Even kid-friendly cities such as Paris can be no match for today’s livewire kids. When you’ve done your limit of the usual places (Jardin de Luxembourg or Paris Plage), it can quickly leave one wondering what next weekend’s agenda will be.
Here are our top picks of kids’ activities that will keep the children busy, whether they fancy a bit of fossil hunting or just playtime outdoors.
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle
This place promises to be more than just another day at the museum. Start with the Grande Galerie d’Evolution for a fascinating discovery of 7,000 different species and marvel at the diversity of nature. It is sure to offer something for parents and kids alike – from the immense hall that features a majestic procession of animal wildlife to life-sized models of a giant squid and Sumatran tiger. Find out what the perished quagga (partly-stripped zebra) and the vanishing narwhal (unicorn of the ocean) look like in the hall of threatened and extinct species (Salle des Espèces Menacées et des Espèces Disparues) while educating the little ones on the importance of protecting these animals. Afterwards, wind down from all the walking by heading to the Children’s Gallery (Galerie des Enfants) where kids can discover an entire area dedicated to interactive activities.
Parisian Guide Tip: If the kids would like to try some real-life bone-digging after the visit, an excavation activity (chantier de fouilles) is offered on Wednesdays from 2 to 5pm and on weekends from 10am to 5pm. Slots are limited for the activity so be sure to register early. More info: http://www.mnhn.fr/le-museum/ (Entrance fees: €7 for 27 years and older; closed on Tuesdays)
The Alternative: La Maison Deyrolle
Take a peek at this curiously unique boutique not far from the metro of rue de Bac. The ground floor entrance is a seemingly typical gardening store and bookshop. But head upstairs and watch your children’s faces as they discover a fantastic shop specializing in the world of taxidermy (the art of mounting animal skin to give it a lifelike appearance). Understandably not for the squeamish, you can find various well-preserved items on display from butterflies, an owl, and a peacock to a polar bear, giraffe and even an elephant. All the animals are for sale ranging from 10 euros for a beautiful beetle to thousands of euros for a keepsake tiger. More info: http://www.deyrolle.com/magazine/ (Free entrance)
Ferme et Cueillette de Gally
Take a break from the city, get back to basics and head to this 40-hectare farm market near the Château de Versailles. It offers a fun alternative for kids to get hands-on experience on harvesting fruits and vegetables directly from the trees and branches instead of just picking them from shelves in the supermarket. Depending on the season, the family can choose from strawberries, cherries, blueberries, prunes and apples during spring to summer. The kids can also head to the farm’s petting zoo where they can touch and feed local sheep, goats and cows. Check their website for a list of what’s on offer for the season.
Parisian Guide Tip: From the month of July, La Ferme de Gally welcomes everyone to 4 hectares of pure fun in a giant labyrinth. Everyone is welcome to participate, obviously while keeping the little ones in sight. Towards the end of summer, the farm organizes an evening to get lost in the maze where participants bring lamps to find the exit path with the help of hints and clues. A barbeque is also set up allowing families to prepare and enjoy freshly grilled lunch or dinner. More info: www.ferme.gally.com (Entrance Fees: €4.10 adults, €3.50 for 3 years or older)
The Alternative: Parc des Buttes Chaumont–If you’re looking for a change from Paris’ perfectly manicured and landscaped parks away from the tourist crowd then head to Parc des Buttes Chaumont. This breathtaking 25-hectare urban sanctuary is Paris’ third largest park and has an interestingly rich history. Prior to its transformation into a garden showcase by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, its previous incarnation was that of a battlefield, execution ground, and a gypsum quarry. Its current majestic yet relaxed landscape is the perfect place to stroll with its picturesque swan-dotted lake, luscious green lawns and imposing waterfall that leads to a stalactite-filled grotto. One of its most iconic features is the mini Greek temple called Belvedere of Sybil with its Corinthian style columns (after the ancient Roman Temple of Vesta). It offers spectacular views of Montmartre from 30m above ground. This romantic style park has much to offer kids with its open-air puppet theatre, pony rides and crepe stands while adults will not tire of exploring its nooks and crannies through kilometers of bridges and walkways. More info: www.butteschaumont.free.fr (Free entrance)
Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes
The Menagerie in the Jardin des Plantes (same grounds as the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle) was originally built in the 17th century to house the animals of the royal family, making it one of the oldest zoological gardens in the world. It now houses small to medium sized birds, reptiles and mammals most of which are threatened with extinction. Being at the center of Paris and right along the Seine, it makes for a great day trip with the family. Have a good laugh with the kids while monkeying around with Nanette, the Bornean orangutan or just watch the big cats with the little ones. There are also pretty pink flamingoes, a caracal (desert lynx) and Maya, the red panda.
Parisian Guide Tip: Bring your own snacks for an impromptu picnic within the zoo or just to feed the goats in la petite ferme. On summer weekends, curious kids can meet some zookeepers for an insight on the care of the animals. More info: http://www.mnhn.fr/le-museum/ (Entrance fees: €11 adults, €9 for 4-16 years old).
The Alternatives: Aquarium Tropical dela Porte Doree – For kids who are more into water creatures, visit the Aquarium de la Porte Doree. While it is admittedly more intimate than its larger counterpart in Trocadero, the aquarium still showcases about 5000 animals and 300 species from Africa, the Americas and the South of Asia. Offer your children a fascinating afternoon in a mysterious and colorful world of primitive and electric fishes, legendary piranhas, alligators and sharks. More info: http://www.aquarium-portedoree.fr/ (Entrance fees: €5.00 adults, €3.50 for 4-25 years old; Fees during special exhibitions: €7 and €5.50 respectively, closed on Mondays)
The Parc Zoologique de Paris
Zoo de Vincennes (as it is better known) will finally open its doors on April 2014 after a 5-year renovation. Aimed at giving visitors the experience of total immersion, the climate-controlled zoo will feature 180 species in 5 different biozones (Europe, Madagascar, Amazon-Guyane, Patagonie and Sahel-Soudan). Visitors will be treated to a global tour of animal biodiversity with mainstays such as giraffes, lynx and jaguars to endangered and lesser known species such as the Humboldt penguin, fossa, radiated tortoise, dwarf crocodile and wolverines. More info: http://parczoologiquedeparis.fr/
