Things to do in Paris with kids this Summer - Part 1
Updated: Apr 25, 2022
Paris is full of things to keep you busy with children all holidays and now things are open again for everyone to enjoy! We have collated a list of “must-do”s if you have children in your care this vacation break. The list is so big, we’re going to extend it over a few posts, and rest assured - we have visited each and every place ourselves! Let us begin!
Jardin d’Acclimatation
Bois de Boulogne, Route from Porte Dauphine to Porte des Sablons, 75116 Paris
This park absolutely blew me away! When you enter, there is an amusement park for children (and adults) to enjoy. Each ride has height restrictions, which will mean you may need to accompany your child for some rides, but there are rides for all ages and fears.
The rides can add up quickly but if you’re still looking for a cheap, fun day out - look no further! You can head straight down to the back of the park and there is a huge free play area. Here you’ll find a wading pool, a forest climbing playground, a big sandpit with swings and a great pyramid for all those little Indiana Joneses!
Bring a picnic and enjoy it on the grass next to the wading pool, and don’t forget a towel and your swimming costume!
Entry is 6.5 euros and tickets for the amusement park start at 3.5 euros.
https://www.jardindacclimatation.fr/
All photos from @jardindacclimatation
Cité des Enfants (Cité des Sciences et de l'industrie)
Public transit access: Porte de La Villette
The Cité des Sciences et de l'industrie has a permanent exhibition for children, providing an incredible place for parents and nannies to bring their children on a rainy day! The exhibition is divided into two areas - one for 2-7 year olds and the other for 5-12 year olds.
La Cité des enfants 2-7 ans is divided into five thematic areas: I discover myself, I know how to do it, I find my way around, I experiment, All together. Each activity allows parents to support the child in their play with pictograms.
La Cité des enfants 5-12 ans is divided into six areas: The Body, Communicate, The TV Studio, The Water Games, The Garden and The Factory. Watch your child run wild! Each area immerses them in science but in the world they understand. They can run to measure their speed, experiment with light and sound and there’s even a water area.
If you get there a little early, we recommend going to the bottom floor of the Cité des Sciences and exploring the mini aquarium. It’s free for everyone, and although very small, quite impressive!
Full price € 12
Reduced price € 9
Reservation required online (no charge) or on site at distributors.
https://www.cite-sciences.fr/fr/au-programme/expos-permanentes/la-cite-des-enfants/
Photos from left to right from @citedessciences, @citedessciences, taken by me
Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris
The Menagerie is one of the oldest zoos in the world, existing for more than 225 years. In the heart of Paris, you find yourself in the labyrinth home of 500 animals, of which 40% are endangered species. As you walk off the busy streets of Paris and enter the Menagerie, you can come and meet 150 species of animals including mammals, birds, tortoises, crocodiles, lizards and snakes, amphibians and insects, crustaceans and spiders!
https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/
Photos from left to right from @steven.dartois, taken by me, @flashnature_
Jardin du Luxembourg
Rue de Médicis / Rue de Vaugirard -75006 Paris
The thing I love about Paris is the beautiful, lush, tranquil parks that can be found all around the city. A quick escape from the busy, fast-paced life. Jardin du Luxembourg is known for its elegant pathways, green garden chairs and perfectly lined trees. Here are a few things you can do here with little ones:
Ludo Jardin is a children’s playground that offers multiple play areas adaptable to all age groups. Here there is something for children of all ages - you’ll find swings, slides and puzzles for the little ones. For the bigger and more adventurous, they have a zip line and plenty of climbing ropes and structures. (Price: 3€ for children ( from 3y to 12y) and 1€ per adult)
Float a boat on the big pond - You can hire a little wooden sailboat with a long stick from the kiosk beside the pond.
Enjoy a picnic on the grass - During warmer months, you can picnic along the grass area in between the trees across the Senate building. Grab some sandwiches from a boulangerie nearby or make your own and enjoy the calmer side of Paris!
Photos from left to right from L’Île aux Fées blog, taken by me, taken by me
More ideas for how to spend your holidays in Paris to come!