Paris With Kids– A Kid-Proof, Day-by-Day Family Itinerary

Our Paris With Kids Itinerary Is Full Of Beautiful Sights, Wonderful Food, Engaging Museums, Fun Playgrounds, and More!

Traveling To Paris With Kids

Too busy to plan a trip to Paris? No worries, we’ve already done it for you! We took our first family trip to Paris when my oldest daughter was 4 and my youngest was just 6 months old! Sounds crazy, but we had an amazing time!

My favorite family trip to Paris was when our girls were 8 and 4 years old. This was a simply awesome trip, and I’ve shared our day-by-day plans here.

I’ll cover the tips and details for the best way to experience and explore the major attractions in Paris: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée D’Orsay, a Medieval Castle, a walking tour in the Les Halles neighborhood, a Seine River Cruise, and much, much more!

Many assume that Paris isn’t kid friendly, but we find it to be a very family-friendly destination. The city is simply beautiful- the architecture, the food, the gardens, and the people.

It has beautiful monuments and museums, and you’ll find a quiet park or playground in every neighborhood, often right behind a famous landmark.

As one of the most visited cities in the world, navigating the sights of Paris with children in tow requires a bit of strategic planning. Crowds of people and waiting in long lines can be exhausting.

The key to a successful visit is to explore Paris at a leisurely pace, popping into nearby playgrounds along the way, and taking advantage of ways to minimize crowds and lines.

Here is a detailed day-by-day itinerary along with the tips we learned along the way!

For a list of specific hotels and apartments that we recommend to families traveling with kids, see our “Where To Stay In Paris With Family.” We’ve compiled a list of hotels by area that accommodate families of 4 or more.

A 7 Day Paris With Kids Itinerary

Travel Advice For Families Visiting Paris With Kids

The biggest mistake families make when visiting Paris is trying to cram too much into one day.

Our daily strategy was to pick a neighborhood of Paris, visit a site (maybe two) and explore that area, then blow off steam at a playground while mom and dad sat on a park bench snacking on baguettes and cheese while basking in the surrounding beauty.

We also picked activities that didn’t consume an entire day. For instance, we opted for the Musee D’Orsay rather than the massive and crowded Louvre and we visited a beautiful medieval castle on the eastern edge of Paris rather than getting lost in the crowds and tour buses of Versailles.

With good planning and the right strategy, the trade-offs were minimal and the experiences enhanced.

And finally, we just had fun. We rode trains (the metro), cruised the Seine River on a boat, climbed up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, pretended to shoot arrows through the slots of a castle, enjoyed a scavenger hunt for various impressionist paintings, took photos, delighted in selecting beautiful pastries for dessert, and so much more.

So, in closing, don’t hesitate to take a trip to Paris with your kids- you’ll be amazed by the moments- both the expected and unexpected!

For future reference, this Paris With Kids itinerary is also available in a handy, convenient PDF file ($15) for your device. You’ll find all the details you need for each day including worthwhile museums and attractions, walking time between destinations, helpful tips, labeled maps, and the best lodging/dining choices.

CDG is located about an 30-60 minutes depending on traffic from city center. If you staying in Paris, your lodging will often  recommend a driver who will pick you up inside the airport (in the baggage  claim area) and drive you directly to your apartment.

We took advantage of this service using Victor Cabs Paris when we traveled with the family. After an overnight flight, it made it super easy but was more expensive than other options (€115 plus a 10% tip) for a family of four. 

A taxi or Uber can take you to city center for about €55. 

If you are traveling with light luggage, you can take the RER train which  has several stops in Paris and connects with the Metro system. Tickets cost  €13 for adults.  

The RER B train from the airport stops at Gare du Nord, then at Châtelet/Les Halles (the “super” exchange station with 4 metro lines and 3 RER lines  available), then Saint Michel/Nôtre Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal,  Denfert-Rochereau, and Cité Universitaire. You will need to determine  which metro stop is closest to your lodging and transfer to that line.  

This website is super helpful if you wish to take the train to City Center from Charles DeGaulle Airport .

Tip: If your flight arrives in the early morning, consider adding a night’s stay at the front end of your trip so that you can check in upon arrival rather than wait for an afternoon check-in. It can be worth it even though you didn’t actually sleep there that night. 

Day 2 Activity- The Eiffel Tower

If you are not a “wait in line person” or couldn’t get tickets for the elevator, you can walk up the 674 steps to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower.

Walking up the stairs is completely doable, and you will love experiencing the architecture first hand. Take your time (it will take 30-45 min), rest, and enjoy the views. We loved it!

Tip: Stop at the first floor to explore and experience the see-through floor near the restaurant. Then continue on to the 2nd floor for amazing views of the city. The first and second levels also have a snack area with tasty treats and sandwiches.

Some may tell you that going up the Eiffel Tower is overrated. We absolutely disagree. It was one of the highlights for us and our daughters.

To avoid the long queues, we chose to walk up the 674 steps to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower.

The views are fantastic from the 2nd level, and there’s no need to go to the very top (which we’ve done). A long with the shortest queues, it’s also the cheapest ticket.

Tip: Look for the “Escalier-Stairs” ticket booth next to the post office at the south pillar (Pilier Sud). Don’t wait in the long queue with the others waiting for elevators.

You can purchase stair tickets online 14 days prior or purchase on-site the day of your visit.

Security Check: Do note that you have to queue for security check whether walking the stairs or riding the elevator. Tip: If the queue for security is long on the Champs de Mars side of the Eiffel Tower, check the other side near the Trocadéro. This saved us a huge amount of time.

Day 2 Activity- Playground and Hand-Cranked Carousel in Champs de Mars Park

Just a 5 minute walk from the base of the Eiffel Tower, you will find the wonderful playground and carousel in the Parc Champs de Mars.

It is a beautiful green oasis in the city with plenty of benches to take in the views, grass to spread a blanket, playgrounds, a puppet theater, and a 100 year old, hand painted, hand-cranked carousel.

You will love seeing your kids try to “spear” the rings with their baton as they circle on their horses. The attendant cranking the carousel will cheer them on in French adding to the fun! Definitely a highlight of our trip.

Note that this carousel is not the fancy, new carousel at the foot of the Trocadero behind the Eiffel Tower.

Nearby, you’ll also find a nice playground and benches right behind the hand-cranked carousel. Grab a snack at the stand next to the carousel with crepes to order, sandwiches, croissants, ice cream, etc. Cafes also line the streets surrounding the park.

Pack a picnic or visit the snack stand and enjoy the view while the kids play.

See a summary of the playgrounds we have enjoyed in Paris over the years. All are located near historic landmarks around Paris making it fun for the whole family.

Day 2 Activity- Promenade Les Berges de la Seine

You can bike and/or walk this pedestrian-only 2.3 kilometer (about 1.5 miles) path along the Seine River. You can go from the Eiffel Tower (Pont de L’Alma) to the Louvre (Pont Royal) and experience the views and activities along the way.

With climbing walls, hopscotch, and other activities, the whole family is entertained while enjoying a beautiful stroll along the Seine. 

Follow for as long as you’d like or make your end point the climbing wall at Pont des Invalides. FYI: “Pont” means bridge.

See our blog post “A Paris Walk Everyone In the Family Will Love” for all the details.

Day 2 Afternoon- Kid-Friendly Museums in the 7th 

Still have energy? Consider these worthwhile museums located in the 7th.  You can walk to both from the Rue Cler area and the Berges de Seine walkway.

From the Pont des Invalides, it is a 15 minute walk to Musée de L’Armée and a 20 minute walk to Musée Rodin. 

Musée De L’Armée– This museum hosts one of the largest military history and art collections in the world, offering a unique overview of the history of France. You will find plenty of suits of armor, canons, breastplates, and swords tracing French military conflicts.

You can also visit Napoleon’s gilded tomb which you can see from several viewpoints throughout the city. 

Allow 2 hours to explore.

Tip: There are two entrances to the Musée De L’Armée: one at Esplanade des Invalides facing Rue de Grenelle and one at Place Vauban closest to the golden dome. Accepts Museum  Pass. 

Musée Rodin- We loved this smaller, less-crowded museum and seeing Rodin’s “the Thinker” was a highlight. The outdoor sculpture garden is a great place to  picnic and see the sculptures, and you can purchase admission to just the garden if you’d like. Allow an hour to explore and picnic. Accepts Museum Pass. 

Day 3– Paris With Kids Itinerary

Overview of Day 3 in Paris

Today is a designated “foodie” day with a walking  tour of the Les Halles area of Paris and its famous market street.

Today, you will: 

• Walk by the oldest stone house in Paris-a must for Harry Potter fans 
• Stroll Rue Montegrueil, one of the oldest market streets in Paris
• Stop at the oldest patissier Paris-Stohrer  
• Take an instagram-worthy photo at the Ecoute sculpture in front of Church St. Eustache
• Pop in to the Lego Store
• Stock up on cooking supplies at E. Dehillerin 

Metro: Sentier stop for Rue Montegrueil.

Approximate Walking Times 

• Sentier Metro to Stohrer/Rue Montegrueil: 6 minutes 
• Nic Flamel house to Stohrer: 10 minutes 
• Stohrer/Rue Montegrueil to St. Eustache Church: 10 minutes
• St. Eustache Church to E. Dehillerin: 5 minutes 
• E. Dehillerin to Metro Louvre-Rivoli- 6 minutes  

Stroll down Rue Montegrueil for pastries at the famous Stohrer Patisserie located at 51 Rue Montegrueil. Stohrer is historic, because it was the first pastry shop to open in Paris in the year 1730. This stop is a 10 minute walk from Nicolas Flamel’s house.

Enjoy the amazing sweet and savory treats and gaze at the beauty inside (both behind the counter and the ceiling which was painted by Paul Baudry who also decorated the Paris Garnier Opera House.)

Our favorite sandwich (jambon, gruyere, arugula) and croissant was found here. Open every day  7:30am-8:30pm. 

Day 3 Activity- St. Eustache Sculpture 

Refreshed and content from your stop at Stohrer, continue your stroll another 10 minutes to admire St. Eustache Church, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, built over a one hundred year span from 1532 to 1632. 

Take a moment for a photo op in front of the “Ecoute” sculpture beside the church. It’s a fun photo op, and the square is beautiful.  

Day 3 Activity- Lego Store

I’m including this as an optional detour as we didn’t mean to go to a Lego Store in the Forum des Halles (a shopping mall) on our way to E. Dehillerin, but an unintended detour saw us walking right past it. We ended up really enjoying the lego versions of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and a Patisserie.

For the Lego fans in the family, the Lego Store is located on the street  level of Forum des Halles near the Chatelet RER station. 

A five minute walk from St. Eustache Church brings you to our favorite store in Paris. E. Dehillerin has an impressive collection of anything a cook would desire. (Julia Child apparently loved this place.) They pride themselves on their quality copper pots and cooking utensils.  

You will love walking its aisles, and it’s a great place for gifts and souvenirs. We proudly came away with two bread pans and a tomato knife, which we found to be surprisingly affordable. We also purchased additional knives for gifts for the chefs in my family.

The staff is super friendly, speaks English, and will be happy to help you. 

Tip: Be sure to check out both floors and note that they close for lunch at 12:30 (found that out the hard way). Located at 18 Rue de Coquilliere. Open  9am, closed Sundays.  

Tip: If you couldn’t get enough at E. Dehillerin, A. Simon is located close by. Check out their linen towels and cookware. 48 Rue Monmartre. Open 9am, 10am on Saturday, and closed Sunday. 

Louvre-Rivoli (lines 1 and 8) is the closest Metro to E. Dehillerin store.

Where to Eat in the Neighborhood: Les Halles  

Stohrer Patisseri on 51 Rue Montegrueil   

Maison Collet Boulangerie 100 Rue Montegrueil; closed weekends. 

L’as du Falafel is a bit out of the way but if you love fallafel, it is well worth it and super popular. You can order takeout from this cafe located at Rue des Rosiers in the “Pletzl” Jewish quarter of the Le Marais neighborhood.

Tip: Depending on the order of your activities, you will need to choose the most convenient metro station to arrive and then return home. Remember to avoid the Les Halles station if you can- it’s massive. Check Metro Opera,  Sentier, Louvre-Rivoli, and Rombateau.

Day 4– Paris With Kids Itinerary

Overview of Day 4 in Paris

This is one of our favorite days in Paris. Today, you will:

• Take the Batobus to cruise along the Seine to Notre Dame Cathedral
• Get a book stamped at Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
• Check out the gargoyles at Notre Dame Cathedral 
• Visit St. Chapelle Chapel and its magnificent stained glass (optional)
• Smell the flowers at Marche Aux Fleurs (Flower market) 
• Stroll the beautiful island of Ile St. Louis 
• Eat gelato at Berthillion 
• Walk the Quai de la Tournelle to view the art and book stalls
• Relax at the playground on the Jardin Tino Rossi Riverwalk
• Return home on the Batobus 

Walking Times: 

• Notre Dame Cathedral to Shakespeare and Company: 4 minutes using Quai de Montebello 
• Notre Dame to Marche Aux Fleurs: 7 minutes 
• Notre Dame to St. Chapelle: 6 minutes 
• Notre Dame to Berthillion: 7 minutes 
• St. Chapelle to Berthillion: 15 minutes 
• Berthillion to Quai de la Tournelle: 5 minutes 
• Berthillion to Shakespeare and Co: 11 minutes 
• Quai de la Tournelle to Jardin Tino Rossi: 8 minutes 
• Jardin Tino Rossi to Batobus at Jardin des Plantes: 2 minutes

Day 4 Activity- Batobus Cruise to Notre Dame 

The batobus will be your form of transportation today. Take the batobus to cruise down the Seine River rather than paying more for a crowded, expensive tour boat.

The batobus is essentially a water taxi that stops at several locations along the Seine River. It offers no commentary but does provide a beautiful and comfortable cruise along the Seine.

Tip: It’s also a good rainy day activity as it is covered.  

The first departure of the day begins at 10:00am at Tour Eiffel and then stops at: Musée D’Orsay, Saint Germaine des-Pres, Notre Dame, Jardin Des Plants, Hotel de Ville, Louvre, Champs Elysees, Beaugrennelle, and back to Tour Eiffel.  

Your ticket is good all day, and you can debark and board as many times as you’d like at any of the above batobus stations. You can buy a one or two day pass. We usually buy a one day pass at the batobus station (Tip: Look for the discounted Family Pass!). 

Batobus Journey times between stops:  

• Eiffel Tower to Musée d’Orsay: 20 min 
• Musée d’Orsay to Saint Germain des Près : 7 min 
• Saint Germain des Près to Notre Dame: 15 min 
• Notre Dame to Jardin des Plantes/Cité de le Mode et du Design: 15 min
• Jardin des Plantes/Cité de la Mode et du Design to Hôtel de Ville: 15 min
• Hôtel de Ville to Louvre: 11 min  
• Louvre to Champs-Elysées: 10 min  
• Champs-Elysées to Beaugrenelle: 20 min 
• Beaugrenelle to Eiffel Tower: 15 min  

If you were to ride the entire loop, it would take about 1:40 minutes, not a fast form of transportation by any means. 

Catch the 10am batobus at the Tour Eiffel station. It is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, opposite the Trocadéro. Cross the street and walk down the stairs at the right hand corner of Pont d’léna.

Opens at 10am and boats arrive every 40 minutes, but check the timetable to confirm as it varies depending on the season.

Relax and enjoy the 45 minute cruise from Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.

If you desire a more direct and quick route or don’t wish to ride a boat, take Metro line 4 Cité or RER B and RER C: Saint Michel- Notre Dame to get to Notre Dame Cathedral area. 

Day 4 Activity- Notre Dame Cathedral 

Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful medieval cathedral steeped in history and located on Ile de la Cité, a large island in the middle of the Seine River, connected to the mainland by several bridges.  

Note: You have to pay to go up the towers, but it is free to go inside Notre Dame.

After being closed for renovation after the 2019 fire, it is now open again! The cathedral itself opens at 8am and closes at 7pm, and it is free to go inside the ground floor of the cathedral.

The queue to just go inside the ground floor of the cathedral, however, can be long.

Note: Since its recent re-opening, the lines to go inside Notre Dame have been really, really long. You can show up and wait in the general line, or you can reserve a day and time (up to 2 days ahead of time) on their website to minimize your wait in line. Remember it is free! Don’t be scammed.

The Tower Tour- The Towers of the cathedral open daily at 10am for visitors who want to pay to climb the 424 tower steps for close-up views of the gargoyles, spires, and  roofs.

Admission to climb the stairs is free with the Paris Museum Pass (select this ticket type) or 16 euro for adults (free for the kiddos). You can reserve a date and time online.

Tip 1: Admire The Gargoyles. If you want to avoid all lines, just walking around the cathedral admiring the statues and gargoyles on the exterior of the cathedral is nice too. Have your kids pick their favorite gargoyles! We bought a souvenir gargoyle magnet which still clings to our refrigerator today.

Tip 2: Find the “Kilometre Zero” marker in the square in front of the  cathedral. This spot marks the official center of Paris. 

Day 4 Activity- Marche Aux Fleurs 

While on the Ile de la Cité, stop by the Marche Aux Fleurs (flower market) for a wonderful stroll and photo op. On Sundays, it includes a bird market that would be fun for the kids (Marche Aux Oiseaux.).

Located on Place Louis Lépine (Allée Célestin  Hennion) between the Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle Chapel. 

Day 4 Activity- St. Chapelle

Also, consider a stop at the beautiful St. Chapelle Chapel. The soaring stained glass windows are amazing. Museum Pass accepted. Allow an hour. 

Day 4 Activity- Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

We love this English bookstore located directly across the Seine from Notre Dame Cathedral. Pop in and feel the history inside. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Joyce have all spent hours here. Go upstairs to see the  typewriter and “writer in residence sign.”  

At Shakespeare and Company, we bought a copy of Alice in Wonderland, mostly as an excuse to get one of the bookstore’s famous “Kilometer Zero” stamps inside the front cover.

Ask the clerk to stamp your book at checkout. It’s a fun souvenir and a great gift idea for the bibliophiles in your family. Located at 37 Rue de  la Bucherie; Opens 10am. 

Day 4 Activity- Ile St. Louis Stroll 

Ile St. Louis, a tiny island in the Seine River, takes you out of the hustle and bustle. It is such a picturesque place for a stroll along its cobbled streets filled with lots of cafes and shops. 

Most importantly for your family, it is home to the world famous Berthillion ice cream shop. Continue on to Berthillion (29 Rue St-Louis; 10am-closed on Monday  and Tuesday.)  

If the line is too long, check out Amorino (47 Rue St. Louis; noon-) for another cold, sweet option.  

Day 4 Activity- Stroll along the Quai de la Tournelle

From Ile St. Louis, cross over the river on Pont de la Tournelle to continue to stroll along the beautiful Seine River and view the green stalls “bouquinistes” containing used and new books and art. You’ll find old postcards, sheet music, books, and art work.  

We found some lovely prints to bring home for a crazy affordable price, and my daughter bought the French version of the Harry Potter book: Harry Potter-A L’Ecole des Sorciers. Now she just needs to learn how to speak French!

Day 4 Activity- Jardin Tino Rossi Riverwalk/Playground

Continue your walk on the Jardin Tino Rossi Riverwalk, a pedestrian only pathway along the river toward the Jardin de Plants batobus station.

The Riverwalk stretches along the Seine riverbanks, from the Institut du Monde Arabe to the Jardin des Plantes. Filled with modern concrete sculptures, it’s a great photo op and even has a fun playground for the kiddos. 

Tip: The Institut du Monde Arabe has a cafe on the 9th floor with amazing views of Paris.  

Directions: Continue walking down the pedestrian-only riverwalk towards Jardin de Plants. Enjoy the wonderful views and let the kids play!

Just a 5 minute stroll further, and you will reach the Jardin des Plantes batobus station at Quai St. Bernard where you will board it for home. 

Where to Eat in the Neighborhood: Notre Dame 

You’ll find plenty of cafes, creperie stands, etc. along the streets surrounding the Notre Dame Cathedral. Ile St. Louis has lots of cafes. Consider takeout for a picnic by the river. 

Mich Sandwiches– 10 Place St. Michel (off island-5 minutes west of Shakespeare and Company) 

Kayser– 14 Rue Monge; (off island- 10 minute walk from Berthillion-closer to Quai de la Tournelle); closed Monday. 

Day 5– Paris With Kids Itinerary

Overview of Day 5 in Paris

This is a light day and rewards the kiddos with a bit of shopping and a fun day at this huge and beautiful park. Luxembourg Gardens is perfect for a stroll and can be enjoyed any day but perhaps best on a Sunday with the Parisian families. Today you will: 

• Shop at Le Bon Marche and/or Monoprix Department Stores
• Play at the playground and picnic at Luxembourg Gardens 

Day 5 Activity- Shopping at Monoprix or Le Bon Marche 

Monoprix is similar to a Target store but oh so much better. It’s a great place to shop for unique items at affordable prices. Look for souvenir soaps, mustards, gourmet food, cosmetics, kitchen towels, etc. We bought mustards and soaps here and some cute tops for the girls.  

You could also buy your picnic supplies here from their grocery section. It’s an 8 minute walk from here to Luxembourg Garden.  

24 Boulevard Saint-Michel; Opens 8:30am; Note that it is closed on Sunday. 

Getting there-Take the metro line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne. 

Le Bon Marche, 24 Rue de Sevres, is a gorgeous department store and certainly worth a look. We enjoyed their home section and bought a Peugot Pepper Grinder. Fun! It’s a 12 minute walk to Luxembourg Gardens from  here. Opens at 10am except on Sunday- 11am.  

Also consider picking up your picnic supply next door at La Grand Epicerie, 38 Rue de Sèvres. A must stop for any foodie. It sells 30,000 gourmet products and consists of four main departments: groceries, fresh produce, wines, and the production kitchens. 

Getting there-Take the metro line 10 or 12 to Sevres-Babylone. 

Playground at Luxembourg Garden

After shopping, you have an appetite. From Monoprix, walk 7 minutes to Maison Mulot(closed Wednesdays) at 76 Rue de Seine to pick up food for your picnic at Luxembourg Gardens, the largest park in Paris.

Luxembourg Gardens is just a 5 minute walk from here, and you’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll and time well spent at this wonderful playground.  

Our daughters loved this playground with its “zipline”, climbing ropes, and slides. It’s a good Sunday activity with all the  French families relaxing on their day off. 

Tip: Luxembourg Garden also has a cafe next to the playground if you  opted not to bring a picnic.

You will need to pay a small admission price for both kids and adults, but it’s worth it. Sit and relax watching this Parisian scene through your child’s happy eyes.  

On your way to the playground, stroll through the beautiful gardens, watch the kids float their boats in the pond (you can too for €6 rental for 30 minutes), and look for the replica of the Statue of Liberty.

It’s truly a beautiful, quiet oasis in the middle of Paris. The playground is located next to the Puppet Theater, which could also be a fun activity.  

See a list of activities at Luxembourg Gardens.

Tip: Kids are out of school on Wednesdays, so it can be crowded. 

Getting there: If you’re coming straight to the gardens, the RER line B drops you off right in front of the gardens at metro stop Luxembourg.  

Still going strong? Consider a side excursion to nearby Rue Mouffetard Street Market. Tuesday and Saturdays are main days, but it’s open most mornings. Closest metroCensier-Daubenton. It’s a 15 minute walk from Luxembourg Garden.

Where to Eat in the Neighborhood: Luxembourg Gardens 

Luxembourg Garden cafe next to the playground (sit down or takeout.) 

Patisserie Gerard Mulot at 76 Rue de Seine; closed Wednesday. 5 minute walk to the northern end of the Garden.  

Kayser at 14 Rue Monge is an absolute favorite boulangerie of ours. 15 minute walk to the Garden. Closer to Monoprix. Closed Monday.  

La Grand Epicierie at 38 Rue de Sèvres. If you are a foodie, you need to find a way to make it here. It’s a bit expensive but an incredible variety of  food products (30,000 of them!) It’s fun just to look, and a good place to  stock up for a picnic. It’s a 12 minute walk from Luxembourg Gardens.  

Day 6- Paris With Kids Itinerary

Overview of Day 6 In Paris

Today, start at the the Musée D’Orsay, famous for its Impressionist paintings. Afterwards, relax at the Tuileries Garden while the children play. 

You could also go by the Louvre Museum to see its plaza where the kiddos will enjoy seeing the glass pyramid structures. Today, you’ll see the:

• Musée D’Orsay 
• Tuileries Garden Playground 
• Louvre Pyramids 
• Musée de l’Orangerie (optional) 

Day 6 Morning Activity- 9:30am- Musée D’Orsay  

The Musée D’Orsay is a former railway station that now houses one of the best Impressionist collections in the world. It really is a “must see.”  

Tip: Before your trip, find 5-10 paintings from the D’Orsay collection and print them out for a scavenger hunt or take photos on your phone. Alternatively, hit the gift shop first to buy 5 postcards of art pieces found in the museum.

My girls loved searching for their favorite paintings and Degas sculptures.  

To prioritize your time, you might consider which pieces you definitely want to see. In general, a good approach might be to start at the top floor (5th floor) and work your way down.

For example, Van Gogh’s paintings are primarily on  the 2nd floor and Degas’ ballerinas, Renoir, Cezanne and Monet are on the 5th floor. We visited the 5th floor and 2nd floor only before the kids were ready to move on. 

Tip: Don’t miss the view from the top floor (5th floor) terrace, you can see the Seine, the Louvre, Tuileries Garden. It’s really beautiful. Find the large clock and look through it for a unique viewpoint of Paris.

Also, take a peek at the “Salle des fêtes” (ballroom) on the second floor with its large chandeliers and all the gilding. Trés Paris! 

Opens at 9:30am; closed Monday; don’t go Tuesday as the Louvre is closed and it will be packed. Sunday is also a busy day.  

Tip: The least busy days at Musée D’Orsay are Wednesdays and Fridays. Buy tickets ahead online if not using a Museum Pass, and it’s important to arrive early. Paris Museum Pass holders enter through Gate C next to the main entrance. Allow at least 2 hours for this activity. 

Important! Also note that starting March 10, 2026, time slot booking becomes mandatory for Paris Museum Pass holders.

Getting There: It’s a 25 minute walk from Rue Cler Market Street. Metro: line 12, to Solférino or RER: line C to Musée d’Orsay. 

Day 6 Activity- The Louvre 

You will notice that we did not include touring the infamous Louvre Museum. We’ve visited it on other trips and found it overwhelming unless you are an absolute art buff and want to spend hours (perhaps even days!) there.

The crowds are stifling, and the Mona Lisa is covered by plastic glass and surrounded by crowds of tourists.  

The plaza surrounding the Louvre, however, is quite picturesque with the glass pyramids. It’s a fun photo op after a morning at the Musée D’Orsay. 

The Louvre Pyramids are a 15 min walk from Musée d’Orsay, or you could  consider making it a stop on the Batobus day (Day 4). 

Day 6 Activity- Tuileries Garden Playground 

After visiting the Musée D’Orsay, cross the pedestrian-only Solferino Bridge toward the Jardin de Tuileries in search of the large, fun playground located near the Place de la Concorde end of the park.  

In the northwest corner of the playground, you will also find trampolines (a €2 fee for 5 minutes of jumping) and more playground equipment. Sit and relax while the kids get their museum wiggles out.

Note: The trampolines are designed for kids aged 2-12. They are easy to miss if you are walking down the main alley (grand allée). They are located closer to the Rue de  Rivoli and the Tuileries metro exit. 

Tip: Still have energy? A side excursion to the nearby Musée de L’Orangerie is an option. (Opens 9am; closed Tuesdays) Its main draw is that it houses Monet’s full wall-size Water Lilies painting.  Accepts the Museum Pass. 

Where to Eat in the Neighborhood: Musée D’Orsay 

Musée D’Orsay has two cafes and a restaurant. The restaurant is beautiful but is a bit pricey. The cafe on the 2nd floor is also pricey. The  ground floor cafe was more cafeteria style and has a decent selection of sandwiches and snacks to tide you over. You’ll also find food stands on the plaza of the museum. 

Tuileries Garden has snack booths and cafes on either side of the main  path, offering salads, sandwiches, snacks and drinks. A bit pricey but location, location, location…..Cafe Des Marronniers may be your best bet here. 

Kayser near Louvre Pyramids; 4 Rue de l’Echelle near  Franprix; a 10 minute walk from Tuileries Garden. 

Higuma Japanese– 63 Rue Saint Honoré. Get your ramen noodle fix here.  Apparently people love it for a budget lunch. It’s located closer to the Louvre. 

Le Petit Vendome– 8 Rue de Capucines; 500m from Tuilleries Garden and  walk through Place Vendome. A nice little cafe with good reviews. It’s located about 10 minutes walk from Tuileries Garden. Closed Sunday. 

Day 7– Paris With Kids Itinerary

Overview of Day 7 In Paris

• Visit the medieval castle- Chateau de Vincennes 
• Stroll, picnic, and play in the Parc de Floral in the Bois de Vincennes  

This day was another favorite in Paris. We had the castle to ourselves, and the children loved exploring inside it.

The chapel was also beautiful.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a picnic at the beautiful Parc de Floral behind the castle. The girls thought this playground was the best of their visit. 

Day 7 Morning Activity 10am- Chateau de Vincennes

Pack a picnic and head to the metro–it’s time to see a castle. A trip to Europe would not be complete without visiting a castle rich in history. This day was a hit with everyone.

Located on the edge of eastern Paris, Chateau  de Vincennes is the opposite of Versailles’s extravagance. (It also has a  fraction of the visitors.)  

This beautiful castle is the largest royal medieval fortress still standing in France, complete with a moat (it’s dry however) and dungeon, and it’s easily accessible from the center of Paris. It was at the heart of the French  monarchy until 1682, when Louis XIV chose to settle in Versailles.

It has also been used as a prison (Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade, and Mirabeau were held here) and as a barracks and arsenal under Napoleon.  

Cost: Free with Museum Pass. Opens at 10am. Take Metro line 1 (yellow line) to the last station, Station Chateau de  Vincennes.

The station is located super close to the castle. You can use a  regular metro ticket to get there. From Rue Cler area, plan on about 50 minutes of walking/metro time to get there.  

Day 7 Afternoon Activity- Bois de Vincennes-Parc de Floral

After visiting the castle, walk around the castle towards the Parc de Floral. Stroll by the beautiful flower gardens, large oak trees, lakes, pathways, and large children’s play area (listed as “Jeux pour enfants”). You’ll find a map  upon entry to the park.

Parc de Floral Playground

During the summer there is a small admission fee, but it’s free other times of the year. We would certainly return here on future visits and would rent bikes for the family to explore!  

Excellent map of Bois de Vincennes

Where to Eat in the Neighborhood: Chateau de Vincennes

If you didn’t pack a picnic, you can grab a bite at any local boulangerie or cafe near the metro station. Nearby Fred Artisan Boulanger, 8 Ave de Chateau, gets good reviews.  

You’ll also find Les Magnolias Cafe inside Parc Floral which has a pleasant outdoor terrace. Enjoy lunch or snacks.  

Other Recommended Paris Museums and Sites  

Musée Picasso 

Musée Picasso is a smaller museum and is a worthwhile visit. Afterwards, stop by nearby Breizh Cafe at 109 Rue Vieille du Temple to sample their unique crepes.  

Sacre-Coeur and Montmartre 

Arrive early to the beautiful white Basilica-Sacre-Coeur to avoid heavy crowds. Walk up the steps to enjoy the view or go for the sunsets which are amazing from here.

Stroll the cobbled streets around Montmartre to see the world as painted by Toulouse-Lautrec.

Overall, we found it super touristy and might recommend skipping it. But, the views of Paris from here are spectacular!

Family-Friendly Places To Stay In Paris and Where We Have Stayed

All hotel rooms and bathrooms are small in Paris compared to the U.S. Renting an apartment will give your family more space, save money on eating out, and make you feel more like a Parisian than a tourist. 

For a list of specific hotels and apartments that we recommend to families traveling with kids, see our “Where To Stay In Paris With Family.” We’ve compiled a list of hotels by area that accommodate families of 4 or more.

Safe and convenient areas for families to consider include neighborhoods in the 6th, 7th, the Latin Quarter, and the Marais.

I really like the 7th for its quiet family neighborhood feel, and it’s close to the Eiffel Tower for evening walks to see the lights come on.

However, if you are visiting all the landmarks of Paris, the most convenient lodging location is in the Latin Quarter (the 5th) or 6th closer to the Seine the better. A bit more busy and touristy, but you will save some steps!

We like Paris’s quiet 7th arrondissement near the Rue Cler Market Street. This location is excellent and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, 2 metro stations, and the pedestrian-only market street Rue Cler, a foodie’s dream.

Paris Perfect rents a variety of apartments throughout the city. They are a super helpful, well respected agency, and provide very nice accommodations. We’ve also used booking.com to rent an apartment in the 7th.

Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Places To Eat In Paris (7th district)

The second most common question I get from others: “Did your kids eat the food there?” French dining can be expensive and the dinner hours are late, especially for families on U.S. eastern standard time.

That being said, we feel we have not compromised on food quality and food experiences by mostly foregoing the fine dining restaurants.

The casual brasseries, market streets, the creperie stands, cheese shops, and boulangeries have captivated and exceeded our every culinary need.

We ate amazing breads (baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat), delicious cheese, tartines, crepes with Nutella, quiches, wonderful rotisserie chicken, fresh fruit from the market street, and sandwiches (jambon fromage-”ham and cheese”) from the boulangerie.

Restaurants in the Rue Cler area:

• Cafe Du Marche– Casual bistro with English menu if needed
• Cafe Constant– A good choice for foodies but no reservations accepted
• Les Gourmandises d’Eiffel– Excellent croissants
• Le Petit Cler– Located on Rue Cler
• Du Pain et Vais (a boulangerie on the corner of Champs de Mars and Ave. Bosquet) had our favorite baguette.
• Neighborhood creperie stands
• Street Markets

Nearby Market Streets

Rue Cler Market

We enjoyed wandering this pedestrian-friendly street to make our own picnic or to find take out to eat at our lodging. You’ll find fruit stands, a cheese shop, wine shops, a creperie, and Jeusselin-Traiteur (a great choice for takeout.)

A nearby FranPrix (small grocery) is also convenient.

Marché Président Wilson 

If you are in Paris on a Saturday morning, go to this market. It is a sight to  behold and is within a 20 minute walk from the Rue Cler area. It is said to be the largest open market in Paris with pâtés, local wines, cheeses, fresh  flowers, fresh fish, fresh-baked breads, chickens, meats, pastas, and more.  

It’s a good place for souvenirs, and you can enjoy hot food from a creperie or other food stall. We saw a seafood risotto that looked and smelled terrific but opted for a jambon fromage (ham & cheese) crepe.  

Directions From Rue Cler: Cross the Pont de l’Alma Bridge and head left up Ave. President  Wilson. Times: Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from about 7am-2pm. 

Getting Around Paris By Metro

The city is best seen by walking, and it is a very safe and walkable city. The Paris metro system is an efficient way to reach the highlights of Paris, and your children will love riding on “a train.” Each line has a number, but they are best known for their end of the line station name.  

See a map of the Paris lines.

You can download the Navigo Easy App before your trip, but you can also purchase a Navigo Easy Card (€2) at kiosks found in the stations and then add tickets to it.

We got physical cards at the station, because each person traveling needs their own card or phone, and our children didn’t have phones yet.

Tickets can be used for Metro, tram, bus, and RER. You purchase the pass and then “top up” with tickets as needed.

A single ride ticket costs €2,55, and children under 10 pay half.

Note that you cannot use the same ticket to transfer from the metro to the bus, but the ticket is good to transfer from one metro line to  another.  

Tip: Have the kids go through the turnstile first in case there’s any problem.

Another possible option (but is often not worth the price) is to purchase a Paris Visite Pass which gives you unlimited rides for either a 1, 2, 3, or 5 day pass.

Tip 1: Not all train doors open automatically and may have a push button or  pull lever to open.  

Tip 2: To limit excessive walking, try to avoid transferring at these stations  (the platforms are huge and often require you to walk quite a ways to  transfer to another line): 

• Montparnasse-Bienvenue 
• Chatelet-Les Halles 
• Charles de Gaulle-Etoile 
• Gare du Nord 
• Bastille 

Tip 3: When exiting the station, look for the word “Sortie” (Exit). 

Apps- Transportation Apps To Use When Traveling In Paris

Google Maps and Apple Maps work just fine in Paris.

If you need a “data free” map, download Umon’s CityMaps2Go. It traces  your GPS signal on your phone so you can see where you are on the map. It doesn’t provide directions, but you can save each site you expect to visit on  the map and view the distance from your position.

Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth It? 

The Short Answer is “Yes”. The Paris Museum Pass cuts out the queues and saves you money if you are  planning to visit several museums.

Most of the museums in this itinerary as well as almost every museum you would want to visit is included with the  Museum Pass (Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Pompidou, Rodin, Picasso, Notre Dame Towers, and more….)  

The Museum Pass costs €85 for two days, €105 for four days, or €125 for six  days. Note that the days must be consecutive. Keep in mind it does not cover  the Eiffel Tower, and you still have to queue at Notre Dame Cathedral (once opened) to climb the tower stairs.  

Also, keep in mind that children get in free to most museums without a Museum Pass, so you would only need to purchase the pass for adults. The best part of the Museum Pass is the accelerated entry by avoiding the ticket  queue. You can buy the pass online or at any participating museum.  

Tip: Alternatively, if you don’t buy the museum pass, you can buy advance tickets from most museum websites to avoid the ticket queues. 

Paris Passlib’ —As an FYI: If you want it all, the Paris Passlib’ combines the Paris Visite  (unlimited metro) with the Paris Museum Pass (expedited entry and ticket  savings).

Cell Phones

Tip: Call your cell phone provider to get international coverage. With  AT&T, for instance, it cost $10 for each day we used cellular. Some days we only used WiFi and didn’t pay a fee for that day. 

Credit Cards

Make sure your credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

ATMs

Once in Paris, use your ATM card to withdraw some cash for your trip. Most places take credit card (use one without foreign transaction fees) so you  don’t need too much cash. We took out €150 and it was plenty.

We used our credit card for most purchases and used cash at the boulangeries, crepe  stands, and parks. Some grocery stores had a €20 minimum purchase to use  a credit card. You’ll find many banks and ATMs in the 7th arrondissement  and throughout city center. 

French Culture 

Contrary to popular opinion, we found most Parisians to be nice,  welcoming, and helpful. Parisians seem to pride themselves on their  politeness, so return that in kind.

Although most speak English in the city  center, it is courteous to greet storekeepers with a pleasant “Bonjour, hello.”  This is a respectful way of honoring their culture but making it clear that  you do not speak fluent French.  

Learning just a few French phrases is helpful and also fun for the children to  practice: “Bonjour Madame” or “Bonjour Monsieur” (Hello mam, Hello  sir), “S’il vous plait” (please), “Merci” (thank you), and “Au  Revoir” (goodbye). To ask if someone speaks English, say “Parlez-vous  anglais?” 

Tip: My girls enjoyed the free and fun Duolingo app prior to our trip. 

What To Wear

When we first traveled to Paris, we were a bit worried about the Paris  fashion scene and wondered if everyone would look overtly fashionable. Surprise! The Parisians we saw looked nicely put together but not couture  by any means.

Most wore nice blue jeans and fashionable sneakers, and we did not feel out of place wearing the same. Wear comfortable shoes (for lots  of walking), a sharp looking jacket, and perhaps throw on a scarf. Voila!  

Movies To Watch Before Your Trip To Paris

• Paris Je t’aime 
• Midnight in Paris 
• The Davinci Code 
• Amelie 
• Before Sunset 
• French Kiss 
• Camille Claudel- 1989 movie about the famous sculptor Rodin • Ratatouille (family friendly) 
• Madeline (family friendly) 
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (family friendly) 

Recommended Paris Guide Books 

Eyewitness Top 10 Paris– It’s small, portable, and concise. Metro map included. 

Mission Paris. A Scavenger Hunt Adventure by Catherine Aragon-You’ll find some fun ideas here for the kiddos.

Have a fantastic family vacation in Paris! Hope this itinerary has been helpful! Have fun and bon travels!- Also available in a handy dandy PDF for you ($15)– Amy

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