Is Paris Worth Visiting With Kids?

Paris often gets a reputation as being romantic, crowded, or better suited for adults — but Paris can be a fantastic city to visit with kids if you pace it correctly.

Between playground-filled gardens, river cruises, interactive museums, crepes on every corner, and walkable neighborhoods, Paris offers a surprisingly kid-friendly experience. The key is to balance iconic sights with downtime, and to structure days around parks and food.

Below is how we traveled to Paris with kids, following London, and what made it enjoyable for both parents and children.

Arriving in Paris From London

We arrived in Paris by train from London, which was an easy and comfortable way to travel with kids.

🔗 Eurostar Official Website:
https://www.eurostar.com

The train journey allowed the kids to move around, snack, and relax — a huge upgrade from flying between cities.

Where We Stayed in Paris With Kids

We stayed in an apartment in the 7th arrondissement, near Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Why this area works well for families:

Central but quieter at night
Walkable to parks and major sights
Close to bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores
Easy access to the Seine River

Staying in an apartment gave us extra space and flexibility — something we appreciated after long sightseeing days.

Le Marine restaurant - one of our favorites

Day 1: Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

Eiffel Tower With Kids

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is one of those moments that truly feels magical for children.

🔗 Official Eiffel Tower Website:
https://www.toureiffel.paris

We planned this for early afternoon to avoid extreme crowds.

Picnic at Champ de Mars

Right at the base of the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars is perfect for families.

Why it’s ideal with kids:

Open space to run around
Easy picnic setup
No structured schedule

We grabbed sandwiches and pastries and let the kids reset while still enjoying the view.

Eiffel Tower from the Seine River — Eiffel Tower from the Seine

Day 2: Gardens, Museums & Classic Paris

Luxembourg Gardens (A Must With Kids)

🔗 https://www.senat.fr/jardin-du-luxembourg

Luxembourg Gardens is one of the best places in Paris for families:

Excellent playground
Toy boat sailing pond
Wide paths for scooters or strollers

This was one of our favorite mornings in Paris.

Louvre Museum (Kid-Friendly With the Right Approach)

🔗 https://www.louvre.fr

The Louvre can feel intimidating with kids, but it works well if you:

Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance
Limit your visit to 60–90 minutes
Pick just a few highlights

Treat it like a short visit, not a marathon.

Day 3: Notre Dame, Seine River & Evening Cruise

Notre Dame & Île de la Cité

🔗 https://www.notredamedeparis.fr

Even after the fire, walking around Notre Dame and Île de la Cité is engaging for kids thanks to bridges, river views, and open space.

Seine River Cruise

🔗 https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr

A river cruise is one of the best low-effort, high-reward activities in Paris with kids.

Why families love it:

Everyone gets to sit and rest
Great views without walking
Calm way to see major landmarks

Evening cruises are especially memorable.

Day 4: Montmartre & Parisian Neighborhoods

Montmartre With Kids

🔗 https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Montmartre feels like a village inside the city:

Street artists at Place du Tertre
Small staircases and winding streets
Views from Sacré-Cœur

Kids enjoy watching artists work and exploring the area.

Le Marais

Le Marais is great for families:

Flat streets
Ice cream shops everywhere
Casual cafes
Open squares for breaks

It’s an easy neighborhood to wander without a strict plan.

Day 5: Paris Parks & Slow Travel

Jardin des Tuileries

🔗 https://www.louvre.fr/en/what-s-on/tuileries-garden

This park is perfect for a slower day:

Playground
Carousel
Chairs for relaxing
Central location near major sights

Jardin des Plantes

🔗 https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr

This area combines:

Botanical gardens
Zoo
Natural history museum

You can spend as much or as little time here as you want — great flexibility with kids.

Escargot — The kids’ favorite - escargot

Dining in Paris With Kids

Paris is surprisingly kid-friendly when it comes to food.

What worked well for us:

Bakeries for quick breakfasts
Crepes for snacks
Casual brasseries for dinner
Early dining times

Kids don’t need fancy meals — simple food goes a long way.

Tips for Visiting Paris With Kids

Prioritize Parks

Every day should include a green space.

Keep Museum Visits Short

Quality over quantity.

Walk Neighborhoods, Not Checklists

Paris is best experienced slowly.

Expect Slower Days

And embrace them.

Final Thoughts: Is Paris Kid-Friendly?

Yes — Paris with kids can be wonderful if you let go of trying to see everything.

By mixing iconic sights with parks, food, and neighborhood wandering, Paris becomes:

Less stressful
More enjoyable
More memorable for kids

If you’re pairing this trip with London, Paris is a natural next stop for a well-rounded family European adventure.

Download the Paris Family Itinerary (Free PDF)

Paris With Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary