Paris with kids

[Isabella777]

Heading to Paris in a couple weeks with our 2 DCs (ages 6 and 9) and looking for some feedback on our itinerary. Only the Eiffel Tower and Musee d'Orsay are set in stone. Would welcome suggestions for additional or alternative attractions/neighborhoods as well as whether the itinerary layout makes sense. It's been a VERY long time since I have been and will be the kids' first visit. Most important thing is for everyone to have fun rather than try to see everything! (We are going to Disneyland after so not looking to add any other amusement parks.)

Day 1: Montmarte/Sacre Couer, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries Gardens, Le Marais for dinner?
Day 2: Notre Dame/Saint-Chapelle, Musee d'Orsay (1pm reservation), ??? (maybe Seine River cruise?)
Day 3: Luxembourg Gardens, Eiffel Tower (2pm reservation), Champ de Mars

We are staying close to Luxembourg Gardens, so could visit there either after the d'Orsay on day 2 or the morning of day 3. I was trying to not make day 3 too hectic so the kids aren't tired before we get to the Eiffel tower, but would welcome suggestions for an alternative morning activity if we end up going to Luxembourg the day before. I really wanted AM Eiffel Tower tickets but didn't get online quick enough the day they went on sale.

thanks in advance. :)

I think it's the Batobus that operates a hop on/ hop off service, so you can use it to link any attractions along the Seine. The Champ de Mars is a bit boring IMO, but next to the Eiffel Tower is the Musee de Quai Branly with a cool little outdoor garden where you can lounge around in deckchairs for free - much appreciated! When going to the Eiffel Tower, go to Trocadero Metro- there is a wonderfully framed view of the tower from a big terrace, then you descend through a park down to the Seine. There are fountains there that are invariably full of happy children on a hot day!

Day 1 sounds a bit hectic- personally I wouldn't bother with the Arc de Triomphe, although I guess climbing it might be fun. If you want to visit the Tuileries (it's just a park), have a look at the Egyptian obelisk in Place de la Concorde and the Louvre glass pyramid while you're there (I'm guessing you don't actually want to visit the Louvre as you're already going to the Orsay).

There's a funicular up the Butte de Montmartre which is great fun- you can use your public transport pass/ ticket for it.

Don't rush your time in the Ile de la Cite area- there's loads to see and do. Buskers in front of Notre Dame, look for the Kilometre Zero plaque, visit Shakespeare and Co if not too busy, find the narrowest street in Paris, cross over to the Ile St Louis and have ice cream at Berthillon.

If I were you I'd have your main meal at lunchtime- often cheaper and less formal.

If you want to get out of the centre, Parc de la Villette has loads of child- oriented stuff (way more fun than Luxembourg IMO- wonder if you still have to pay to go in the playground there?! 😬)

Thanks! I meant to add that I welcome fun park/playground suggestions, so will keep Parc de la Villette in mind. Luxembourg and Tuileries are just convenient to where we are staying. And for some reason I thought Champ de Mars had a playground so was thinking ice cream and play time after Eiffel, but I may be mixing that up with something else.