How to spend a day in Paris on a budget with kids

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Wondering how to spend a day in Paris on a budget with kids? Well you’re in the right place – we love exploring European cities but we always travel on a shoe-string! Just a short drive from the UK, France can be an excellent base for a family holiday – with loads of child-friendly resorts and attractions, as well as interesting cities like Paris for a bit of history and culture. There are actually lots of things you can see and do in Paris inexpensively – perfect for families travelling cheaply. So, if you’re visiting France with the kids, make sure you take a trip to Paris – here are five fantastic, budget-friendly things to see and do that the whole family will love. Here’s how to spend a day in Paris on a budget with kids.

1. Cruise the River Seine on a family-friendly boat tour

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 for early bird or late afternoon cruise deals, which are often cheaper and less crowded. Some companies also offer family packages or kids-go-free promotions, so be sure to shop around before booking. There are also some great bus tours too, if that’s more your thing. Or, if you’re working to a small budget, start your day with a leisurely walk along the river instead. The banks of the Seine offer stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, and the kids will love watching the boats pass by, so you can enjoy the scenic views without spending a penny.

2. Enjoy the views from the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

One place you’ll want to check out is the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre which sits on a hill, offering incredible panoramic views of Paris. The basilica is free to enter, and the kids will be fascinated by its grandeur. The climb up the hill (or the funicular ride, which is included in a regular metro ticket) is an adventure, and the area around the basilica is full of street performers and artists that will capture your children’s imaginations.

3. Climb the Eiffel Tower (or just enjoy the view)

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. 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. So, if you’re on a budget you can save a fair bit of money by stopping at the lower viewing platform, or using your legs! (The second floor still offers breathtaking views of the city!) For those on a tighter budget, simply enjoying the Eiffel Tower from the ground is an experience in itself – there’s even a light show in the evenings which can be watched nearby for free.

4. Relax with a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens is a short metro ride away but this beautiful park is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and it’s the perfect place unwind and enjoy a picnic lunch. It has everything from pony rides and puppet shows (check timings) to playgrounds and a pond where children can sail small wooden boats. There are loads of bakeries dotted around Paris so if you don’t fancy preparing food to bring (or you have no self-catering facilities) then buy your picnic bits along the way – it’ll still be so much cheaper than a restaurant meal. For another park option, Jardin des Tuileries (located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde) is another great picnic spot too with plenty of space for the kids to run around.

5. Enjoy the sights by wandering the streets

Just having a wander around Paris, watching the world go by and viewing the sights from the outside can be good fun too. We often don’t go inside places with entrance fees, but that doesn’t stop us from exploring the cities we visit to see what they have to offer. Cross one of the famous bridges, like the Pont des Arts, get an ice-cream and sit on a bench by the river, or take a closer look at buildings like The Louvre and the Notre-Dame de Paris. (It’s been undergoing extensive renovations following a fire but it’s finally due to reopen later this year – so keep your eyes peeled as it also offers free entry!) Soak up what the city has to offer and you’ll have a brilliant day in Paris with the kids without blowing the budget.

Is Paris worth a visit?

Paris has its own unique vibe, so if you’re visiting France with the kids for a family break, then exploring the city is definitely a great way to spend a day. You can happily wander without spending much at all, if you’re travelling on a small budget, and it’s a great stop off on a road trip – or the perfect combination for a Disneyland Paris treat! Getting to Paris is actually pretty easy and affordable from the UK – lots of budget airlines fly into the city – or catch a cheap ferry from Dover to Calais. Driving from Calais to Paris is only around a three hour drive, so it’s an easy road trip distance and likely to be a cheaper and quicker option than flying if you live near the South coast of England. Just don’t forget to get an emissions sticker if you’ll be driving in central Paris. And, if you’ve got more than a day, check out my full guide for even more fun in Paris: Paris family holiday itinerary – the best things to see and do with kids.

How can I visit Paris on a budget with kids?

Staying outside of the city centre is a great way to save money (we’ve typically paid £50-£60 per night for Eurocamp holiday homes) and there are some brilliant options within a hour of central Paris. There are lots of excellent budget-friendly accommodation choices, and these come with other facilities like pools and children’s activities which make for a well rounded family holiday to go alongside your Paris city visit. (Check out my article for more info: Eurocamp France: Which holiday parks are near Paris for a city break?) To be slightly closer to the action (which may be handy if you’re travelling without a car) you could also look at hotel options slightly further outside of the city centre, with metro links into the main tourist areas.

On our last visit to Paris we stayed at a Novotel – it was dearer than our typical Eurocamp stays (I think we paid around £250-£300 for 2 nights) but it was an easy base and breakfast was included. If you’re looking to visit several landmarks during your Paris trip, pre-plan your itinerary and look for a ticket offer that combines all of the attractions you’d like to explore. Websites like Tiqets can be great for this kind of thing – they have discounted combination tickets, like their Paris city card or museum bundle tickets, so it pays to be organised!

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Hot weather is definitely less important for a city break – in fact you don’t really want to be exploring a city in the sweltering heat – so it can be a great type of holiday for avoiding peak summer dates. (Plus Paris is hardly known for it’s glorious sunshine! 😂) If you’re able to travel during the off-peak season then you’ll most certainly save money on both flights and accommodation.

If you need to travel within school holiday dates then you’ll likely find May half-term, Easter and the October break cheaper than the summer holidays. But if you’re able to have a midweek family getaway, (avoiding the weekends if possible) then that can be a great way to save money on your city break even if you’re holidaying when the kids are off from school. The winter months also come with their own charm, as the Christmas markets offer a completely different kind of experience. France is a lovely place for a family holiday and, with a bit of planning, it’s totally doable to spend a day in Paris on a budget with the kids.