Katherine is a mom of 2 and publisher of The Knowledge Nuggets’ Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids. On her site she shares practical tips and advice on everyday life in France, as well as tips for experiencing Paris with the family, its hidden gems and the history that runs through the city’s streets and landmarks. Here she tell us her favorite playgrounds in Paris…
Planning your day around landmarks and nearby play areas — especially if you have toddlers — can make all the difference. Iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower have great playgrounds nearby, offering the perfect opportunity for kids to let off some steam while you relax with a coffee or croissant. It’s a win-win for keeping everyone happy and recharged for more exploring!
1. Playground in Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Garden (or Jardin du Luxembourg) in the 6th arrondissement is a fantastic place to take kids for some outdoor playtime and the perfect spot in Paris to spend a few enjoyable hours. The beautiful garden offers plenty of activities: take a stroll, play in the playground, ride a vintage French carousel, watch a puppet show at the nearby Théâtre des Marionnettes, or rent the iconic wooden sailboats to push across the pond.
Inside the park, you’ll find the Ludo Jardin – one of the best playgrounds for kids in the center of Paris. There is a small entry fee (€3 for children and €1 for adults), which helps keep it from becoming overcrowded. Parents can relax on the benches surrounding the playground, knowing their kids are playing safely in a secure space.
The playground has something to entertain kids of all ages. Younger children will love the mini obstacle course with balance beams, a giant sandpit equipped with diggers and pulleys, and animal rockers. Older kids can enjoy the climbing fort with a slide and a zipline. The nature-themed play structures, made mostly of logs and wood, add a charming touch to the space. Adjacent to the playground, a kiosk serves hot drinks, sandwiches, and ice cream – perfect for a post-play treat.
Where to Stay: 6th Arrondissement
2. Playgrounds in the Champs de Mars
Just a five-minute walk from the base of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find two great playgrounds and a classic carousel in the sprawling Parc du Champ de Mars. This large park stretches from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire and is a favorite spot for picnics, with plenty of grassy space and unbeatable views of the tower.
The playgrounds are right next to each other at the corner of Avenue Charles Risler and Avenue Pierre Loti. The first one, conveniently located next to a café serving crepes, drinks, and ice cream, is perfect for younger kids. It has a sandpit, a climbing frame, and a slide to keep little ones entertained. The second playground is great for toddlers and older kids, with a fun train to climb on, toddler-friendly play structures, and a bigger, more challenging climbing frame for adventurous ones.
Right next to the playgrounds is a charming vintage French carousel that’s sure to be a hit with the kids. They can try the “jeu de bagues” (ring game), where they ride around on their wooden horses, trying to spear rings with a baton. The cheerful carousel attendant will cheer them on in French, making it even more fun. It’s a little taste of French tradition that adds to the magic of the moment.
Where to Stay: 7th Arrondissement
3. Playground in Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau, located in the 8th arrondissement, is a stunning and less touristy park that feels like a hidden gem. Its English garden-style design features an elegant arc bridge over a pond, ancient colonnades, and beautiful statues scattered throughout the picturesque grounds.
The playground here is a favorite with local families, offering slides, swings, and a large rope climbing structure that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Across the park, you’ll find a whimsical carousel inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days and an outdoor café serving freshly made crepes, ice cream, and snacks.
The park also has a large open grassy area, ideal for picnics, playing ball, or simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Parc Monceau is a perfect spot for families looking to unwind and let the kids play in a beautiful setting.
Where to Stay: 8th or 17th Arrondissement
4. Playground in Square du Temple
This lovely little garden in the 3rd arrondissement is the perfect spot to take a break in a peaceful, green setting. It’s super kid-friendly, with two playgrounds — one with a sandbox for toddlers and another for older kids. There are plenty of benches to relax on, a pond with ducks for kids to watch, and even a table tennis area for adults.
It’s also just a short walk from the Musée des Arts et Métiers, a great museum to visit if you have a young science or tech enthusiast, as well as Paris’s oldest food market, the Marché des Enfants Rouges, buzzing with fresh produce and diverse market stalls.
Where to Stay: 3rd Arrondissement
5. Playgrounds in Parc de la Villette
Located in the 19th arrondissement, Parc de la Villette is one of Paris’s largest and most family-friendly parks. Adjacent to the Paris Science Museum (La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie), it’s a favorite spot for French families to spend the day, offering a variety of activities and two fantastic playgrounds for kids of all ages: Jardin du Dragon and Jardin des Vents et des Dunes.
The Jardin du Dragon, just a short walk from the science museum, features a striking, colorful dragon structure where children can climb through its steel and rope frame, explore the interior, and slide down a thrilling 25-meter-long chute from the dragon’s mouth. This playground also includes climbing nets, swings, seesaws, and smaller play structures, making it ideal for younger kids as well.
Across the canal, the Jardin des Vents et des Dunes offers a completely different experience. Inspired by the Breton seaside, this secure play area is designed for toddlers and children up to 13 years old. It features unique equipment like pedal-powered turbines, climbing tunnels, trampolines, and swings, ensuring kids stay engaged and active while parents relax nearby.
Discover more hints and tips about Parisian life from Katherine at The Knowledge Nuggets or browse all our family-friendly vacation homes in Paris.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/saint-germain/the-rue-du-dragon-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-quai-des-grands-augustins-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-de-sevres-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-notre-dame-residence
