I have a unique situation I hope I can be given advice on. I'm based in the US but currently on a business trip in India. I decided on my return to the US to divert to Europe for a week-long impromptu family vacation. My girlfriend and son will be meeting me at CDG, our flights arrive in different terminals within a few hours of each other.

Me: Air France #135 BOM-CDG, arriving in Terminal 2A on April 28, 8:10 AM CEST
Them: Northwest #50 DTW-CDG, arriving in Terminal 2E on April 28, 11:20AM

I've read all the pages of this thread and it seems that I will not be able to meet them at their gate in 2E since I would have to clear security at 2E and wouldn't have a boarding pass. Is this correct? If so, what is a suggested place to meet close to/in 2E? Baggage claim? Will I be able to access the baggage claim area?

Unrelated, we fly out of AMS a week later with no hard plans (no hotels, trains, etc. booked in advance) between CDG and AMS. We want to do random things and stay in whatever areas/cities/countries we find appealing. Aside from higher costs because of no advanced bookings, is this a dumb thing to do while traveling with a 5 year old? Or is it looked at as an exciting adventure?

Thanks in advance!