Paris Olympics 2024 travel checklist for families: complete guide for travelling with children

Travelling to the Paris Olympics 2024 with children is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it requires careful planning to avoid last-minute issues. This Paris Olympics 2024 travel checklist for families covers all the essentials: from purchasing tickets and booking accommodation to safety, transport, and kid-friendly activities. Paris in July and August 2026 will be at peak season, with warm temperatures and large crowds, so early organisation is key.

This checklist is tailored for European families, considering real deadlines, public transport schedules, safety regulations, and family-friendly entertainment options. Use Foco to manage every step: create a project called 'Paris 2024 Olympics', assign tasks to family members, and set priorities based on deadlines (like ticket validation or train bookings).

What to include in your planning

From buying discounted tickets for children to choosing accommodation near Olympic venues, this checklist ensures you don’t miss a thing. It also includes practical tips, such as carrying extra documentation for minors or planning alternative routes in case of crowds.

• Purchase Olympic event tickets on the official website, selecting family seating and checking discounts for children under 16
• Book accommodation with free cancellation near Olympic venues (Saint-Denis, Le Bourget, or central Paris) or close to RER/Metro stations
• Apply for the Carte Familles Nombreuses if eligible (discounts on transport and tickets for large families in France)
• Buy train or flight tickets in advance, choosing off-peak times and reserving seats together for the family
• Validate Olympic tickets in the official Paris 2024 app before travelling and download digital copies on all family devices
• Prepare documentation for minors: ID, passport if required, and a signed travel authorisation if travelling with one parent
• Take out travel insurance covering cancellation, medical assistance, and lost luggage, including sports coverage
• Book places in official family activities from the 'Paris 2024 Live Sites' programme (free zones with giant screens, workshops, and shows)
• Plan public transport routes from accommodation to venues using the Île-de-France Mobilités app for real-time schedules
• Buy Navigo Semaine passes (unlimited 7-day transport) or t+ tickets in advance to avoid queues at stations
• Prepare an emergency kit with basic medicines, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and snacks for children
• Download offline maps of Paris and Olympic venues on Google Maps or Maps.me for use without internet
• Review Paris 2024 security rules: access control measures, prohibited items, and protocols for unaccompanied minors
• Book meals at restaurants near venues with kids' menus or bring packed food if events are long
• Set a family meeting point in case of separation, using recognisable landmarks near venues
• Carry emergency contact details in each child’s backpack (wristbands or laminated cards)
• Check mobile coverage in France and activate roaming or buy a local SIM card with unlimited data
• Prepare entertainment for children during travel: books, travel games, or tablets with downloaded movies
• Check the weather forecast for July/August in Paris and pack comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and layers for temperature changes