Taking kids to Paris

Hayley - posted on 10/22/2011

weve just came home from disney. paris have loads to see and do the sealife center is really good

Laura - posted on 03/10/2010

I agree with Olivia, we too rented a flat & it was the best way to go for us. Firstly, breakfast in restaurants is extremely expensive. It was great to be able to make a quick batch of eggs, cereal, whatever.Or if the kiddies are too tired, to make dinner at home. A trip to Paris has to have some great restaurant experiences, but lets face it, some nghts it just doesn't work out...the kids are tired and crabby & just want to get home. Paris also has loads of REALLY good take away places !



Definitely check out Luxembourg Gardens. It is the largest park in the city. It is also jam packed with activities for kids. There are daily marionette shows (schedules change frequently, but mostly in the afternoons on weekdays). A classic carousel. A pond where you can float a rented toy boat. Pony rides. The playground has a 7 Euro entrance fee, but you won't mind when you realize how clean and well maintained everything is (including the sweet child sized restrooms) .Bring a picnic and plan to spend several hours to a half day here.



Also,if you get a chance, try to see La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, and its adjacent park,La Villette.This is an immense science and modern technology museum has special sections for children called La Cite des Enfants and Techno Cite. There's also an aquarium, a submarine, and a planetarium. The adjacent park (La Villette) has one of the most successful playgrounds in Paris. The museum is a great rainy day choice....



Versaille and the Petite Trianon are great open places for the kids to roam around safely.



Have a great trip !

Olivia - posted on 03/09/2010

We went with our three and rented from Citidines (sp?) a flat with a kitchen so we didn't need to eat out constantly and make bedte easier. We went to a lot of parks that have great kids play areas. We also did the Eiffel Tower. Keep your expectations low and realise you will not be able to do it all. There are some books out there that have lists of kid friendly spots and there are many. Three tips:

1) our kids loved Versailles - suprisingly
2) if you have a baby bring one of those cloth or very foldable high chair seats, many resturants will not have high chairs (but will love your kids). Also if possible eat outside.
3) if you find you want to picnic, go to Fauchon near Place Madelaine for amazing food

excuse the spelling it's early here

Olivia

Lisa - posted on 02/26/2010

I went to Paris with my daughter and you should for sure do eurodisney...It's small and you can get it in all in one day.... There are so many statues that children can climb and explore as you go to the other tourist sites. eiffel tower for sure my child was amazed by it all. The food is fanstatic (careful gained weight while there) and when she was getting bored told her we could get a treat after we leave. Espically in summer so many children are around with so many things to see and do that are fun with kids and you can put adult sites in same day.. We did the sights I wanted to do first when they are happy after breakfast and then did the children fun stuff after and that kept them going.Public transportation is excellent. Better then walking with children. Don't drive there!!! They are crazy drivers:) The only thing I had trouble with was dinner and a show only got to see one not to child friendly but can find some. People there are friendly when you try to speak the language and then apologise for not speaking properly. We got lost so many times because we went out of tourist areas. Hope this helps a little:) You will love Paris and want to go back again and again.. I do:)

Alison - posted on 08/02/2009

I havn't been there myself, but Paris is a huge city so there is loads to do. My mom sid it is the biggest city she has ever visited. She also said that the back streets should be avoided, but the main streets are nice.

Sharon - posted on 07/24/2009

I searched "children touring paris" and found helpful links. Maybe share them with your oldest and see what interests her/him? LUCKY children, enjoy!