Jennifer Garner recalled taking her three children out of school for six weeks during her marriage to Ben Affleck, describing the unconventional family adventure as an unforgettable experience. The 54-year-old actress shared the memory during the 4 November 2026 episode of Happy Hour With Ina Garten, explaining how she travelled to Europe with Violet, Fin, and Samuel while Affleck was working on a Batman-related film in London.
Although removing children from school for an extended holiday might raise questions among parents, Garner expressed no regret about the decision. Instead, she remembered the trip as an opportunity to create lasting family memories, particularly during the children's younger years.
Jennifer Garner Recalls Taking Her Children Out of School
Garner explained that the family spent six weeks in Europe while Affleck was occupied with filming commitments in London. 'When my kids were really little, I went to Paris,' she told Garten, recalling the period when her children were still young enough to accompany her on an extended trip.
The actress acknowledged that she had temporarily removed them from school to make the journey possible. 'It was the last time I really took kids out of school, but it was wonderful. It was incredible. It was so fun,' she said.
Garner did not identify the exact Batman-related production Affleck was filming, although the actor portrayed Bruce Wayne in several DC films during their marriage and separation period. The family travelled beyond London, visiting destinations including Paris and Venice.
For Garner, the appeal appeared to lie in giving her children experiences they could share rather than simply accompanying their father overseas. Her recollection also suggests that the six-week absence was an exception rather than a regular approach to their education.
Ina Garten Helped Create One of the Trip's Best Memories
One of Garner's favourite memories from the European adventure involved advice from Garten herself. The television personality and cookbook author had recommended taking the children on a boat ride along the River Seine in Paris. Garner followed the suggestion, creating an experience that remained memorable years later.
She recalled photographs capturing the children's excitement during the outing and credited Garten with helping make the trip special. The boat ride also became something of a personal tradition.
'I've done it now, every time I go,' Garner explained, revealing that she continues to revisit the experience whenever she travels to Paris.
The actress later returned to the French capital with her eldest daughter, Violet, who speaks French and was attending an educational programme there. During that visit, Garner once again sought Garten's recommendations for places to explore.
Unlike the earlier family adventure, the later trip offered an opportunity for mother and daughter to spend time together. 'It was just the two of us. It was so special,' Garner recalled.
Garner and Affleck Continue Their Parenting Partnership
Garner's memories offer a glimpse into family life before her separation from Affleck. The former couple married in June 2005 and announced their separation in 2015, finalising their divorce in 2018. They share three children: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14.
Despite the end of their marriage, both actors have spoken positively about their co-parenting relationship. During an October 2026 interview for Sunday Today with Willie Geist, Affleck praised Garner's parenting, describing her as a 'spectacular' mother while joking about how his own efforts compared.
'It always makes me feel like I'm coming up a little short,' he said.
