Paris family holiday itinerary: the best things to see and do with kids

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If you’re planning a trip to Paris with the kids, here some of the things you’ll want to include in your family holiday itinerary, as well as some money saving tips to make your trip more affordable. France can be an excellent base for a family holiday – you can blend child-friendly resorts and attractions with a visit to Paris for a bit of history and culture. Thankfully, there are actually lots of things you can see and do in Paris inexpensively – perfect for families travelling on a budget. So here are the 10 best things to see and do in Paris with the kids and, as well as some itinerary options, make sure you keep reading as I’ve added in some other useful information for your holiday too. (Including which airport is best, ferry/Le Shuttle options, the Eurostar costs from London to Paris, and budget-friendly family accommodation options.)

1. 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.

2. Explore Jardin des Tuileries and ride the ferris wheel

The Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, is a great spot for the children to let off steam. If you fancy it, you can ride the big ferris wheel which is often there (it sometimes gets moved between locations). You might even see a fun fair in the summer months too. As well as this, children can enjoy the playground equipment, use the in-ground trampoline and even sail toy boats on the pond – there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and 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 won’t cost a penny!

3. 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.

4. Discover the Louvre with a treasure hunt

Introduce your children to art and history at the Louvre. While the museum can feel overwhelming, a fun treasure hunt can keep little ones 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.

5. 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.

6. Visit Cité des Enfants at the City of Science and Industry

The Cité des Enfants, located in the City of Science and Industry, is a hands-on museum designed specifically for kids. With interactive exhibits covering everything from water experiments to building activities, it’s a fantastic indoor option if you find yourself needing to entertain the kids in Paris on a rainy day. If possible, book tickets in advance to save money and secure a time slot.

7. 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. Alternatively, the Jardin des Tuileries (which I mentioned above) is also another great picnic spot.

8. Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Notre-Dame Cathedral has finally re-opened, after being closed for five years due to fire damage. Restored to its former glory, it’s certainly worth a visit to admire its Gothic architecture. Entrance to the cathedral is completely free, so it’s another great budget-friendly option for your family holiday itinerary – though you might want to make a free reservation online to reduce your waiting times so that your time in Paris with the kids run as smoothly as possible.

9. Enjoy the sights by wandering the streets

Don’t worry if you have a small budget – 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. Soak up what the city has to offer and you’ll have a brilliant time in Paris with the kids without blowing the budget.

10. Have a magical theme park day

If you have got the time and budget, there are of course two fabulous theme parks within easy reach of Paris. Both Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix are less than an hour from central Paris – so it can be a great blend for a fun trip with the kids, and some cultural adventures too. While theme park days will always be one of the priciest things to add to any family holiday itinerary, it can be a nice treat for the kids if you’re staying in Paris for a few days or more. To save money, bring your own snacks and plan your visit to minimise queue times. Don’t forget to catch the parade and fireworks if you’re heading to Disneyland – for me the fireworks were the highlight of our day! Check out my full guide for more info: The Ultimate Disneyland Paris Holiday Guide: What we spent, money saving tips & is it worth it?

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 – or a few! 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 or Parc Asterix treat! To save money during your trip to Paris book accommodation outside of the city (more on that below), walk or use public transport to avoid expensive taxis and transfers, and self-cater or buy your food like a local at bakeries, market stalls and supermarkets to avoid blowing the budget. Remember that there are lots of cobblestone streets in Paris – so comfortable shoes and lightweight strollers are essential – you can hire a travel stroller from Baboodle if need be.

Getting to Paris from the UK with kids

Which airport is best for reaching central Paris? Getting to Paris is actually pretty easy and affordable from the UK – lots of budget airlines fly into the city. The best airport for visiting central Paris is likely to be Orly Airport as it’s the closest – from there it takes 20-30 minutes to travel in central Paris depending on the traffic (it’s only around 15km away) so it’s a great option for a short transfer. Charles de Gaulle Airport is another popular option, and it’s a larger airport so it may have more options for flight times and perhaps offer more budget-friendly flights, but it’s further away and likely a good 40-60 minute transfer depending on traffic.

What’s the cheapest way to travel to Paris? The cheapest way to enjoy a trip to Paris with kids in tow, is likely to be catching the 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 it’s often the most cost effective way for families to travel. (Plus it probably works out quicker than flying if you live near the South coast of England with airport waiting times etc.) Just don’t forget to get an emissions sticker if you’ll be driving in central Paris. You can compare ferry prices on the Direct Ferries website to find the best options for your trip. Le Shuttle is a speedier option for a trip to France (the crossing takes around 30 minutes, whilst the ferry takes around 90 minutes) but it’s typically more expensive. (Though, having said that, both options are often cheaper than flying or travelling by train.)

How can I get to Paris by train from the UK? Travelling by train can often be the least stressful mode of transport, if you don’t fancy driving, as you’ll eliminate airport waiting times and things like luggage costs. I love travelling by train, it’s so relaxing, so taking the Eurostar to Paris can be a great option if you can find some affordable ticket prices. The Eurostar from London to Paris takes around 2.5 hours. The cheapest tickets I could find were around £45pp each way, though some tickets were double this cost or more so you’ll need to do your research to keep things affordable. The cost can often be on par with flying, so the best option for your family will depend on your location, travel dates and how much luggage you’d need, as this can make flying more expensive.

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! Have a lovely time! 😊