What was supposed to be a romantic trip turned into a spontaneous family vacation—with two toddlers (2½ and 4 years old) in tow.
We hadn’t planned a thing with kids in mind, but here’s how it all unfolded.
Packing Light(ish) and Ready to Roll
I’m usually not a light packer, but this time I tried. Capsule outfits for everyone helped me fit everything into two suitcases—one for the kids, one for us.
We also had a small carry-on with extra clothes, kid activities, and essentials for the plane (headphones were lifesavers!).
Two strollers (Nuna TRVL + Yoyo), a diaper bag, and a backpack completed our gear. I thought I was prepared… I wasn’t.
A Rough Start at the Airport
Traffic, a missing stroller wheel, a check-in issue, and a surprise period—all while Esteban was mid-tantrum.
By the time we boarded the plane, I had already questioned everything. My youngest didn’t sleep during the flight but fell asleep right before landing. Of course.
Day 1: Arrival in the 6th Arrondissement + Hailstorm Surprise
Where we stayed: 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
This Left Bank neighborhood is known for its literary cafés, chic boutiques, and charming cobblestone streets.
After a nap, we visited Monoprix for groceries—because local food markets are like museums to me.
A short stroll led to coffee and the park around the corner. Then came the hailstorm—massive ice chunks, thunder, chaos.
Soaked and scared, we ran back. Minutes later, it stopped. Of course.
Dinner: A classic Parisian bistro near our apartment—steak frites, escargots, wine. Delicious, with kind service (even with kids!).
Night ended with wine, a smooth bedtime routine, and jet lag kicking in for the oldest.
Day 2: Bateau Mouche Cruise + Rue de Passy
Morning Coffee Adventure: After searching for a decent coffee spot, a friendly barista gave me a free Americano—because i didn’t have cash, and there are very old school cafes that work with cash only.
Activity: We met my husband’s grandmother for the Bateau Mouche, a one-hour scenic cruise on the Seine. Relaxing, especially with kids.
Lunch: A restaurant near the Eiffel Tower—beautiful view, forgettable food. But this was the restaurant that me and my husband went the day we got engaged 6 years ago, what a nice coincidence, it wasn’t planned.
Afternoon Walk:
We wandered Rue de Passy, an elegant street in the 16th arrondissement known for upscale boutiques and boulangeries.
Found Boulangerie Munier—almond croissant = yes, pistachio dessert = no.
Six hours out, back to the apartment for naps and park time.
Dinner: Grocery haul, girl dinner (cheese, bread, sardines) at the kitchen counter, and a cozy night in.
Day 3: Disneyland Paris Magic
We almost skipped Disneyland Paris—worried about the logistics.
We went anyway. And it was magical. Totally worth going if you are traveling with kids, it was amazing, i didn’t want to leave, i had to beg my kids to stay for another ride, we arrived around noon and left almost at closing time, around 10:00pm, kids were exhausted and us too but i was running on excitement.
Getting there: Taxi (€50), rented a stroller on site, brought the Yoyo.
Must-Do Attractions:
- It’s a Small World – 10/10
- Slinky Dog Ride – 8/10
- Frozen Live Show – 10/10
- Pirates of the Caribbean – 9/10
- (Bonus: Star Wars ride, Pinocchio, Casey Jr., Haunted Mansion)
Tip: Download the Disneyland app to track wait times.
Downside: Long food lines + meh quality. Bring snacks if you can.
Return: Taxi (€150) because Uber kept canceling. Totally worth it.
I would’ve stayed until closing—I was that happy.
Day 4: Luxembourg Gardens + Local Chill Day
Where we went: Luxembourg Gardens, a peaceful oasis with playgrounds, pony rides, fountains, and wide tree-lined paths. Perfect for a slow-paced day.
Lunch: Quartier Vavin, our most kid-friendly restaurant in Paris (high chairs, changing station, kids’ menu).
Dinner: L’Entrecôte—only one main dish (steak frites), no menu. Dessert was delicious… until Esteban’s epic meltdown over sharing.
Real talk: I’d rather handle tantrums in Paris.
Day 5: Le Marais & Berthillon Ice Cream
Where we explored: Le Marais (4th arrondissement)
A trendy historic neighborhood full of museums, hidden courtyards, indie boutiques, and falafel spots. It’s one of the oldest and most vibrant areas in Paris.
Stops:
- Fika Café – Swedish pastries, kid-friendly terrace
- Berthillon – Iconic ice cream spot on Île Saint-Louis
- L’Orangerie Paris – Great food, not kid-friendly
- Le Boulanger de la Tour – Croissant and pain au chocolat near Notre-Dame: amazing!
Metro was a hit again (though not stroller-friendly with all the stairs, that is why a light stroller is key!).
Day 6: Jardin des Tuileries & Sunset at Arc de Triomphe
Morning: Brunch in Boulogne with family
Afternoon:
- Jardin des Tuileries – Formal gardens with fountains, sculptures, and views of the Louvre
- Aperitif at Dépôt Légal Café – White wine and truffled potatoes while Esteban napped
- Dinner at La Belle Époque – Italian, kid-friendly, great service
- Sunset Mission: We walked through Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe to catch a glowing Parisian sunset.
Evening: Crowded metro back, dinner at Quartier Vavin, packed for London.
Day 7: London Weekend
We took the Eurostar to London (2-hour ride) to visit my husband’s childhood friend.
Quiet, cozy, and full of love.
The kids loved the red buses and taxis—sometimes that’s all it takes.
Day 8: Mother’s Day + Eiffel Tower Goodbye
Back from London just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day in Paris.
We walked from our apartment to the Eiffel Tower, amazed by every detail—the architecture, the fashion, the beauty.
Brunch at Le Champ de Mars: Classic bistro, kids’ menu, champagne toast.
The day ended with photos, kids running around the Champ de Mars lawns, and a final walk back.
Early flight the next day. Sad, but ready for home.
Final Thoughts: Paris with Kids
Let’s be honest: Paris isn’t the easiest with toddlers.
It’s a city meant to be savored slowly, with energy, curiosity, and no naps required.
But if you’re planning to go with kids—it’s totally doable.
Tips for Parents:
- Bring a light stroller (Yoyo or Nuna TRVL).
- Ditch routine—nap in strollers, skip daily baths.
- Embrace flexible eating—croissants on the go are a Parisian rite of passage.
- Take it slow. Rest when you need. Don’t overbook.
- Choose a central neighborhood with metro access.
What started as a romantic escape became a trip that reconnected us as a family.
The kids had fun. We had fun. We made it work.
This trip was proof that even chaos can be magical.
I'll have what she's having 
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