Best spots/ideas to ENJOY Paris

When are you planning to travel? That might change some recommendations.

Oh yes! Mid-July (yikes, I know it might be HOT!). If we pull this trip off, we will be doing a self-guided bike tour in the Loire Valley first and then spending the last days of our trip in Paris before heading back to the States.

I wondered if it would be mid-summer with your kiddo's school schedule in play. My suggestion was going to be Jardin des Plantes which has a small zoo that the French kids seem to love (based on seeing school groups visit with lively, excited kids!) BUT if it's hot this may be miserable. I've done Jardin des Plantes (just the garden part) during a heat wave one August and even at 8AM it was not pleasant. Still, I'd keep it on the list of possibilities should the weather cooperate.

I recommend the Seine boat cruise from Vedettes du Pont Neuf. Cruising the river is lovely, especially on a warm or hot day. I don't think you will be bored, and your daughter should like it. The Luxembourg garden is also a wonderful place, lovely place to stroll or sit, and there are pony rides for the kids. The Carousel in the Tuilleries is wonderful too. There is also a carousel near the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine boat cruise that leaves from this location -- though not the Vedettes company, for convenience it may work for you. Larger boat and recorded guide, but you still see the same things.
For enjoying the cafe culture I suggest Cafe Deux Magots or Cafe Flore, Le Nemours, Laduree tea room, Carette tea salon - for drinks, snacks. Bistrot Vivienne, and Le Fontaine du Mars for lunch or dinner.

Streets to stroll: rue Mouffetard, rue Cler, all of the Marais -- particularly Place des Vosges

Sorry to respond again...but I got either this book or a similar one for a friend who was taking her 4 kids to Paris summer before last. I got it in Paris but I'm not sure if it was exactly the same. She said the older kids (ages about 8, 6 and 5) went thru the book and were able to tell them about various sites when they got to Paris, lol! She was shocked they absorbed as much as they did before they traveled.

https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Travel-Guide-discover-especially/dp/1910994057/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=kids+paris&qid=1575404529&sr=8-2

I also wondered if your daughter was a fan of the books about Madeline? If so, this website has a walking tour that might be a bit more than you'd want but it also might give you some ideas.

http://onoloa.net/23101.html

(PS - I have no connection to either website!)

Thank you all for such wonderful suggestions! And how did I forget about Madeline?! I used to read them to her when she was younger, but I bet she would love to revisit those now and go see some "Madeline" spots.

That first afternoon looks pretty busy, even if you're not jet-lagged. The Orsay is a big museum, unless you're just looking for a few particular pieces. To go up the tower you'll need a timed-entry ticket. The Tour Montparnasse, maybe convenient to your lodging, requires less planning, is less crowded, and has a comparable view.

I'd recommend the boat cruise, I like Vedettes du Pont Neuf, doesn't require reservations. You might work that into your second day when you're appreciating the city without specific times to consider.

I strongly suggest visiting the Montmartre neighborhood. It is full of natural magic. You don't even need to be doing anything to be wowed --- Although a fantastic thing to do with a kid is start at the bottom of the huge hill where Sacre Coeur sits and just walk up the windy pathways towards the cathedral. Every moment the views of Paris get better and better. The whole neighborhood around it is full of hills, amazing tucked-in staircases, windy cobblestone streets. The vibe is just wonderful.

Re: the boat cruise --- I have to be honest I saw a ton of boats going along the Seine as I walked over bridges, and I did think it looked kind of boring! But a nice option to see a lot of beautiful landmarks without having to walk. :-)

The boat cruise is delightful, a wonderful way to see Paris — my nieces, who were 8 and 11 at the time — enjoyed it very much and loved getting pictures.

(I am not sure why one would comment that something that they haven’t even done looks boring.)

The first afternoon has too much stuff - it would be better to move either Eiffel Tower or Orsay to the second day. You can mix seeing a site with the more casual wandering you want to do; no need to segregate them to different days.

As Pam noted, there are tons of books and articles on “Paris for Kids,” so be sure to google and find a few articles although I think you already have enough ideas here to fill your time.

We like to do the river cruise in the evening to enjoy Paris in the dark. Of course it won't get dark too early in July, but it could be an end of the day activity.

"although I think you already have enough ideas here to fill your time."

Kim! Yes, this made me laugh. I think OP will need to extend her days in Paris for about two weeks, lol.

Haha! I know, right?! I’ve already tried to talk my husband into extending the trip just one more day but to no avail! We just did 2 weeks in Spain this fall so we really shouldn’t even be taking this trip, but honestly it seems once you figure out how to get the plane tickets the rest of the travel costs in Europe are much cheaper than the US!

Thanks for such great ideas! Might move the museum to the “heat of the day” on the second day. I really appreciate the help! Sometimes the responses on these travel forums can be so rude/unhelpful!

One of the things we enjoy doing with kids in Paris is making a big deal out of letting them choose a pastry from a bakery each afternoon. They are so beautiful and kids feel so treated by letting them choose one.

Barbra beat me to it, the Luxembourg Gardens. My son grew up with us spending summers in Paris / Europe, and the Luxembourg Gardens are wonderful for every age, but especially for a 7 yr old. They have a nice playground, a carousel, marionette shows, pony rides, two cafés, crèpe stands, and the all important bathrooms.
It’s a beautiful park to walk or sit, and to be around other Parisians who are relaxed and enjoying themselves.

To me, the boat ride on the Seine was interesting, but Montmartre was, shall we say, un-captivating. So, everyone will have different reactions to each experience.

As others said, Luxembourg Gardens is perfect for your daughter. I used to take my son there at that age during our summers in Paris. There is a fantastic kids playground, puppet show, and outdoor cafe. If you are there in summer she can sail the little sailboats on the fountain. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time on a boat ride along the Seine since you have so little time in the city. She might enjoy Lauduree - fancy macaroons in a very pretty setting! There are several locations in the city. I don't know her personality but the taxidermy at Deyrolle is amazing...upstairs they have a collection of hundreds of animals and insects.