Family Friendly Paris Itinerary: How to Have Kid Friendly Fun Without Losing the Magic

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A Family-Friendly Paris Itinerary: Tips and Must-Have Items for Traveling with Kids

Paris is one of the most magical cities in the world — and yes, you can enjoy it with little ones in tow! Whether you're sipping coffee at a café while your children play in beautiful garden or watching their eyes light up as the Eiffel Tower sparkles, Paris offers endless charm for families.

But traveling with young kids requires a bit of strategy. From itinerary planning to choosing the right gear, here’s how to make your Paris trip smooth, fun, and memorable for the whole family.

Where to Stay: Central and Walkable is Key

When traveling with children, location is everything. I recommend staying in a central neighborhood like the 2nd arrondissement. This is where we'll be staying this September. It has a very local feeling area with lots of local shops and cafes.

I have stayed in the 7th before, but I really couldn't recommend it. It's tempting to want to stay in this arrondissement because the Eiffel Tower is right there, but trust me there are way too many tourists. This is also where a good amount of pickpocketing occurs so try to find something in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th arrondissements.

The Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Paris

1. Jardin du Luxembourg
This stunning garden is a must. There’s a large playground, sailboats you can rent to float on the pond, pony rides, and a charming puppet theatre. Most of these activities are only available during the summer holiday, so please be sure to check on these before you go if you are going during shoulder season or the off season.

2. Tuileries Garden
A great stop between museum visits or before walking along the Seine. There’s also a carousel and seasonal fairground rides.

3. Place des Vosges & Marais Neighborhood
Let your kids run around in this historic square while you enjoy a picnic. The surrounding Marais neighborhood is stroller-friendly and full of charm. Plus there is a nicer public toilet here for those potty emergencies!

4. Eiffel Tower (Evening Visit)
Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night is an unforgettable moment for kids and adults alike. It sparkles every hour on the hour starting at twilight. Again just be sure to stay diligent as this is an area that pickpockets will target since it is a highly touristic area. Don't let that deter you though! I have some recommendations below.

5. Notre Dame & Île de la Cité
Wander the historic island, visit the exterior of Notre Dame, and enjoy crepes by the river.

Tips for Getting Around Paris with Kids

• Use the Metro sparingly. Many stations don’t have elevators, so a stroller can be tough to manage. Staying in a more centrally located arrondissement is key here. So be sure to pack very comfortable shoes and have a reliable stroller.

• Time your activities. Plan for mornings out, mid-day breaks, and slower evenings. You know your kids best, so plan your highlights of your trip around when they'll be feeling best. My kids are usually best in the morning so I usually plan a bigger morning outing, then come back for nap and go out for a smaller activity before dinner.

• Always pack snacks. Paris cafés are wonderful, but not every toddler wants to sit for a long meal. I also pack some favorite snacks from home to give my kids some comfort amidst all the different foods we're trying.

Travel Essentials for Families in Paris

Here are three items I swear by when traveling with kids in Paris:

👶 Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double Stroller
I spent a lot of time researching double strollers for this trip and this is the best option I found, especially for the price. I love that the back seat can hold up to 50 pounds, which for my four year old son is perfect and still gives him room to grow into. Plus he can sit or stand on the back while my daughter rides in the front. It is light weight and folds down very easily. Plus I didn't even need the instructions to put it together!

🎒 Anti-Theft Backpack
Pickpocketing is a real concern in Paris, especially around tourist-heavy areas. I highly recommend a secure backpack with hidden zippers and RFID-blocking pockets. This is the backpack I use. I actually bought it for our trip to Nice last Spring and I've never stopped using it even here at home. The zipper tucked behind right against your back to deter pickpockets and it's stylish!

🔒 Small Travel Locks
We used these to secure backpacks when sitting down for a meal or to lock zippers in crowded areas. They also came in handy for our Airbnb luggage storage. We always joke that we pack a rain poncho so it doesn't rain. So my thought here is lock all of your belongings up so you're not spending your whole trip worried about someone taking your things.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Paris with children doesn’t mean giving up the city’s magic — it means seeing it through new eyes. With the right prep, a flexible itinerary, and a few key items, your family trip can be an unforgettable adventure.

Do you have any must-have travel tips or favorite Paris memories with kids? I’d love to hear them in the comments!