Wonder Boy and Super Girl like nothing more than hanging out in a park, both in Paris and in London. With a shortage of freely available outdoor space, playtime in Paris is all about park life. After being here for almost two years we have few favourite green spaces. Here is our list of favourite parks in Paris for children as tried and tested by Wonder Boy and Super Girl.
Our all-time 5 favourite parks in Paris for children
1. Our all-time favourite park in Paris for children: Jardin du Luxembourg
The best thing about this park for my kids is the playground. There is a small entry fee, but once in the kids can come and go.
My children love the tunnels and slide climbing frame, they lose themselves in there, corralling other kids into a game of cache-cache or hide-and-seek.
The great thing about this park is there is enough to occupy both older and younger kids, from a zip wire to sand pit.
When the children have had enough, go for a stroll through the beautiful grounds. For that truly Parisian experience, hire a miniature sailboat on the lake or take a pony ride.
Address: Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard – 75006 Paris
2. The park with a view: Parc de Belleville
Parc de Belleville is way across town so we don’t get out there that often. When we do, we make a day of it. The park is situated on Belleville Hill.
Climb to the top for a panoramic view that rivals Montmartre, but without the crowds. While you are there, admire the street art by the world famous street artist: Seth Globepainter.
This park has a fabulous play area for kids that boasts a toboggan slide, a play tower, a faceted climbing wall. It’s great for burning up energy, and especially great if you have older children.
Parc de Belleville is in one of Paris’s China Towns, while you are there, treat yourself to a bowl of delicious noodles.
Address: 47 rue des Couronnes – 75020 Paris
3. The park with the fountains: Parc Andre Citron
Parc Andre Citron is one of our favourite hang-outs in the summer and perfect for when the weather starts hotting up. Parc Andre Citron is located on the site of a former Citron car factory.
The best way to enjoy this park is to pack a picnic, find a patch of grass and set up shop for the afternoon. Make sure the kids have their swimmers because they are going to want to run in and out of the fountains to cool down.
You can refill empty water bottles with fizzy water from the fizzy water fountain. Hey, this is Paris – what do you expect!
As well as the fountains, there is the Generali Air Balloon, which will take you on a ‘flight’ giving you a birds-eye vista of Paris.
Address: 2 rue Cauchy – 75015 Paris
4. The park that gives you a break: Terrain d’ Adventure
Yes, this is true. You have read this right. This Paris park gives you a break from the kids.
The Terrain d’Adventure is in Jardin Nelson Mandela located slap bang in central Paris, next to the behemoth, Les Halles shopping complex.
Drop your children off for 55 minutes of supervised play, while you rest your feet and grab a refreshing coffee. While you’ve picked yourself up, the kids will have enjoyed the trampoline, rocket launch ramps, spring bridge and dino wall.
And did I mention it was free?
Address: 32 rue Berger 75001 Paris
5. The park where you didn’t expect it: Jardin Atlantique
Believe it or not, Jardin Atlantique is located on the roof of Montparnasse station.
When you are in the park you don’t realise you are on top of one of Paris’ busiest rail stations until you hear a train announcement coming from below ground.
Though this is an urban park it is a tranquil spot in a busy neighbourhood. The walkway around the perimeter of the park is great for kids to cycle, scoot, skateboard or skate. There are tennis courts, ping pong tables, and hidden away is a playground.
My kids prefer to race around on the elevated walkways and lose themselves in the ‘jungle’ of woody shrubs, creating their den.
Address: 1 place des 5 Martyrs du Lycée Buffon – 75015 PARIS
Other great parks in Paris for kids
I couldn’t leave without giving these fabulous parks a mention. We love these parks but don’t get out to them as often as we would like.
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette is situated at the northeastern edge of Paris. Once you get here there is a lot to do, it’s probably worth making a day of it.
- The park is home to Cite des Enfants, one of the best and largest science museums in Europe
- You can explore the Argonaut, a decommissioned submarine
- The Geode is a giant hemisphere that is an Imax cinema showing science and nature documentaries aimed at kids
- There’s also the Dragon Garden playground with the giant dragon slide. Be prepared for long queues of hot sweaty kids in the summer
Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès – 75019 Paris
Parc Floral
Parc Floral is situated at the southeastern edge of Paris. Again if you get the chance it’s worth a visit. It’s a beautiful botanical garden that also plays host to summer concerts such as the Paris Jazz festival.
The kids’ playground is a big hit for kids of all ages.
Address: Vincennes Woods, Route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris
Parc Buttes Chaumont
This is a beautiful park set in the heart of northeast Paris. The park is centred around an artificial lake. The steep cliffside is made from an old gypsum quarry. There is a small playground for kids, pony rides but this park is great for relaxing, watching the world go by with a delicious picnic.
Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris
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We’re heading to Paris with our 7 year old and I’m interested in taking him to the adventure playground at Jardin Nelson Mandela. Everything I read says the park has quite specific times from entry but i can’t find what these specific times are or if I should expect to walk up at any time. Does anyone know?
Author
Hi yes it is very specific and the times change. The times are always written up on a sign at the entrance to the park. You drop your child of for a session and pick them up an hour later. I live in London now but drop a line to the mums who run the blog Mama Loves Paris they all live in Paris and maybe able to help. mama@mamalovesparis.com
Hey ! Thanks for those recommaandations, especially for the Jardin Atlantique ! I did not guessed there was a park there. I’ll go soon check it with my cousins. See you ! 🙂
Alex recently posted…Les plus beaux parcs de Paris
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Thank you! You don’t expect a park above a station!
What a fab resource! So good to know the child-approved parks in cities! I think my daughter would love running around the elevated sections of jardin atlantique too. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…City Tripping #77
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Thank you! It’s been lovely trying out the parks in Paris, I hope when others visit they have as much fun as we have had!
I’ve saved this for when we next go. Jardin atlantique looks fab. Reminds me of one I went to in Australia x
Kerry norris recently posted…Why I haven’t taken a holiday since 2011- Guest post by First Time Valley Mam
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Thank you! Jardin Atlantic is a lovely park but if you’re heading to Paris do visit Parc Belleville, it’s so pretty.
I visited some of these as an adult but had no idea of how children might think of them. We are hoping to go to Paris next year or the year after so really helpful , thanks!
Musings of a tired mummy…zzz… recently posted…Jonathan Aston tights, OMG fab-u-lous!
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Ah thank you! I do hope you love Paris when you come.
Mine is Promenade Plantée, stretching 5 km from Bastille to Vincennes, this elevated garden walkway was the inspiration for New York’s High Line. Bamboo forests, rose gardens and water features add variety to the straight-as-an-arrow path along the former train tracks, which is popular with joggers. The curious will have a hard time resisting a peek into the apartments that rise several stories alongside the promenade.
Lisa @ NatureImmerse recently posted…Best Electric Knife Sharpener Reviews 2017
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Thank you. I love the Promenade Plantee it’s been a while since I have been there. I must go and take a walk there again. The French are great with utilising space.
I had no idea that Paris has so many amazing parks. I like the sound of Terrain d’ Adventure, that must be a godsend for parents x
Ana De- Jesus recently posted…10 Things That Make Me Happy
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Yup! You hit the nail on the head, these are an absolute godsend!
I would love to visit these parks when next we are in Paris. I like the sound of them.
Author
Next time you are this way with the kids, you know where to come!
I didn’t actually realize there were so many parks in Paris, these all look great x
Rhian Westbury recently posted…Ways To Update Small Outdoor Spaces
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Thank you! Probably one of Paris’ best kept secrets, the fab parks the city has.
Oh we love a good park and these all look fun places to visit. Parc Andre Citron would be our favourite, you can’t beat playing in water fountains on a hot summers day 🙂 x
Author
Parks with water fountains are just awesome. My kids have been filling water bottles and having water fights. It’s the best place to while away a hot afternoon!
Parks and Paris is the last thing I think of….and I’ve been many times. I know there are lots of skate parks but I haven’t heard of these parks at all. The one with the fountains looks lovely.
Author
It’s the perfect park for a hot day with kids.
I have to admit I don’t think I have ever been to any of these parks in Paris but then we went pre-kids so I will definitely be pinning this for future travels thank you!
Author
If you go with kids, remember these ones!
This is a great list. We’ve been planning an outdoor Paris trip because our last few jaunts down have been in the winter hopping form museum to museum. I pinned this to put together our itinerary!
Author
That’s great! Thank you glad to know I have been of help. Summer is Paris is simply wonderful!
Oh they all sound so interesting! Find it fascinating that they’ve built that beautiful place on top of a station! Amazing! Love a good park, especially when the kids were smaller!
Author
Thank you. We love parks and making the most of them while the kids are little!