Our kids were so excited to find out that we were going to Paris on holiday – their instant reaction was to squeak “Will we see the Eiffel Tower?”
And the answer was yes. But we didn’t tell them that we would actually go up it – to the very summit! We saved that news for when we were stood at the base of it, staring up open mouthed.
We debated the wisdom of going up the Eiffel Tower with our rambunctious young kids – we have a 7, 5 and 2 year old, so we’re outnumbered.
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But in the end, when you’re in Paris, you have to go up the Eiffel Tower right?! So, we had 3 main strategies for making this work –
- We strapped the 2 year old on to her daddy’s back for the duration of the trip
- We did not use the steps – we took the elevator option to the summit
- We wrapped up warm – thermals, hats, gloves etc for our chilly November ascent
1) We strapped the 2 year old on to her daddy’s back for the duration of the trip
You can take baby strollers up the Eiffel Tower and little ones can walk around, but we would definitely advise a baby/toddler carrier. Even though it wasn’t peak season, it was still very busy on the Eiffel Tower so it brought us peace of mind knowing that our feisty 2 year old couldn’t leg it at any moment (there’s nowhere for small children to fall off it, but it was busy). The busy-ness is what makes taking a stroller up it tricky, you have to collapse it while travelling in the elevators, so you’d have to wake up a sleeping child anyway, and then it gives you much less space for walking around the paths to take in the views.
2) We did not use the steps – we took the elevator option to the summit
There are different options when it comes to exploring the Eiffel Tower. The cheapest option is to climb the stairs to the second floor. There is still a fantastic view of the city from here. This would be a good budget option for families, or would work well with older children in warmer weather.
The most expensive option is to get an elevator to the second floor, followed by an elevator to the summit. This is the option that we took, and we were so pleased that we did. The combination of not tiring out little legs (which has already walked miles that day), not freezing in the windy weather, and the thrill of going up the elevator with it’s incredible views of the mechanics of the lift and the inside of the tower structure made it worth every penny. And the view from the top? Absolutely magnifique!
- We wrapped up warm – thermals, hats, gloves etc for our chilly November ascent
It’s definitely worth dressing appropriately for the weather. Even if you pre-book tickets there is a degree of waiting in queues to use the elevators. While there are indoor sections to the Eiffel Tower, you will spend the majority of your trip outside enjoying the views, to sun cream in the summer months and thermals in the winter months are a must. Dressing in the right gear will definitely make it more enjoyable with children. Maybe even a hot or cold drink in your bag would be advised, although refreshments are available on the second floor.
The details
| Adult Rate | Youth Rate (aged 12-24) | Child Rate(1) (aged 4-11) | Disabled(1) | Child under 4 Rate(2) (under 4) | |
| Ticket with access lift Second floor | 16,70€ | 8,40€ | 4,20€ | 4,20€ | Free |
| Ticket with access lift The top | 26,10€ | 13,10€ | 6,60€ | 6,60€ | Free |
| Ticket with access stairs Second floor | 10,50€ | 5,20€ | 2,60€ | 2,60€ | Free |
| Ticket with access stairs 2nd floor +lift The top | 19,90€ | 9,90€ | 5,00€ | 5,00€ | Free |
Our conclusion
The Eiffel Tower is an absolute must if you are in Paris. Children love it.
Our whole trip to Paris was defined for a constant hunt for the Eiffel Tower, while we were on the plane, in the taxi and up the Sacré-Cœur Basilica hill – our children would scan the skyline for the Eiffel Tower. Every time they spotted it, they would squeal with delight. It has a magical feel to it – it’s so impressive, so distinctive and so very tall.
But to go up it, to the very summit – that’s the thing of dreams. How cool to give our children the opportunity to experience the wonder and amazement of that?
And one final tip – if you can, check out the sunset timings for your ascent. To see the sunset over the city, the twinkling lights of Paris and the floodlit landmarks is absolutely priceless.
Cathy who is married to Scott and has three lively little'uns. Aged 9, 7 and 5.