Paris is known for its charming streets, historic landmarks, and, of course, mouth watering pastries. But it’s also a city that offers a plethora of kid-friendly activities. If you’re like me, you may have wondered if a trip to the romantic city of Paris with kids in tow is a feasible and enjoyable idea. Well, I’m here to tell you that it absolutely is! From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the grand halls of the Louvre, there’s something for everyone in the family. Our recent family adventure to the City of Love was a dream come true, and I’m excited to share our incredible journey with you.
The excitement of embarking on our first international adventure was palpable as we began our trip to France. We chose to fly Icelandair and I will absolutely fly with them again! They made the journey as smooth as possible for our little travelers. From the moment we walked onto the plane our kids were greeted with a smile, a box of snacks, headphones and a stuffed animal. The airplanes were clean and the staff were so kind and helpful.
A Parisian Welcome: Marriott Champs-Élysées Hotel
Upon arrival in Paris, we made our way to the luxurious Paris Marriott Champs-Élysées Hotel, located right on one of the most iconic streets in the world. The hotel’s central location offered easy access to some of the city’s most famous attractions and the welcoming staff made sure our family felt right at home. None of us are fluent in french and the staff was so patient and kind as they helped us navigate through our days in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower: A Towering Adventure
Our Parisian adventure kicked off with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Seeing the tower up close was amazing. We used Viator to book tickets to the top of the tower. This was our first time using this company and it was a great experience. Unfortunately, due to strikes, our reservation was canceled, but Viator was in touch and ready to help us reschedule. In the end, we headed to the top of the tower on foot (yes, we walked all 674 steps!) as the sun was beginning to set. The views from the top were breathtaking, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views of the city. Because of our schedule change, we did not pack a picnic, but we did enjoy some snacks in the Champ de Mars park at the tower’s base while the kids ran around and ended the evening riding the carousel at the bottom of the tower. It was an epic first day of our trip!
The Louvre: Art, History, and a Treasure Hunt
The Louvre, a world-renowned museum, may not seem like the most kid-friendly destination at first glance. However, we turned our visit into an exciting treasure hunt. Armed with a map and a mission, our children enthusiastically searched for famous works of art like the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Louvre also has a children’s area with interactive exhibits and workshops, making it an enriching experience for the whole family. We made sure to take breaks for snacks and lunch. I’m glad we didn’t miss this experience. The kids still constantly make connections in their daily lives to the art they saw in the museum!
Carousels: Whimsical Rides in the City
One of the highlights of our trip was discovering the charming carousels dotted throughout the city. Parisian carousels are like something out of a fairytale, and our kids couldn’t resist hopping on for a whimsical ride. Some of our favorites included the carousel at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the one near the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Not to be missed is the carousel in Jardin du Luxembourg. It was so unique. 
The riders on the outside were handed a wooden spear. As they went around they aimed the spear and attempted to catch metal rings that the operator held out. They were thrilled with this simple, yet wonderful added layer to the ride. These merry-go-rounds are a delightful way to take a break and add a touch of magic to your day.
Jardin du Luxembourg: A Kid’s Paradise
Our Parisian adventure wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Jardin du Luxembourg. This enchanting park is the perfect place for kids to run, play, and explore. The gardens are dotted with fountains, statues, and a serene pond where you can rent sailboats.
This was where we found our favorite carousel and an enchanting little playground. It’s a place of wonder and relaxation for the whole family.
Palace of Versailles: A Royal Day Trip
A short train ride from central Paris took us to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. While the grandeur of the palace and its gardens may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a family outing, it was a huge hit with our kids. 
They loved exploring the vast gardens, discovering hidden groves, and playing by the fountains. The opulent Hall of Mirrors was also a hit, as the kids marveled at their reflections. Be sure to bring a picnic and enjoy a royal feast on the palace grounds. We only grazed the surface of all the opportunities at Versailles. We will certainly return and explore by boat, bike and more!
The Joys of Unplanned Exploration
Walking around Paris without an agenda with your kids is a wonderful way to experience the city’s charm and culture. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. Due to strikes in the city, we ended up with a completely free day and chose to embark on an unforgettable day of exploring. We wandered the side streets, stopped for a snack along the Seine, popped into small shops (we even found some French Pokemon cards!) and enjoyed numerous boulangeries. One of my favorite stops was because of a much needed bathroom break. We found ourselves in a tiny restaurant where we had the most delicious lunch and glass of wine. Had we not taken the time to enjoy the city at a slower pace we wouldn’t have had these off the beaten path experiences.
Paris may be the City of Love, but it’s also a fantastic destination for a family vacation. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to enchanting carousels, the Palace of Versailles, and the Jardin du Luxembourg, there are endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags, grab your little ones, and embark on a memorable journey through the charming streets of Paris. Your family will cherish these memories for a lifetime, and your kids will carry a piece of the City of Love in their hearts forever. We are already talking about returning to France!
