1. Explore Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park

Some say this 18 hectare Paris theme park is a better day out than Disneyland (sorry Mickey). This is because it’s far less busy (hence, less queuing time), and far cheaper too! (You may not know, but entry is actually free with a ticket to the Louis Vitton Foundation next door). Enjoy a varied day out at Jardin d’Acclimatation, with rides, large play area with sand, sprinklers for summer days, and a zoo too.

Tip: Bring your own food and snacks and save a fortune

Find out times and up-to-date ticket prices here

2. Get climbing at an eco park

Climbing and swinging from trees doesn’t have to be just for the big kids. There are plenty of eco parks around Paris that are suitable for tiny children too.

Check out Parcours Aventure Branches & Loisirs (Saint Quentin) has an area suitable for 3-6 years, but it depends on how adventurous your kid to whether it’s suitable from a young age as you have to venture up quite high to the activities above nets in the trees. It’s great fun if you’re game.

There’s Ecopark Adventures Moulin de Sannois in the north west of Paris and AccroCamp in the Forêt de Meudon on the north west of Paris there’s the new (ish) AbracadaParc (Goussainville) with mascots, giant games and more to keep little ones amused.

3. Take a pony ride

Enjoy a one-off pony ride for kids at various spots in and around Paris. Animaponey organizes pony rides in the following parks: Bois de Vincennes, Bois de Boulogne, Parc Montsouris, Parc Georges-Brassens, Parc Monceau, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Jardin du Luxembourg.

4. Head to a Paris park

Kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to Paris playgrounds. It would take all day if we went through them all – have a look at our Toddler and Baby Paris Map to find the park locations that suit you best.

But some top picks are:

• La Villette

La Villette is heaven for kids! The biggest green area in Paris and home to many playgrounds. Check out The Jardin des Vents et des Dunes, with zip-lines, trampolines, swings, slides and more!Luxembourg Gardens

• Luxembourg Gardens

It’s all going on here, from it’s central Paris playground ‘Ludo Jardin’, to the teeny sailboats you can push by stick around the lake and a marionnette show (although it is closed all summer – boo! Back open from end of August).

There are so many Paris parks to choose from, find the park nearest to yo via the Tots City Guide – Toddler & Baby Map here

5. Spy on wild forest animals at Espace Rambouillet (West of Paris)

This one’s a bit far out West of Paris, but Espace Rambouillet is well worth a journey. You can also camp (glamp!) on site if you can’t do the travelling all in one day – check out Huttopia Rambouillet.

This incredible forest park is an absolute must-visit for little ones. Be sure to rent a cart for 5 euros so you can tug tiny kids around without them complaining about the long walk (bring snacks to throw in the wagon too, it helps!). Stuff to do: See wild deer, wild wolves, birds of prey like owls and eagles (don’t miss the bird show!). Adventure playgrounds in the woods, picnic areas and trampolines in the trees.

TIP: There is tons to do here so be sure to arrive early to make a full day of it.

TIP 2: Be sure to note down the feeding times for animals and marionnette show so you can plan your day around those times and don’t miss any of the action!

6. Venture to these Paris Zoos

• Wow Safari (Thoiry)

If you’re west of Paris, you can see all the favourite zoo animals, including the chance to walk among kangaroos!  There’s also a huge play zone for kids amongst a canopy of trees.

TIP 1: Choose the playground spot for your picnic as there’s toilets nearby and you can also see some of the animals roaming at the safari next door.

TIP 2: If you live nearish and plan to come at least twice in the year, save money with an annual pass.

• Parc Zoologique de Paris (Bois de Vincennes)

Meet animals from across the world in this city zoo, situated in the far east of Paris.

7. Pick your own fruit and vegetables

Paris is surrounded by farms where you and your kids can pick your very own veg and juicy fruit. Most within an hour’s train or drive from Paris. So, grab a wheelbarrow and get picking! See below for a full list of strawberry picking farms near Paris, or check them out on our Paris Toddler and Baby Map.

NORTH: Cueillette De La Croix Verte (Attainville)

SOUTH/ EAST: Cueillette de Servigny (Lieusaint)

SOUTH / WEST: Cueillette de Viltain (Saclay) + Les Fermes de Gally (Saint-Cyr)

SOUTH: Cueillette de Torfou (Torfou)

8. Visit farms in and around Paris

East of Paris, in Bois de Vincennes is free to visit The Paris Farm. North East, check out La Ferme de la Villette.West of Paris, you can visit Les Fermes de Gally (Saint-Cyr) and hidden inside the Palace of Versailles you’ll step back into 18th century France at the Hameau De La Reine (The Queen’s Hamlet) farm

9. Cool down in water fountains

No need to boil in central Paris on a hot day, head to Place de la République (11e) – in the summer the square activates its water fountains. In the 15e at Parc André Citroën   72 water jets come into action over July and August. And you’ll be cool as spending a day at Jardin d’Acclimatation with Water fountains galore (although it’s paid entry to this place, although worth it). Chill after a day at the Chateau de Versailles at Square des Francine. South of Paris in Clamart there’s fountains at Fontaine du Panorama – a newly built lake paradise with restaurants and playgrounds too!

Find out exactly where all the Paris fountains are on our Toddler & Baby Paris Map here

10. Explore outdoor interactive art at Hangar Y

An art museum but outside! Hangar Y in (Meudon, south west of Paris) the perfect way to enjoy modern art but keeping the kids entertained too. Explore giant teapots you can climb inside, a house made out of old pans, and discover a hidden playground in the forest! Only 3 euros per person entry, it’s a must do! Surrounding a man-made lake, it’s also a perfect picnic spot so be sure to bring supplies!

11. Walk on a disused railway line

Take a stroll along the traintracks of a disused line on the ‘Petite Ceinture’ route. There are walking areas all over Paris: 12e, 13e, 14e, 15e, 16e, 17e, 18e, 19e and 20e arrondissements. Click here for a ‘Petite Ceinture’ interative map to find your nearest walk!

Need more ideas? Check out the Tots City Guide Baby & Toddler Map