1.Eiffel Tower

You can’t leave Paris without visiting the most popular monument in France. On a clear day it is worth going up and checking out the views. Some days you can see the Cartes cathedral 80 kilometers away.  If its a cloudy day, it might not be worth going to the top. There are two ways to get to the second level. You can take the stairs or you can take the elevator. The ticket for the stairs is cheaper and it typically has shorter lines.  The stairs are wide, so need to worry about about going slow with kids. If you have kids under four, you might want to pay the extra bit and take the elevator.

To get to the top (third level) you will need to take the elevator. The lines will be shorter but could still take 45 minutes to go up. There are two family friendly restaurants (a bit pricey). If you are wanting to eat there, make sure to book it ahead of time on the website.

I recommend buying your tickets as far in advance as you can. They sell out fast. If you did not book your tickets in advance, try going at night when the lines are shorter.

 

 

2. Le Jardin Du Luxembourg

Le Jardin Du Luxembourg is a beautiful park with an amazing playground, a marionette theater that has puppet shows every afternoon in summer (times 2:30, 3:30, 4:30), a pond where you can sail wooden boats, an antique carousel and many paths to explore. We didn’t go to Le Jardin Du Luxembourg until our fourth day in Paris. I feel like that was a huge mistake. This was one of our favorite places in Paris with the boys. You could easily spend a few hours everyday here. You will have to pay for many of the activities here, including the park. But it is well worth it!

Open daily: 07.00- sundown, winter 08.00-sundown

 

 

3. Kid’s rides

All around the city there are carousels and fun rides for the kids to go on. If you see one, make sure to stop! It was a great way of breaking up all the museums and adult sightseeing things.

 

 

4. The Louvre

The Louvre is a must if you are in Paris. It would takes weeks to see everything. I would suggest figuring out what is important to you to see before you go. Pick out a few paintings or sculptures and learn a little bit about them before your visit. My boys loved the Egyptian artifacts the most. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.

Open Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. 9am-6pm,  Wednesday and Friday 9am-9:45pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

 

5. Arc de Triomphe

Go up the Arc de Triomphe! It is so worth it. Security will keep your stroller for you at the base of the Arch. The views from up there are amazing, the line isn’t that long  and the stair climb isn’t too bad – four year olds will be able to go the whole way (no elevators). There is a gallery half way through the stairs so you and your kids can have a break from the climb to the top. Buy tickets in advance! Free admission under 18 years old!

Open daily 10 am-11 pm from April to September. 10 am-10:30 pm from October to March.

 

 

6. Notre Dame

Before going into this 800 year old Gothic cathedral, go to the playground behind it. You can enjoy the amazing views of the Seine river and the kids can let out some energy before having to wait in line to go in.

Tip– watch Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, Its a great way to get them a little more excited about their up and coming trip and how things were back in the middle ages.

Open Monday- Friday 8 am-6:45 pm , Saturday and Sunday 8 am-7:15 pm

 

 

7. Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace is a great way to spend a day outside of the city. It takes about 30 minutes by train and then just a 10 minute walk from the station to arrive there. Versailles is a beautiful combination of a palace and large gardens. After spending a few hours exploring the palace, the kids can let off some energy and run around the gardens. The gardens are stroller friendly but the palace is not. You will leave your stroller at the beginning of the palace and be able to pick it up before heading to the gardens. If you have a child under 2, I would recommend bringing a carrier. Buy tickets ahead of time to avoid spending the whole day in line.

*Open 9 am-6:30 pm from April 1 to October 31. 9 am-5:30 from November 1 to March 31. Closed Monday and public holidays.

 

 

8. Picnic

Have a picnic! Grab some local cheeses & bread and find a place to sit near the Seine river (the island)An oldie, but a goodie. Easily the most famous attraction in Paris, this 984-foot-tall iron tower is breathtaking no matter how old you are. You can even bring picnic supplies with you for a nice lunch on the grass. Go on a weekday; there should be plenty of room.

 

 

9. Explore Latin Quarter

Explore the Latin Quarter. You cannot skip this charming part of the city. Roam around without a plan, soak in the atmosphere and make sure to pass by Place du Panthéon.

 

 

10. Seine River night cruise

There isn’t a more magical way to end your trip to Paris than taking a night cruise on Seine river. The cruises leave from the Eiffel tower and last about an hour. There is a reason this city is called the city of lights. This by far is one of our favorite highlights of our trip. The city is so quiet and beautiful at night. This is a MUST!