When we decided to take the kids to Paris, I knew it would be special, but I didn’t anticipate just how much having my mother-in-law along would elevate the experience. Multigenerational travel isn’t just about having more family members on a trip; it’s about blending different perspectives, creating shared memories, and finding new ways to appreciate a destination together.
That said, it also takes some planning to make it a success. Traveling with different generations means balancing distinct needs, energy levels, and interests. For this trip, my husband Dave and I wanted to ensure that everyone, from our six- and nine-year-old kids to my mother-in-law, had a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Along the way, we learned what worked, what didn’t, and how to adapt to make the most of a multigenerational adventure.
Why Multigenerational Travel Is Worth It
There’s something truly unique about exploring a place like Paris with three generations of family. Each of us brought our own perspective to the trip. My kids approached everything with wide-eyed wonder, seeing magic in every croissant, carousel, and cobblestone street. For my mother-in-law, Paris was a place steeped in nostalgia and fond memories of taking her young sons (my husband!) there when they were in highschool. And for me, I lived in Paris for a year with my family when I was around 12 years old. So, the trip fostered a blend of perspectives – a city of discovery and firsts for my children, as well as triggering beautiful memories and nostalgia for the grown ups.
Making It Work: Flexibility Is Key
One of the most important lessons we learned on this trip was the value of flexibility. Traveling with kids and a grandparent meant we couldn’t stick to one rigid itinerary. Instead, we built in plenty of options and time to adjust based on everyone’s needs.
While we did a ton of group activities, such as the Louvre, the Effiel Tower, a bateau mouche down the Seine and more, we also split up into smaller groups to cater to different interests. For example, one afternoon my mom-in-law, son and husband went to visit some additional museums and Luxembourg Gardens. Meanwhile, my daughter and I went shopping and for a special afternoon treat at La Duree. My mother-in-law stayed in one night to manage jet leg and we went out late without her. And another night, she stayed in with the kids and Dave and I enjoyed a date night in Le Marais. Having this balance—what we jokingly referred to as “the tale of two itineraries”—helped keep everyone happy and energized. And when we reunited, we were so excited to share our adventures and photos.
Building Connections Through Shared Experiences
One of the best parts of multigenerational travel is the opportunity to build special memories across generations. On this trip, my mother-in-law and the kids shared a sense of wonderment that would not occur during our regular visits to each other’s homes.
At the markets, my mother-in-law led the kids on how to pick out fresh baguettes and cheese and other treats for a Parisian-style picnic. They loved helping choose pastries at the patisserie and laughed together over the (sometimes unpredictable) results of their French vocabulary attempts.
One of my favorite aspects of the trip was watching my son Leo use a scavenger-hunt-style Mission book to explore the city and how it engaged all of us. He was so focused on checking off the points he needed that he hardly noticed how much he was learning about art and history. At the Louvre, I was growing weary of the crowds. However my mother-in-law happily chaperoned the kids through a dense crowd ultimately to the front row of the Mona Lisa viewing line, it struck me how much more meaningful this was because of her presence.
Tips for a Smooth Multigenerational Trip
While multigenerational travel is deeply rewarding, it does come with its challenges. Here are a few things we learned along the way to help make it work:
- Embrace Flexibility: Plan your days with room for spontaneity. Not everyone will want to do the same thing at the same time, and that’s okay. Having “two itineraries” ensures everyone gets the most out of the trip.
- Consider Energy Levels: Older adults and younger kids often have different energy levels, so it’s important to schedule time for breaks. A relaxed café stop or an afternoon nap can make all the difference.
- Celebrate the Small Moments: It’s not always about big sightseeing highlights. Some of our most cherished memories came from simple experiences, like sitting on a park bench by the Seine with a baguette and éclairs from a local market.
- Foster Shared Curiosity: Activities like the Mission book and reading 100 Interesting Facts About Paris for Smart Kids before the trip helped connect our kids with the city in ways they could understand. These tools also gave my mom opportunities to share her own knowledge and stories, bridging the gap between generations.
The Takeaway
As I reflect on our time in Paris, I realize just how much this trip meant to all of us. For my kids, it was a chance to explore a new country and culture with the guidance and experience of their “Bubby”. For my mother-in-law, it was an opportunity to create lasting memories with her grandchildren. And for me, it was a reminder of how shared travel can deepen family bonds in ways that no other experience can.
In the end, multigenerational travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey you take together. Whether it’s sharing stories over a market picnic or marveling at the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, these moments become the memories that connect us across generations. I can’t wait to see where our family adventures take us next. If you’re considering a trip like this, I promise it is worth the effort.