Parks, gardens and zoos
France > Paris > Basics > Kids Paris > Parks, gardens and zoos

Although there aren't, on the whole, any open spaces for spontaneous games of football, baseball or cricket, most parks have an enclosed playground with swings, climbing frames and a sandpit, while there's usually a netted enclosure where older children play casual ballgames. Otherwise, French sport tends to be thoroughly organized (see "Activities and sports").

The real star attractions for young children have to be the Jardin d'Acclimatation and the Parc de la Villette, though you can also let your kids off the leash at the Jardin des Plantes, 57 rue Cuvier, 5^e (M° Jussieu/Monge). Open from 7.30/8am until dusk, it contains a small zoo, the Ménagerie (summer Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun till 6.30pm; winter Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun till 6.30pm; €6/€3.50, under-4s free), a playground, hothouses and plenty of greenery. Paris's top zoo is at the Bois de Vincennes, the Parc Zoologique, at 53 av de St-Maurice, 12^e (M° Porte-Dorée; April–Sept daily 9am–6pm or 6.30pm; Oct–March daily 9am–5pm or 5.30pm; €8/€5, under-4s free). This zoo was one of the first in the world to get rid of cages and use landscaping to simulate a more natural habitat and give the animals more room to exercise. The most exciting part of the day for the animals and, hence, their most animated moments, are at feeding times, scheduled throughout the afternoon.