Both the Luxembourg and the Jardin d'AcclimaTAtion (folks above are misspelling it, and if you are looking for it online important to have correct spelling)) have puppet shows (Guignol) on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, also school holidays. There is a charge (around 4.5 euro), and they suggest arriving 30 minutes ahead of time.

There is also a fee to get into the Jardin d'Acclimatation and for the playground area at the Luxembourg.

Many of the cafes will have heaters for their outside seating. Unfortunately, that's also where all the smokers will sit because smoking indoors is banned. We like to sit outside because we feel like less of an inconvenience in bringing our son. But, if it looks like the smoke is too thick we will sit inside and I really don't think it bothers anyone.

Hippopotamus is really inedible food. We ate there on the child friendly recommendation. In Paris, you can do better.

The fee for Luxembourg is definitely worth it!

By the way -- if you ask my son where he would like to live he says Paris! This thread is making me itchy to go back.

If you can stay a little longer try renting an apartment so much easier with kids then he can watch french cartoons, I've listed things to do and great Parks in paris at www.myweekin.net, most bistros cater for kids 'menu enfants' but get them to try different things it might be the start of a culinary experience.

Ditto on the apartment. Here is one we like. http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/38447.htm

bookmark

DanM - from the apt you mentioned, did you have to take the metro to the Eiffel tower, Louvre and other popular points of interest or did you normally walk? I need to get a better map so I have an idea of where all of the neighborhoods are. thanks!

Excellent tips above. With our 6yo:

Multi-day Batobus passes were great, particularly if you get an apartment near the Seine. The per-day price goes down significantly as you extend beyond 2 days on those passes. A pleasant way to travel, and the chance to ride back after the end of a long walking day.

Sailboats on the fountain in the Tuileries were a big hit (as mentioned above they are also rented, for a nominal fee, at the Jardin du Luxembourg), also see the trampolines in the northwest corner of the Tuileries.

Little playgrounds everywhere--behind Notre Dame, in the Tuileries, at the foot of the Trocadero, a sandpit in the back of the gardens at the Rodin Museum. And the large playground (nominal fee) at Jardin du Luxembourg also was a hit.

We stumbled upon the pet shops along the Quai de la Mégisserie on our first day and were compelled to return twice during our stay.

We managed a quick trip through the Louvre (took the lower level entrance that takes you past the exposed castle foundation, then into the Egyptian section and up past Venus de Milo and Winged Victory to the Mona Lisa, etc.) Also a the aforementioned Rodin Museum and another quick trip through the Musee d'Orsay.

Our 6 yo was capable of riding his own bike on a Fat Tire Bike Tour of Versailles. For those who can't ride their own They have trailers for those up to 65 lbs, and "tandem trailers" (the child sits on his own seat and can pedal or not):
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris/faqs#children

thanks everyone!

Jeremy - from that hotel, were you able to walk to most of what you wanted to see or did you take the metro or other?

If you want to walk to most sites with a 4 year old, you need to stay in 4, 5, or 6 arrondissement, IMO, not the 17th!

Whoops, I meant "sights."

Another hotel with a cheap triple room. This is where my family of three stays (although that perfectplaces.com deserves another look!): http://hoteldelesperance.fr/

We buy pastries at the bakery on the corner and then walk across the street to the small park with a play structure. Nice way to start the day :)

Our 3 year old loved the metro. Walking everywhere wasn't necessarily what she wanted to do!

Steph, here is my trip report from 3 years ago.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m#last-comment

We leave tomorrow (argh) so I'm busy procrastinating packing. This time, we are taking all 3 kids and ages will be 10, 8, and 6 yrs. I look forward to doing a trip report when I return, but since I still haven't finished my London one from February, I may not be quick...

Ah, all these suggestions bring back fond memories of Paris with my 3 year old. I definitely echo the Luxembourg playground, the food markets (especially at Versailles), crepes along the street. In addition, our hotel asked if we needed a "pousette" SP? (stroller) and found us a very reasonable and lightweight one which was easy to fold up. It proved to be invaluable as he could sit, nap, whatever and whenever. Therefore we could be out most of the day. Also I carried with me balloons which could be blown up, tied and then played with at various outside settings; also a jump rope. Have a blast.