1. Bastille Day: Sensory Overload in the Best Way
We happened to be in Paris on July 14th, and what an experience! Bastille Day is full-on stimulation: airshows, tanks rolling through the streets, and a military parade that left our kids wide-eyed. But nothing—and I mean nothing—compared to the fireworks show that lit up the Eiffel Tower that night. It was honestly the most breathtaking fireworks display I’ve ever seen. Everyone should experience this once in their lives—especially kids who are old enough to remember it.
2. The Paris Olympic Cauldron Hot Air Balloon
We discovered the incredible “Paris Cauldron” hot air balloon, originally created for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It now rises from the Tuileries Garden every evening throughout the summer until 2028. While we didn’t ride it (this time!), just watching it float above the skyline felt like a scene out of a movie. The Tuileries is always buzzing—grab a cone of ice cream and let the kids run around while you take it all in.
3. Sailing Boats at the Luxembourg Gardens
This never gets old. Our kids sailed the little wooden boats across the pond in the Luxembourg Gardens, something we’ve done on every trip to Paris. It’s such a simple pleasure—one that hasn’t changed since 1927. The boats, each marked with flags from around the world, are gently pushed across the water with a wooden stick. It’s calm, whimsical, and incredibly photogenic. Afterward, we always make a stop at the nearby playground (yes, you’ll need to pay 2 euros, but it’s worth it).
4. Picnicking Our Way Through Paris
Picnics are our secret to happy, low-stress travel with kids. We packed lunches or picked up goodies from local markets and found ourselves eating under trees, beside fountains, and near carousels. Our favorite picnic spots included:
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Parc Monceau (bonus: there were kid-friendly events happening that day!)
- Tuileries Garden, where we picnicked with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Pour quoi pas?
Almost every park has a carousel, which adds a dreamy, old-world charm and gives the kids something to look forward to after lunch.
5. A Rainy Day at the Natural History Museum
Paris, of course, has its rainy moments. One of the highlights of our trip was a cozy day spent at the National Museum of Natural History. The architecture, the exhibits, the sense of wonder—it blew us away. Outside, the Jardin des Plantes is a lush botanical garden that also houses the city zoo, complete with a gorilla, lemurs, and more.
6. Lunch at La Felicità
Just a short walk from the museum is La Felicità, a food market that’s as cool as it is kid-friendly. We had incredible pizza and pasta (all Italian, all fresh), and the kids loved the “dessert train” and foosball tables. It’s loud, fun, relaxed, and an easy choice for big groups or family meetups.
7. Jardin d’Acclimatation: The Ultimate Kids’ Park
We saved the best for last: Jardin d’Acclimatation. It’s hands down the best park in Paris for children. With exciting rides, splash zones, and lush green spaces, it’s adventurous and whimsical—without feeling overly commercial. No pressure to buy endless toys or candy, just space to play and explore. And it’s fun for adults too.
Paris isn’t just a city for romance or museums—it’s a city that embraces families and welcomes children with open arms. Watching my own kids laugh, discover, and wonder at everything around them reminded me why we travel in the first place.
I hope this little diary of our Paris summer inspires your next family adventure. And if you’re planning one soon, reach out—I’d love to help you capture those memories too.
À bientôt,
Maryam
📸 Maryam Southam Photography