Parties to Pretties – Picnic in the Park
Why stay at home & indoors when you can fill a picnic basket full of goodies and lay in the grass and sun!? With Spring approaching, it’s about time we got some color on our cheeks and enjoyed the outdoors a bit more. Don’t forget some portable tunes to accompany the meal, walk, and conversation!!
Image found on Seven Spoons / 01. Pillow / 02. Radio / 03. Stanley Thermos / 04. Sunglasses / 05. Portable Knife Set / 06. Picnic Basket / 07. Foldable Chair
10 Things to Do in Paris with Kids
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I just had someone ask me for recommendations on things to do in Paris with kids again so I thought it would be good to get it online on one place. So, here goes.
1. Pizza Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. Does visiting French restaurants with kids make you nervous? Avoid the whole thing by picking up a pizza at Gusto Italia (their veggie pizza is really good) then take it across the street to the park for a picnic right in front of the Eiffel Tower.
2. Bike Rides. Velib, Paris’ public bike system is amazing, the only problem is there is no way to bring the kids along. Paris’ bicycle path system is extensive and biking is one of my favorite ways to get around especially when tourist season hits. If you are nervous about biking in a big city stick to park paths and some of the bike paths along the Seine. You can rent bikes with kids seats right here.
3. Le 104. This is one of the most special places in Paris. It is part art installation, part interactive museum. The installations are made to play in and “experience” and are perfect for both children and adults. In addition to the changing exhibitions Le 104 is also home to my favorite carousel in the world.
4. Seine Boat Tour. Pick up a ride at Ile St. Louis for an hour long cruise through the center of Paris at sunset. The kids love the boats and you can see the big sites in one fell swoop.
5. Puppet Show. Some of the bigger parks like Jardin de Luxembourg and Champ de Mars have the classic old marionette shows. They are in French but have a lot of physical comedy that any 3 year old will think is hilarious. Check for exact times but they are usually in the afternoons on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
6. Carousels. There are as many carousels in Paris as there are Starbucks in Manhattan. That might be a slight exaggeration but really, they are everywhere. It is so great to be able to stop throughout the day and treat your kids to a carousel ride.
7. Toy Sailboats. Some of the parks like Jardin de Luxembourg and the Tuileries have adorable toy boat rentals run by equally adorable old men. You choose your boat and send it off into the little pond with a stick to guide it. It is surprisingly entertaining and makes for great photos.
8. Parc Floral. A friend introduced me to this impressive park last year. It is enormous and has the best toys of any park I’ve been to (they are really awesome!) If Disneyland were a public park it would be Parc Floral. Mountains of slides, ziplines, fields of flowers, and snack bars aplenty.
9. The Cité des Enfants is one of our favorite kids museums. It’s especially great for younger kids and toddlers. Lots of science related toys to play with. A really well done children’s museum.
10. Ferris Wheel. In the winter the Ferris Wheel sits prominently at the bottom of the Champs Elysees (and during the summer months there is one in the Tuileries.) Hop on for a ride and a 360 degree view of the city.
all photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day
ps Here are my tips for traveling with kids and tips for traveling on airplanes with kids. Plus 6 tips for planning the best vacation ever.
2011 Year in Review | July-Sep
Here is the third part of the OHD Year in Review. Seeing these pictures make me want it to be summer right now. The picnics and swimming seem so far away from our scarves and heavy coats.
We sailed Greece with friends.
Make your own Picture Frame Cheap!
How to Make an Alligator Pinata
DIY Caramel Apple Kit
I have a particular fondness for the sweets that are specific to fall and winter. Caramel apples are classic, and this little kit is a fun way to give them new life. You can bring the kits to a get-together, give them out at your own parties, or take them along on a cool weather picnic. You could also set up a Caramel Apple Bar and have all the ingredients arranged in dishes for guests to make their own. These kits are best when paired with a petite vintage butter or cheese knife to cut the apple into slices and slather caramel on each slice. You can find handsome old knives at thrift stores, or on Etsy or Ebay.
Steps:
Party to Pretties: An Outdoor Meal
I love it when you can feel the seasons slowly shifting – Fall is creeping up on us and i love it. Since I just recently experienced a lovely outdoor meal in Portland, OR – I decided to share some of the items we brought along for our dinner. We embraced a more natural color scheme, kept things simple while focusing on beautiful materials, and enjoyed food that the Fall season is known and loved for. What are your favorite Fall foods?
Table Setting // Blanket // Stoneware // Eat Napkin // Wooden Chair // Water Glass // Bottle with stopper // Wooden Utensils
Oh Happy Day is a party and lifestyle blog based in San Francisco. We just moved back after spending a year in Paris, France. We love to throw parties and make things!
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