1. Hidden forest playgrounds
We’ll let you in on a secret, there are many playgrounds in Versailles that are hidden away in the cool shade of the forests that surround the city. Head to Parc Semallé near the Chateau, with a large play area (swings, slides and climbing) in a relaxing setting hidden away from city bustle. or head further away from the centre to Porchfontaine tp Parc Forestier des Nousettesfor a paradise among the trees, with plent of shade for summer days. In La Chesnay, (the town next door), there’s Aire de Jeux de La Fosse aux Loups playground amongst the trees, with a wooden train structure and mini slack line kids with love too.
2. Explore the many Versailles playgrounds
The many great city parks make Versailles with kids a great shout. Try the freshly built playground Square Blaise Pascal in Montreuil, with nice structures built from wood. Or see below about Square Francine for water fountains (with on site playground to boot too).
3. Fountains at Square Francine
Cool down and play around in water jets shooting out all day long at Square Francine – there’s no shade so it does get really hot here so be sure to bring umbrellas. hats and sunscreen and ideally come when sun is not at it’s brightest between 12-4pm. Although bear in mind, during term time, central play areas like this do get very busy after school and creche from 4.30pm…
4. Palace of Versailles / Chateau de Versailles family activities
Not everyone knows this, but the Palace hosts a load of kid friendly activities. Visit the the website chateauversailles.fr to find out what to do with kids at Palace of Versailles/ Chateau de Versailles . Activities we’ve enjoyed includea multi-sensory guided tour for babies and toddlers tailored to tiny kids with fun songs and stories to engage them with the artwork and sculptures. Other sessions include storytelling, musical tours and a treasure hunt!
5. Animal farm in Palace of Versailles (Le Hameau de la Reine)
Nestled further out in the palace gardens is Marie Antoinette’s infamous retreat Hameau de la Reine – here you’ll not only find an adorable ‘Hobbit’ style world, but the area is also home to a little farm. Contact the farm well in advance here to organise a private tour where you can get really get closer to the animals and give them a cuddle.
6. Moments baby cafe
Just opposite Versailles main train station Gare de Chantiers, you’ll find one of the best baby cafes in the Paris area – Moments Family Concept. There are three rooms of play for the kids, and most importantly, a café area for mum and dad, with coffee and delicious cookies. Areas are themed around a ‘mini’ Versailles, with a tiny stables with soft horses to ride on, a garden with fruit and vegetables you can ‘pick’ and a market with wooden food items. For newborns, there is also a baby area with mats and toys, with a baby gym with a tunnel and climbing frame for those who are already moving. You can sign up for baby and toddler activities throughout the week too – from baby massage, to dance classes see the Moments website to sign up.
7. Montbauron swimming pool
The city’s main swimming pool Pool Montbauron is good for tiny kids, although nothing to rave about, it’s a good shout for hot summer days. There’s a splash pad outside (although it hasn’t been open for over a year), with a shallow pool for babies with tiny slide, and a warm kiddie pool for those learning how to swim. Plus a slide for the more adventurous. Bring sandwiches and make a day of it – there’s also grassy area outside for picnics with shady areas. But take your break early before 12.30 to avoid the lunch rush. Must wear swimming hats.
8. Libraries
The libraries in France are nothing to write home about in terms of young kiddies, but many of the libraries in Versailles do have a dedicated area. It’s a great free activity to do on a rainy day. The best ones are Biblioteque Saint Louis, with a small room for kids. And coming soon in the middle of the city is a brand new library near the Chateau – we’ll share more soon! Find out more about the city’s libraries at bibliotheque.versailles.fr/
9. Ludothèque / toy library
Parents in living Versailles will be thrilled to discover the toy library, ‘Ludothèque de Versailles‘ which is nestled in the historical Saint Louis part of the city. Come here for a small charge (30 euros for your family for the year), and your kid can stay and play with all the toys, while you sip on a coffee (free self service stand available). Toilets and baby change all on site.
10. Parks
Versailles is a haven of lush green parks – so take your pick! Park Balbi is a quiet, less visited park off the beaten track – it’s got lots of space and shae, so it’s great for picnics. Kids with love to see the ducks and geese wandering around. The Versailles Palace Gardens of course are vast, find a free entrance at ‘Grille de la Reine’ this part of the gardens is home to horses, and is a great place to cycle with tiny kids . You can explore near the Versailles Palace you can escape to the relaxing calm of Récollets Garden (until your kids get there, that is!).
Now all this has made us hungry – check out the Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Versailles (2025 Guide)
