine River cruise is one of the most popular sightseeing activities in Paris.
And it's a great option for families because you can see many famous landmarks without walking all over the city.
Depending on the route, sightseeing cruises may pass landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
Some companies offer shorter daytime sightseeing cruises, while others have dinner cruises.
For families with younger children, I'd generally look for a shorter sightseeing option.
Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris.
It's famous for its artistic history, cobblestone streets, cafés, and the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
The neighborhood sits on a hill, so be prepared for some walking.
You can also use the Montmartre funicular to avoid part of the climb.
Consider Disneyland Paris
If your kids love Disney, Disneyland Paris is another option to consider during your vacation.
The resort is located outside central Paris and is accessible by train.
It can be a great addition if you have extra time, especially if you're planning a longer family vacation in France.
I wouldn't try to squeeze it into an already-packed two- or three-day Paris itinerary, though.
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Where We Stayed in Paris With Kids: Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile
For our family trip to Paris, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, and this was one of my favorite parts of our booking.
We reserved a family room with club access and beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.
And instead of paying the cash price, we booked our stay using hotel points.
Our total redemption for the Paris hotel was 45,000 points.
Being able to look out and see the Eiffel Tower from our hotel was pretty incredible.
And when you're traveling with kids, I think having a comfortable place to come back to at the end of the day is especially important.
You don't necessarily need the fanciest hotel in the city, but having enough space for everyone and a convenient base for exploring can make a huge difference.
Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile is located in the 17th arrondissement, near Porte Maillot.
It's not right beside the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, but Paris's public transportation system makes it possible to explore different neighborhoods from here.
How we booked our stay: We transferred flexible credit card rewards to the hotel's loyalty program, then redeemed points for our room.
If you're planning a Paris family vacation and have transferable travel rewards, I would absolutely look into hotel award availability before paying cash.
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How We Flew to Paris Using Points and Miles
Now for the part I know everyone wants to know.
How did we afford to take our kids to Paris?
We used points and miles.
And that's one of the biggest reasons we've been able to travel internationally with our girls so often.
For this particular trip, we flew from Atlanta to Paris on Air France.
Our economy award flights were priced at:
20,000 airline miles per adult
16,750 airline miles per child
At the time we booked, Air France offered discounted rates for children on eligible flights, which helped us save even more miles.
We transferred flexible credit card points to the airline loyalty program to book the tickets.
And because we were traveling with my mom, we also booked her a business-class award ticket for 50,000 miles.
Being able to book different cabin classes for different family members was another example of how flexible points and miles can be.
Of course, airline award pricing changes, and the exact number of miles required will depend on your dates, route, availability, and the rules of the loyalty program.
But this is a great example of why I always recommend learning how to transfer credit card points to airline partners instead of assuming you need to pay the cash price shown on a travel website.
You might be surprised at what you can book.
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How to Get Around Paris With Kids
One of the great things about Paris is that you don't need a rental car to explore the city.
In fact, I generally wouldn't recommend renting one if you're only planning to visit central Paris.
Between the Metro, buses, taxis, and rideshare services, there are plenty of ways to get around.
And depending on where you're going, walking can be one of the best ways to experience the city.
Using the Paris Metro With Kids
The Paris Metro is an extensive public transportation system connecting many of the city's most popular neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
It's often faster and more affordable than taking a taxi, especially when traffic is heavy.
Just keep in mind that not every Metro station has elevators or escalators.
If you're traveling with a stroller, luggage, or younger children, that can make certain routes more challenging.
Walking Around Paris as a Family
We love exploring European cities on foot, and Paris is especially beautiful for walking.
But don't underestimate how much ground you can cover in a single day.
When you're planning your itinerary, group attractions by neighborhood whenever possible.
For example, you can combine the Louvre Museum with the nearby Tuileries Garden rather than traveling back and forth across the city.
And definitely plan stops for snacks, pastries, and playgrounds.
Those little breaks can save everyone's mood. 😂
What to Eat in Paris With Kids
One of the easiest ways to get children excited about visiting Paris is through the food.
Croissants, macarons, crêpes, baguettes, and French pastries?
I mean, what's not to love?
You don't need to make every meal an elaborate sit-down experience.
Some of my favorite ways to experience European cities are simply finding a local bakery, grabbing something delicious, and continuing to explore.
If you're visiting Paris with picky eaters, you'll also find plenty of familiar options along with traditional French dishes.
And if your kids love sweets, French bakeries and pastry shops will probably be a highlight.
French Foods Worth Trying in Paris
Croissants: A classic French breakfast pastry.
Pain au chocolat: A buttery pastry filled with chocolate.
Crêpes: Thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings.
Macarons: Colorful almond-based sandwich cookies.
Baguettes: Perfect for a simple picnic or sandwich.
French hot chocolate: A delicious treat, especially when the weather is cooler.
One of my favorite family travel habits is making sure the kids get to try foods that are popular in the country we're visiting.
It's such a fun way to experience a different culture without needing a formal tour or attraction.
Is Paris Expensive for a Family Vacation?
Paris definitely has a reputation for being an expensive destination.
And depending on when you travel, hotel prices and international flights can be pretty high.
But I don't think that means Paris has to be out of reach for families.
For us, using points and miles to help cover our flights and hotel made a huge difference.
And once we arrived, we found plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune on activities.
Some of the best things we did with our girls were visiting public parks, enjoying the beautiful gardens, and seeing famous landmarks from the outside.
Those experiences didn't require expensive admission tickets.
If you're researching how to visit Paris on a budget with kids, I'd focus on your biggest expenses first: flights and accommodations.
Finding ways to save on those two categories can free up a significant portion of your vacation budget.
Tips for Visiting Paris With Toddlers and Young Kids
Our girls were four and six when we visited Paris, so we learned pretty quickly what worked well for our family.
Don't overpack your itinerary. Paris has so many attractions that it's tempting to try to see everything. But young children need breaks, and you don't want everyone exhausted by lunchtime.
Take advantage of the beautiful parks. Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries Garden, Parc Monceau, and Champ de Mars are all great places to enjoy some downtime.
You don't have to pay for every attraction. Our girls loved seeing the Eiffel Tower, and we never even went to the top.
Prepare your kids for museums. The Louvre was more meaningful because our daughters had already learned about the Mona Lisa in art class.
Bring comfortable walking shoes. You'll likely do a lot more walking than you realize.
Plan around your children's interests. If your kids love art, history, pastries, playgrounds, or even just riding trains, find ways to incorporate those interests into your trip.
Don't underestimate the value of slow moments. Some of our sweetest memories were simply spending time together in the beautiful Parisian gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Paris With Kids
Is Paris a good destination for families with young children?
Yes! Paris has many family-friendly attractions, including parks, playgrounds, famous landmarks, gardens, and museums. We visited with our four- and six-year-old daughters and had a wonderful experience.
What are the best free things to do in Paris with kids?
Some of the best free family activities in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower grounds, exploring Luxembourg Gardens, walking through the Tuileries Garden, relaxing at Parc Monceau, and enjoying the city's beautiful neighborhoods.
How many days should you spend in Paris with kids?
For a first family trip to Paris, I'd recommend at least three or four days if your schedule allows. That gives you time to see the major attractions while still leaving room for playgrounds, breaks, and relaxed sightseeing.
Do you need to go up the Eiffel Tower with kids?
Absolutely not. We didn't go up the Eiffel Tower during our trip, and our girls still loved seeing it. You can enjoy beautiful views and memorable photos without purchasing tower tickets.
Is the Louvre Museum worth visiting with kids?
It can be! Our daughters were especially excited to see the Mona Lisa because they'd learned about it in school. I recommend focusing on a few exhibits rather than trying to explore the entire museum.
What is the best area to stay in Paris with kids?
Popular neighborhoods for families include Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, and areas near major Metro connections. We stayed at Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile in the 17th arrondissement and loved our Eiffel Tower views.
Can you visit Paris with kids on a budget?
Yes. Paris has plenty of free parks, gardens, and landmark-viewing opportunities. Using points and miles for flights or accommodations can also help reduce the overall cost of a family vacation.
Would We Visit Paris Again With Our Kids?
Without hesitation.
And I think that's what makes Paris so special.
It's a city you can visit at completely different stages of life and have an entirely different experience every time.
A romantic trip as a couple, a family vacation with little kids, a trip with teenagers, or even a girls' weekend.
There's always something new to appreciate.
But seeing Paris through our daughters' eyes was especially memorable.
Watching them get excited about the Eiffel Tower, seeing the Mona Lisa in person, and spending time playing in those beautiful Parisian gardens made me appreciate the city in a completely different way.
And getting to experience it all together is something I'll always be grateful for.
I also love that we didn't have to wait until we could comfortably pay cash for every single part of this trip.
Learning to use points and miles helped us make these kinds of family experiences possible.
And that's exactly why I share what I've learned through Moms Chasing Miles.
Want to learn how we use points and miles to take our girls around the world?
We've traveled to 14 countries with our kids, and I'm sharing the strategies that help us book international flights, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable family vacations without paying full price.
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