Paris for Kids - Part 2!

-->

PARIS FOR KIDS

Petite Paris dispels the myth that Paris is not a ‘Child-Friendly’ city with these 12 child friendly attractions! Paris IS a child playground! And Mine :P

1.     Secret Garden: Jardin du Palais-Royale. A playground gem, rarely spoken but ‘PARFAIT’ for kids. 5 minutes walk from the hustle of the Louvre, tucked back from the street, read your favourite kids books and enjoy a drink in peace. There is a lovely fountain, a place to stroll under perfectly manicured trees, casual garden cafes, and ‘Daniel Buren’s’ striped columns in the front square - an interesting and quirky piece of street art, perfect for a game of ‘Tag’. Place du Palais Royal - 38 rue Montpensier 75001 www.monuments-nationaux.fr

2.     Magic Shows @ Musee de la Magique. Kids can see artifacts and equipment used for magical purposes, optical illusions and special effects. Included in the 20euro entry ticket is a 20minute live magic show. 11 rue saint Paul 75004 Paris. Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2-7pm www.museedelamagie.com

3.   Ride the Canal St Martin Cruise that travels underground. Connecting to the Seine explore the one-and-a-half mile subterranean section of Saint-Martin Canal, only accessible by boat, and to pass through the canal's four double locks the water rises before the gates open letting you through. Canauxrama Cruises depart at 9.45am and 2.30pm from Bastille daily. 8.50euro for children 16euro adults. www.canauxrama.com

4.     Parks and Picnics: Paris is scattered with stunning gardens and playgrounds for kids. Pack a picnic - some breads, cheeses, cold cuts and fruits, drinks and a portable picnic blanket.  Across from ‘Au Bon Marche’ (Paris’ oldest and must see department store) is a small secret garden through iron gates – discover a charming carousel and terrific traditional French playground. Other beautifully notably gardens include the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg, both have outstanding play areas. Luxembourg has a small amusement park and the Tuileries; a carousel, in-ground trampoline, French water-well that kids spin for hours, ferris wheel and beautiful pond (bring bread crumbs to feed the ducks). Au Bon Marche and garden 24 rue Sevres 75007

5.    Fun Eateries: 1. Café Grenadine (A Kids café). Everything is done to accommodate expecting mothers, parents and their children. A tea room for morning/afternoon tea or lunch with formulas for each member of the family. Children are occupied in the reading corner or play with the toys.There is also an arts and crafts and gourmet shop. Grenadine does creative workshops for children, baby massage classes as well as professional breastfeeding and baby carrying classes. 161 Ave Maine, Paris 75014 

2 Les Trois Arts. Children are warmly welcomed at this friendly neighbourhood cafe for a regular program of storytelling each afternoon and evening for children 6 to 13 yrs, with a snack or light meal. 8-10€. 21, rue des Rigoles 75020 Paris www.les3arts.free.fr 

3. Les 400 Coups includes an indoor play area adjoining the main restaurant and the space offering a variety of activities, workshops and games for children up to 8 years. Also available is a child-sized dining area complete with smaller-scale chairs, tables and high chairs; meals are scaled-down versions of adult versions. 12 rue de la Villette, 75019

6.     Kids Shops: 1.Libellule et Coccinelle A book boutique for kids. A convivial space which, as well as books, offers a variety of creative workshops that are fun for children. 2 rue Turgot 75009 Paris Open Tues – Sat 10am-7pm.

2.Un Zebra Au Grenier - A charming little children’s toy shop hidden in the 20th. Catering for newborns to eight years, find things for baby to wear, play with, read and rest on. Find pre-loved toys as well as new ones (and even designer ones) 16 rue Villiers de L’Isle Adam 75020 Paris. Open daily www.unzebraaugrenier.fr

7.      Paris Beaches – Each Summer (in July and August) the Seine is transformed into a beach - complete with sand laid all along the Seine shore, deckchairs, ubiquitous ice cream sellers, and concerts for French and foreign guests. Holidaymakers at the Bassin de la Villette (Paris 19) can also borrow books free of charge, play beach volley, take an aquagym class in a mini pool, or kayak around the lake – or, of course just chill and enjoy. Beaches are spread across three spots (Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare and Bassin de la Villette.

8For the Girls: Musee Poupee – a private French doll museum. FREE. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm. 22 rue Beauborg 75003 Paris www.museedelapoupeeparis.com

 

9.   Educational: Cites des Enfants. A museum designed to help children develop and discover the world around them and introduce them to science/technology through a series of hands-on activities. Children experience a variety of absorbing situations devised for their age, and enjoy doing interesting experiments. Two areas: one for 2-7yrs and an area for 5-12 yrs. 30 av Corentin-Cariou 75019 Paris www.cite-sciences

10.  Mysterieux: The Catacombs (more suited for older kids and teenagers). The final resting place of millions of bones. Due to overpopulation and lack of sanitary conditions around cemeteries, in the 18th century the bones of Paris' dead were moved from their cemeteries to this abandoned stone mine. Layers and layers of skeletons were piled high and wide along the walls displayed in the dark underground alleys and tunnels of Paris. 1 Ave du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy 75014 Paris www.catacombes-de-paris.fr

11.  Winter fun: 'Paris on Ice' - during the Winter months hire some ice skates and join the throngs of Parisians ice skating on the temporary rink set up in front of Hotel de Ville. Open daily 10am to 10pm mid December to March. 29 Rue de Rivoli 75004 Paris

12. See the Eiffel Tower at night.  The Eiffel sparkles every hour on the hour after nightfall.  After an early dinner, head to Avenue de Suffren, between Avenue Octave Gréard & Quai Branly, there is a small-unnamed alley leading to a small park directly below the Eiffel Tower. Spread out a blanket and watch the show! Kids will be awestruck and love it! 

 

www.petiteparis.com.au