Visiting Paris Parks with Grandchildren

Taking your children to the park in Paris is a whole other experience than a simple stroll among the shrubbery, with attractions, rides and even puppeteering shows.

Becoming a grandparent is everything that I hoped it would be, and being a grandparent with an apartment in Paris is the BEST. Not only is Paris a dream come true for adults to explore, but it is a wonderland for grandkids of all ages as well. 

Spending quality time in the City of Light with your grandchildren offers the most magical and rewarding experience as special memories are made. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, to fun-filled parks and boat rides, Paris is a kid-friendly playground. There are hundreds of parks in Paris and most have play areas for children that offer a taste of everyday Parisian life. The following are some of the top parks that cater to different ages and interests.

Jardin du Luxembourg 

A favorite for all generations, the Luxembourg Gardens, located in the heart of Paris, is in the 6th arrondissement. This beautiful 25-hectare garden has it all but some of the main activities include: 

• Les Voiliers du Luxembourg (vintage toy sailboats) located in the octagonal shaped central pond. Pushing the sailboats across the fountain has delighted Parisian children for over 90 years, beginning in 1927. Les Voiliers du Luxembourg is open on weekends from 11:00 to 18:00, on Wednesdays from 13:00 to 18:00, 7 days a week during school holidays. Close for 3 months in the winter. Tickets are 6€ for 30 minutes. 

• The merry-go round, designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera, is always a child-pleaser. 

• The Ludo Playground – this gated area includes a large jungle gym, traditional swings, slides, a small zip-line, climbing ropes and more, all within various play areas catering to different age groups. It is a wonderful area for kids to enjoy and discover, playing just like Parisian children have for years. 
• The Marionnette Theater, the best and largest marionette show in France! Led by the main character, Guignol, the marionettes have delighted French children since 1933. Theater seating is reserved for kids only in the first four rows. My husband and I sat in the last row and treated ourselves to a wonderful performance of Les Trois Petits Cochons (the Three Little Pigs). The performances are in French, but the expressions and physical humor captivate young audiences and transcend language barriers.  (Performances on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public and school holidays). Tickets 6€. 

Les Tuileries 

The Tuileries is another central garden, ideally situated between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. This beautiful and historic park offers well-tended wide paths for grandparents to stroll with their grandkids. Just like the Luxembourg Gardens, it offers a wide array of activities for children.      

Children are drawn to the fleet of miniature sailboats with colored sails floating on the Grand Bassin. Opting for the one they fancy, tots are enthralled as they attempt to navigate their vessel with a stick. This timeless classic activity has been offered to Parisian kids since 1850. Tickets are 4€.  

There is an excellent enclosed playground located in the North end of the park, on the Rue de Rivoli side, offering slides and swings. Grandparents can sit and relax in the iconic green metal chairs while their grandkids have a blast. Trampolines nearby are designed for kids ages 2-12. Tickets are 3€ for 5 minutes.   

Another true delight for children is a ride on the beautifully coloured carousel, adorned with imagery from the magical world created by children’s author Charles Perrault. Tickets are 3€.

Le jardin d’Acclimatation 

The Jardin d’Acclimatation features prominently among the hit parade of children’s favourite playgrounds. Inaugurated in 1860 in the Bois du Boulogne by Napoleon III, it is the oldest amusement park in France, oozing with old school charm and distinctly Parisian character.  

Hop aboard the legendary Petit Train (dating from 1878), starting from Porte Maillot, offering a charming way to arrive through the woods of the Bois du Boulogne. Free. 

This 49-acre park blends beautifully maintained gardens and paths with unique amusement park attractions. With over 45 attractions ranging from the vintage carousel that is perfect for tiny tots, to more thrilling choices that will get your heart pumping, it is an ideal place for adults and kids alike. Grandparents can relax or take part as their grandkids squeal with delight on a variety of attractions such as the mini roller coaster, swinging chairs, electric horses, boat rides, crazy mirrored fun house, and much more. In this arena, kids are king.   

Adding to the fun is the wonderful zoo with an array of farm animals, including llamas, pigs, a large cow, and beautiful birds. In addition, the Exploradome offers hands-on science workshops (with a fee).   

A small entrance fee is required. Rides are offered at an extra charge (3-7€) depending on the activity. 

Champ de Mars 

Surrounding the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars is a great place to relax, walk and picnic à la française. Children adore playing in the Champ de Mars gardens which encompass four different playgrounds, a charming puppet theater and of special note, a beautiful antique hand-crafted carousel.  

Kids delight in whirling around and around, playing “catch the ring”, a children’s version of the medieval jousts where knights at a gallop speared rings with their lances. While gripping the carousel poles, kids hold tightly onto their wooden batons as they attempt to catch the metal rings that hang suspended from a rack as the carousel turns. Centuries later, children still gleefully adore playing the “jeu de bagues”, and adults delight in watching them.

With all these options, grandparents can give their grandkids a Paris vacation that they will never forget. Not only do these parks offer quintessential activities that evoke the “Belle Vie Française”, their timeless charm appeals to the child in every one of us.