2 days in Paris itinerary for family
2-day family-friendly Paris itinerary focused on stroller-friendly parks, hands-on kids' museums, short transfers, regular snack/nap breaks, and allergy-aware meal options. Recommended ages and family facilities noted for each stop.
Highlights
- Large, stroller-friendly green space and puppet shows at Jardin du Luxembourg
- Interactive museum for children: Musée en Herbe
- Famous family-friendly ice cream at Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis
- Cité des Enfants at Cité des Sciences — age-specific hands-on exhibits
- Parc de la Villette playgrounds and Philharmonie family sound labs
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic central-Paris family day: big garden playtime, a child-focused museum, island ice cream and calm riverside strolling. Built-in buffers for snacks, bathrooms and a nap.
Jardin du Luxembourg — playground, puppet theatre & carousel
Start in the stroller-friendly Luxembourg Gardens. Let kids play in the supervised sand playground, watch a short puppet show (seasonal times), and try the historic carousel. Paths are wide and accessible for strollers.
Local tips:
- Stroller hack: enter via Rue Guynemer (south side) to avoid the busiest gates and use the gentle slope paths toward the playground.
- Facilities: public toilets with changing tables are near the Medici Fountain (follow signs); bring a small blanket for quick naps on grassy spots in the shade.
- Puppet & carousel: puppet shows are best for ages 3–8; shows are short (15–20 minutes) so plan them between play sessions to avoid overstimulation.
Walk to La Grande Épicerie (food pickup) — short transfer
Short walk (or very short taxi if tired) to La Grande Épicerie to pick up picnic items — sandwiches, fruit, allergy-friendly snacks and bottled water.
Local tips:
- Shortcut: push the stroller along rue de Médicis then rue de Sèvres to avoid steps and heavy sidewalks.
- Ask shop staff for ingredient lists and allergy-friendly packaged options; staff speak English and can suggest nut-free choices.
- If anyone needs a restroom/changing table, La Grande Épicerie has customer restrooms; use them before heading back to the garden.
Picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg — relaxed family meal
Return to Luxembourg Gardens for a relaxed picnic on the lawns or benches — plenty of shade and spots near the playground so children can stay close.
Local tips:
- Pick a shaded spot near the playground so one adult can watch children while another rests — ideal for short naps for younger kids.
- Bring wet wipes and a thin blanket; benches are available but grassy spots are easier for kids to move around.
- Allergy-friendly note: La Grande Épicerie can pack items separately; ask for clear labeling when you order to avoid cross-contact.
Walk/transfer to Musée en Herbe (kids' museum)
Easy 20–30 minute stroll toward the 1st arrondissement; use a taxi if the group needs a quick transfer. Musée en Herbe is an interactive mini-museum with hands-on exhibits for young children.
Local tips:
- If toddlers are sleepy, take a taxi (short ride) to avoid a fussy transfer; taxi pick-up on rue de Médicis is convenient.
- Stroller note: Musée en Herbe has limited space inside; plan to use a light stroller or a carrier and ask staff where to park strollers.
- Check the museum's schedule on arrival — they often run short guided activities aimed at 3–8 year olds.
Musée en Herbe — interactive children's museum (ages 3–12)
Hands-on exhibits and rotating kid-focused shows. Ideal for ages 3–12 with tactile installations and short, engaging explanations. The small size makes it easier for families to visit without long queues.
Local tips:
- Best ages: exhibitions are most engaging for 3–8 and still fun for older children up to ~12; plan activities in 30–45 minute blocks to match attention spans.
- Stroller storage: there is limited space inside; bring a foldable stroller or carrier and use the cloak area.
- Calm corners: ask staff for the quiet corner if your child needs a break; they are used to families and can suggest low-stimulus areas.
Walk to Île Saint-Louis for Berthillon ice cream
Short walk across the Seine to picturesque Île Saint-Louis. Head to the famous Berthillon for classic French ice cream — portable cones make a good snack for a tired family.
Local tips:
- Stroller route: use Pont Saint-Michel or Pont au Change for flat access from the Louvre area; avoid steps.
- Time your visit to avoid the longest lines (late afternoon can be busy); pick smaller sizes for younger children to avoid sugar overload.
- If anyone has dairy allergies, ask for sorbets — Berthillon is known for clear labeling and good sorbet options.
Berthillon ice cream & stroll on Île Saint-Louis
Classic Paris treat by the river — sit on benches or stroll the quiet streets of the island. Great short, low-stress activity to re-charge kids.
Local tips:
- Seating hack: find a bench near the riverside for shade; many families like to sit at the quay and watch boats to calm kids.
- Allergy tip: sorbets are fruit-only and dairy-free; ask staff which flavors are nut-free if needed.
- Slow pace: this is a good nap window — a gentle walk along the island often helps younger children drift off in the stroller.
Île de la Cité — Square Jean XXIII riverside playground & calm
Short wander to the small green square behind Notre-Dame with lawns and shaded benches. Quiet, close to toilets and easy stroller access — a calm end to the day.
Local tips:
- Quiet spot: Square Jean XXIII is usually calmer than the main cathedral forecourt — good for a late nap or decompression after a busy afternoon.
- Facilities: public restrooms and baby changing station near the square (check signs) — useful before heading back to the hotel.
- Safety: keep strollers and bags close; the square is family-friendly but can have tourists later in the day, so choose a bench near the path for quick exits.
Day 2
Science, play and sound: a focused day at Parc de la Villette with the Cité des Enfants workshop, relaxed canal-side lunch and hands-on family exhibits at the Philharmonie.
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie — Cité des Enfants workshops (book in advance)
Big, stroller-accessible science centre with the Cité des Enfants — two age-specific sessions (2–7 and 5–12) that are hands-on and timed. Family facilities include changing rooms and lockers.
Local tips:
- Booking: reserve Cité des Enfants time slots online in advance — sessions sell out, especially mornings; plan to arrive 20 minutes early.
- Age guidance: choose the 2–7 session for toddlers (more sensory, lower counters) or 5–12 for older kids who enjoy experiments; both are highly supervised.
- Facilities & stroller notes: there are family restrooms and changing tables; you can park large strollers at the cloak area and bring a light stroller for quick exits.
Walk to Le Pavillon des Canaux — canal-side family lunch
Short walk along the Canal de l'Ourcq to Le Pavillon des Canaux, a relaxed, quirky café with child-friendly options and space for strollers on the terrace.
Local tips:
- Stroller route: follow the canal towpath for an easy, flat route (avoid cobblestones) and cross at the marked footbridges.
- Reserve ahead: the café can be busy at midday; book a table and request a spot with room for a stroller on the terrace.
- Dietary needs: tell staff about allergies — they are used to families and can adapt simple dishes (sandwiches, salads) on request.
Le Pavillon des Canaux — family-friendly lunch
Relaxed meal with kids' portions, high chairs and a calm canal-side vibe. Good place to recharge with a slow lunch and a nap-friendly bench area.
Local tips:
- Kids' options: ask for smaller portions or simple plates (pasta, grilled chicken) and the staff will often adapt seasoning for children.
- High chairs & stroller space: the staff can clear a corner for a stroller; early reservation helps secure this.
- Nap window: the canal-side seating and gentle bustle often soothe younger children after lunch — plan for a short stroll after eating to help them nap in the stroller.
Parc de la Villette — playgrounds, open spaces & light walking
Explore the park's kid-friendly areas and themed playgrounds. Lots of open space for running, shaded spots for rest and several public toilets with changing facilities.
Local tips:
- Best play zones: head for the large themed playgrounds (look for the bright 'folies' structures) — bring spare clothes for water play areas.
- Facilities: there are water fountains and changing toilets scattered through the park — pick a central spot for easier access.
- Bring a ball or bubbles: open lawns are great for low-cost entertainment and help burn energy before the next indoor activity.
Short walk to Philharmonie de Paris
Easy transfer from the park to the adjacent Philharmonie complex for an afternoon of family-friendly sound exhibits.
Local tips:
- Flat, stroller-safe walk: the route from Parc de la Villette to the Philharmonie is level and well paved — ideal with a buggy.
- Drop-off: if you've got a lot of gear, there is a covered drop-off area near the Philharmonie entrance for quick unloading.
- Restroom check: use the park facilities before entering — Philharmonie family rooms are available but park toilets are often quicker.
Philharmonie de Paris — family exhibits & listening labs
Interactive sound exhibits, listening stations and occasional short workshops designed for children. Quiet rooms and baby-changing facilities are available.
Local tips:
- Family programs: check the day's schedule at the entrance desk for short activities aimed at 4–10 year olds and timed story-sound sessions.
- Sensory-friendly: ask staff about quieter times or headphones for sensitive children; there are listening booths with adjustable volume.
- Practical: coat/cloak area and stroller parking available; take advantage of lockers for bulky items to keep visits low-stress.
Early family dinner — café at/near the Philharmonie or canal-side bistro
Finish with an early dinner while kids are still fresh. Opt for the Philharmonie café or a nearby canal-side bistro with high chairs, simple kids' dishes and allergy-aware staff.
Local tips:
- Early seating: book an early table (around 17:15–18:00) — restaurants are quieter and more welcoming to families at this time.
- Menu requests: ask for plain pasta, grilled chicken or vegetables if kids need simpler tastes; staff are typically happy to adapt portions.
- Restroom & nap: use restaurant restrooms and changing tables before leaving; an early meal helps avoid late-bedtime meltdowns.