3 Days in Paris with Kids: Family Itinerary + Disneyland Paris

Table of Contents

If you’re planning a trip to Paris with the kids, this 3 day itinerary is the perfect mix of iconic sights, relaxed exploring and one magical day at Disneyland Paris. It’s ideal if you want to experience the best of the city without exhausting little legs, and it also works brilliantly for families trying to keep costs under control as lots of these activities are budget-friendly too. As well as my itinerary, keep reading for where to stay (the best spots for a combined city and Disneyland adventure), money-saving tips and when’s the best time to visit.

How should I spend 3 days in Paris with kids?

Day 1: Iconic Paris Sights Made Family-Friendly

Let’s begin your 3 days in Paris with the kids at the iconic Eiffel Tower – no trip to Paris would be complete without it! Ticket prices vary depending on whether you want access to the very top, and whether you’re happy to use the stairs rather than the lift. While you can pay to go all the way to the top, families can save quite a bit by stopping at the second floor, which still offers incredible views across Paris. If you’re trying to keep costs down, simply enjoying the tower from the ground is still a brilliant experience, especially if you return later in the evening when the lights sparkle for free. You could spend some time in Champ de Mars, the large park beneath the Eiffel Tower, then walk across to Trocadéro for one of the best views in Paris.

Just a few minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower you’ll find the River Seine. The second stop on our Paris itinerary, a short boat cruise is one of the easiest ways to see the city with the kids. Taking a boat ride on the River Seine was probably Finn and Lola’s favourite activity during our trip to Paris. Exploring by boat is a great way to save little legs from getting too tired – plus most boats have covered areas making this a perfect activity no matter the weather. Look out for family deals and book in advance to save money. If you’d rather not spend, simply strolling along the riverbank will give you beautiful views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. (There are also some great Paris bus tours for kids if that’s more your thing.)

From there, head to the Jardin des Tuileries – it’s one of the best places in Paris for the kids to let off steam. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, it’s around a 20 minute metro ride from the Eiffel Tower or 30 minutes on foot. This central park has plenty of space to run around, playground areas, trampolines and even toy boats that children can sail on the pond. Depending on the time of year, you might also find a small funfair or ferris wheel, which adds to the atmosphere. Food prices in the city can be pricey, so grab some bits from a bakery along the way and enjoy a picnic lunch while the kids play. The Jardin des Tuileries is completely free to enter – so it’s definitely a spot to add to your Paris family holiday itinerary – the kids will have a lovely time and it needn’t cost a penny!

Just a few minutes walk from the Jardin des Tuileries you’ll find the Louvre – while the museum can feel overwhelming, a fun treasure hunt can keep kids engaged. Challenge them to spot famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo or the Egyptian mummies. Children under 18 enter for free and pre-booking tickets can save time and hassle. Companies like Tiqets offer skip-the-line options, which can be a great plan if you’re visiting at the weekend or during the peak summer months. If your kids aren’t keen on museums, skip the Louvre and spend more time in the Tuileries Gardens or walking along the Seine instead, both are right next door and might be more enjoyable for families with little ones.

Day 2: Views, Science and Hands-On Fun

3 days on the go can be quite full on with little legs in tow so the itinerary for your second day in Paris is a little more relaxed with some fun experiences for the kids. Start the morning in Montmartre, home to the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Sitting high above the city, this is one of the best viewpoints in Paris and it’s completely free to enter. The walk up can be a bit of a climb, but the funicular railway is included in a standard metro ticket – making things easier and more fun for the kids. The area around Montmartre is full of character, with street performers and artists that are always entertaining for children. It’s a great place to wander slowly, take in the atmosphere without rushing and have a relaxing picnic lunch with a view!

From there we’re heading to the City of Science and Industry Museum – the journey is around 30 minutes if you make use of the metro (or you can walk it in about 50 minutes). The Cité des Enfants area is an interactive science space designed specifically for children under ten years old, with hands-on exhibits that’ll keep them entertained for hours. The Planetarium will definitely capture the attention of kids of all ages, and they often host additional temporary exhibitions for kids throughout the year. It’s one of the best indoor activities in Paris for families (perfect for every weather scenario) and well worth booking in advance. The different exhibits require different tickets (or book a combo ticket to cover it all) so it’s worth looking at the different options on the museum’s own website.

Later in the afternoon, make your way into central Paris to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral – one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. After being closed for several years following the fire, the cathedral has now reopened and is once again free to enter, making it a great addition to your itinerary if you’re travelling on a budget. (Make a free reservation online to reduce your waiting times so that your time in Paris with the kids run as smoothly as possible.) Even if you don’t go inside, it’s still well worth seeing from the outside. The surrounding area is also lovely to explore with kids, with plenty of space to wander along the riverbanks, watch the boats go by and stop for a crepe or an ice cream nearby. It’s a nice way to slow the pace down after a busy day and works really well as a relaxed end to your second day in Paris.

Day 3: A Magical Day at Disneyland Paris

Day 3 is likely to be a BIG hit with the kids – you might even want to spend a couple of days there – because we’re ending the itinerary with a magical trip to Disneyland Paris! One of the most popular theme parks in Europe, it’s an exciting addition to a family Paris trip. Located just 35 minutes from central Paris on the RER A train (you can head directly to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy which drops you right at the entrance) it’s simple to reach without needing a car. Alternatively, the Disneyland Paris Express shuttle service transports you from Paris to Disneyland Paris and back on the same day from 5 pick-up locations, so you can whizz to the heart of the magic hassle free! Or, if you’re driving, Disneyland Paris is around 45-60 minutes from Central Paris depending on where you’re based.

To make the most of your day at Disneyland Paris, it’s worth arriving early so that you can get on some of the most popular rides before the queues build. Using the official app to check wait times can also save you a lot of time throughout the day. Bring your own snacks and drinks to keep costs down, as food inside the park can be expensive. Disneyland is definitely doable in 1 day (that’s all we had for our trip) but it’s better to focus on the main Disneyland Park rather than trying to cover both parks. From rides and character meet-and-greets, to the parade and evening fireworks, it’ll be a full on adventure (there’s so much to see and do!) so make sure you all allow the whole day and use your time wisely – check out my 1 day Disneyland itinerary. The premier access (fast-pass) tickets can be useful for a quick visit but they can be pricey.

My favourite part of our visit was definitely the fireworks – they’re absolutely worth waiting around for and they run every night! After spending some time exploring the city, a treat day at Disneyland Paris offers the perfect end to 3 busy days in Paris with the kids. And, for any little Frozen fans (or big ones – I love it too!), the new Frozen Land at Disney Adventure World looks fabulous. If that’s at the top of your Disneyland Paris itinerary then it would be preferable to get a park hopper ticket, and possibly even add on an extra day to your stay to give you time to experience both parks properly. Use the Park Map to plan out your perfect Disneyland Paris adventure and hunt around for the best offers on the Disneyland website. My Disneyland Paris Guide and my Disneyland on a Budget article are both good places to start.

Where to stay for a Paris and Disneyland Trip

There are plenty of family-friendly places to stay with the kids if you’re looking to combine city centre sightseeing and a day at Disneyland Paris but it’s worth thinking about how you want to structure your trip. For lots of families, staying in central Paris for sightseeing and then moving closer to Disneyland (or doing a day trip) will be the best option. If you’d prefer to stay in one central spot, look for hotels near Châtelet–Les Halles or Gare de Lyon for the easiest direct train access to Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station). These 5 hotels are perfectly located:

Buses and trains run regularly between Paris city centre and Disneyland Paris but if you’re looking to keep costs down (or planning a longer stay) staying outside of central Paris can make a big difference. There are plenty of great family-friendly accommodation options within easy reach of the city and Disneyland Paris. Here are a few of my top picks:

Staycity Aparthotel Marne la Vallée: Best for self-catering hotel stays a 10 minute drive from Disneyland Paris (or free shuttle) and 45 minutes from central Paris (or train from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station).
Center Parcs: Villages Nature Paris: Best for a full family getaway with loads of kids’ activities and year-round stays. It’s a 10 minute drive from Disneyland Paris (or 20 minute shuttle) and a 1 hour drive from the city (or train from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station).

Eurocamp: Paris-Est: Best for basic budget-friendly self-catering stays just a 20 minute drive from central Paris (or train from Champigny RER Station) and 30 minutes from Disneyland Paris.
Eurocamp: La Croix du Vieux Pont: Best for a full family summer holiday, with lots of kids’ activities, though it’s a bit further away – around an 80 minute drive from Paris and 70 minutes from Disneyland Paris.

Disney Sequoia Lodge: Best for bigger budgets and year-round Disney hotel stays – it’s a 35 minute drive from central Paris (or train from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station) and a 15 minute walk (or free 8 minute shuttle bus) from the parks.

Depending on whether proximity to the city or accessibility for Disneyland Paris is your priority, if you’re still unsure on where to stay, take a look at my guides:

Getting to Paris from the UK

What’s the cheapest way to travel to Paris? The ferry from Dover to Calais will likely be the cheapest and easiest option, followed by a straightforward three hour drive to Paris. For a speedier trip, you could travel on Le Shuttle – Folkestone to Calais takes around 30 minutes but it’s a little pricier.
Which airport is best for reaching central Paris? The best airport for visiting central Paris is Orly Airport as it’s the closest – from there it takes 20-30 minutes to travel in central Paris. Alternatively, Charles de Gaulle Airport is a larger airport with more flight options but it’s a 40-60 minute transfer depending on the traffic. The flight time from the UK to Paris is just over an hour.
How can I get to Paris by train from the UK? Travelling by train eliminates airport waiting times, and things like luggage costs, so taking the Eurostar to Paris can be a great option if you can find some affordable tickets. The Eurostar from London to Paris takes around 2.5 hours.

How can I visit Paris on a budget with kids?

To keep things budget-friendly when you’re visiting Paris with the kids: book self-catering accommodation outside of the city centre, look for ticket offers that combine multiple attractions (websites like Tiqets and GetYourGuide are great), walk or use public transport and pack up picnics with cheap food from bakeries and supermarkets. (I never go anywhere without our cool bag rucksack and refillable water bottles!)

When’s the best time to visit Paris?

Paris is a great year-round destination but for families spring and early autumn are usually the best times to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds and heat. July and August can be very busy and surprisingly hot however, if you’re staying at a holiday park nearby, the warmer months will offer the best chance for enjoying swimming pools and outdoor activities. Winter is quieter and more budget-friendly, but you’ll need to be prepared for colder weather and shorter days. For a full month-by-month breakdown, including temperatures and what to expect at different times of year, take a look at my guide on the best time to visit Paris.

Is 3 days in Paris enough with kids?

Hopefully my itinerary shows that 3 days is a great amount of time to experience Paris with the kids. It gives you enough time to see the main sights, enjoy some relaxed park time and still fit in a full day at Disneyland Paris without feeling rushed. As I mentioned before, it can be worth adding an additional day if you’re planning on doing both theme parks or you’d like to take a slower approach. You could also opt to stay a week at somewhere like Paris Center Parcs or the popular La Croix du Vieux Pont Eurocamp to enjoy a more relaxed itinerary. Spending a day on the resorts in between each of your Paris trips is a good way to make things more manageable. Have a fabulous 3 days of fun in Paris with the kids and check out my other guides below…