*Updated July 2026*

As Paris heads into it’s second big heatwave this year, find the best places to cool off in Paris with kids under six. Find Paris splash pads, shaded play areas, air-conditioned indoor museums, pools and cool baby cafés. This Paris heatwave guide focuses on family-friendly cooling spots that are perfect with toddlers in Paris. These locations are generally stroller-friendly, have changing facilities and fun to visit with babies and young children.

*Please note: Seasonal water features may occasionally be closed due to maintenance, weather or local authority decisions. While we do our best to keep this guide updated, some splash pads don’t publish live opening information. If you’re making a special trip, it’s worth checking the official website or recent visitor updates where possible.

1. Best sprinklers and splash pads in Paris

What do kids love more than anything on a hot day? Water fountains! Luckily Paris has lots of them…

There’s:

• Place de la République (11e) : During the summer months (usually July-August), the square’s interactive water jets and shallow water features are often activated, making it a popular place for children and visitors to cool off.
• Parc André Citroën (15e) Usually from June, sprinklers activate in this city park (but note, the splash pad area doesn’t have much shade and can get slippery)
• Jardin d’Acclimatation (Boulogne) – has a brand new splash pad! But note there is an entry fee to enter the park (with access to to other attractions too once you’re inside). Open from June.
• And then over at Versailles – head to Square des Francine a great way for tots to cool down after a long visit at the Versailles Chateau. Open from June.
• South of Paris in Clamart find fountains at Fontaine du Panorama residence (open to everyone). There’s also restaurants on site too. Should be open in June but double check before if going specifically for the water.
• Saint-Quentin Ile de Loisirs there’s a splash pad right by the huge playground. Open from June-August.

🗺️ Locate Paris splash pads and fountains on the FREE Tots City Map including Paris Splash Pads & swimming pools

2. *Some only open in summer* Open air swimming pools in Paris

There are many free pop up open air pools during the summer to choose from in Paris along the River Seine, here’s where to head:

• The Seine swimming sites are returning for summer 2026 after the successful 2025 launch.
• The Bassin de la Villette swimming pools (“Paris Plages” floating pools) are also expected back from roughly early July to end of August 2026.
• Keep an eye on the Tots City Guide Paris Toddler & Baby Map for the latest updates
• Find out more about the pop-up beach clubs via sotirparis.com

Best permanent Paris swimming pools with kids:

You can also bathe outside in permanent Paris swimming pools – see the Premium Paris baby map to find the swimming pool most convenient for you.

*TOP PICK – SWIMMING POOL FOR OLDER KIDS (3+)*

Aquaboulevard (15e) – is our top pick of Paris pools for kids over 3 (***unfortunately the pool doesn’t admit kids under 3*** – which seems like a completely crazy rule tbh). But, weird age rules aside, it’s the perfect for young kids 3+ as there’s so many activities, and tons of both indoor and outside space, lots of shallow areas and a grassy outside area where you can picnic and take a break too.

PARENT HACK: Book in advance for 10% off your Aquaboulevard tickets see more here!

*TOP PICK – SWIMMING POOL FOR YOUNGER KIDS*

Also check out the newly renovated Piscine Olympique de Colombes (30 mins from central Paris), a huge pool that’s one of the more family-friendly public pools in the Paris area. There’s a paddling pool (pataugeoire) for young children, typically open during the outdoor season.

3. Îles de loisirs: Family-Friendly Lakes Near Paris

There are many lakes just outside of Paris you can head to, the areas are packed with things to do for kids, including playgrounds, sometimes sprinklers and many offer swimming in the lakes themselves.

*(Please note: Not all lake activities are fully operational before July. If you’re planning a trip specifically for swimming or water activities, it’s worth checking the official website before you go.

• In the south there’s Île de Loisirs (Créteil). **IMPORTANT TO NOTE 💦 For summer wave pool & water play (mid-June–late August) – advance booking required HERE.
• East there’s Island Recreation Vaires (Torcy) and Jablines-Annet Leisure Island (Jablines)
• North west Ile de Loisirs (Cergy-Pontoise).
• For longer trips, be sure to check out Lac de Léry-Poses on the edge of Normandy, just over an hour drive from most points in Paris. There’s a zoo on the same site too Biotropica, if you want to pack in even more activities over your weekend.

Check out the Tots City Guide Paris baby map for more ideas (see the ‘Heatwave Essentials section’

Want the complete heatwave guide? Upgrade to the Premium Guide for indoor activities, shaded parks, swimming spots, cafés and parent hacks

4. Best forests and forest playgrounds in or around Paris

Under the trees during a heatwave it can feel 5°C to 15°C cooler than the paved city centre of Paris – making it THE place to escape to when temperatures rise.

• In central Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont playgrounds are your best bet for a foresty feel, with several playgrounds tucked among mature trees. FYI “As part of a complete renovation, the playground on the Rue de Crimée side will remain closed to the public until early July 2026.”
• East of Paris is Bois de Vincennes, with huge forest obstacle courses and playgrounds for kids of all ages.
• Fontainebleau Forest is a huge forest south of Paris.
• West of Paris, in Versailles and around the area are tons of forests and hidden amongst them, an array of forest playgrounds.
• See the Tots City Guide baby and toddler Paris map to discover them all!

5. Best cool, kid-friendly museums in Paris

Escaping the sweltering heat to the peace and cool and calm of a Paris museum.

Please note: If you’re visiting a museum specifically for the air conditioning, it’s worth checking the official website before you go, as conditions may change.

PARENT HACK: Many Paris museums like Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre and Musee de l’Orangerie have kiddie room fulled with games and activities relating to the museum, although note, some rooms are seasonal only. Find more information and kid-friendly Paris museums our full round up – here.

Find more Paris heatwave ideas on the Premium Tots City Guide baby & toddler map

6. Paris baby cafés

There are lots of great baby cafés in Paris. And many are much cooler than many other spaces in the city. A great way to cool off with a cold drink, with lots of toys to keep little ones amused and out of the hot sun. Check out where to go via the Paris baby cafe guide HERE

Please note: Not all Paris baby cafés have air-conditioning. If you’re visiting specifically to cool down, it’s worth checking with the venue before you go.

Upcoming events in Paris baby cafés dring the heatwave include storytime sessions in English with Little Bookstars at Mombini Cafe (Paris 15)

7. Other things to do to keep cool during the heatwave in Paris

• Baby cinema.
• A dark cinema is always a good way to keep cool during hot months. (Visit the Paris Baby & Toddler Map for Paris cinemas with films suitable from 2 years old!)
• Libraries – a cool, relaxing and FREE way to pass a hot morning or afternoon with kids in Paris.
• Paris’s beautiful historic churches are also naturally cool thanks to their thick stone walls. Whether you’re admiring the architecture or simply escaping the midday sun for a few minutes, they provide a peaceful respite from the heat.
• You can also duck into covered, shopping shopping centres with aircon (these are also a great backp for rainy days too!) There are many in central Paris. Find them on the Paris baby & Toddler map HERE

Paris Heatwave Tips with Kids

• Bring refillable water bottles at Paris fountains if you’re heading to parks especially ( as often it can be far to find a local shop in walking distance).
• Although bring a good supply of water with you just in case no fountains available.
• Bring hats as many Paris playgrounds have little or no shade
• PARENT HACK: Freeze compote/ applesauce pouches for instant ice lollies on the go that last and aren’t messy!
• Avoid plan long journeys across Paris during a heatwave as the metro is not very stroller friendly and you could end up doing some heavy lifting
• Avoid playgrounds after 12pm if you can when it gets super hot
• Plan museums for afternoon chill when the heat is at its max
• For splash parks bring: swim diapers and water shoes as the ground can be slippery (especially if visiting Parc André Citroën)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can kids cool off in Paris during a heatwave?

Some of the best places to cool off with children in Paris include splash fountains, shaded parks, air-conditioned museums, swimming pools and family-friendly cafés (see above for more info). Find these locations on the Paris baby & toddler Map HERE

Are there splash parks in Paris?

Yes. Several Paris parks feature splash fountains and water play areas during the summer months, including Jardin D’aclimatation (via paid entry to park) and Paris Plages (from July). Find them all on the Paris baby & toddler Map HERE

What can you do in Paris with toddlers when it’s very hot?

Consider visiting air-conditioned family-friendly Paris museums, indoor play spaces, aquariums, swimming pools or shaded parks. Early mornings and late afternoons / early evenings are usually the most comfortable times to explore the city.

Is Paris safe to visit during a heatwave with a baby?

Yes, but it’s really important to plan ahead. Stay hydrated, make travel plans in advance and seek shade. Avoid the hottest part of the day and make use of air-conditioned indoor attractions like museums where possible, or at least to break up the day. Find more indoor Paris locations HERE

What are the best free places to cool off in Paris with kids?

Many of Paris’s fountains, splash areas, parks and Paris Plages activities are free to access, making them ideal for families during hot weather. Find them all on the Paris baby & toddler map HERE