Planning a dream Paris family vacation? Paris is an incredible destination for families, full of culture, history, and unforgettable experiences. However, creating a smart Paris packing list can make your trip much easier—especially when traveling with kids. From unpredictable weather to long restaurant waits, here’s everything you need to know about packing for a stress-free family trip to Paris.
Things to Bring to Paris Restaurants with Kids
Dining in Paris is a cultural experience, but it’s not always designed with young children in mind. Many restaurants do not have high chairs, so if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, bring a fabric travel high chair. These compact, foldable fabric seats (available on Amazon) attach to regular chairs, turning any seat into a high chair.
Service in Parisian restaurants tends to be slower than what many travelers are used to. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, and it’s common to spend an hour or more at the table. To keep your kids entertained, pack:
- Small coloring books or travel-sized activity kits
- Sticker books
- Quiet toys (noisy ones may not be appreciated in a French restaurant)
- A tablet with downloaded movies or games (with headphones!)
Weather in Paris and Seasonal Packing Tips
Paris has four distinct seasons, and packing appropriately will keep your family comfortable. Before you travel, check the official Météo-France weather forecast and use this seasonal Paris packing guide to prepare for any weather.
Spring (March–May)
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain (10–18°C / 50–65°F)
- Your Paris packing list for Spring: Light layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact travel umbrella.
Summer (June–August)
- Weather: Warm to hot (18–30°C / 65–85°F)
- Your Paris packing list for summer: Breathable clothes, sun hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles.
- Note: Air conditioning is rare, so light clothing is a must.
Fall (September–November)
- Weather: Cool and often rainy (8–18°C / 46–65°F)
- Your Paris packing list for Fall: Layers, a warm sweater, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking on potentially wet cobblestone streets.
Winter (December–February)
- Weather: Cold and damp (2–10°C / 35–50°F)
- Your Paris packing list for Winter: A warm coat, scarves, gloves, hats, and waterproof shoes or boots.
Dressing Kids Like a Parisian
French children’s fashion is effortlessly chic—think classic, practical, and understated. To help your kids blend in (and avoid looking like obvious tourists), consider packing:
- Neutral and muted tones instead of bright or flashy colors.
- Well-fitted clothes (baggy outfits are uncommon in Paris).
- Simple, stylish layers like sweaters, cardigans, and scarves.
- Comfortable leather or stylish sneakers (avoid clunky sports sneakers unless they’re fashionable styles like Adidas Stan Smiths).
- A stylish jacket (a classic trench for spring/fall or a wool coat for winter).
Top Things to Pack to Paris: Family Essentials
Every well-planned packing list for families visiting Paris should include:
- Collapsible stroller: Paris streets are old and uneven, so a lightweight, compact stroller is ideal.
- Baby carrier: Useful for navigating Metro stations, which often lack elevators.
- Reusable shopping bag: Many stores charge for bags, and markets don’t provide them.
- Refillable water bottles: Tap water is safe to drink, and fountains are available around the city.
- Medication kit: Pharmacies in Paris are excellent, but it’s easier to bring basics like children’s pain relievers, allergy medicine, and band-aids.
Final Thoughts
Paris is magical for families, but a little planning goes a long way. With the right Paris packing list — whether it’s a travel high chair, seasonal clothing, or quiet toys — you’ll be ready to explore Paris like a pro and enjoy the most magical Paris Family Vacation.
Ready to start planning the perfect Paris Family vacation?
Check out Paris Family Itineraries, Want to browse activities by age groups? We listed the top things to do for every age