Paris, the City of Light, is a wonderland for families: fairy-tale bridges, grand boulevards made for strolling, and green spaces where kids can sail toy boats and ride carousels. From the Eiffel Tower’s sweeping views to the Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile, the city blends awe-inspiring culture with easygoing pleasures like crepes, hot chocolate, and playgrounds.

Founded over 2,000 years ago, Paris has worn many faces—Roman town, royal capital, artistic magnet. Today it’s home to world-class museums, historic neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, and a food scene that runs from boulangeries to bistros. Families love how walkable it is, with frequent metro service and parks sprinkled everywhere.

Practical notes: museums often close one day a week (the Louvre on Tuesdays; Musée d’Orsay on Mondays), and popular sights book out. Reserve timed entries where possible. Keep an eye on belongings in crowds, use tap-to-pay on the metro, and prepare for lots of steps—Paris rewards comfortable shoes and curiosity.

Paris

Paris dazzles with icons—the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre—but it’s the little things that make memories: a baguette picnic on the Champ de Mars, a carousel spin in the Tuileries, a sunset over Montmartre. It’s a city where art pops up in courtyards, and every cafe has a story.

• Top sights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, Sacré-Cœur, Arc de Triomphe, Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries Garden.
• Kid-pleasers: Jardin du Luxembourg’s playground and pond boats, Tuileries carousel, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the Natural History Gallery at Jardin des Plantes, crepe stops everywhere.
• Food highlights: buttery croissants, jambon-beurre baguette sandwiches, buckwheat galettes, roast chicken and frites, Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint-Louis.

Getting there & around: For flights to or within Europe, compare fares and routes on Omio flights. Arriving from outside Europe, check Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From CDG airport, the RER B train takes ~35–45 minutes to central Paris (about €12 per adult); taxis are flat-fare (~€55–65) depending on bank. Metro/bus are frequent; tap a contactless card or load a Navigo Easy card. For intercity trains in Europe, use Omio trains; buses via Omio buses.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks): Compare citywide options on Hotels.com Paris or browse apartments on VRBO Paris.

• Best mid-range for families: Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse (modern rooms, sofa-beds, easy metro access; great breakfast).
• Value in the Latin Quarter: Hotel du College de France (quiet street, walkable to Notre-Dame, family rooms).
• Character in Montmartre: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre (boutique feel near Sacré-Cœur; many cafes nearby).
• Budget-friendly with private rooms: Generator Paris (stylish, social spaces, Canal Saint-Martin area).
• Cozy 7th arrondissement option: Hôtel du Champ de Mars (bookable via this link; steps from Rue Cler market).
• Splurge-worthy classic: Hôtel Plaza Athénée (for a special family treat on Avenue Montaigne).

Day 1: Arrival, Île de la Cité stroll, and a Seine River cruise

Afternoon: Land, drop bags, and stretch your legs on Île de la Cité. Admire Notre-Dame’s façade as restoration continues and step into Sainte-Chapelle for its stained-glass glow (reserve ahead). Grab a first snack—try Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint-Louis or a jambon-beurre from a nearby boulangerie.

Evening: See the city’s highlights from the water on a family-friendly cruise: Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary by Bateaux Parisiens. Boarding is easy near the Eiffel Tower, and the commentary keeps kids engaged as you glide under storybook bridges.

Dinner: Keep it simple at Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards (classic French at wallet-friendly prices—roast chicken, steak-frites, profiteroles), or head to Breizh Café in the Marais for buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes. If jet-lag hits, grab takeaway rotisserie chicken and potatoes from a neighborhood rôtisserie for an in-room picnic.

Day 2: Louvre masterpieces, Tuileries playtime, and Montmartre at sunset

Morning: Meet an expert guide for a stress-free museum visit: Louvre Museum Priority Access Guided Tour with Mona Lisa. You’ll focus on showstoppers (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo) and stories that bring the art to life—great for short attention spans.

Before or after, fuel up nearby: Angelina for hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastries, or Café Verlet for serious coffee and viennoiseries.

Afternoon: Let kids burn energy in the Tuileries Garden: try the carousel, trampolines, and duck pond. If attention allows, pop into the Musée de l’Orangerie for Monet’s Water Lilies—an immersive, bite-size museum win.

Evening: Head to Montmartre. Climb to Sacré-Cœur for wide-open city views; street musicians often play at golden hour. Dinner options: Le Refuge des Fondus (lively fondue; hilarious for kids), Bouillon Pigalle (fast-moving line, classic dishes), or Pizzeria Popolare (Neapolitan pies and gelato). Finish with a stroll along Rue des Abbesses for crepes.

Day 3: Bake croissants, Eiffel Tower views, and a Left Bank picnic

Morning: Hands-on and delicious: Paris Croissant Small-Group Baking Class with a Chef. Learn lamination basics and bake your own croissants, pains au chocolat, and pains aux raisins—kids love the alchemy.

Pre-class breakfast ideas: Holybelly 5 (pancakes, eggs, good coffee) or Du Pain et des Idées (legendary escargot pastries—arrive early).

Afternoon: Time for the Iron Lady. Book timed entry with a host: Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Top or 2nd floor by lift. Take in Paris from above and play “spot the landmarks.” If you prefer fewer heights, choose 2nd floor only—it’s still spectacular.

Afterward, pick up picnic supplies along Rue Cler (cheese, baguette, fruit) and lounge on the Champ de Mars. Kids can run while you savor the view.

Evening: Dinner on the Left Bank: Le Petit Cler (compact, family-friendly bistro), Café Constant (roast chicken, duck confit), or Crêperie Little Breizh for excellent galettes. If energy remains, stroll the illuminated bridges from Pont Alexandre III toward the Grand Palais.

Day 4: Gardens, Orsay or Marais, and au revoir Paris

Morning: Keep it outdoors at the Jardin du Luxembourg. There’s a stellar playground (paid entry), vintage sailboats to rent for the pond, and shaded chairs for parents. Alternatively, art lovers can opt for the Musée d’Orsay (Impressionists in a soaring former train station—great for teens).

Afternoon (departure day): Choose a last light lunch in the Marais: L’As du Fallafel (legendary pita sandwiches), Breizh Café (one more crêpe), or Miznon (roasted cauliflower, pitas). Pick up treats to-go—caramels from Jacques Genin or madeleines from a local pâtisserie—then head to your airport/train transfer.

Evening: If you have a later departure, a quick loop on the Arc de Triomphe terrace offers a grand finale view down the Champs-Élysées. Otherwise, one last carousel ride near the Tuileries keeps the goodbye sweet.

Optional swaps and add-ons

• Versailles (half-day): Stroll the Hall of Mirrors and the vast gardens. Rent bikes or a rowboat by the Grand Canal to keep it fun for kids.
• Rain plan: The Museum of Natural History and its Gallery of Evolution are huge hits with children.
• Hop-on hop-off bus: A low-effort overview for tired feet, with open-top views of the major sights.

Estimated costs (mid-range, family of four)

• Accommodation: $180–350 per night for a family room/apartment in central neighborhoods.
• Meals: €10–18 per person for casual lunches; €18–30 per person for bistros; crepes/ice cream as snacks.
• Transport: €2.15 per metro ride (contactless); airport RER about €12 per adult.
• Activities: Mix of free parks and paid highlights (Eiffel Tower, museum tickets, one cruise, one class).

Book the key experiences

• Seine River Sightseeing Cruise
• Louvre Guided Tour with Priority Access
• Croissant Baking Class
• Eiffel Tower Reserved Access

Where to book your stay (again, easy links)

• Hotels.com — Paris
• VRBO — Paris apartments
• Specific hotels: Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse, Hotel du College de France, Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, Generator Paris, Hôtel du Champ de Mars, or for a splurge Hôtel Plaza Athénée.

With this 4-day Paris itinerary, you’ll hit the classics and leave room for croissants, playgrounds, and golden-hour views. It’s a family trip tuned to wonder and ease, with a smart mix of culture and fun.