3 days in Paris with Family
3 days in Paris with Family: an itinerary to make everyone happy
Parents want to see iconic monuments and get a bit of culture, kids just want to have fun! At first glance, you might think Paris isn’t quite the place to balance grown-up goals with child-friendly activities. But here at Canards de Paris, mixing culture and fun in the capital is what we do best! So, we’ve cooked up a 3-day family-friendly itinerary that will delight the whole crew.
Day 1: sightseeing, the Seine, and iconic monuments
Make a splash with our amphibious bus
Let’s be honest: there’s no better way to get your first taste of Paris than aboard our amphibious bus tour. Sure, it’s our pride and joy — but we’re not just saying that. In a single ride, you’ll cruise past all the city’s west part must-sees on land and get a quick dip in the Seine (for the bus, not you!) on the outskirts.
This isn’t your average hop-on hop-off snoozefest. It’s a full-on, joyfully chaotic expedition. Onboard Marcel, kids (and adults, let’s not pretend otherwise) are invited by our animated guide to shout at the top of their lungs whenever a big monument pops up, greet unsuspecting passersby, or wake up sleepy terraces along the route.
And then comes the SPLASH into the Seine — guaranteed to get the whole crew squealing. A perfect way to burn off energy before things get a little more… serious later in the day.
Afternoon at the Louvre (yes, even with kids)
After lunch, it’s time for the Louvre. Because honestly, skipping it would be a shame — for both you and the kids. To get them on board, we have a tried-and-true trick: the mummy. Works almost every time. Kids are fascinated, and you’ll see they’re often the ones most blown away.
And of course, there’s the Mona Lisa — probably the most famous painting in the world, and one they might’ve already seen in a book or cartoon.
The museum also has a space called “the Studio,” designed for kids, though it’s mostly geared toward French-speaking families. It might be worth a visit if your schedule allows. Otherwise, for a smoother experience, we recommend booking a private guided tour made just for families.
End the day with a stroll along the Seine
After the Louvre, the kids might need to let off some steam — good news: the Seine is just around the corner. Between Pont Neuf and Pont de Sully, it’s all pedestrian, no traffic, and way more relaxed. The perfect stretch to run, climb, explore, or just be loud for a while.
Meanwhile, grown-ups can soak up the view — Paris as an open-air museum, in full display. And why not grab a drink or a snack on a sunny terrace while the little ones recharge? It’s one of those Paris moments you’ll want to linger over.
Day 2: from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre
Morning at the Eiffel Tower
This is the big one — the Eiffel Tower! It’s usually the highlight for kids, and rightly so. If your little adventurers are old enough to skip the stroller and full of morning energy, consider the stairs. It’s more fun, less crowded, and perfect for using up some early-morning energy. You can book stair access online to the second floor in advance. But heads-up: if you want to reach the top, the stairs + elevator combo ticket is only sold on-site.
If stairs aren’t the vibe today, the elevator will do just fine — the views are just as magical. And once you’re up there, take a look down: see that funny white and blue bus on the Champ de Mars? That’s our Marcel, ready to make another splash. Give us a wave!
After the descent, you can take a moment to let the kids run free on the Champ de Mars.
Lunch tip near Eiffel Tower: skip the tourist traps, head to Rue Cler
Finding a decent lunch spot near the Eiffel Tower isn’t always easy — the area is packed with quite touristy places. But we’ve got a solid tip: head to Rue Cler. This charming pedestrian street is a favorite among locals from the elegant 7th arrondissement. You’ll find bakeries, cheese shops, butchers, fruit stands, fishmongers, chocolatiers… basically everything you need for a gourmet picnic on the Champ de Mars.
Or, if you prefer, grab a table at one of the cafés lining the street. It’s relaxed, authentic, and the perfect way to do lunch like a real Parisian.
From postcard view to underwater magic
After lunch, stroll over to the Trocadéro esplanade for the ultimate Eiffel Tower view — it’s basically Paris in a single frame. Time for a family photo before the next surprise… just beneath your feet.
Yes, literally underneath the Trocadéro lies the Paris Aquarium. Home to 13,000 sea creatures — sharks, starry carps, tropical fish, and the largest jellyfish collection in Europe — it feels like diving 300 meters underground, almost as far down as you just went up the world’s most famous tower.
There are often shows, workshops, and even mermaids — yes, actual mermaids. A gentle, slightly surreal pause before your evening begins.
Montmartre by night: sweet strolls and city lights
To wrap up the day on a high note, head up to Montmartre. In the evening, the vibe is still lively but far more relaxed than the daytime crowds — perfect for a family walk (with maybe an ice cream reward at the end, because hey, it’s vacation!).
Climb the steps, spot a street artist, hunt for colorful murals or hidden staircases, and wind your way up to the Sacré-Cœur. Bonus: it’s open until 10:30 pm, and far less busy after dark. The view over the sparkling city is worth the extra steps — even your teens might crack a smile.
Day 3: from off the beaten track (and worth it!) to Notre Dame
Little scientists in the making
For this final day, let’s leave the tourist crowds behind and head to La Villette — a vast cultural park in the north of Paris that’s still under the radar for most foreign visitors. No Eiffel Tower in sight, but loads of space and a real glimpse into where Parisian families spend their weekends.
The highlight here for families ? Cité des Enfants. Split into two zones — one for ages 2–7, the other for 5–10 — it’s a hands-on science and discovery playground where kids can explore light, sound, water, movement, and illusions at their own pace. After all, France is the land of Curie and Pasteur — might as well let the little ones experience science the French way! Don’t worry, it’s nothing too academic — just pure, curious fun. And since it’s all indoors, it’s a great choice rain or shine.
Captain for a day on the canal
After all that brain activity at La Villette, the kids are thrilled — and let’s be honest, the parents might need a breather after all that enthusiastic noise. So now’s the time to slow things down with a gentle cruise on the Canal de l’Ourcq.
With Marin d’eau douce, you can rent a small electric boat — no license needed. And yes, you get to steer… or maybe your child, sitting proudly on your lap, pretending to be captain for a while. No currents, no stress, just a quiet, off-the-beaten-path moment of peace on the water.
And since it’s lunchtime, this is also your cue for a floating picnic (if the weather plays along). A calm, quirky way to explore a lesser-known side of Paris — and one the kids will definitely remember.
A grand finale at Notre-Dame Cathedral
To end your Paris adventure on a high note, head to the Île de la Cité — the very heart of the city, and home to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, finally reopened to the public after the fire.
The exterior still stuns, but the newly restored interior is absolutely worth a look, even with kids. The stained glass, the arches, the sheer scale of it all — it’s the kind of place that makes everyone look up, little ones included. Booking in advance is recommended!
Once outside, don’t rush off just yet. Stroll along the riverbanks, peek at the bouquinistes’ green bookstalls, snap a last family photo in front of the cathedral, or play “spot the funniest gargoyle.” A simple but magical way to say goodbye to Paris… or rather, see you next time.
Three days in Paris with family — yes, it goes too quickly 🙂 Iconic sights, surprising stops, hands-on fun, and plenty of time to just enjoy the city. This itinerary proves that Paris really can delight every age, all at once.
Of course, we’ve only scratched the surface. There are still thousands of family-friendly things to do in Paris… So let’s not call it goodbye. Let’s say: see you next time?