Family Trip To Paris: Quick Guide for Parents

Planning a family trip to Paris? I know, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Between balancing the needs of younger children, teens with their own agendas, and any special considerations your kids might have, it’s easy to get stuck.

Let’s be real—a six-hour trek through the Louvre might sound like a dream for art lovers but for little ones? Not so much.

As a Parisian mom of two who’s raised kids here in the City of Light, I’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep everyone happy. And after our family’s round-the-world trip a few years back, planning family-friendly vacations has become my thing.

From navigating the metro with strollers to finding restaurants where kids are actually welcome, I’m here to share my practical tips with you.

Paris with kids doesn’t have to be stressful—in fact, it can be the adventure of a lifetime. Let me help you make sure it’s filled with fun, laughter, and memories that’ll last forever.

#1 Family Friendly Accomodation in Paris

➲ Read the full post on Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Paris

When it comes to family trips, finding the right accommodation is about more than just choosing a good hotel. The area you stay in can make or break your experience, especially in a big city like Paris.

Not only do you want a comfortable place with enough beds for the whole family, but you also need to make sure you’re staying in a neighborhood that’s safe, convenient, and offers things to keep the kids entertained.

Now, here’s the tricky part—finding hotels in Paris that accommodate families of three, four, or even five can really narrow your options.

Further reads on Paris Neighbourhoods and Hotel Recommendations:

• Where to Stay in Paris: A Local’s Best Picks
• Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Paris: Comfort for All Ages & Budgets
• 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)

What about Airbnb?

I love using Airbnb and used it countless times for our family trips. But this being said, Airbnb is a bit complicated in Paris, because the city has strict regulations on short-term rentals.

I quite frequently read about last-minute cancellations, which could throw your family trip into utter chaos.

I am not saying to stay away from it but always read the reviews carefully. Hosts with reliable records will have no cancellations in their history. And good for us users, we see every cancellation in their review section, making it easier to find trustworthy options.

#2 How to Prepare for a Family Trip to Paris

A successful family trip to Paris France starts with how well your kids are prepared. The more they know about Paris, the more excited and engaged they’ll be during the trip.

Especially if you are traveling internationally with younger kids, Paris is for most just some abstract mystery place. So why not build some excitement before you go? A little Paris hype can make all the difference.

Books and Travel Guides for Kids

Kid-friendly travel guides are another great way to prepare your children for the adventure. Interactive books packed with fun facts and games can help them get excited about what they’ll see in Paris.

These are the best ones:

• Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (order here)
• Kids’ Travel Guide Paris (order here)
• Lonely Planet Kids (order here or the 2025 Edition here)

#3 Getting Around in Paris

➲ Read the full post on How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

For me, figuring out how to get around a new city is always the biggest worry—how to get from the Airport into town, how long it will take, which ticket we need, safety concerns, and of course, convenience.

But here’s the good news: Paris is surprisingly easy to navigate.

The Paris Metro covers the entire city, and even though Paris is a major capital, it’s smaller than you might think. Even if you’re staying on the outskirts of town, it usually takes no more than 20 minutes by Metro to reach the city center.

With frequent trains and well-marked stations, getting around is simple once you know the basics. Let’s start by getting into Paris.

Airport Transfers to Paris

➲ Read the full post on 5 Ways to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris

Whether you arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in the north or Orly Airport in the south, getting into Paris is fairly straightforward. Both airports are connected to the city by direct train services.

From Charles de Gaulle, you can take the RER B, and from Orly, the Metro 14—both heading only in one direction: Paris.

Buying tickets is easy, either at vending machines or ticket counters. Just keep in mind that kids under 4 travel for free, children aged 4-9 get a discounted fare, and from 10 years old, they’ll need a full-price ticket.

My Tip: Consider a Private Transfer

➲ Get a free Quote for your transfer here

Here’s something I learned the hard way: if you’re arriving in Paris with kids, especially after a long or overnight flight, consider booking a private transfer.

It’s more affordable than I expected and just so convenient. A real game-changer. Especially after a red-eye flight with tired excited kids and exhausted parents with limited head space.

You arrange your pick-up ahead of time, book car seats if needed and then your driver is waiting for you at the gate.

Using the Metro in Paris & Ticketing

➲ Read the full post on How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024/2025

The Paris metro system covers the entire city, making it the easiest way to get around. I often get questions about safety and from my year-long experience, I never had any issues, neither during daytime nor at night.

The metro is not a dodgy place. It might smell a bit, and you do have to take care of your belongings, but that’s about it.

Important if you travel with a stroller: the Metro is not barrier-free and most stations don’t have elevators. Hence, you will need to carry your stroller quite a bit. When entering the station, you also will need to contact an agent so they open the gate for you, but don’t forget to validate your ticket.

Which Metro Ticket is the Best?

➲ Find all Ticket Options here: How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024/2025

There are different ticketing options available, but for most travelers, a bundle of 10 tickets (known as a “carnet”) is the best value.

Kids under 10 enjoy a reduced fare, and children under 4 travel for free. You can either load the IDF Mobilities App on your phone to buy tickets or pick up a Navigo Easy Carte at the station. Each traveler must have their own travel card, whether physical or digital.

For trips outside the city, like Versailles or Disneyland, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket at the vending machine.

Starting in January 2025, ticketing will become simpler, with one universal ticket valid for both Paris and the surrounding region.

2. Jardin d’Acclimatation

➲ You can prebook the unlimited pass here or by a simple entrance ticket on site

The Jardin d’Acclimatation is a fantastic, more affordable alternative to Disneyland and is perfect for families with younger children, especially those under 10.

It’s packed with playgrounds, a little zoo, a pond where you can rent boats, and even has a branch of Angelina (yes, you can enjoy their famous hot chocolate while the kids play!).

There are also merry-go-rounds and a few gentle and not-so-gentle rides, which my kids loved when they were younger.

We spent a lot of time there, and one of my favorite things was the playground area—it’s surrounded by free deck chairs, so you can completely relax while your kids have the time of their lives. It’s a gem for family fun in Paris!

3. Disneyland Paris

➲ Book your tickets to Disneyland here in advance

For many a family trip to Disneyland Paris is a no-brainer when in town—and honestly, it’s a super fun day trip out of the city.

Disneyland is really easy to reach from Paris, with one direct train taking you straight into the magical world of Disney.

Also read: How to Get from Paris to Disneyland

If you’re a hardcore Disney fan, I’d definitely recommend spending at least one night there.

With two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park—it’s tough to see everything in just one day.

But if you’re just looking for a fun, magical day out, it’s a perfect and easy day trip from Paris. Either way, it’s a great idea to add a bit of Disney magic to your Paris adventure.

4. Hunting Space Invaders

➲ Learn about the story behind the Space Invaders in Paris

Hunting for Space Invaders in Paris is such a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. These little mosaic aliens, inspired by the 70’s arcade game, are hidden all over the city.

It’s a fantastic way to encourage kids to look around and up as they explore Paris, always on the lookout for a new Space Invader.

With over 1,400 spread across the city, spotting one is like discovering a secret piece of street art. You can even track your finds using the FlashInvaders app to add a bit of friendly competition to your adventure.

If you are planning a family trip on a budget, you love to hear that this is an completely free activity.

It’s a perfect way to mix sightseeing in Paris with a bit of fun, and to distract them, when a walk turns out longer than expected. Speaking from experience.

5. Paris-Themed Escape Game

Sure, escape games aren’t unique to Paris, but they are such a blast—especially when you do them with your family. It’s the perfect way to bond and share some laughs.

We love them, and our favorite company is The Game in Paris. What makes them stand out is that they offer a few settings that are uniquely Parisian.

For example, they have one set in the Paris Metro and another in the Catacombs—both of which we’ve done as a family and absolutely loved.

And don’t worry about the language barrier; all the games are available in either French or English, so you can play comfortably in whichever language you prefer.

#5 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Paris

➲ here’s my list of Fun Restaurants in Paris

There’s a rumor that French kids are exceptionally well-behaved and eat everything, but let’s be real—it’s not true.

While they might have a broader palate, maybe enjoying runny cheese, salads, or fish, they’re still just kids. If there’s a burger on the menu, that’s what they will choose.

As for their famously good behavior in restaurants, well, if you’re heading to an upscale spot, don’t expect to see any children, because French parents don’t typically bring their kids to those types of places.

But this being said, kids do behave in restaurants, no screaming, no running.

Overall, families tend to go to brasseries, pizza joints, sushi spots, or steakhouses. Casual restaurants, where everyone finds something they like. And for kids, that’s mostly anything that comes with fries.

Where to Eat with Kids in Paris

➲ here’s my list of Family-Friendly Restaurants in Paris

Kid-friendly restaurants with playgrounds, game areas, or drawing sets are pretty rare in Paris—it’s just not part of the dining culture here. While casual spots often have a kids’ menu, that’s usually the extent of it.

In most places, kids are expected to dine alongside their parents without extra entertainment or special treatment.

But don’t worry, it’s still possible to find restaurants in Paris where families feel welcome—just don’t expect the play spaces you might find elsewhere. Instead, focus on finding good food that the whole family can enjoy together.

1. Bouillon Restaurants

Bouillon restaurants are casual, easy-going spots offering traditional French food at some of the cheapest prices in Paris. The service is always quick, making it perfect for families.

While parents can enjoy classics like escargot or onion soup, kids can dig into favorites like chicken with fries or mashed potatoes. There are several bouillons across the city, and I recently ate at Bouillon Pigalle—the food was great, and it’s one of the few where you can reserve a table.

2. Steak Restaurants & Chains

This might be a hot take, and I’m sure some fellow Parisians will raise their eyebrows, but I’ve always found that heading to a casual steak restaurant is an easy solution when I’m just too worn out to make big decisions.

My go-to? Hippopotamus. It’s a French steakhouse serving up classics like Steak Tartare, Boeuf Bourguignon, and Andouillette, but also burgers, a kid’s menu, and of course, steak. You can customize every dish, they’re open all day, and yes—they give out pencils and an activity book for the kids.

It’s not haute cuisine, but sometimes, all you need is a simple meal and a bit of peace, right?

3. Family Friendly Pizza Joints

I know you’re visiting Paris and not Italy, but trust me, there are some absolutely fantastic pizza places here. My favorites are the ones from the Big Mamma Group, like Felicità.

It’s more of an Italian food court with funky interiors and a super casual vibe—my son even brought his little scooter with him once.

Another spot I love is Mama Shelter, with its lovely rooftop. It’s become our go-to pizzeria for a relaxed family meal with great roof top views and delicious pizza.

To wrap up my tips for eating out in Paris with kids, there are also some unique, non-alcoholic drinks in France that your little ones might love trying.

If you’re looking to introduce your child to some new and exciting flavors, here’s a list of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in France.

Wrapping Up: Family Trip to Paris

Paris is an incredible city for families, offering a mix of world-famous sights and unique activities that will keep kids and teens entertained.

From exploring the top attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to enjoying family-friendly experiences like Canal Saint-Martin cruises, escape games, and the charming Jardin d’Acclimatation, there’s something for everyone.

With a bit of preparation—and maybe an activity book or two—your family’s Paris adventure will be filled with unforgettable memories!