2 Days in Paris with Kids: Eiffel Tower Views, Croissants, and One-on-One Adventures
We touched down in Paris early in the morning, rested and ready, thanks to flying business class on award tickets with Air France (see our previous post on booking strategy). It was our boys’ first time in Paris—ages 3 and 9—and we were excited to show them the magic of the City of Light while avoiding travel burnout.
Where to Stay in Paris with Kids: Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
We booked the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile for 2 nights using 51,000 World of Hyatt points for a Regency Suite, and thanks to Globalist status and a friendly note I sent ahead letting them know it was our kids’ first visit to Paris, the hotel went above and beyond.
We were upgraded to a stunning Eiffel Tower Suite with a view that took our breath away.
This hotel was an ideal home base for traveling families:
Connecting rooms are bookable in advance, which is rare and crucial in Europe, where many hotels cap occupancy at two people per room.
Having a separate sleeping area for the kids meant my husband and I didn’t have to separate to room with the kids.
The Metro and RER train stations are right outside the door, making getting around seamless.
As a Globalist, we had access to the club lounge—which is admittedly not a foodie destination (this is Paris, after all!). But there’s something incredibly valuable about letting our 3-year-old head down to breakfast in his pajamas and not stressing over croissant crumbs or juice spills. It freed us up to save our culinary energy for lunch and snack stops, when everyone was rested, hungry, and more likely to appreciate a great meal.
We also appreciated having the evening lounge spread as an easy, low-stress option when a formal French dinner just wasn’t in the cards.
Bonus tip: I had also requested early check-in if available. While our suite wasn’t quite ready when we arrived, they kindly offered us a courtesy room to take a shower and rest. It made a huge difference, especially when arriving in Europe on a morning flight.
Fighting Jet Lag: Parks and Boulangeries First
To stay awake and beat jet lag, we dropped our bags and headed out to a nearby park so the kids could run around. It’s a great trick to help them adjust to the new time zone.
We grabbed lunch at a neighborhood boulangerie, where croissants, ham-and-cheese sandwiches, and Orangina made for the perfect casual meal.
How to Get Eiffel Tower Tickets (Without Paying Triple)
That afternoon, we made our way to the top of the Eiffel Tower—a must-do for any first-timer.
We booked tickets directly on the official Eiffel Tower site, which releases tickets 60 days in advance at midnight Paris time.
Insider Tips:
Set your computer or phone clock to Paris time or use a VPN so you’re aligned with the ticket release window.
Refresh, refresh, refresh—the site can get slammed, especially in summer.
Be flexible with timing and work other activities around what’s available.
Third-party sellers offer tickets with less hassle, but expect to pay 2–3x more.
This activity was a hit with both kids—between the elevators, views, and sheer size of the tower, it didn’t disappoint.
Day Two: One-on-One Time When Plans Change
Unfortunately, our younger one wasn’t feeling great the next day. So we pivoted. My husband stayed behind while I took our 9-year-old on a little Paris adventure.
Spending one-on-one time while traveling is something I truly cherish—it allows you to connect in a way that’s hard to do in the usual day-to-day.
Morning at Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
We took the Metro and arrived at Notre Dame by 10 AM. Entry to the cathedral grounds is still available as restoration continues, and Sainte-Chapelle, just a short walk away, was open and as jaw-dropping as ever.
Waits were about 30 minutes for each, and entry was available on-site without a reservation.
Lunch at a Hidden Gem: Les Antiquaires
For lunch, we stopped at Les Antiquaires, an absolute gem near the Musée d'Orsay. It’s everything you want from a Parisian bistro—authentic, cozy, and delicious. Bonus: they offered a not-on-the-menu kids meal that was perfect.
Highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you're not in the mood to hunt for a table with tired kids in tow.
Private Boat Cruise on the Seine: A Paris Highlight
That evening, we capped the day with a private boat cruise along the Seine, run by a family-owned company we found at CruisesParis.com.
Our captain was Robert, the youngest son in the family business, and he made the experience unforgettable. We had the whole boat to ourselves (it seats 6), and Robert greeted us with a cooler full of Champagne, soft drinks, cookies, and snacks.
It was a relaxed, personal alternative to the crowded tour boats and a special way to see the city at golden hour. You can also book it on Viator or GetYourGuide if you prefer those platforms.
Final Thoughts: How to Do Paris with Kids Without Meltdowns
Top tip for family travel: Limit structured activities to one per day. The rest of your time? Let it unfold naturally—whether that’s a nap, an impromptu playground stop, or just wandering neighborhoods with a pastry in hand.
Kids thrive on routine and flexibility. Over-scheduling leads to meltdowns (theirs and yours).
We’re so glad we eased into our European adventure this way—relaxed, connected, and with just enough sparkle to make the memories last.