Finding the best playgrounds in Paris is part of the adventure of exploring the city of Paris. They are not always easy to find in this big beautiful city. This guide will provide the 21 best outdoor and indoor playgrounds in Paris for children. Paris is known for its rich history, stunning landmarks, and cultural experiences for families. Whether you’re a local, visiting with family, or planning a trip for the Olympics, the City of Light is an incredible destination for families. These great playgrounds in Paris are nestled in idyllic gardens, some have carousels and other attractions nearby.
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Save the map of the best playgrounds in Paris to easily find the most popular parks and the quaint neighborhood gems. Most of these playgrounds are free of charge unless noted but things can change so check before visiting.
The Best Outdoor Playgrounds in Paris
#1 Jardin du Luxembourg
This is a popular play spot found in the 6th arrondissement and has one of the best playgrounds for kids in the city, called the Le Ludo Jardin playground.
The playground is set deep within the gardens giving it a natural feel. It includes a large climbing structure, a zipline through a tree-lined area as well and a separate area for toddlers. There is a sandbox and digging toys, a fort, a stage, and a game area. You will also find swings at this park which are hard to find for some reason at playgrounds in Paris.
Make sure not to miss the carousel tucked away in the shady tree-lined Luxembourg garden. The carousel is the oldest in Paris dating back to 1879 and it was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Opera de Paris. It’s a tradition that children who sit on the outer edge of the carousel, are given a wooden stick to try to catch metal rings.
The garden provides lots of great seating areas to soak up the sun and enjoy a crepe from a food truck. Rent a petit bateau (small boat) and kids can drive them in the pond.
Admission to the garden is free, but there is an entrance fee to the playground (€3/kid) and carousel (€2/ride) as well as a cost to rent the boats. Rates can change so check before visiting. There are bathrooms inside the play area. Nearby check out the Luxembourg Palace.
Jardin du Luxembourg
#2 Jardin Nelson Mandela
This park can be found in the 2nd arrondissement and the metro stop is Les Halles.
This playground is a fenced-in, colorful, and lively adventure park. It is beautifully done with tube slides to crawl through, trampolines, and lots of other fun activities. Visit in the spring to catch the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. There is also a field for playing, sport/basketball courts, and ping-pong tables nearby. In the summer there is a water fountain and mist area kids can run through.
The larger park is for kids ages 7-11 years old and the smaller play area is for kids 2-6 years. The sign says only kids are allowed in not adults (can watch from outside the gate) and there is a “park warden” to let kids in and check ages. If the gate is locked you can’t enter and it’s closed Sunday mornings as well as Mondays.
Nearby the park is adjacent to the Westfield Forum des Halles underground shopping and dining hub as well as close to the Palais-Royal Garden and the Louvre Museum.
Jardin Nelson Mandela Playground
#3 Jardin des Tuileries
Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, Paris.
This elegant garden is a great option to burn off some energy before or after a visit to the Louvre Museum. There are nice paths to push a stroller or for kids to run with beautiful gardens, sculptures, and views in every direction.
There are a few great areas for children in the Tuileries garden. The main attraction is a small playground with a rope fort for climbing and slides. There is also a beautiful carousel tucked away in the tree-lined garden with mini trampolines open seasonally.
There is so much to see nearby. The Louvre, the Museum D’Orsay, or stop into the Orangerie Museum to see Monet’s Waterlilies. Be sure to catch the distant views of the Eiffel Tower from the fountain at Jardin des Tuileries.
Tuileries Festival
During July and August, the Tuileries Garden hosts a carnival-like fair with rides and 60 different attractions for families. Check it out if you’ll be in Paris in the summer. More information here.
#4 Parc de la Villette
This park is located in the 19th arrondissement in northeast Paris. Metro line 7 and the Porte de la Villette stop. It is the third-largest park in Paris.
This area often doesn’t hit tourist lists but it offers so much to do. The Parc de la Villette is a cultural hotspot with festivals, events, and concerts taking place year-round. The playground space here includes some of the most unique areas for children of different ages. There is the famous giant dragon slide that kids love. There are climbing structures, zip lines, trampolines, boats to rent and so much more. The park has twelve themed gardens with lots to explore.
A makers and craft space put on by Villette Makerz by WoMa can be found in the Folie des Merveilles right in the park.
There is a carousel nearby as well as the La Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris found at the south end of the park. Also, some indoor play spaces and a planetarium can be found at the Science and Industry Museum.
#5 Jardin d’Acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is found in the northern part of the Bois de Boulogne Park in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Accessible from the city center by Metro Line 1 and a short walk from the Les Sablons metro station.
Jardin d’Acclimatation is the rare mostly line-free, idyllic amusement park in the heart of the city. This park is Paris’ first amusement park opened by Emperor Napoleon III in 1860 and has an impressive history. Arrive via the most charming mode of transportation, the Little Garden Train leaves from Sablons or Maillot stations and transports to the park. There are mini-rollercoasters, rides, antique carnival games, a petting zoo, a carousel and so much more. The garden offers easy spots to stop for a picnic and take it all in.
Although the main attraction here is the old-world amusement park, there are also smaller playgrounds with sand and climbers for kids under five years called the Jardin du Pré Catelan within the larger Bois de Boulogne park. Another favorite is the Jardin Plage (beach area), shaped like a boat children can run through sprinklers and water features in the summer.
There are a variety of things to do for kids of all ages. Fewer crowds and lower price point than Disneyland Paris have sold us on this as a unique stop in Paris. More information here.
Nearby are the Louis Vuitton Museum and the Arc de Triomphe.
#6 Jardin des Plantes
Located in the 5th arrondissement, this stop can easily fill an entire day.
There is a great botanical garden here with manicured outdoor spaces for walks and exploring along with the paid indoor greenhouse space.
There is also a zoo (la Ménagerie) an animal display (La Grand Galerie de l’Evolution), plus the Museum of Natural History, with so much to see. Some areas do charge a fee so check the website for current details.
The playground here is best for children under five years old. It has plenty of spaces for children to run and play outdoors with a carousel and maze (labyrinth) nearby.
Nearby: the garden is found along the Seine River and is within walking distance to the Panthéon and Notre Dame. A cheese store nearby at Fromagerie des 5 is also perfect for a picnic.
Learn more at Jardin des Plantes – Paris Musées
#7 Parc André Citroen
Situated in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
This is a more modern park as compared to the historic nature of many of the other gardens and playgrounds in Paris. This park is also unique because it has two large greenhouses in addition to its seven distinct garden spaces. It also has a water feature that kids can run through in the hot summer months.
In the middle of this park, you can also find the largest hot air balloon in the world. This balloon is used to measure air quality but also allows for rides if the weather conditions are right. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Paris check this out.
The gardens are all great for kids and have pathways for easy stroller access. The white garden has a games area, ping pong tables, zipline, and play space. The black garden has five play areas with a sandbox, slides, and wooden huts. There is also a separate area for teens to gather and enjoy.
There are public restrooms as well as a water refill station and it even produces sparkling water.
#8 Parc Floral
Is situated in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It can be found in the Bois de Vincennes botanical garden with walkways through the collection of plants, water features, and sculptures. This is a local favorite but you won’t find many tourists.
Parc Floral has a playground for kids with various play structures, slides, swings, and areas mainly for kids under seven years old. There is also a high ropes course adventure park for older kids and adults. It is set among the trees, with zip lines and rope bridges.
Within Parc Floral there is also mini golf and in the summer months, an Escape Room experience close by and you can often hear live music in the amphitheater. There are miles of pathways through the woods to enjoy a run, bike, or scooter.
There are public bathrooms available within Parc Floral. Check open times and fees before going here. Nearby check out the Chateau de Vincennes, a 14th century castle with a moat, towers, and guided tours daily.
#9 Parc du Champ De Mars
This park is located in the seventh arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower to the northwest and the École Militaire to the southeast. The nearest metro stations are Ecole Militaire (Line 8) or La Motte Picquet-Grenelle (Line 6, 8 and 10).
Champ De Mars is an amazing way to experience the Eiffel Tower while letting the kids play in the gardens and surrounding playgrounds. There are four different playgrounds found throughout the park. You can also find basketball courts, a puppet theatre, and a beautiful antique hand-cranked carousel. A great spot to watch the Eiffel Tower light up on the hour at night or take in fireworks displays throughout the year. Bring a picnic lunch and take in the great view of the Eiffel Tower while the kids play.
This park offers the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Learn more
Champs De Mars playground and garden with Eiffel Tower views.
Neighborhood Playgrounds in Paris
There are many neighborhood “le quartier” playgrounds in Paris each with a different feel representing the area they’re in. These are great to add to your list if you’re local or staying nearby during a visit.
#10 Square Trousseau Playground
Square Trousseau is located in the 12th arrondissement on the east side of Paris.
Square Trousseau offers a fenced-in play space with climbing structures, swings, and activities. This is a great neighborhood park if you’re in the area but less of a destination park. It is best for children under five years old. There are also ping pong and game tables nearby within the park.
Within the 12th arrondissement is the Opéra de la Bastille, the second-largest opera house in Paris. The Bois de Vincennes is the second largest park in Paris and can be found nearby.
#11 Parc Monceau
This is a public park found in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Metro stop Monceau is across from the park’s main entrance on Boulevard de Courcelles. Metro stop Courcelles may be a bit closer to the playground.
The history of this park dates back to the 17th century and is one of the most elegant gardens in Paris. The wrought iron gate with gold detail greets visitors at the entrance with a large rotunda. The park has beautiful bridges, walkways, and sculptures as well as rollerblading and scooter lanes. There is a small carousel with charming giraffes, a spaceship, and a submarine to ride.
The playground is fenced and includes various small climbing structures, a couple of swings, and small slides. This play area is focused on young children under five years old. This is more of a neighborhood park versus a destination but a great one to meet kids from all over the world.
There are a few small museums as well as the Arc De Triomphe nearby. Also, check out Poppy the indoor kids’ play space and toy library, 10 minutes from this park.
Fun fact: The artist Monet painted a series of six paintings in Parc Monceau in the late 1870s depicting a scene much like found today.
#12 Parc Chapelle Charbon
Can be found in the 18th arr of Paris, metro line 12 at the Chapel Door stop.
This is a newer neighborhood park within the larger renewal project of Paris North East. It’s a mixed-use area with pathways created for exercising, areas for picnicking as well as sports. There are basketball courts, ping pong tables, and a playground space. The playground space has a soft bottom and has a covered area as well. Most of the equipment is for children under seven years old.
This is more of a neighborhood park if you’re in the area.
#13 Parc des Buttes Chaumont
This park is located in the 19th arrondissement.
This is a beautiful 19th-century park in a former quarry, with lots of green space, trees, a lake, waterfalls, and an iron railway bridge. Parc des Buttes Chaumont has multiple small playgrounds, including swings, slides, and climbing frames. The park also offers walking paths, bridges, and hills for exploration. The toddler park, good for kids under five years old is on the western side of the park while the play area for a little bit older kids is on the south end.
Nearby is the Parc de la Villette, home to the capital’s biggest cultural and artistic center.
#14 Jardin Villemin
A large public park, in the 10th arrondissement near Gare de L’Est.
This is one of the better neighborhood playgrounds in Paris if you’re looking for a large space with a variety of play structure options. The space is colorful, fenced in, and has a soft surface play area with small slides and climbing structures. This park is best for children under seven years old.
Close to the Canal Saint Martin but is a bit out of the way from the main tourist attractions.
#15 Parc Martin Luther King
This is in the Batignolles neighborhood located in the 17th arrondissement. Metro line 13 stop Brochant.
This is a large park with lots of green space to relax in lawn chairs or explore on the paths. There is a playground on a soft surface with climbing structures, rock walls, and fun items for kids young and old. There is also a skate park for older kids. Water fountains come on in the late afternoons in the summer to cool off.
Nearby is Square des Batignolles which also has beautiful gardens, small playgrounds, and table tennis.
#16 Square Sainte-Odile
This is a small neighborhood playground located in the 17th arrondissement.
This playground in Paris is a wooden structure shaped like a ship positioned on a soft surface. It is fenced-in with wooden benches for caretakers to watch nearby. There is also a steeper slide built into the side of the hill for older kids. Great neighborhood park if you’re in the area and there are lots of small local parks in this area.
Not many tourist attractions nearby but the Arc De Triomphe is a 30-minute walk.
#17 Square du Temple
This playground is located in the 3rd arrondissement.
It stands on the site of a medieval fortress built by the Knights Templar. It has a rich history like so many other parks in Paris. There is a small wood playground with balancing ropes and slides on a packed dirt surface. This park includes walking paths along a pond with ducks. You will also find ping-pong tables nearby.
Nearby are the Le Marais District, the Jewish Quarter, and the Centre Pompidou.
#18 Thomas Jefferson Square Playground
Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris at the Place des Etats-Unis.
The park was originally formed to commemorate the relationship between America and France and was created in 1881. It has a bit of an American feel to it, designed with benches, lighting, and grills inspired by Battery Park in New York. Throughout the park, various statues with lots of history can be found along the walking paths. It’s a small, quaint neighborhood park if you’re in the area.
Nearby find the Musee Baccarat as well as the Place Charles de Gaulle, which includes the incredible Arc de Triomphe.
Indoor Playgrounds for Kids in Paris
When the weather isn’t great and you need to beat the heat or cold below are a few indoor play area options in Paris.
#19 The Centre Pompidou
This amazing space in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris holds the Museum of Modern Art, a library, and a music center. Your kids will be impressed from the moment they set eyes on the building. Take a ride in the glass tube elevators and you’ll find the ‘Galerie des enfants’ on the mezzanine with cool interactive exhibits for kids. Also, don’t miss one of the best panoramic views of Paris from the 6th-floor terrace. Visit soon as the museum will be closing summer of 2025 to 2030 for an extensive renovation. Learn more about admission and hours here.
#20 Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum has a permanent Children’s City exhibit that has wonderful indoor play options for children in addition to the many interactive exhibits that rotate. For those children and families who might need accessible play options in Paris this is a great one. This museum is near the Parc de la Villette.
#21 Poppy
This is an amazing indoor play space for kids found in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It is a child-centered free play space, and they also have workshops, host parties and there is a toy and game library. Adults can have a coffee and catch up with friends. Fee required. Learn more
Spot the Paris Space Invaders
While walking the streets of Paris, you may spot the small tile mosaics on the sides of buildings. Many are in the shape of pixelated characters from the 1978 video game Space Invaders done by a street artist that calls themselves Invader. Families can hunt for these throughout the city and can download the Flashinvaders app to track their progress and view whether they found an original Invader work of art or an Imitator.
It’s clear after this roundup of the 21 best playgrounds in Paris that the city of lights is a kid-friendly gem with so much to offer. It can be difficult to take it all in while visiting these playgrounds set with stunning garden backdrops while only steps away from the Eiffel Tower and famous statues and museums. From the iconic Jardin du Luxembourg to Parc de la Villette, each playground offers a unique blend of recreation and culture. With the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympics adding an extra layer of excitement to the city, Paris will showcase its historical charm while offering families traveling with kids great spaces to play.
Have you visited any playgrounds or gardens in Paris? Let us know which are your favorites in the comments. Come follow us on Instagram and check out our story highlight of our last Paris trip.
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