9. Jardin Des Plantes
This elegant botanical garden makes for an educational family outing if you opt to explore the on-site Museum of Natural History. However the flowers, plants, greenhouses and lawns alone are a worthy draw. There are sections for tropical, alpine, rose, iris and medicinal plants throughout the jardin and everything is meticulously labelled, groomed and laid out. The biggest lure for kids, however, is its extensive labyrinth maze. Make it to the center and you’re rewarded with a beautiful gazebo. There’s also a small ménagerie zoo, a playground and, you guessed it, another carousel at this park.
10. Parc de la Villette
The sprawling urban park is not necessarily a relaxing nature sanctuary, but it does offer a wide variety of distractions, attractions and amusements for kids young and old. You could spend the day – or several days – exploring the science museum, children’s museum, music museum, IMAX theater, carnival rides, concert venues and canal boats. There are a handful of uniquely themed playground areas as well, involving dragons, mirrors and, if you dare, a “garden of childhood fears” specifically designed to spook.
