7 Days in Paris with Kids: Your Ultimate Family Itinerary (Planned by Me!)

Bonjour, fellow globetrotters and parents! Tatyana here from Little Welch Travelers, and I'm thrilled to unveil something truly special. You know how much we love exploring the world as a family of four, currently wrapping up our incredible around-the-world adventure with our two amazing kids. Well, I’m kicking off a brand new series where I plan your family vacations, so you don't have to!

And what better place to start than the city of love, lights, and croissants? That’s right, we’re planning the perfect week-long family adventure in Paris, France! This itinerary is designed to balance iconic sightseeing with kid-friendly fun, ensuring everyone in the family has a truly unforgettable experience.

Grab a virtual baguette and a café au lait, because we’re diving into your dream Parisian escape!

Getting to Paris: Smooth Sailing from America

First things first: the journey. From the United States, the most direct way to Paris is by flying into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports. I always recommend scouting out direct flights from major US hubs to minimize layovers – less stress for everyone, especially with little ones!

Little Welch Travelers Pro Tip: Consider flying into London Heathrow (LHR) and taking the Eurostar train to Paris! It can sometimes be more cost-effective, you might avoid a red-eye flight, and the train journey itself is a fun, scenic experience for the kids, dropping you right into the heart of the city at Gare du Nord. Plus, more room to stretch those legs than on a plane!

Where to Lay Your Head: Family-Friendly & Safe Stays

Choosing the right base in Paris is crucial. You want a neighborhood that’s not just safe, but also walkable, well-connected by public transport, and offers a good vibe for families. Here are some of our top family-friendly recommendations:

• Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements): Super central, brimming with history, charming boutiques, and plenty of places to grab a quick bite. Its narrow, often pedestrian-friendly streets and proximity to parks make it a wonderful base.

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement): Classic Parisian elegance. It's incredibly charming, very safe, and perfectly located for exploring. You'll find lovely gardens and family-friendly cafes here.

• Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): A bit further afield, but incredibly atmospheric and welcoming. Known for its artistic history and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, it offers a different perspective of Paris and feels like a charming village within the city.

• Near the Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement): If waking up to views of the Iron Lady is on your wish list, areas around the 7th arrondissement are perfect. You'll have easy access to the vast Champ de Mars park, ideal for picnics and letting the kids run wild.

Accommodation Style: For families, I often lean towards apartments or aparthotels. Having a small kitchen can be a lifesaver for breakfast, quick lunches, or even preparing simple dinners, saving both money and the hassle of finding a restaurant every meal.

The Paris Museum Pass: Your Ticket to Time & Savings

This is arguably the most valuable tip for a family trip to Paris. The Paris Museum Pass is an absolute must-have. It grants you free, one-time access to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris and the surrounding region. We're talking the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and so many more!

Why it's amazing for families:

1. Skip the lines: This is huge. With kids, waiting in long queues can quickly lead to meltdowns. The pass allows you to bypass the main ticket lines and head straight to security, saving precious time and energy.

2. Cost Savings: If you plan on visiting a few major attractions, the pass often pays for itself quickly. The more you visit, the more you save!

3. Flexibility: It encourages you to pop into museums you might not have otherwise, even if just for a short visit, without feeling like you need to "get your money's worth" from a single ticket.

Important Note: Children under 18 generally have free entry to many national museums and monuments in Paris. So, while the Museum Pass is fantastic for adults, you'll need to check individual attraction policies for your children to see if the pass makes sense for their admission. For sites requiring reservations, even free entries for kids might need a time slot booked in advance.

Your 7-Day Paris Family Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to mix iconic landmarks with activities that kids will genuinely enjoy, spreading out the major sights to avoid burnout. We'll be relying on Paris's excellent public transport – the Metro and RER trains are efficient, and a fun adventure for kids too! Remember, children under 4 ride free, and those aged 4-9 often get a reduced fare.

Day 1: Arrival & Eiffel Tower Magic

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Paris, check into your accommodation, and settle in. Take some time to relax after your journey.

• Late Afternoon: Head to the Champ de Mars (the sprawling park leading up to the Eiffel Tower). Let the kids run around, play on the playgrounds, and just soak in the atmosphere.

• Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner on the Champ de Mars as you wait for the Eiffel Tower to sparkle on the hour, every hour, after sunset. It’s absolutely magical! You can also opt for a casual dinner at a nearby crêperie (see recommendations below!).

Day 2: Art, Gardens & River Views

• Morning: Visit the Musée d'Orsay. Housed in a stunning former train station, its manageable size and beautiful Impressionist art (Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir) make it less overwhelming than the Louvre for kids. Look for family-friendly scavenger hunts or audio guides!

• Lunch: Grab sandwiches or salads from a local boulangerie and head to the nearby Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries).

• Afternoon: Explore the Tuileries Garden. Kids will love the large playground, the trampolines, and the chance to sail small boats on the Grand Bassin (seasonal). There are also often funfair rides during summer!

• Late Afternoon/Evening: Take a Seine River Cruise. This offers a fantastic panoramic view of Paris’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective, often with engaging commentary. It’s a relaxing way to see the city.

Day 3: History, Heights & Chic Streets

• Morning: Climb the Arc de Triomphe. The views from the top, looking down the Champs-Élysées, are spectacular and a real thrill for kids who love heights.

• Afternoon: Stroll down the Champs-Élysées. While it's a major shopping street, it's fun to see, and you can duck into a big store like the Disney Store if your kids need a break. Grab some macarons from a famous patisserie like Ladurée.

• Lunch: Find a casual bistro along the Champs-Élysées or a side street.

• Late Afternoon: Explore the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (the Petit Palais is free entry and often has lovely temporary exhibitions and a beautiful interior garden courtyard).

Day 4: Island Charms & Medieval Wonders

• Morning: Head to Île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the Seine. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral (you can admire it from the outside as it undergoes restoration) and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle with its breathtaking stained-glass windows (arrive early for this one!).

• Lunch: Grab some famous Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint-Louis and picnic by the Seine or enjoy a casual lunch at a small café.

• Afternoon: Explore the Latin Quarter. Wander through the charming streets, browse the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore (a must for book lovers!), and explore the Panthéon.

Day 5: Science, Green Spaces & Dinosaurs!

• Morning: Head to the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie at Parc de la Villette. This massive science museum is incredibly interactive and hands-on, perfect for curious kids of all ages. It even has a planetarium and a submarine to explore!

• Lunch: There are cafes at the science museum, or you can find something casual in the surrounding Parc de la Villette, one of Paris's largest parks with unique modern art installations and playgrounds.

• Afternoon: Explore the rest of Parc de la Villette. There are various themed gardens, plenty of open space, and even a working farm (La Ferme de la Villette) where kids can see animals.

• Alternative Afternoon: If your kids love animals or natural history, visit the Jardin des Plantes (Paris's botanical garden) and its Grande Galerie de l'Évolution (Great Gallery of Evolution) which is filled with an impressive display of preserved animals. It also has a small zoo, the Ménagerie.

Day 6: Montmartre & Artistic Vibes

• Morning: Head to Montmartre. Take the funicular up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning panoramic views of Paris. Explore the charming Place du Tertre where artists paint caricatures and portraits – a fun souvenir!

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a traditional Montmartre restaurant or a casual crêperie.

• Afternoon: Wander through the quaint streets of Montmartre, discover the Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t'aime), and perhaps visit the Dali Paris museum if your kids are into quirky art.

• Late Afternoon: If time and energy permit, take a leisurely stroll through the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a beautiful and unique park with a grotto, waterfall, and suspension bridge.

Day 7: Magical Worlds or Royal Grandeur

• Full Day Trip Option 1: Disneyland Paris!

  • If your family loves theme parks, a full day at Disneyland Paris is a fantastic way to end your trip. It's easily accessible by the RER A train from central Paris (Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy station). Book tickets well in advance!

• Full Day Trip Option 2: Palace of Versailles!

  • For a dose of French royal history, take the RER C train to Versailles. Explore the opulent Palace of Versailles, marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, and wander through the vast, incredible gardens (you can rent golf carts or bicycles, which kids will love!). The Trianons and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet are also charming to explore.

Kid-Friendly Bites in Paris: Our Favorites

Beyond the crêpes and boulangeries mentioned earlier, here are a few more recommendations for family-friendly dining:

• Le Relais de l'Entrecôte: Known for its single-item menu (steak frites with a secret sauce), it's a fun and efficient experience for meat-loving families.

• Bouillon Chartier / Bouillon République: Historic, bustling, and budget-friendly restaurants with classic French dishes. The lively atmosphere is great for kids, and the prices are hard to beat.

• Fromageries & Markets: Pop into a local fromagerie for some amazing cheese, and hit a local market like Marché Bastille for fresh produce, prepared foods, and a vibrant Parisian experience.

• Picnics in Parks: Seriously, embrace the picnic! Grab a fresh baguette, some cheese, ham, fruit, and a sweet treat from a local market or supermarket, and enjoy lunch in any of Paris's beautiful parks.

  
  

Getting Around Paris: Public Transport with Kids

Paris has an excellent public transport system. The Metro is fast and efficient, and the RER trains connect the city center to the suburbs (including Disneyland Paris and Versailles).

• Tickets: You can buy single 'Ticket t+' tickets, or a carnet of 10 tickets for a slight discount. For 7 days, consider a Navigo Découverte pass if you'll be using public transport extensively, but ensure you understand its validity (usually Monday-Sunday).

• Kids Fares: Children under 4 travel for free. Children aged 4-9 generally get a reduced fare (around half price).

• Strollers: While some Metro stations have stairs, many have escalators or lifts, especially the newer lines (like Line 14) and RER stations. Buses are also a great option with strollers, often having designated areas.

• Safety: The Metro is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and keep an eye on your kids.

That wraps up your incredible 7-day Parisian family vacation plan! I hope this detailed itinerary makes your planning so much easier. Paris is an unforgettable city, and experiencing it through the eyes of your children is truly magical.

Don't forget to follow Little Welch Travelers for more family vacation planning inspiration! And if you want to dive even deeper, comment "Paris" below for our full, downloadable itinerary with even more tips and tricks!

Happy travels,

Tatyana, Little Welch Travelers