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3 days in Paris with kids is just enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed if you plan it the right way.
The City of Light is magical at any age!
Here is my family’s 3 day Paris itinerary that mixes iconic landmarks, hands-on activities, and time to explore and absorb the culture while eating incredible food.
If you’re planning more of your trip, you can explore all of our guides and tips in my France travel guide.
Paris with Kids: 3-Day Itinerary at a Glance
- Best ages: 6–16 (younger kids work too with stroller breaks and playground time)
- Pace: One major attraction + one flexible activity per day
- Book ahead: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles
- Getting around: Metro, Ubers + walking (very manageable with kids)
- Best base area: Central Paris or the Left Bank for easy sightseeing
- Ideal trip length: 3 days gives a great first-time overview without burnout
This itinerary focuses on iconic sights while leaving room for rest, food breaks, and spontaneous moments—key when exploring Paris with kids.
Day 1 in Paris with Kids: Eiffel Tower, Seine Cruise & Trocadéro Views
Planning for the Eiffel Tower
Kick off your 3 days in Paris with kids with one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks: the Eiffel Tower! The lines get very long, so you have a few options. Tickets go on sale online 60 days in advance at midnight (Paris time). Your first option is to buy tickets to the summit at the Eiffel Tower, which is almost at the top at 906 feet. The second option is to the second floor (at 377 feet). Both have amazing panoramic views of the city. Taking an elevator to the summit can be intense if someone in your family is afraid of heights, but it is such a unique experience.
It was a bucket list of mine to go to the summit, so I was determined to buy tickets right at midnight in Paris sixty days before. They only sell a certain amount online though and despite my effort, all of the time slots for the summit were sold out within seconds, except for 11pm. Knowing that we would be pushing through jetlag, I decided to pass on the time slot and purchase tickets the morning we planned to go.
That morning, we made sure that we were in line 45 minutes before opening, so we were near the front. Luckily we did because the lines got very long behind us and at opening we purchased our tickets for the summit! If summit access is important to you, I recommend booking directly through the official Eiffel Tower website whenever possible.
If official tickets are sold out, another solid option is a guided experience like Get YourGuide’s Paris: Eiffel Tower Fully Guided Tour with Summit Option. While guided tours don’t eliminate security lines, they can provide valuable background on the tower’s history and are a good backup for families who want a more structured experience or help navigating crowds.
The Eiffel Tower Experience
In the Eiffel Tower there are souvenir shops, museum artifacts, a champagne bar, two restaurants, and places to grab snacks. Many kids will love the thrill of taking the glass elevator to the top, where views are unbeatable. After coming back down to the second floor from the summit, my family decided to take the stairs down, so we could get a better look at the whole structure. If you have little kids, or members of your family that struggle with stairs, walking, or heights, I would stick with the elevator, but otherwise, it was a great way to feel immersed.
It is also worth spending time on the first floor (at 187 feet) where you will find an exhibit about the Eiffel Tower’s history and how it was constructed. There is also a glass floor that you can walk on. My kids loved looking down at the people below their feet! Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a must for your 3 days in Paris with kids. This buck list experience our family won’t forget!
Eiffel Tower Experiences We’d Love to Try Next Time
Paris offers so many incredible experiences that it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip, especially when traveling with kids. If we returned on a couples trip or again with our teens, there are a few Eiffel Tower experiences I’d love to try next time.
One experience high on my list is dining at Madame Brasserie inside the Eiffel Tower. Located on the first floor, this restaurant would be perfect for a romantic evening or adult-focused trip, offering a memorable setting without the crowds at the summit.
We’ve also loved booking professional family photos in other cities, like Venice, and next time I’d seriously consider booking an Eiffel Tower photoshoot. These private sessions are a fun way to capture memories without worrying about asking strangers for pictures, especially for milestone trips or anniversaries.
These aren’t must-dos for every family trip, but they’re great options if you’re planning a return visit or a different style of Paris vacation.
If the Eiffel Tower is a must-do on your Paris itinerary, I break down what the experience was really like for our family, including climbing, views, and timing, in our Eiffel Tower with kids experience.
Seine River Cruise Tour
After the busy Eiffel Tower, a nearby Seine River Cruise is a great option to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful sights of the city. We enjoyed hearing some history and facts about the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Pont Alexandre. Some cruise ships have live commentary and some have audio versions. For my family, we found this a lot more enjoyable than touring the city by bus. We booked our Seine River Cruise in advance, which I highly recommend for families. Viator offers family-friendly Seine River cruises with audio commentary and flexible departure times.
Trocadéro Gardens
In the evening, head to Trocadéro Gardens to view the Eiffel Tower lit up at night! This is a great space for family pictures in front of the tower, for younger kids to run around, or to enjoy a picnic dinner while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Make sure to find out what time the sun goes down because you won’t want to miss viewing the Eiffel Tower sparkle show. It really is the City of Lights!
Day 2 in Paris With Kids: Notre Dame, The Louvre, Tuileries Garden & Le Marais
Notre Dame Cathedral
For your second day in Paris with kids, checkout Notre Dame Cathedral. This legendary, historical landmark shouldn’t be missed. While it is under construction, the sections that you are able to tour are limited. It is important to note that Notre Dame Cathedral, like many cathedrals in Europe, requires shoulders and thighs to be covered. In warm weather keep this in mind, or bring a scarf that you can tie around you. Have your kids try to imagine the centuries of the chimera statues and gargoyles have watched over!
If you’d like more historical context, guided options such as a Notre-Dame exterior or interior guided tour with entry can be booked through Get Your Guide. These tours focus on the cathedral’s history, architecture, and restoration and can be a good option for families with older kids or teens who enjoy guided storytelling.
Louvre
In the same general area, the Louvre makes for a great next activity. If your family is passionate about art, then I’m sure this is a bucket list item for you. Carve out two to three hours of your day to tour it. If you think your kids’ attention won’t last that long, then focus on the highlights. If you think that this would be a lot for your kids, seeing the outside sculptures is still definitely worth checking out and makes for some picture opportunities.
For families who want a more structured experience, a guided option like Paris: Louvre access with multilingual host – reserved access can be a great choice. This type of tour helps you skip the long entry lines and focuses on key works, making it easier for kids and teens to stay engaged without spending hours inside.
Tuileries Garden
Right next to the Louvre, near the Place de la Concorde, stroll over to the Tuileries Gardens The garden is an opportunity for kids to run around, explore, grab a snack, and take a break from touring.
Le Marais
If you still have time and your family has energy, I recommend heading to Le Marais for shopping and food. It is about a 20 minute walk, so you may want to take a taxi, uber, or the metro. Here you can experience Paris like a local, wandering the historic cobblestones streets, while eating street food, and shopping in small boutiques!
If you prefer a more structured experience, a guided option like Paris: Marais without crowds – guided tour can be a great way to explore the neighborhood while learning about its history and hidden corners. This type of tour can be especially appealing with older kids or teens who enjoy storytelling and food-focused walks.
We kept things simple with transportation during our trip, which made a big difference and is exactly why we approached how we got around Paris with kids the way we did.
Day 3 in Paris With Kids: Day Trip to Versailles
Exploring the Palace of Versailles
For your last of your 3 days in Paris with kids itinerary, take the 45-minute train ride from Paris to Versailles. There’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy, from royal palaces and elegant gardens to fountains, farm animals, biking, and boats.
If you’re planning to visit, try to arrive close to opening time to avoid the crowds. Inside the Palace of Versailles, highlights include the Hall of Mirrors and exhibits focused on Marie Antoinette, which tend to be especially engaging for older kids and teens.
The Palace of Versailles is often considered one of the most memorable family day trips from Paris.
Exploring the Gardens of Versailles and the Grand Canal
After the palace, head to the gardens behind it. If it isn’t a fountain show day, the gardens are free to enter. If you visit on a fountain show day (typically weekends from spring through fall), be sure to catch the Musical Fountain Shows. Kids often enjoy watching the water “dance” to Baroque music.
The Versailles Gardens are vast and filled with fountains, flowers, and wide paths that give kids plenty of room to roam.
Next, venture downhill to the Grand Canal, which was once used for royal boating parties. Today, families can rent rowboats for a relaxing break on the water or enjoy views of the palace from a distance. The canal area is also a great spot for a picnic lunch or a casual meal at La Petite Venise.
Getting Around the Versailles Gardens (Family-Friendly Rentals)
Because the grounds are so large, many families choose to rent bikes or other wheeled options to make exploring easier and more fun. A few popular options include:
- Rental of Rosalies for 1 hour– pedal-powered four-wheel bikes that kids love (we’ve used these in other cities and they’re always a hit)
- Bike rentals at Versailles – a good option for families with older kids who want to cover more ground
You can also rent rowboats directly at the Grand Canal on-site, which makes for a relaxing break on the water and a unique way to see the palace from a distance.
Exploring Marie Antoinette’s Estate at Versailles
In the afternoon, board the Petit Train (near the palace or the canal) to Marie Antoinette’s Estate. This area includes the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet, a collection of fairytale-like cottages, gardens, and farm animals.
The estate was created as Marie Antoinette’s private escape from court life, designed to feel simpler and more pastoral. With open space, gardens, and animals, this part of Versailles is often especially appealing to families and provides a nice change of pace after touring the palace.
If Marie Antoinette’s Estate isn’t already included in your Versailles tickets or a larger guided tour, options like Versailles: Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon & Estate Tour can be booked through Viator. This can be a helpful way to ensure access and add historical context, particularly for families with older kids or teens.
Versailles offers a mix of history, outdoor space, and hands-on exploration, making it a rewarding full-day experience for families visiting Paris.
🇫🇷 Planning a Trip to France (Start Here)
If you’re still planning your trip, these are the guides I’d start with:
• how to get around
• where we stayed in Paris
• what the Eiffel Tower was actually like with kids
• what Paris felt like in August
Check availability at Le Clark Hotel (this is where we stayed and loved having the extra space for our family)
Compare Paris hotel prices on Hotels.com to find family-friendly options and flexible booking
Book a private transfer or use Uber for airport arrivals, especially after an overnight flight
Consider VisitorsCoverage travel insurance to protect your trip if plans change
Before planning our Paris itinerary, we focused on how to get there affordably….something I explain in our Paris on points and miles guide, including the flights we booked and why Paris worked so well for our family.
Travel Tips for Your 3 Days in Paris with Kids (Food, Transport & Fun Extras)
- Try New Parisian Foods – Whenever we travel to new cities, a must do for our family is to try the local favorite foods. Some of our favorites in Paris were crepes (both sweet and savory), macarons, baguettes, croissants, and many variations of pastries. Below is my buckwheat galette. What will your favorite be?
- SANDEMANs New Europe Tours — If you prefer a group walking tour, check out SANDEMANs New Europe Tours. They operate in many European cities, including Paris. The tours are technically free. You just tip your guide at the end.Sandman Tours
- Grande Roue de Paris – In the Place de la Concorde square, there is a ferris wheel that is set up seasonally. If it’s running, it gives you a great view of the city and your kids will love it!
- Bike Rentals – If everyone in your family is over the age of 12, renting bikes can often be a fun way to see the city. Some favorite safe spots to bike in Paris are along the Seine riverbanks, in Tuileries Garden, or in Luxembourg Gardens.
- Arc de Triomphe – If you have extra time during your 3 days in Paris with kids, you may want to climb the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate his victory at Austerlitz, this monument offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris. We skipped it since we only had three days and had already seen Paris from the summit of the Eiffel Tower, but people say that the view is amazing, especially at sunset. Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets can be booked in advance through GetYourGuide, which can help you avoid long ticket lines.
- Champs-Elysees – With older teens, or just adults who love high end shopping, you may want to add this to your itinerary.
- I share what surprised us most about timing and pace in our Paris in August with kids experience.
Where to Stay in Paris with Kids
Hotels in Paris with kids are a lot more tricky to find than in the United States. Europe has strict occupancy rules due to fire codes. Most hotels will require you to show the passports of everyone on your reservation. That’s why apartments and apartment-style stays are often a great option for a European family vacation.
If you prefer hotels, look for family rooms, two connecting rooms, or properties labeled as “apartments.” Paris family hotels that sleep four or more book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve early. Platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Vrbo are especially helpful for filtering by room size, layout, and amenities when traveling with kids.
I go into more detail about how we chose our accommodations, including location and layout considerations, in our guide to where to stay in Paris with kids.
During our three days in Paris, my family of four loved our hotel, Le Clark. We booked their apartment, which was incredibly unique and spread across two floors. The main level included a kitchen, living space, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, while the lower level had an additional living area and a game room, which was perfect for downtime after busy sightseeing days. My kids loved hanging out in the lower level when we had down time at the hotel. They only have one apartment, so book early.
Le Clark is located within the city but outside the most tourist-heavy areas, so we did use public transportation at times. Our family enjoys walking and exploring cities like locals, and the quieter neighborhood made the stay feel more relaxed. The staff were warm and attentive, and the thoughtful details throughout the apartment made it feel like a true home base. Since they only have one apartment, booking early is essential.
3 Days in Paris with Kids – FAQs
Is Paris a good city to visit with kids?
Yes. Paris is walkable, full of green spaces, and packed with hands-on experiences like boat rides, gardens, and landmarks kids recognize. With a balanced itinerary, it’s a great family destination.
Is 3 days enough in Paris with kids?
Three days is ideal for a first visit. It allows families to see major highlights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre area, and Versailles without rushing or overwhelming kids.
What is the best age to take kids to Paris?
Paris works well for elementary-age kids through teens. Younger kids enjoy parks, boat rides, and treats, while older kids appreciate history, museums, and landmarks.
Is Versailles worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely. The palace is impressive, but kids often love the gardens, fountains, bikes, rowboats, and Marie Antoinette’s Estate even more than the palace itself.
Is Paris walkable for families?
Yes. Many attractions are clustered together, and Paris is easy to explore on foot. For longer distances or tired kids, it helps to mix in other options, which is why we kept things flexible with how we got around Paris with kids.
If Munich is also on your itinerary, don’t miss my Munich travel tips that actually made a difference for us before you go.
Final Thoughts: Paris with Kids
Between the Eiffel Tower, rich history, the French culture, and delicious pastries, Paris was a bucket list adventure that my family won’t forget.
Are you ready to take your kids to Paris to create your family memories in the City of Lights?
Travel is one of the reasons my kids stay so curious about the world. I share more real-life examples about how travel helps kids learn geography.
🎒 Family Travel Essentials We Bring on Every Europe Trip
No matter where we go in Europe — Rome, Venice, Paris, these are the five things that make our travel days smoother, our feet happier, and our bags easier to keep track of. We take all of these on every trip.
🧳 AirTags in Every Suitcase and Backpack
After having a suitcase lost years ago, I always use AirTags now, especially in Europe where you’re juggling trains, taxis, and airports. We put them in every checked bag and backpack for peace of mind.
➡️ Here’s the exact AirTag 4-pack we use.
🔋 Portable Charger (A Must!)
Between Google Maps, taking photos, using translation apps, and long sightseeing days, phones die FAST in Europe. A portable charger is an absolute must. I have had several over the years and this is hands down my favorite.
➡️ This is the portable charger we bring.
🦶 Epsom Salt Foot Gel for Sore Park Feet (Our Secret Weapon)
Every Europe trip has at least one 20,000-step day. We always pack a foot gel for sore legs after cobblestone streets, plus blister bandages for the kids (and honestly, for me).
➡️ Here’s the exact foot gel we pack.
(and yes… we’ve used it more times than I can count!)
🌬️ Mini Handheld Fan
We originally bought this fan for baseball tournaments, but now it goes everywhere with us, especially Europe in the summer. It’s lightweight, powerful, and perfect for long lines, hot trains, and crowded attractions.
➡️ Here’s the exact handheld fan we use.
🔌 Universal Travel Adapter
Europe uses different outlets than the U.S., and you’ll need an adapter for phones, iPads, chargers, hair tools, everything. A multi-country adapter with USB ports is the easiest solution.
📌 Save This Post for Later
Planning a trip to France? Save this guide on Pinterest so you can find it easily when you’re ready to plan!
If you’re debating taking kids out of school for an international trip, here’s my teacher + mom thoughts on should kids miss school for vacation.
If you’re continuing your trip beyond Paris, we’ve shared detailed guides across Europe to help you plan each stop in a way that actually works for families.
You can explore all of our Germany content in my Munich and Germany travel guides, or head to my Italy travel guides for families for itineraries, tips, and what to expect in cities like Rome and Venice.
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Our family and attraction photos were captured during our adventures in Paris, highlighting top family experiences, local culture, and iconic sights. Select scenic and landmark images courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.
About the Author
I’m Mel — a teacher, mom, and family travel blogger who loves helping parents plan memorable and affordable trips.
Every itinerary and recommendation on Stack the Miles comes from real adventures we’ve taken with our children,
from Europe and the Caribbean to Disney, Universal, and sports-related travel.
My goal is to share genuine, family-tested travel advice so you can plan with confidence and make unforgettable memories together.
