Friday, October 26, 2012

Travelling to Paris with Kids



Paris is truly one place everyone should visit. Whether you are a single traveler, a couple or parents with kids, Paris makes for a memorable vacation. The architecture, rich history and aromatic foods make the city come alive. In a city like Paris there is so much to see and so much to do for both adults and kids.  Embrace the Parisian culture and keep in mind these simple tips on family travel to Paris.

Flickr: Philippe Put



Dining with kids in Paris
The French tend to eat dinner later than North American’s. The common dinner time in Paris is between 7:30-11pm. As all parents know, a hungry child = a grumpy child, so you’ll want to ensure you find a restaurant that offers kid friendly food and dining.
Where to stay
Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods and districts, each having its own unique character and attractions.  You’ll want to research which district is the closest to the attractions you wish to see and pick district that is suited for families.



*    The 12th Arrondissement is a charming neighborhood with plenty to do and see--and it is family friendly to boot.
 


Travelling around
Travelling around by foot in Paris will surely tucker out the little ones, a great alternative is to purchase a hop on hop off pass. The hop on hop off bus tours travel around to the famous monuments in Paris. The buses frequent the stops in Paris every 10-15minutes, therefore you can get off and wander at your own pace without any worries. The Normal Entry Price for the pass is: Adult: €26.00 Child: €12.00.

Things to do:

1.    The City of Carousels
Paris is full of gorgeous architecture and landscapes, and when it comes to children’s activities it is no less beautiful. Paris has stunning, wooden vintage-styled carousels for children to ride and enjoy. You can find these amazing carousels throughout Paris.


Flickr: JPC24M



2.    Picnic in the park
Take a stroll through the market in the city of Paris gather some sandwiches from the local bakery and take them to the park. Paris is full of lavish green gardens with break taking scenery. The Jardin du Luxembourg is a great place to have a picnic with a view; the grounds are full of bright beautiful flowers and lush green grass. Jardin de Luxembourg also has a puppet theater and a playground at the park’s southwest end, including a carousel, giving the kids many activities to enjoy!

3.    Museum and activity centers for kids
The Cité des Enfants is a museum that is designed to help children develop and discover the world around them. It offers hands-on-activities that are focused in science and technology. The museum is sure to interest any child ages 2-12 years old.

Parents, take the stress out of planning and use a travel agent.  A travel agent can arrange your flight, find hotels suitable for children, arrange transportation, make restaurant reservations and much more. Contact a travel agent for your next vacation.