If you’re looking for a fun and memorable family trip, there’s no place quite like Paris. The variety of activities and attractions of Paris, makes it a perfect destination for a family city break, that both adults and children will love exploring.
We took advantage of a long weekend in January and headed to Paris. 5 and 9 seem to be a good age for an intense mini vacation, the kids were very brave and walked a lot, without complaining.
With so much to see and do, narrowing down the must-see sights for kids can be tough. Here are some of the sights we choose to visit and were very appreciated by the kids. And some tips and recommendations to inspire and help you have an unforgettable vacation.
Visit Museum Invalides
The Museum Invalides is a great place to visit with kids. It is home to a number of historic artifacts and monuments, including the tomb of Napoleon. The museum is full of interesting items, from uniforms, weapons of all kinds and sizes, and paintings to medals and insignia. The kids will be fascinated by the stories of Napoleon’s life and military campaigns. There is also a chapel and a beautiful garden to explore.
Climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to one of the city’s main symbols. The kids spotted it in the evening when we arrived, from the taxi. So, the next day, in the afternoon, we headed to the Eiffel Tower. I booked the tickets online upfront and opted for the stairs. The kids climbed the 600+ stairs to the second level without a problem and was more fun than waiting in long lines to take the elevator.
Was the only sunny day we had in our trip, so was great to see the city landscape and the sunset while enjoying a hot wine or hot chocolate and a well-deserved pretzel at one of the cafes from the first level.
Explore the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is one of the most famous and largest museums in the world and it’s a great place to explore with kids. It has an impressive collection of art, impossible to see it all in one visit. We decided to visit the Egipt part, which was super interesting for the kids, and then see some of the highlights: Winged Victory and a quick tour through the Renaissance paintings on our way to the famous, one and only, Mona Lisa.
Take a Boat Ride Along the Seine
A boat ride along the Seine is a great way to take in the sights of Paris from a unique perspective. As we passed by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, the kids loved following the map and pointing out the sights. There are plenty of boat tour operators who offer trips along the Seine in different variations.
We booked, upfront and online, only the trip, with no food or drinks. Before jumping on the boat we stopped at a bakery and took some goodies for a “kind of picnic” on the boat. It was a super fun activity, everybody loved it.
Visit Disneyland
If you are in Paris with kids, you gotta check out Disneyland. Located just outside of Paris it’s a bit less than a 1-hour train ride, so you won’t have to deal with “are we there yet?” for too long. Try to get there early in the morning, so you can ride more of the attractions before the littles one transform into mini monsters.
We took the train from Paris the evening before and spent the night at Raddisson Blu Marne-la-Valle. There are other hotels, including some in the Disney universe, and most of them offer free shuttle buss to Disneyland and Chessy train station.
There are two parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is the classic Disney experience, with the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, rides like Space Mountain and It’s a Small World, and character meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters. Walt Disney Studios Park is more focused on the magic of moviemaking, with attractions like the Tower of Terror and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
Before you get there, make sure to download Disney app and buy our tickets online. Ticket prices vary depending on the number of days and whether you want to visit just one or both parks.
One of the great things about Disneyland Paris is that it has all the familiar rides and experiences that you would find at other Disney parks around the world, but with a unique European twist. For example, Pirates of the Caribbean has a different storyline that includes Captain Barbossa, and the park’s parades and shows often feature European characters like Mary Poppins or Quasimodo.
When it comes to planning your visit, it’s important to keep in mind that the park can get very crowded, especially during peak seasons. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance and to arrive early in the day to avoid long lines. If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit, consider going during the off-season or on a weekday.
Just a word of warning – the park can get pretty packed, especially during peak seasons.
Visiting in January has its perks. The crowds are smaller, and the weather is colder, so you won’t be sweating like a sinner in church. Plus, ticket prices tend to be cheaper in the winter months, so you won’t have to sell your soul to afford them. We visited Monday and paid half the price compared with those who were there the day before.
The park is filled with restaurants, shops, and hotels that are all themed to match the Disney universe. Don’t get too excited about the food. It’s not exactly gourmet, and it can be a bit pricey. But, hey, you can get a pizza in the shape of Mickey Mouse, so that’s something, right?
Tips
#1 Use the Metro – the best way to explore the city is definitely by foot, but the Metro is a good option when with kids. There are good connections between all the main sites.
#2 Explain before – make a draft plan on what you want to visit during the trip. Prepare and incite the kids in advance by telling them interesting stories about the sites, museums, artwork, and places and then finally let them discover everything with their own eyes. For us, it worked great to have them intrigued and curious.
#3 Book online – for all sites there is the possibility to book the tickets upfront online. Save time and do so. Everywhere we noticed long lines for purchasing the tickets on-site.
#4 Choose Accommodation Wisely – When choosing accommodation, it’s important to consider your budget, Paris is an expensive city, but also to be in close proximity to the sights you plan to visit. Consider hotels near major attractions that are easily accessible by public transportation or by foot. This will save you time and effort during your visit.
We decided to stay in the 15th arrondissement, at Hotel Ares. 15th arrondissement is not the most expensive but very well located. You are within walking distance from some of the main attractions like the Eiffel Tour, Museum Invalides, Jardins du Trocadero, Champ de Mars, etc. The neighbourhood has a lot of local bakeries, cheese and wine shops, groceries, and many restaurants. Additionally, we had easy access to the public transportation system, a must if you don’t want to spend a fortune on taxis or Uber.
#5 Getting to the Airport – If you spend your last day(s) in Disneyland, from Chessy, you can use the fast train and get to the airport in about 11 minutes. The train runs frequently and is a convenient way to get to the airport quickly and easily.
#6 Don’t book breakfast at the hotel – better visit one of the local bakeries for the freshest and most delicious Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Pain Aux Raisins, or whatever you dream of for the perfect Parisian breakfast
#7 Don’t miss the desserts – indulge yourself in some of the amazing desserts Paris has to offer: Macarons, Crepes, Tarte Tatin, L’Eclair ….
Paris is a great destination for a family getaway, and there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. From exploring the Louvre to taking a boat ride along the Seine, your family is sure to have an unforgettable time.
I was in Paris a couple of times before having kids, but discovering this wonderful city with them, was definitely more intense and interesting.
