Visiting Paris with children is exciting and versatile. There’s enough to do and see to keep yourself busy and entertained for weeks. But when you’re on a journey as a family, it can turn easily into a little bit too much of it all. I am sure we’ve all been there; too many impressions and people, too much city, too much Paris. And: Too few moments where the kids can just be themselves and you can mind your own business.
If you are visiting Paris with your kids, make sure to plan in an afternoon to visit Jardin d’Acclimatation. as a remedy. The park is a mix between garden, fun fair, zoo and playground, but don’t picture something like Disney. Besides that the entrance fees differs drastically from Disney, Jardin d’Acclimatation opened it’s doors in 1860 and managed to keep the classy old school charm despite all modern elements. When strolling through the park, you can’t ignore the futuristic Foundation Louis Vuitton, an exhibition center for contemporary art but wouldn’t be surprised to come across a velocipede a few meters further.
How to get there?
Public Transport: Metro Line 1 exit Le Sablon or Bus Nr 43, 73, 82, 93, 174, 244 or PC1
by car: you can park on the street in proximity to Jardin d’Acclimatation and even though there are quite a lot spots, I recommend to be there before 2p.m. in order to find a place. You also can use the Parking of the Palais de Congress. By your ticket at the Entrance of Jardin d’Acclimatation and get a 50% reduction.
Prices and Rates
3€ p/P, free for kids under 3 years. The entrance includes playgrounds, zoos, gardens and picnic areas. If you want to do activities like mary-go-rounds, rental boats, trampoline etc, you need to purchase extra tickets. 1 ticket costs 2,90€ (15 tickets for 35€), some activities require 2 or more tickets.
Food and Drinks
Besides a restaurant and several snack bars, you can absolutely bring your own food and have a picnic 🙂
Know before you go:
from september 2017 to May 2018 the Jardin d’Acclimatation is undergoing modernisations concerning the zoo and the fun fair area. While the rides are temporarily moved to another area of the park, the zoo is closed. However, most of the playgrounds are accessible, and good news for everyone on a budget: during works the entrance got reduced to 2€ per Person.
Do you need more ideas on how to adapt your upcoming Paris trip to your kids expectations? Check out our Paris for Families section and also have a look at our Paris as a Local tips 🙂
