City

Paris, France

The city of light through a toddler's eyes

Toddler score:8/10

Best from:18m+

Paris with a toddler is not the romantic getaway you imagined — it's better. Watching Edison's face light up at the Eiffel Tower, chase pigeons in the Tuileries, and eat his first proper croissant was worth every stroller-on-cobblestone moment. Paris rewards slow exploration, and toddlers are surprisingly good at that.

Getting there

Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). CDG has direct connections from most US cities. The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in 35 minutes — manageable with a stroller if you pack light. Taxis and Uber are easier with a toddler and luggage. Book an apartment with a kitchen in the 7th or 6th arrondissement for the best family base.

Parks and gardens

Paris has extraordinary parks for toddlers. The Jardin du Luxembourg has a classic carousel, puppet shows, and a playground that Edison refused to leave. The Tuileries Garden has a pond with toy sailboats for rent. Parc Monceau is quieter and beautiful. The Champ de Mars (the lawn under the Eiffel Tower) is perfect for a picnic with a view.

The Eiffel Tower

Book tickets online well in advance. The second floor is plenty high for a toddler — the views are spectacular and the wind is manageable. Go at dusk to see the city turn golden, then stay for the light show at the top of the hour after dark. Edison was convinced the tower was 'blinking at him' and talked about it for weeks.

Museums for little ones

The Musée d'Orsay is our top pick — the Impressionist galleries are colorful and the building itself (a converted railway station) is dramatic. The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie at La Villette has a dedicated children's section for ages 2–7 that is genuinely excellent. The Pompidou Centre's exterior alone is worth the trip for a toddler who loves color.

Food with a toddler

French food culture is more toddler-friendly than its reputation suggests. Boulangeries are everywhere and croissants, pain au chocolat, and quiche are universally loved by small people. Crêpe stands are perfect for a quick lunch. Sit-down restaurants open late by toddler standards — aim for 7pm and choose brasseries over fine dining. Edison's verdict on French food: 'more bread please.'

Edison's pro tip

Skip the Louvre with a toddler and go to the Musée d'Orsay instead — smaller, more manageable, and the Impressionist paintings are genuinely colorful. And always have a baguette in the stroller bag.