Traveling internationally with kids can be as daunting as it is thrilling. Preparing for our recent family trip to Paris with children aged 9 and 6, I wanted to build excitement ahead of time. Our hope was that they would have greater appreciation for this magical and historically rich city, even through their young eyes. And be motivated to push through the jet lag and pace on arrival.
With a few small but thoughtful steps, here’s how we turned the weeks leading up to our Parisian getaway into part of an unforgettable journey and landed in Paris with kids who were excited, engaged and eager to explore!
The Countdown Board: A Daily Dose of Anticipation
We kept our Paris trip a surprise until about 25 days before departure. This gave us just enough time to let the excitement build without it feeling too far away for our kids, given their age. Once we revealed the news, we introduced a countdown board on the kitchen counter —a simple but powerful tool to keep the anticipation alive.
Every morning, the kids eagerly took turns crossing off a day and updating the board. It became a cherished ritual, sparking conversations about what Paris would be like. “Will people be wearing berets?” my youngest asked one day. Another morning, my older one wondered aloud, “Will we be able to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and can we definitely go see the Mona Lisa?”
The countdown board turned the abstract idea of “we’re going to Paris” into something tangible and thrilling. It anchored their imaginations while helping them grasp the meaningfulness of our travels. Seeing their growing excitement was so rewarding for me as well.
The Puzzle That Brought Paris to Life
To get familiar with the city, I ordered a kids’ 3D puzzle of Paris. The kids spent hours piecing together miniature replicas of landmarks they’d soon see in real life. And it even lights up with LED lights. While I wish I had a picture of them building it, the puzzle itself was a hit. It sparked curiosity about the places they were reconstructing, from the majestic Notre Dame to the intricate details of the Eiffel Tower and where we would be staying relative to the landmarks.
What I loved most about this activity was how it gave them a sneak peek into Paris. By the time we arrived, these landmarks already felt familiar, almost like old friends they were excited to meet in person.
Reading Our Way to Paris
One of the best discoveries in our pre-trip preparations was the book 100 Interesting Facts About Paris For Smart Kids. This gem became a nightly ritual in our household. With each fact being presented on a single page, the content was easily digestible and fun for both my children.. We learned quirky tidbits about the city’s history, landmarks, and culture, like how Paris got its nickname, “The City of Light,” and the story behind the tiny flame on the Place de l’Alma. The kids loved guessing which fun fact we’d discover next, and it gave them a sense of connection to the city before we even arrived.
Books like these are a fantastic way to make a destination feel relatable and to spark kids’ imaginations. By the time we landed in Paris, my kids felt like little experts, proudly sharing their knowledge as we explored the city.
The Mission Book: Turning Sightseeing Into a Game
If there’s one thing that truly captured my kids’ attention during the trip, it was the Mission book. Designed as a scavenger hunt for travelers, this book encouraged them to “complete missions” by spotting famous landmarks, identifying cultural details, and checking off unique experiences.
From the moment we arrived, the Mission book became a constant companion. One of my favorite photos from the trip is of my son, standing in front of a clock at the Musée d’Orsay with the book in hand, eagerly reviewing what he still needed to “knock off.”
What made this activity so special was how it transformed sightseeing into an engaging, interactive experience. The kids weren’t just passive observers; they were actively searching, noticing, and participating. Whether it was finding a street artist near Montmartre or spotting the arches of the Pont Neuf, the Mission book turned every moment into an adventure.
The enthusiasm didn’t stop once we left Paris. On the flight home, my oldest asked, “Can we get a Mission book for New York City, too?” which is our hometown. I couldn’t have been happier.
Creating a Lasting Connection to the Trip
Beyond the puzzles, books, and countdowns, the most rewarding part of this process was watching my kids develop an appreciation for travel and a new cultural destination.. They learned to anticipate, explore, and savor the experience as something more than just a vacation.
By incorporating these small, meaningful activities into our pre-trip routine, we created a sense of connection to Paris before we even stepped off the plane. They weren’t just tagging along on a family trip; they were engaged participants in the adventure.
Now, as I reflect on that countdown board, the puzzle pieces that are probably still scattered under the couch, and the dog-eared Mission book, I realize just how much these simple preparations enriched our journey. So, if you’re planning your next family adventure, don’t wait for the trip to begin at the airport. Start the excitement early, get creative, and let the journey unfold before your very eyes. Because sometimes, the best part of travel isn’t just the destination—it’s everything leading up to it.
