Tips for Touring Paris with Kids

It's known for its chic style, famous art, romantic architecture and coveted cuisine — and it's a great destination for kids, too! Discover the family-friendly side of Paris, where you and your family will fall in love with the city's inspiring sights and fun adventures. Take a look at some of our favorite tips for Paris travel with kids… and bon voyage!

• Enjoy the Parks – The best children's attractions in Paris are the parks, and they are one of the most delightful ways to experience the city. Everyone will adore Jardin du Luxembourg, which was redesigned to appeal to children by the order of Napoleon himself. You'll find a beautiful carousel, puppet theater, pony rides, toy boats to rent and more. Jardin des Tuileries is another popular playground for adults and children alike. Located between the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, it is a lovely spot for a picnic lunch and features a playground and donkey/pony rides. 

• Hop on a Bike – A fun way to see the sights (and burn off a little youthful energy) is on a guided bicycle tour. Pedaling past Jardin des Tuileries, the Eiffel Tower or Marie Antoinette's farm is an experience you won't soon forget!

• Make Sightseeing Fun – Some sights are a must, like the iconic Eiffel Tower. But be mindful of how much you pack into the kids' day. For instance, on a visit to the Louvre with Tauck Bridges, your family will take part in a fun scavenger hunt to discover the world's most famed art treasures. One of our most popular inclusions (available on our Grand European Family Holiday) is a private visit to a renowned chocolatier. Sip a glass of wine while the children create… and taste… their own masterworks in chocolate. Paris is also famous for glorious views, and getting to the spot to see them is half the fun. Kids will enjoy seeing Paris from atop Roue de Paris, the Big Wheel, a 200-foot-high Ferris wheel located at the Place de la Concorde. Or challenge the family to climb the 300+ steps in Montmartre to city vistas from Sacré Coeur. If you need a breather, take the funicular that runs along the stairs.

• Pack Light and Don't Worry – Parisians are stylish, but children are children everywhere, and you'll see them wearing t-shirts, shorts and sneakers in Paris. Just be sure to include long pants for cooler nights, a sweater or fleece, and a rain jacket, plus one nicer outfit if you're planning a more elegant dinner out. Check with your government for the latest information about requirements for passports and visas for travel to France. For more thorough planning, read through our sections on family packing tips, traveling internationally with kids and, if you're a grandparent, notarized permission.

• Savor the Cuisine – The croissants and hot chocolate are sure to be a hit, but you might be worried about how your picky eaters will handle French cuisine. Surprisingly, eating in Paris is more child friendly than you think. One tip for eating out: Try any nice-looking corner café-brasserie, which may serve plain omelets, cheese sandwiches and simple pasta dishes. Look for "menu enfant" at these more informal restaurants or at a museum café. Another tasty option is a creperie, where you can order less complicated crepes. And, of course, pizza is everywhere!

• Embrace the Spirit of Joie de Vivre – One of the pleasures of Paris is the gusto with which the residents enjoy food, art and beauty. As a family, you'll want to slow down and enjoy the Parisian way of life. Our very best tip is to give yourself a break and spend an hour just relaxing at a café. Sip a café au lait (hot chocolate for the younger set), and watch Paris stroll by. You won't be disappointed!

• Make Your Trip to Paris Très Magnifique! – We invite you to experience Paris on our 12-day Grand European Family Holiday or 8-day Castles & Kings: London to Paris tours. Or explore our best European family river cruises, like our Paris to Normandy river cruise or Rhône River river cruise from Lyon to Arles. On our Tauck Bridges family journeys, we pay attention to the details, ensuring that your family enjoys effortless travel and access to unique experiences you'd never find on your own. See if guided travel is right for your family, and then make plans to rendezvous in Paris… with kids!