Paris Theme Dinner Ideas for Kids

Set Up a Paris-Inspired Table

A few simple details can make an ordinary family dinner feel like a little Paris café. Kids can help decorate the table and create the atmosphere before the meal begins.

Build a Paris Theme Dinner Menu

You don't need a long list of dishes for Paris night. Choose one main dish, one bread or pastry, one easy side and a simple dessert or treat. Let kids help with at least one part of the meal.

Make Homemade Croissants with Kids

Homemade croissants take a little time, but they make a fun special-occasion baking project for a Paris theme dinner. Kids can help measure ingredients, mix the dough, roll it into circles and shape the triangles into croissants.

Homemade Croissants

Ingredients

• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup warm water (105F-115F)
• 1 package active dry yeast or 1 tablespoon yeast
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 1/3 cup sugar, plus a small pinch for the yeast
• 2 eggs, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 tablespoon water, for the egg wash

Directions

1. Cut the cold butter into small pieces or thin slices.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of the flour with the 1 cup cold butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add a small pinch of sugar and let it sit until the yeast becomes bubbly and foamy.
4. In another large bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup flour, half-and-half, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, salt and melted butter.
5. Add the yeast mixture and the crumbly flour-and-butter mixture.
6. Mix until the dough is just combined and evenly moistened.
7. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for several hours.
8. Turn the chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently.
9. Divide the dough into 4 smaller balls. Keep the portions you are not using in the refrigerator so they stay chilled.
10. Roll one ball of dough into a large circle.
11. Cut the circle into triangle or wedge shapes.
12. Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough toward the pointed end.
13. Curve the ends slightly to make a croissant shape.
14. Place the shaped croissants on an ungreased baking sheet.
15. Repeat with the remaining dough.
16. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a lightweight towel and let rise for 1-2 hours.
17. Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water.
18. Brush the egg wash lightly over the tops of the croissants.
19. Bake at 325F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Optional Filled Croissants: Before rolling each triangle, place about 1 tablespoon of filling near the wide end. Try fruit filling, chocolate, a creamy filling or a savory chicken mixture. Roll the dough around the filling and bake as directed.

Kid Cooking Tip: Younger kids can help cut the dough into wedges and roll the triangles. Older kids can help measure ingredients and brush the shaped croissants with egg wash. An adult should handle the hot oven and baking sheets.

How to Shape Croissants

Once the dough has chilled and been divided into smaller portions, shaping the croissants is one of the best jobs for kids.

1. Cut the Dough: Roll the dough into a circle and cut it into triangle or wedge shapes.
2. Roll Each Triangle: Start at the wide end and roll toward the pointed tip.
3. Shape and Rise: Curve the ends slightly, place the croissants on a baking sheet and let them rise.
4. Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake until golden brown.

Kid-Friendly Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a well-known French beef stew. This simplified family-friendly version uses beef broth instead of wine and combines tender beef with carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic and herbs. Serve it with French bread, croissants or another simple side for Paris night.

Easy Beef Bourguignon for Kids

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef stew meat
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 6-8 cups beef broth
• 1 bouquet garni, or about 2 tablespoons mixed herbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small can whole mushrooms or 1 pound fresh mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil, for sautéing

Directions

1. Add the oil to a large soup pot and heat over medium heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and grated onion.
3. Cook until the outside of the beef is browned, stirring as needed.
4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Add the sliced carrots, beef broth, herbs and minced garlic.
6. Stir to combine and cover the pot with a lid.
7. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
8. Add the mushrooms and tomato paste and stir to combine.
9. Continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
10. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

What Is a Bouquet Garni? A bouquet garni is a small bundle of herbs used to flavor soups and stews. If you don't have one, use the mixed herbs listed in the recipe instead.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can measure the broth, add the herbs and tomato paste and help prepare the mushrooms. An adult should handle browning the meat and working at the hot stove.

More French Food Ideas for Paris Night

You don't have to make both croissants and Beef Bourguignon for your Paris theme dinner. Choose recipes that fit your family's tastes and the amount of time you have. These French cooking ideas can help you build a different menu for another Paris night too.

French Cooking Lesson
Explore French recipes and cooking ideas while introducing kids to French food and cooking techniques.

Cheese Soufflé
Try a classic French-inspired cheese dish as part of your Paris dinner or cooking lesson.

Béchamel Sauce
Learn how to make a basic French white sauce and discover different ways to use it in family meals.

French Macarons with Chocolate Ganache
Make colorful French macarons filled with rich chocolate ganache for a special Paris night dessert.

French Macarons for Paris Night

Colorful French macarons can make a fun finishing touch for a Paris theme dinner. Watch the video below to see how macarons are made, or serve purchased macarons as an easy dessert when the main meal is already a bigger cooking project.

Paris Dinner Activities for Kids

Turn Paris night into more than a meal by adding one simple activity. Kids can pretend they are visiting a Paris café, create menus, dress up or learn a few French food words while dinner is being prepared.

Give Everyone a Paris Night Job

Kids can take different roles depending on their ages and cooking skills. One child might arrange the bread and cheese, another can decorate the table, and an older child can help measure ingredients or prepare part of the meal.

More Theme Dinner Ideas for Kids

Travel somewhere new for your next family dinner with another themed menu, cooking activity and table idea.

Italian Theme Dinner
Make homemade pasta, Italian appetizers and other family-friendly foods for an Italian night.

Hawaiian Theme Dinner
Create a tropical family dinner with Hawaiian-inspired foods, decorations and activities.

Fiesta Theme Dinner
Plan a colorful Mexican-inspired dinner with kid-friendly foods and family activities.

More Theme Dinner Ideas
Find more creative themes, menus and cooking activities for family dinner nights.