5-Day Family Itinerary in Paris for Toddlers and Preteens

Paris, often thought of as a romantic destination, is also a fantastic city for families travelling with young children and preteens. The city is packed with activities that are not only child-friendly but also engaging for the entire family. With a well-planned itinerary, you can experience the best of Paris while keeping your little ones entertained. Here’s a 5-day guide to help you make the most of your time in the City of Light with toddlers and preteens.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris and Discovering Family-Friendly Parks

Morning

Arrive in Paris and settle into your accommodation. Choose a family-friendly hotel or apartment in a central location, such as the Latin Quarter or Le Marais.

Arrive in Paris and get settled into your accommodation. For families with young children and preteens, consider staying in a family-friendly hotel or Air BnB apartment in central areas like Latin Quarter or Le Marais. These neighbourhoods provide easy access to public transport, family-friendly restaurants, and plenty of nearby attractions to explore.

Afternoon

Once you’re settled, take a relaxing walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of Paris’s most beautiful parks. This spot is perfect for families, offering a large playground area, puppet shows for younger children, and sailboat rentals where kids can float boats on the pond. Preteens will enjoy exploring the expansive gardens, while toddlers can ride the carousel or enjoy the open play spaces.

Dinner

For a family-friendly dining experience, head to La Jacobine in the Latin Quarter. This cosy restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and a child-friendly menu, perfect for ending your first day in Paris on a relaxed note.

Day 2: Discovering Iconic Landmarks in Paris with the Family

Morning

Begin your day with an early visit to the Eiffel Tower, ensuring you arrive before the crowds. Toddlers can enjoy the smooth ride in the lift to the first floor, while preteens might be eager to take on the challenge of climbing the stairs to experience stunning views of the city. After soaking in the sights, take a leisurely walk through the Champ de Mars, an ideal spot for a family picnic with plenty of open space for children to play.

Afternoon

Afternoon Continue your adventure by heading to the Aquarium de Paris, conveniently located near the Trocadéro. This indoor attraction is perfect for both toddlers and preteens, featuring fascinating marine life displays and interactive exhibits that keep all ages entertained. The aquarium provides an educational yet fun experience, making it an ideal stop for families.

Evening

Finish the day with a delightful meal at a nearby creperie, such as the popular Crêperie de Josselin. Here, you can enjoy a variety of sweet and savoury crepes that cater to children’s tastes while providing a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 3: Exploring Museums and Relaxing in Gardens

Paris Museum Pass: For families planning to visit multiple museums, the Paris Museum Pass offers skip-the-line access to over 60 attractions, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Children under 18 enter for free, so adults can purchase passes starting at €52 for two days.

Morning

Start your day at the Musée d’Orsay, home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The museum offers various workshops and interactive activities designed for children, making it a great stop for preteens to engage with art in a fun, hands-on way. The large open spaces of the museum also make it stroller-friendly for families with toddlers

Alternative Option: For a more interactive, science-based experience, visit the Cité des Enfants. This dedicated children’s museum provides hands-on exhibits and activities, ideal for younger children, and allows older kids to engage with science in an entertaining way

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon unwinding at the beautiful Tuileries Garden, located just next to the Louvre Museum. This picturesque park offers plenty for children, including a playground, a classic carousel, and a trampoline park, making it a perfect spot for burning off some energy while parents relax.

Snack Break

After your park visit, treat the family to something sweet at Berthillon, Paris’s most famous ice cream shop, situated on Île Saint-Louis. Preteens and toddlers alike will love the wide variety of delicious flavours, from classic vanilla to more adventurous options.

 

Day 4: A Magical Adventure at Disneyland Paris

All Day

Spend an entire day at Disneyland Paris, just a short distance outside the city. Toddlers will delight in rides like *“It’s a Small World”* and meeting beloved characters, while preteens can get their thrills on attractions like Big Thunder Mountain or Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. Maximise your time by using Disney’s FastPass system to avoid long queues. For families with younger children, renting a stroller is highly recommended to ensure comfort throughout the day

Evening

After an exhilarating day, return to Paris and unwind with a family-friendly dinner. A great option is Pizza Chic, a relaxed restaurant known for its fresh, delicious pizzas made with high-quality ingredients. It’s the perfect way to end a magical day at Disneyland Paris.

What to Expect on Day 4

This itinerary highlights a full day of fun at Disneyland Paris, offering tips on how to make the most of the experience with both toddlers and preteens. We cover essential attractions and provide recommendations for a relaxing dinner after a day filled with excitement.

Day 5: Exploring Montmartre and a Farewell to Paris

Morning

Begin your final day in Paris by visiting the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the heart of Montmartre. Preteens will enjoy the adventure of climbing the basilica’s steps to admire panoramic views of the city. For younger children, Montmartre’s charming Place du Tertre offers a chance to watch street artists create portraits and caricatures, a delightful experience for both toddlers and preteens.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, wrap up your trip with a visit to the Musée des Arts Forains, a whimsical museum dedicated to old-fashioned fairground rides and games. Its interactive vintage rides and carnival games captivate children of all ages, providing a memorable and playful way to end your holiday.

Evening

End your final day with a family-friendly dinner in the lively Latin Quarter, which offers a variety of child-friendly restaurants. The relaxed atmosphere and diverse cuisine options make it a great spot to reflect on your Parisian adventures and enjoy your last evening in the city.

What to Expect on Day 5

This day focuses on exploring the artistic and historic Montmartre neighbourhood, followed by a fun-filled visit to the interactive Musée des Arts Forains. The day concludes with a relaxing family dinner in the Latin Quarter.

Practical Tips for Family Travel in Paris

Transport

Paris is a highly walkable city, but for longer trips, the Metro is the most efficient option. Consider purchasing a Navigo card (similar to London’s Oyster card) or buy single tickets in bulk to save on transport costs. Additionally, buses can be a more scenic option for getting around the city and can be fun for younger children to see the sights.

Transport from the Airport

Arriving in Paris with kids means planning your transportation from the airport. If you’re flying into Charles de Gaulle or Orly, you have several options:

• Taxi: The most convenient but expensive option. Taxis from Charles de Gaulle to central Paris have a flat rate of €50–€55. Car seats aren’t mandatory but can be requested.
• RER Train: Budget-friendly and relatively quick. The RER B line connects Charles de Gaulle to the city centre for about €10.50 per adult, with discounted rates for children. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
• Shuttle Services: Companies like Le Bus Direct offer direct shuttle services to popular spots in the city. These shuttles are more comfortable than the train, but slower, costing about €17 per person.

For families, booking a private shuttle might be the easiest and most comfortable option, allowing you to avoid crowded public transport with kids and luggage.

Kid-Friendly Metro Tips

The Paris Metro system is efficient, but navigating it with children requires some planning. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Elevators and Escalators: Not all Metro stations are stroller-friendly. Opt for RER stations, which often have elevators and are generally easier to access than older Metro stations. Alternatively, bus routes offer scenic journeys above ground.
• Metro Apps: Download apps like Citymapper to check for stations with elevator access or stroller-friendly routes.
• Foldable Strollers: Invest in a compact, foldable stroller to make boarding the train and navigating crowded platforms easier.

Accommodation Suggestions

When choosing accommodation for your family in Paris, look for places with family amenities such as cots, extra beds, and kitchenettes. Some family-friendly options include:

• Hotel Les Jardins de Mademoiselle: Located near the Eiffel Tower, this hotel offers spacious family suites and a pool, perfect for young families.
• Staycity Aparthotels Gare de l’Est: Offers family apartments with kitchen facilities, making meal preparation easier.
• Airbnb Rentals: Many apartments in the Latin Quarter and Le Marais come with extra bedrooms and kitchens, ideal for families who prefer self-catering options.

Consider booking early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability of family-sized rooms or apartments.

Family-Friendly Dining

Many restaurants in Paris offer children’s menus (often called “Menu Enfant“), a kid’s menu typically available for under €10, including dishes like steak and fries or pasta. Booking in advance, particularly for dinner, ensures you can find a spot suitable for the entire family, especially in popular tourist areas.

More Kid-Friendly Restaurant Recommendations

• Le Relais Gascon (Montmartre): Famous for its giant salads and kid-friendly portions, it’s a great casual stop for lunch after visiting Sacré-Cœur.
• Chez Gladines (Latin Quarter): This Basque-inspired restaurant offers hearty meals in a lively setting that’s perfect for families.
• Loulou Friendly Diner (Le Marais): Ideal for breakfast or brunch, this café offers a mix of American-style dishes that appeal to children, with a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Packing Essentials

If you’re travelling with toddlers, bring a lightweight stroller, as Paris streets can be narrow and cobbled in some areas. It’s also essential to pack snacks, water bottles, and wet wipes to keep little ones refreshed and clean throughout the day. Comfortable shoes for both adults and children are a must, given the amount of walking you’ll likely do.

Language Tips

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic French phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Merci” (Thank you) can go a long way in making your interactions more pleasant. Locals appreciate even the simplest attempts to speak their language, and it can enhance your overall experience.

Safety Tips

Paris is generally safe for families, but keep these tips in mind:

• Pickpockets: Tourist areas like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are hotspots for pickpockets. Keep valuables in zipped bags and consider using a money belt. Teach older children to keep their belongings close.
• Child Locators: Consider using child locator devices or bracelets with your contact information for peace of mind in busy areas like Disneyland Paris or large parks.
• Emergency Numbers: The French emergency number for all services is 112. Pharmacies with English-speaking staff are available in major tourist areas, and the Hôpital Necker in Paris is a renowned children’s hospital in case of emergencies.

Day Trip Suggestions

For families who have extra time, consider a day trip outside Paris:

• Versailles: Just 30 minutes from central Paris, Versailles is a must-see. Children will enjoy the expansive gardens and the Hall of Mirrors. Rent a bike or golf cart to explore the grounds.
• Giverny: Explore Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, an hour by train from Paris. The stunning water lilies and the iconic Japanese bridge are a treat for art-loving preteens.
• Château de Fontainebleau: This less crowded alternative to Versailles is about an hour outside of Paris and offers beautiful gardens and historical tours that can fascinate children.

Conclusion

Paris offers a magical experience for families, with attractions and activities that cater to both toddlers and preteens. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to the enchanting atmosphere of Disneyland Paris, there’s something for everyone in this diverse city. With this thoughtfully curated 5-day itinerary, your family will be able to explore the highlights of the City of Light while ensuring that both the young and older kids are entertained. This unforgettable journey through Paris will create lasting memories and inspire future adventures.