Tips for visiting Paris with children (after 6 trips!)

People tend to say that visiting Paris with kids is a bad idea, often portraying it as child-unfriendly, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Paris can be one of the most wonderful cities to visit with children. Yes, really.

There are many things to do with little ones of all ages, and that is why we always return with ours. We have visited Paris with babies, toddlers, preschoolers and now school age children as we live in France in the city of Annecy so Paris is a train ride away.

Is Paris a good place for children?

There are many activities for children, from parks and playgrounds to museums and attractions. The city is very walkable, so you won’t have to worry about renting a car, and taking public transportation is also an option and can be fun too.

The food, the culture, the stunning sites that I once thought were just for a romantic getaway, I was wrong! Paris is a city for everyone and I am very glad we took the step and brought our children too. Paris has something for everyone in the family!

There are a few things I advise you to do when planning a family trip to Paris, as they can make or break your trip!

1. Book your airport transportation in advance

Many will tell you to just take the train as it is faster and more convenient. I can’t disagree that it could be faster during rush hours, but I suggest opting out for several reasons.

First of all, it’s very rare to find a hotel or rental apartment right next to the RER station, which means you may have to change trains along the way. Technically it is not a problem, but considering that almost no metro stations have elevators, you will have to drag your suitcases up and down the stairs, and with children it can be very difficult.

Secondly, and most importantly, Paris is a large city and while it is relatively safe, pickpockets are common, especially on the metro. Unfortunately, families with luggage are often the target, as parents have to carry the children on top of the luggage and are not going to run after the person. I was actually carrying my son and a bag, and that’s how I lost my phone in London a few months ago.

You can take a taxi from the airport, but they won’t provide you with car seats (they’re not required, so it’s up to the parents) and you may have to wait a bit. You can book a taxi with car seat in advance through the G7 Taxi AppA car will appear with safety seats and you do not need to bring your own.

2. Store your luggage

The vast majority of flights arrive in Paris early in the morning, so naturally check-in is not possible that early. Wearing Luggage storage in ParisNot only will you have a safe place to store your goods, but it will also allow you to explore the city and, more importantly, avoid jetlag.

I always try to go to a playground or do something active, so everyone stays awake and changes to the new time zone (if I’m arriving from the US).

3. Bring a travel stroller

Paris is a big city that requires a lot of walking. With long distances between attractions, or even as mentioned above, when changing subway lines, even adults get tired after a whole day. That’s why I always recommend a good, light travel stroller, even for older children.

When the children were younger, two single strollers were the best for getting around in the subway and on narrow paths. Nowadays, when the children are 4 and 6 years old, we bring a stroller and the children change it when they get tired of walking.

Don’t try to take a full-size stroller into Paris, as there simply isn’t enough sidewalk space for it to work, and in busy areas it will be even more difficult to maneuver. You’ll also have to take it up and down the subway stairs, so trust me,

4. Book tickets in advance

If possible, book tickets for all attractions in advance. Some places, like the catacombs, for example, must be reserved in advance, while others, like the Arc de Triomphe, can be reserved on arrival, but then you will have to wait in line.

With young children, avoiding lines is a priority. We made the mistake of not reserving the Arc de Triomphe in advance and waited 30 more minutes in another line. Note that all children under 18 are free to enter most museums and monuments (except again the Catacombs), but most places require you to have the “free children’s tickets” anyway.

5. Plan Sundays

Make sure you have all the snacks, diapers, milk, and other random items on a Sunday. Almost all shops close on Sunday lunchtime. You can still get what you need

6. Pack a noise machine

One thing to say about Paris is that French buildings have squeaky floors and are not always soundproof. Especially in Paris, you can often hear knocking from neighbors and during the summer when the windows are open it can be very noisy outside.

Pack a noise machine, even if you don’t use it at home, if you want your kids to go to bed at a normal time.

Whether you visit Paris with kids in winter or summer, there are so many amazing things to do in Paris with kids that they won’t be bored or overwhelmed.