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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