Family-Friendly Day Trips from Paris: 15 Easy Getaways by Train, Car, or Shuttle
Planning a family holiday to Paris and want to venture beyond the city for a day? You’re in the right place. This guide to family-friendly day trips from Paris lists the best easy escapes with kids—complete with travel times, how to get there, seasonal tips, and things children actually love. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, grade-schoolers, or teens, you’ll find kid-approved ideas that are practical, memorable, and doable in a single day.
In this article you’ll find:
- Top 15 day trips near Paris with kids (theme parks, castles, nature, and hands-on museums)
- Quick-pick tables for ages and seasons
- How to get from Paris to each destination (by train, RER, shuttle, or car)
- Sample family itineraries, budget tips, and stroller-friendliness notes
Quick Picks: Best Day Trips Near Paris with Kids
| Destination | Travel time | Best for ages | Why kids love it | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Paris | 40–45 min (RER A) | All ages | Parades, character meets, rides | Year-round |
| Parc Astérix | 45–60 min (shuttle/car) | 5+ | Coasters, shows, Gaul-themed fun | Spring–Autumn + select winter dates |
| Versailles | 30–40 min (RER C) | 5+ | Gardens, rowboats, Hamlet farm animals | Year-round |
| Giverny (Monet’s Garden) | 65–80 min (train+shuttle/bike) | All ages | Colorful gardens, pond with lily pads | Late Mar–Nov |
| Fontainebleau | 50–60 min (train+bus) | All ages | Castle + forest rocks, picnics | Year-round |
| Provins | 1h20 (train) | 6+ | Medieval shows, ramparts | Spring–Autumn best |
| Chantilly | 25–45 min (train+walk/shuttle) | All ages | Horses, vast park, whipped cream | Year-round |
| Thoiry ZooSafari | 50–70 min (car) | All ages | Drive-through safari, lantern festival | Year-round (winter evenings vary) |
| France Miniature | 35–45 min (car) | 4–12 | Mini-landmarks, mini-rides | Spring–Autumn |
| Île de Loisirs de Cergy | 45–60 min (RER A) | All ages | Beach, paddle, treetop courses | Late spring–summer |
| Auvers-sur-Oise | 35–50 min (train/RER) | All ages | Van Gogh trail, gardens, village | Spring–Autumn |
| Vaux-le-Vicomte | 1h (car/train+shuttle) | All ages | Candlelit evenings, costumes | Spring–Autumn + festive events |
| Parc des Félins | 1h–1h15 (car) | All ages | Big cats, lemur islands | Year-round |
| La Mer de Sable | 50–70 min (car/shuttle) | 3–10 | Kid-size rides, sand shows | Spring–Summer |
| Le Bourget Air & Space Museum | 30–45 min (RER/Tram) | All ages | Planes you can board, space exhibits | Year-round (great for rain) |
Top Family-Friendly Day Trips from Paris
1) Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée)
Why it’s great for families: The ultimate kid-pleaser with two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park—parades, character meet-and-greets, and rides for all heights. It’s the most popular day trip from Paris with kids.
How to get from Paris: RER A to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (about 40–45 minutes from central Paris); the station is at the park entrance.
Family highlights: Fantasyland rides for little ones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, and nighttime shows. Consider Rider Switch for younger siblings.
Time on site: Full day.
Tips: Book tickets in advance, arrive before opening, and schedule a midday break. Stroller rental available; many restaurants offer kids’ menus.
2) Parc Astérix (Plailly)
Why go: A high-energy theme park themed around the beloved Astérix comics. Often seen as a local favorite with shorter lines outside peak dates.
Getting there: Park shuttle buses operate from Paris and near CDG Airport; by car it’s roughly 40–50 minutes (traffic permitting).
Highlights: Coasters for tweens/teens, water rides in summer, and family shows. Seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas run on select dates.
Good to know: Many attractions have height requirements; bring a change of clothes for splash rides.
3) Palace of Versailles
Why go: One of the best Paris day trips for families who love history and gardens. Kids can roam the vast park, and under-18s enter the Palace free (ID required); separate tickets may apply for special garden days.
Getting there: RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (~35 minutes), or SNCF trains to other Versailles stations + a short walk.
Family highlights: The gardens and Grand Canal (rent rowboats or bikes), the Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet with farm animals, and the petit train shuttle.
Strollers: Allowed in the park/gardens; limited inside the Palace during busy hours—consider a carrier for infants.
4) Giverny & Monet’s Garden
Why go: A gentle, colorful day out perfect for kids: winding paths, bridges, and the famous water-lily pond that inspired Monet’s paintings.
Getting there: Train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon–Giverny (~45 minutes), then a shuttle bus, taxi, or bike (20–30 minutes) to Giverny. The site is typically open late March to early November.
Family tips: Bring snacks and a picnic blanket; paths are stroller-friendly but can be busy midday. Combine with the small Vernon museum or riverside picnic.
5) Château de Fontainebleau & Forest
Why go: A stunning royal residence with furnished rooms and Napoleon history plus an enormous forest for easy family hikes, boulders, and picnics.
Getting there: Train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau–Avon (~40 minutes), then a local bus to the château.
Highlights: Explore the palace and formal gardens, then head into the forest for short, kid-friendly trails. Great all year.
6) Provins (UNESCO Medieval Town)
Why go: Step into a medieval world with massive ramparts, a charming historic core, and seasonal shows featuring knights and birds of prey—catnip for kids who love castles.
Getting there: Direct trains from Gare de l’Est to Provins (~1h20). The medieval shows run mainly spring–autumn—check schedules.
Don’t miss: The underground tunnels tour and walking the ramparts. Wear comfy shoes; cobblestones abound.
7) Château de Chantilly
Why go: A dreamy château with an exceptional horse museum and demonstrations. The landscaped park is perfect for running around and picnics.
Getting there: Train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly–Gouvieux (~25 minutes), then a 20–25 minute walk or local shuttle/taxi.
Family perks: Horse shows on select days and whipped-cream tastings/workshops occasionally scheduled in town. Lots of open space for strollers.
8) Thoiry ZooSafari
Why go: A drive-through safari plus traditional zoo areas and playgrounds. Kids adore spotting giraffes, zebras, and lions from the car.
Getting there: Easiest by car (~50–70 minutes west of Paris). Seasonal evening lantern festivals create an enchanting winter outing.
Good to know: For the safari route you need a vehicle; otherwise, check if shuttle options are running on your dates.
9) France Miniature (Élancourt)
Why go: A whimsical “mini-France” with hundreds of scaled-down landmarks and kid-friendly rides. Great for school-age children to “travel” the country in a few hours.
Getting there: Best by car (around 40 minutes southwest). Open spring–autumn; many shaded areas.
10) Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise
Why go: A massive outdoor leisure park with a beach, paddle boats, treetop adventure courses, and a whitewater course for older kids—ideal on hot days.
Getting there: RER A to Cergy-Préfecture, then local buses or a 20–30 minute walk depending on activities. Summer weekends can be busy.
11) Auvers-sur-Oise
Why go: A peaceful village tied to Vincent van Gogh. An easy, low-key day with garden strolls, gentle walks, and a manageable dose of culture.
Getting there: RER C or trains from Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise (~35–50 minutes). Many sites are outdoors—best in spring–autumn.
Family tip: Pick up the Van Gogh trail map; distances are short and stroller-friendly.
12) Vaux-le-Vicomte
Why go: The château that inspired Versailles, with gorgeous gardens and occasionally candlelit evenings. Families love the space to roam and the kid-friendly audio guides.
Getting there: Car (~1 hour) or train from Gare de Lyon to Melun then a seasonal shuttle/taxi to the château.
Seasonal magic: Special Easter egg hunts and festive winter events on select dates. Check the calendar before you go.
13) Parc des Félins (Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux)
Why go: A spacious, conservation-focused park dedicated to big cats, plus lemur islands you visit by small train or on foot—great for animal lovers.
Getting there: Car (~1h southeast). Stroller-friendly paths; bring snacks and water.
14) La Mer de Sable (Ermenonville)
Why go: A vintage-feel theme park built on sandy terrain with gentle rides and Western-themed shows. Especially good for younger kids (3–10).
Getting there: Car or shuttle services on select dates (~50–70 minutes northeast of Paris). Open mainly in the warmer months.
15) Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Le Bourget Air & Space Museum)
Why go: One of Europe’s great aviation museums, with aircraft you can board, interactive exhibitions, and lots of hangars for rainy days.
Getting there: RER B to Le Bourget + bus, or Metro/Tram options depending on your location (~30–45 minutes). Budget-friendly and educational.
Transport Cheat Sheet: How to Get There from Paris
| Destination | Best route | Tickets & notes | Car needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Paris | RER A to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy | Book park tickets in advance; stroller rental available | No |
| Parc Astérix | Official shuttle (Paris/CDG) or car | Check shuttle times seasonally | Helpful |
| Versailles | RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche | Under-18s free for Palace entry | No |
| Giverny | Train to Vernon–Giverny + shuttle/bike | Gardens open late Mar–Nov | No |
| Fontainebleau | Train to Fontainebleau–Avon + bus | Combo palace + forest day works well | No |
| Provins | Train from Gare de l’Est | Check show calendar in advance | No |
| Chantilly | Train from Gare du Nord + walk/shuttle | Horse shows on select dates | No |
| Thoiry ZooSafari | Car | Drive-through safari route | Yes |
| France Miniature | Car | Open spring–autumn | Yes |
| Île de Loisirs de Cergy | RER A to Cergy + local bus/walk | Beach/activities open seasonally | No |
| Auvers-sur-Oise | RER/Train from Paris | Best in spring/summer | No |
| Vaux-le-Vicomte | Train to Melun + shuttle or car | Check candlelit evenings | Helpful |
| Parc des Félins | Car | Pair with nearby primate park | Yes |
| La Mer de Sable | Car or seasonal shuttle | Perfect for ages 3–10 | Helpful |
| Le Bourget Museum | RER/Tram + short bus/walk | Great rainy-day choice | No |
Sample Family Itineraries (1 Day)
Versailles with Kids (Relaxed Pace)
- RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche; arrive by opening.
- Visit the Palace early, then head to the gardens.
- Rent a rowboat or bikes by the Grand Canal; picnic in the park (outside formal gardens).
- Afternoon at the Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet (farm animals are a hit).
- Petit Train back if little legs are tired.
Castles + Nature: Fontainebleau
- Train to Fontainebleau–Avon; bus to the château.
- Explore the palace and formal gardens before lunch.
- Afternoon forest walk and boulder scramble on a waymarked family trail.
Art and Gardens: Giverny
- Morning train to Vernon, shuttle to Giverny.
- Visit Monet’s House and Garden before the crowds peak.
- Picnic or café lunch, then short strolls and a quick stop at the Impressionism Museum (check family activities).
Rainy-Day (or Chilly-Weather) Day Trips Near Paris
- Le Bourget Air & Space Museum: Hangars, cockpits, space displays. Most of it is indoors.
- SEA LIFE Paris (Val d’Europe): Aquarium near Disneyland—easy combo on wet days.
- Playmobil FunPark (Fresnes): Budget-friendly indoor play paradise for younger kids.
- Château visits: Versailles, Chantilly, and Fontainebleau are largely indoor; add a café stop for warmth.
Practical Tips for Stress-Free Paris Day Trips with Kids
Tickets, Passes, and Timing
- Book in advance for Disneyland, Parc Astérix, Versailles time slots (busy days), and special shows in Provins.
- Travel passes: If you’re planning multiple suburban trips in a week, compare point-to-point tickets with a weekly pass (Zones 1–5). Kids often get discounted fares.
- Go early: Aim to arrive near opening, especially at theme parks and popular châteaux.
Strollers, Snacks, and Naps
- Strollers are fine in most gardens and parks; inside historic palaces, lightweight strollers or baby carriers are easiest during peak hours.
- Food planning: Many sites allow picnics in designated areas. Pack refillable water bottles; water fountains are common in parks.
- Rest breaks: Build in downtime at playgrounds, lawns, or cafés to avoid afternoon meltdowns.
Seasonal Strategies
- Spring: Gardens (Giverny!) are fabulous, and crowds lighter than summer.
- Summer: Beat the heat with early starts, shady parks, and water activities at Cergy.
- Autumn: Forests around Fontainebleau glow with color; look for harvest and Halloween events.
- Winter: Disneyland’s festivities, lantern nights at Thoiry, and indoor museums shine.
Budget Snapshot
- Free for kids: Many national museums and monuments offer free entry to under-18s (ID required).
- Picnic to save: Swap a sit-down lunch for a picnic in château parks or leisure islands.
- Combo days: Pair a paid site (château) with a free walk (forest/park) to balance costs.
First-Hand Feel: A Parent-Tested Mini-Case
“We visited Versailles with a 6-year-old and a toddler in a lightweight stroller. We booked the Palace for the first time slot, spent under 90 minutes inside, then let the kids roam the gardens. Renting a rowboat was the day’s highlight, and we picnicked by the Grand Canal. We used the petit train to reach the Hamlet—zero whining about walking. Everyone slept on the RER back.”
Which Family Day Trip from Paris Should You Choose?
- For toddlers: Disneyland (Fantasyland), France Miniature, Le Bourget (climb-aboard planes), leisure islands (shallow beach areas).
- For school-age kids: Provins shows, Giverny gardens, Fontainebleau forest, Parc Astérix (check height limits).
- For teens: Parc Astérix coasters, Chantilly horse displays, whitewater/treetop adventures at Cergy, photo-friendly château gardens.
- For animal lovers: Thoiry ZooSafari, Parc des Félins.
- For art/history fans: Versailles, Chantilly, Auvers-sur-Oise, Fontainebleau.
FAQs: Family-Friendly Day Trips from Paris
What’s the easiest family day trip from Paris by train?
Versailles and Disneyland Paris are the simplest. Both have direct transit and clear signage. Chantilly is also quick from Gare du Nord.
Can I do two destinations in one day?
With kids, it’s best to stick to one major site per day. If you want more, pair a château with a nearby park, forest, or town for a gentler second stop.
Are strollers convenient on these trips?
Yes in gardens, parks, and modern museums. For palace interiors and cobblestone towns (Provins), an ultralight stroller or baby carrier works best.
Do I need to rent a car?
No for most trips: Disneyland, Versailles, Giverny, Fontainebleau, Provins, Chantilly, Le Bourget are easy by train/RER. A car is handy for Thoiry, Parc des Félins, France Miniature, and La Mer de Sable.
How far in advance should I book?
Theme parks and special events: weeks ahead in peak season. For trains within Île-de-France, you can usually buy tickets closer to departure; still, arrive early to avoid queues.
Eco- and Family-Friendly Travel Tips
- Favor trains and RER when possible—they’re fast, kid-friendly, and lower carbon than driving.
- Pack light with a compact stroller and a small daypack—easier on stairs and crowds.
- Hydrate smart: Bring reusable bottles; many parks have fountains for refills.
Conclusion: Make Magical Memories Beyond Paris
From thrilling theme parks and storybook châteaux to peaceful gardens and wild animal encounters, the day trips near Paris for families are as varied as your kids’ interests. Choose one destination per day, travel early, and build in playtime. Whether your little ones want to meet Mickey, feed their imagination in medieval Provins, or float in a rowboat at Versailles, these family-friendly day trips from Paris turn a great vacation into an unforgettable one.
Ready to plan? Start with your child’s interests, pick one of the quick picks above, and book your tickets and trains today. Bon voyage!