3 Days in Paris: A Family Travel Guide

Morning: Arrive and settle in

Most flights from the US arrive mid-to-late morning. Take the train or a private transfer to your hotel, drop your bags, and grab a bite.

• Pro tip: Crepes (sweet or savory) are the perfect first meal in Paris.

Afternoon: Do something active

Fight the jet lag! Instead of napping, hop on a vintage sidecar tour to get oriented to the city. Your guide will share history, fun facts, and make photo stops that will kick off your trip with a bang.

Evening: Dinner and early bedtime

Gather for an early dinner and take a short stroll before turning in. Everyone will sleep better after fresh air and a bit of movement.

• Pro tip: Parisians call 7pm an early dinner.

Morning: Eiffel Tower and relaxing picnic

Start the day with everyone’s favorite, the Eiffel Tower. Hopefully you’ve snagged timed-entry tickets in advance.

• Pro tip: The stairs to the 2nd floor are faster than the elevator line and totally doable with kids.

Afterwards, grab sandwiches and let little legs run wild at Champ de Mars, complete with playgrounds and grassy fields.

Midday: Art museum tour

Reserve timed-entry tickets or a skip-the-line tour. On a short trip, it’s best to pick ONE museum as a family:

• Louvre: Europe’s oldest and most famous museum.

• Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist masterpieces.

• L’Orangerie: Monet’s dreamy water lilies.

Afternoon: Tuileries Garden carousel paradise

Wander over to the Jardin des Tuileries, a manicured park between the Louvre and Orangerie. Kids can spin on the vintage carousel, bounce on trampolines, or explore the gardens while parents rest on shaded chairs. In summer, a pop-up fairground brings rides, Ferris wheels, and cotton candy.

Evening: Tower glow and sparkles

Grab a dinner reservation in the 7th Arrondissement.

• Pro tip: The Fork app is great for seeing last-minute availability.

Gleefully run to the Eiffel Tower after sunset for the magical light show (every hour on the hour). Capture all your iconic photos and videos, selfies encouraged.

• Pro tip: End the day with a taxi or Uber back to your hotel—you’ve earned the ride after all those steps!

Morning: Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle

Start the day at Notre Dame Cathedral when the lines are shorter. Even if the wait looks long, it usually moves quickly, and the reward is stepping inside an 860-year-old masterpiece that took over 200 years to build. (That’s a lot of generations of stonemasons!)

• Pro tip: Just a few steps away is my personal favorite, Sainte Chapelle. With timed-entry tickets, you can slip inside to be surrounded by breathtaking stained glass, especially dazzling on a sunny day.

Midday: Luxembourg Gardens and mini adventures

Next, check out the whimsical Jardin du Luxembourg. From sailboat ponds to pony rides, puppet shows, and one of the prettiest playgrounds in Paris, kids will be in heaven. Parents can soak in the atmosphere with a coffee on the shaded benches.

Afternoon: Market stroll and Marais munchies

Snack your way through the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest covered market. Pick up falafel, crepes, or pastries (and let the kids try something new). Then wander through Le Marais, a lively neighborhood full of cobblestone streets, boutiques, and sweet little corners that are perfect for a break.

Evening: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur views

End your trip in artsy Montmartre. Take the funiculaire up to Sacré-Cœur for sweeping Paris views, then meander the colorful streets lined with artists and cafés.

• Pro tip: This is a great place to find souvenirs! Give the kids a few euros for their own keepsakes. They’ll love choosing something to remember Paris by.

The Palace of Versailles:

• Best enjoyed when you have a full day to see the beautiful palace and the amazing gardens. Bring a picnic lunch with you and don't miss Trianon Palaces and Domaine de Marie-Antoinette.

Champs-Élysées:

• Stroll down this world-famous boulevard, lined with high-fashion shops, elegant cafés, and historic landmarks. If you’re visiting on the first Sunday of the month, the street is traffic-free, perfect for kids to roam safely and soak in the Parisian atmosphere.

Paris Catacombs:

• For a slightly spookier adventure, descend sixty feet below Paris to the Catacombs, where the bones of six million people were relocated in the late 1700s. Fascinating for older kids and teens who enjoy history and a little thrill!

Dior Museum:

• Fashion lovers will adore the Musée Dior, featuring beautiful dress displays and iconic creations. A fun stop for families with older kids or anyone with a flair for style.

Disneyland Paris:

• Spend a day (or two!) with Mickey, friends, and some classic rides with a Parisian twist. With two parks, you can experience familiar favorites plus some unique attractions only found at EuroDisney. A magical way to end your Paris adventure!