1 Day in Paris with Kids: Family Itinerary + Budget Tips

Table of Contents

We’re all about cheap family travel, so here’s my 1 day itinerary and guide for how to explore Paris on a budget with kids. 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. Though I’m sure it’s possible to spend a small fortune exploring the city, it can be a surprisingly affordable place to visit with a bit of planning. I’ve put together a 1 day Paris itinerary (the best bits!) – including budget-friendly tips, the nearest metro stations and useful information when travelling with kids.

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 from London, and closer to 2 hours if you’re flying from Scotland.
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 should I spend 1 day in Paris on a budget with kids?

If you’re wondering if Paris can be done in 1 day, it absolutely can – prioritise what you want to see (definitely pre-plan your itinerary!) and take the metro to speed up getting around with the kids. Though if you want a bit longer, or would prefer a slower pace, there’s certainly enough to see in Paris to fill a few days. (My 3 day itinerary – including a day at Disneyland Paris – has even more ideas for a longer stay.) Bring a picnic with you to keep costs down – I never go anywhere without our cool bag rucksack and refillable water bottles! To limit wasted time, follow the order for my 1 day itinerary to reduce your travel time and make things easier for the kids – this route is little-leg-friendly! Here are the 5 main sights that you’ll want to include:

1. Start your day at the Eiffel Tower

My 1 day itinerary begins with the most famous building in Paris – visiting the Eiffel Tower with the kids is an absolute must. 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.

The closest metro stations to the Eiffel Tower are Bir-Hakeim (10 minute walk), Trocadéro (15-20 min walk) and École Militaire (15 min walk), or you can take the RER C train to Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.

2. Take a cruise on the River Seine

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.)

3. Have a picnic lunch at Jardin des Tuileries

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 (the closest metro station is Tuileries – next to the park) 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.

4. Catch a glimpse of the Louvre

After lunch, head east through the gardens, you’ll pass through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel then arrive straight into the Louvre courtyard with the glass pyramid. This is where you’ve got a choice to make. If you’re only in Paris for 1 day, you could easily add a few hours in the Louvre to your itinerary, picking out a few highlights with the kids and soaking up the atmosphere. But equally, don’t feel like you have to go in. The museum is huge and just seeing the pyramid and courtyard from the outside still feels like a proper Paris moment. If you’d rather keep your day moving (or you’re trying to keep things budget-friendly) you can skip the queues and carry on exploring without feeling like you’ve missed out. If your kids aren’t keen on museums, 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.

5. Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral

From the Louvre, it’s around a 25 minute walk to Notre Dame, so it’s very doable on foot for your 1 day route through central Paris. The walk takes you through some of the prettiest parts of the city too, so it doesn’t just feel like getting from A to B, or hop on the metro at Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre and head to Cité Metro Station. 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.) 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 the perfect way to end your day.

The itinerary above is plenty to fit into 1 day of exploring with the kids but, if you’re spending a bit longer in the city, here are a couple of other places that you might want to visit in Paris if you have a little more time:

Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Sitting high above the city, it’s 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.
City of Science and Industry Museum: Perfect for rainy day fun, The Cité des Enfants area is an interactive science space designed specifically for children under ten years old, while the Planetarium will capture the attention of kids of all ages.
Luxembourg Gardens: A beautiful, relaxed spot to take a break with tree-lined paths, fountains and plenty of space for kids to run around.
Disneyland Paris: Well worth a visit for any little Disney fans – if you’ve got a bit of extra time my 1 day Disneyland Paris itinerary offers loads of fun for the kids.
Parc Asterix: Another action-packed theme park option just outside of Paris, known for its big rollercoasters, shorter queues than Disney and its unique French theme.

You might also want to consider getting a Paris City Card to get an easy entrance pass for all of the main sights as it may work out cheaper. Websites like Tiqets and Get Your Guide also often have discounted entrance tickets to the main tourist attractions, combination tickets and skip-the-line tickets, so compare the prices online before you visit.

Where’s the best place to stay in Paris on a budget with kids?

If the central hotels in Paris are out of reach, staying slightly outside of the tourist hot spots and travelling in by metro can keep costs down – that’s what we did on our last visit. If you look for areas on good Metro or RER lines, you can still get into the city quickly but it’ll likely save you hundreds of pounds! Montparnasse (great transport links), Bastille (lively but less touristy) and Bercy (quieter and modern) are all good options to consider. Alternatively, there are some fabulous holiday parks near Paris with pools, kids’ activities and family-friendly holiday homes so if you’re looking for a slightly lengthier stay (and some proper holiday vibes) those are brilliant options too. Find out more in my guide: Where to Stay in Paris with Kids – I’ve covered the best central locations, budget-friendly hotel options and resorts nearby.

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 Paris worth a visit?

Hopefully my itinerary and tips will help you to have a fabulous time in Paris with the kids – a 1 or 2 day visit will be plenty. Paris has its own unique vibe, so if you’re visiting Northern France for a family break, then the city is definitely worth a visit. 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! If you have got a little longer for your trip, my 3 day Paris itinerary covers 2 days of city fun with the kids and a Disney day. Have a fabulous time in Paris with the kids and check out my other guides below…