Paris—known for its rich history, culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene—is a dream destination for families.

Traveling to Paris with kids can feel overwhelming, but with some careful planning and a strategic approach using points and miles, you can enjoy an unforgettable and budget-friendly experience.

This post will show you how to plan a family trip to Paris without breaking the bank by using points and miles for flights, accommodations, and more.

Flight Sweet Spots: 3 Ways to Book Your Family to Paris

Booking flights to Paris with points and miles is the best way to save on airfare. Here are three flight sweet spots for booking a family trip to Paris from the USA:

1. American Airlines (AAdvantage Program)

• Sweet Spot: 30,000 miles (one-way) in economy class
• How to Book: Use AAdvantage miles to book flights with American Airlines or its Oneworld partners like British Airways and Iberia. You can often find low-mileage flights for as little as 30,000 miles each way, depending on availability.

2. Air France/KLM (Flying Blue Program)

• Sweet Spot: 25,000 miles (one-way) in economy
• How to Book: Flying Blue offers monthly Promo Rewards that provide great discounts on miles. They also offer a discount for kids tickets. Book flights with Air France or KLM, and keep an eye on special deals through the Flying Blue website and transfer bonuses which can save you a ton of points!

3. United Airlines (MileagePlus Program)

• Sweet Spot: 30,000 miles (one-way) in economy
• How to Book: United Airlines offers nonstop flights to Paris from several U.S. cities. You can book with MileagePlus miles or use Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa and Swiss Air for flexible options.

Book your flights early, as award availability can be limited.

Where to Stay: Hotels and Airbnb for Families

Hotel Loyalty Programs for Families: Many hotel loyalty programs let you redeem points for free stays or upgrades. Here are some options for families:

• Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
• Comfort Hotel Nation Pere
• Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyn

Airbnb for More Space and Savings: If you prefer more room and flexibility, consider booking an Airbnb. Neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre have plenty of family-friendly options. You can use points from credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Membership Rewards to book through their travel portals. This is the route we took when staying in Paris.

Family-Friendly Paris Activities and Dining Recommendations

1. Parks & Playgrounds:

• Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg): Perfect for families with its playgrounds, puppet shows, and a pond with toy sailboats. It’s like a dream spot!
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A beautiful park with expansive lawns, a suspension bridge, and a picturesque lake. It’s less touristy, making it a peaceful place for kids to play.

2. Museums & Activities:

• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: A large science museum with interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids.
• Musée d’Orsay: An art museum housed in a former railway station, with plenty of space for families to explore.

3. Iconic Landmarks:

• Eiffel Tower: A must-see when in Paris. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and don’t forget to visit the nearby Champ de Mars park for a picnic.
• Seine River Cruise: See Paris from a unique perspective with a boat ride passing iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre.

4. Bike Rentals: Explore the city on bikes! Vélib’ Métropole offers affordable family bike rentals with child seats or tandem bikes. It’s a great way to see the Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Gardens, and more.

Family-Friendly Restaurants and Bakeries (Really anywhere is fine, don’t be afraid.:)

1. Bakeries:

• Boulangerie Poilâne: Famous for sourdough and buttery croissants, Poilâne is perfect for a quick breakfast or picnic.
• Maison Landemaine: Renowned for its croissants and tarts, this bakery is a great family-friendly spot to start your day.
• Le Grenier à Pain: A hidden gem with delicious pastries, perfect for grabbing a breakfast before exploring.

2. Family-Friendly Restaurants:

• Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: A classic Parisian bistro with a kid-friendly menu focused on steak frites.
• Le Petit Cler: Near the Eiffel Tower, this café offers simple, delicious French dishes for all ages.
• Chez L’Ami Jean: Known for hearty French meals served family-style, great for picky eaters.

How to Get from Central Paris to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of central Paris. Here are the best options for families:

Option 1: RER Train (Recommended for Families)

• Start at a Central Paris RER Station: Head to Gare de Lyon, Châtelet-Les Halles, or Auber for the RER A train.
• Ticket: Purchase a ticket for zones 1–5 (around €7.60 for adults). Children under 4 travel for free, and kids aged 4-10 get half-price tickets.
• Travel Time: The ride takes about 35-40 minutes, with direct access to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, the Disneyland Paris station.

Option 2: Magical Shuttle Bus (Direct, but More Expensive)

• Where to Catch: The bus departs from major hotels and meeting points like Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon.
• Cost: Tickets are around €23-€25 for adults, €10-€12 for children.
• Travel Time: About 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Paris Tickets

• Book Tickets in Advance: Save up to 10-15% by buying tickets online.
• Buy Multi-Day Passes: A 2-day pass offers a better deal than single-day tickets.
• Check for Discounted Tickets: Use sites like Klook and Viator for discounts, or check for special deals through credit card offers.
• Visit During Off-Peak Times: Avoid peak seasons for cheaper tickets and shorter lines.
• Bring Snacks and Water: Save money by packing a few snacks and water bottles.

Conclusion: Travel More for Less with Points & Miles

With the right planning and use of points and miles, you can make your family’s dream trip to Paris a reality—without the hefty price tag. From saving on flights with miles to using hotel loyalty programs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Paris without going over budget.

Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, enjoying local bakeries, or making magical memories at Disneyland Paris, you can have the trip of a lifetime by taking advantage of travel rewards and smart tips for families.

Happy travels, and bon voyage!