NK2013

We will be in Paris for one full day with 2 kids- 6 and 8 yrs old. What are some tips and tricks so we can make the most out of this trip for the kids? We have been to Paris before, but without kids, but this is thier first time and we would like to make it memorable and fun.
What are some of the must see place that kids would enjoy and where we wouldn't spen too long in queues?

Thanks in advance!

MmePerdu

Rather than wait for the lists, put "paris children" into the search field to the right and above your topic title (orange button) and you'll get loads of suggestions from previous threads.

DancesWithWords

You probably can't go wrong with the Eiffel Tower -- even little kids know about that, and going up in the elevator is fun

Also, it sounds bizarre, but the sewer tour always seems to be a hit with kids -- equal parts "EWWWWW!!" and "WOW!" Plus, it's inexpensive, and there's almost never a line.

At that age, my kids (surprisingly) enjoyed the Musee d'Orsay, mostly because it's not huge, and it had that nifty "Paris under glass" exhibit, where you can literally walk on top of a teeny-weeny layout of Paris.

Another popular museum was Les Invalides -- lots of cool armor, cannons, etc., plus the awe-inspiring tomb of Napoleon.

Riding the funicular up to Sacre Coeur got a thumbs-up from our crew, and the view from the top at sunset is magical. Then you can cut over about a block to the Place du Tertre for some good people-watching, especially the human statues

tdk320n

I took 2 young nephews about the age of your children to Paris several years ago.
We were there several days so not all of this could be done in 1 day
Some of their favorites were

The boat ride on the Seine at night to see Paris lit up
Visiting the Parc De La Villette . There is a great science museum there
The Luxembourg Gardens
The climb to the top of Notre Dame
Eating crepes
Riding the Metro and the Buses

Blueeyedcod

Where are you staying? The Metro is easy, cheap and efficient - trains appear about every two minutes. With kids that young I would definitely just try and make some Parisian memories.
The metro will get you to the Arc de Triomphe where you can take the elevator to the top for some beautiful views, then take the Metro Line 6 in the direction of Nation, hop off at Bir Hakeim metro stop and it's a short walk to the Eiffel Tower. There is a nice cafe across the street from this metro stop that makes amazing crepes too. Make sure you book a skip the line ticket for the elevators. If you're not on a budget you could have lunch in the Jules Verne restaurant - they have a set menu for about 95 euro per person - expensive yes..but it's the Eiffel Tower with your children and what amazing memories.
After your visit to the Eiffel Tower, cross the street and the kids can hop on the carousel and have some ice-cream.
If you all have the energy, you could then go to Montmarte. A river cruise is also a nice idea and cruise boats leave from the port across the street from the Eiffel Tower.
Hope you all have a lovely time.

KTtravel

The Eiffel Tower is lit at night and the lights twinkle for about 5 minutes on the hour. Your kids might enjoy being up there at that time which would save daylight hours for other adventures.

Sarastro

Kids of that age would enjoy the Jardin d´Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne:

http://www.jardindacclimatation.fr/

Gretchen

Hire Michael Osman for the day and take all the angst out of it. And your kids will LOVE him. It will be a memorable day--honest.

janisj

Are you staying overnight -- or is this a long flight layover or a quick day trip from London or ??

If you are overnight -- then the night time cruise on the Seine and watching the Eiffel Tower lit up are good in the evening - but if it is a day trip/layover you likely won't be there late enough.

While climbing Notre Dame and going up the Eiffel Tower are good - both have long queues so maybe not if you only have a day.

tdk320n has given you a good list for kids the ages of yours.

mytravelove

Here are some activities that we plan for families with kids in Paris:

- Cruise on the Seine (Batobus ship)
- Biking along Canal Saint-Martin
- Following the footsteps of Amelie (there's a merry-go-round on the way)
- Luxembourg gardens (there also a playground)

kerouac

For a very short stay, the Eiffel Tower and the Bateaux Mouches on the Seine are a must. (Avoid the Batobus at all costs.) Children are also very impressed by Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur.