INSIDE: The Jardin du Luxembourg Playground & Gardens is a must do if you are in Paris with Kids.
Beautiful, elegant Paris is an iconic city full of architecture, history, culture and fashionable style, and there’s little better than wandering the city streets for hours on end to find hidden pockets of treasure.
BUT, when travelling with kids, we’ve learned the hard way that serious exploration of culture and art, must be balanced with LOTS of adventurous play time, and a chance to run off steam.
This newly rebuilt Paris playground, the Jardin du Luxembourg playground, lets them do just that.
It’s the ULTIMATE Paris Playground, located in the centre of the city.
If you are looking for things for kids to do in Paris, don’t miss it.
Take a look below for a sneak peek!
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The New Jardin du Luxembourg playground is now OPEN
The fabulous Jardin du Luxembourg Garden is now home to one of the biggest and best playgrounds in Paris.
Reopened in late 2019, this Paris playground is a little oasis of play equipment, muted natural colours, and laughter.
When you find yourself in times of trouble, or just want to sit a moment to rest your brain and legs while the kids run around in a safe space, head straight to the Le Ludo Jardin playground at the Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens!
Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens Playground
Jardin de Luxembourg playground is set deep within the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens, a 17th-century park with:
- formally laid-out gardens
- trees planted in distinctive patterns and rows, and
- hundreds of age-old statues on pedestals.
When we last visited on our family vacation, the ground under the trees on the approach to the playground was a little dry, dusty and gravelly, and there was little grass or greenery throughout the gardens at all.
Autumn Leaves Season
This visit, the gardens were overflowing with mustard hued leaves, a thick carpet covering the bare ground.
In the magical afternoon light, it’s enchanting!
That’s the charm of Paris.
Surprises around every corner.
My boys, Roam the Gnome and I, LOVED the old playground in Jardin de Luxembourg, but they adore this new one by Magma Cultura too.
If you are visiting Paris with kids under 12, we recommend you earmark a few hours at the Jardin de Luxembourg gardens and playground with kids.
There’s LOTS to do here at this famous garden in Paris.
Read below for info.
Sneak Peek at this Paris Playground Equipment
There’s stuff for everyone!
Sandpit & More at Paris Jardin de Luxembourg playground
The first thing you see inside the gates is this giant sandpit.
There’s:
- two sandpit diggers that turn 360°
- a sandpit digging platform
- a weighing scale and bench
The Best Toddler playground in Paris
Why? because there’s a GIANT sandbox/sandpit with:
- a bucket to collect sand and tip it out using movable chains
- a whirligig sand spinner
Byo sandpit toys.
This is the most popular place for the little ones.
Stage and Games area
To the right, you’ll spy this bench seating amphitheatre, perfect for performances, but also good for those who want to watch their kids draw on the blackboard.
Dominos & a Chalk Board
Or play dominoes together.
Mammoth Playground Slide at Ludo Jardin Luxembourg
The highlight of the playground for anyone over 5 is in the middle of the park.
This futuristic green fort and slide is not for the faint of heart, as it’s HIGH.
But super fun for anyone who can get inside and up!
View from the back.
Maze sculpture
Throughout the park, there’s nods to the beauty of architecture and nature combined, such as this maze.
Set of Swings
On the left beyond the sandpit is this round of swings.
We’ve never seen a set of swings with a chain across the middle before like this.
The boys put their legs through, so the chain was in front of their tummies.
Let us know if this is not the correct way!
Zipline
At the back of the park on the right, you’ll find a long zipline.
It was locked up when we arrived, but was opened by staff shortly afterwards.
Timber Fort Area with Slide for Big Kids
In the middle section of the playground on the far right close to the fence, there’s a natural timber fort and climbing frame.
It features:
- climbing nets
- bridges
- spider net
- climbing steps
- balance beams
- swinging log bridge
Here’s another view.
Paris Toddler Playground Area
The fort area extends to a more toddler friendly area, with:
- stepping stones
- a low swinging log bridge
- a balance beam, and
- poles to weave in and out of.
Toddler bouncers
For smaller kids, the bee and snail toddler bouncers are another good diversion.
Plus, there’s a seesaw.
Imaginative Play
Scattered around the playground, kids will find quirky sculptures and play toys such as:
- this telescope, and
- magic mirrors too.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: Paris for Kids – Luxembourg Gardens Paris Playground
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in EURO, unless otherwise stated
Address: Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard 75006 Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens are located in the 6th arrondissement near Sorbonne University.
Phone: +33 (0) 1 42 64 33 99
Website: Click here
Jardin du Luxembourg Opening Hours (Season and weather dependent)
- Le Ludo Jardin is open everyday from 10am, until 1 hour before the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens close their gates.
- The Jardin du Luxembourg gardens gates closes between 4.30pm and 9.30pm, according to season.
- Shorter hours operate from November through March.
- Longer hours operate from April through October.
Jardin du Luxembourg playground entry fees
Sadly, this Paris playground is not free.
Prices are listed below.
- Child 3,00 euro
- Adult (one time entry, but you can ask for pass outs) 1,00 euro
- Child rate applicable to all visitors aged 3 and over, and under 16.
- There’s also a discounted rate of 2,00 euro entry for the disabled, upon presentation of disability card.
- Buy a 12-pass for children for 25,00 euro, and adults 10,00 euro.
How to get to Jardin du Luxembourg Garden Playground
By Subway: Odéon station
By RER Train: Luxembourg station
By Bus: Numbers 21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89 all bring you to the Luxembourg Gardens
Map of Playground Luxembourg Gardens – Kids Paris
Exact Location of the Le Jardin du Luxembourg Playground
Head in the direction of the basketball courts and the Marionette theatre to find the revamped playground.
See the RED FLAG titled Ludo Jardine on the map below.
THIS is the home of the Paris playground here.
Walking approach view
View as you approach the playground from the palace.
Note Marionette theatre is on the left.
The right pathway
This is the view of the wide pathway FROM the playground, looking back towards the Serres du Sénat botanical garden rooftop.
Amenities at Playground Jardin du Luxembourg
Toilets: Yes, on site, behind the admission desk.
Disability access: Access to park is ok, but some of the playground equipment may not be suitable.
Shade: Limited, under trees. BYO hats and sunscreen
Enclosed: Yes! LOTS of seating around the edges of the playground too.
Ground cover: Concrete tiles, sand under toddler zone
Food options: See below for tips on where to eat in Jardin du Luxembourg gardens
Seating: Yes, plenty of seating throughout playground. Some is undercover.
More facilities at Ludo Jardin playground
Stroller and pram parking: Yes, undercover
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: No
Where to Eat in Jardin du Luxembourg gardens
Kiosks in Jardin du Luxembourg
There are several kiosks in various parts of the gardens selling beverages, and that all important takeaway coffee.
Pull up a seat and enjoy the sunshine.
There’s hundreds of free chairs throughout the gardens.
Budget eating in Paris
For a more budget friendly meal, visit Treize Bakery to pick up some baked treats and bring it back to the park for a picnic surrounded by Paris beauty.
The local McDonalds on the east of the park is another option if you need quick inexpensive food in a hurry.
Angelina tea room
If you are game, take the kids to the Rue de Vaugirard outpost of the Angelina tea room in Paris for the most famous hot chocolate in Paris, the “L’Africain”.
It’s a little on the pricey side to dine at this long-established Parisian restaurant, so make sure the kids are old enough to appreciate it.
(I wouldn’t take anyone under 6.)
The original Angelinas on Rue de Rivoli near the Louvre is the famous tea room where famous writers, painters, politicians and fashion designers like Coco Chanel once gathered to nibble fancy pastries and drink tea.
Visiting an Angelina tea room is touristy, but one of those bucket list experiences to do.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG PARK in Paris with children!
Visit Jardin du Luxembourg Children’s Theatre next door!
The fenced children’s playground area, Parc De Jeux at the Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens, is located next to a Children’s Theatre.
Marionnettes du Luxembourg Théâtre has 40 minute long performances on:
- Wednesdays
- Saturdays
- Sundays and
- school holidays.
The retro-style theatre is covered and heated, and is the perfect escape from cooler weather.
Click here for details of dates, showtimes, and entry fees.
Activities in Jardin De Luxembourg Gardens
You can easily spend a day in and around the Jardin de Luxembourg gardens because there’s plenty of stuff to do in the Jardin du Luxembourg garden surrounds.
10 things in fact.
Take a look here for details.
We really do think a visit to these beautiful Paris gardens is something to put on your “Things to do with the Kids in Paris” List.
The family will adore it, and you’ll feel like a real Parisian local for the day.
It’s the answer to the question, “is Paris kid friendly?”.
You’ll find it is.
MORE PARIS PLAYGROUNDS FOR KIDS
The Best Paris Playground near Louvre Museum
Aire de Jeux playground (Playing Yard) in the Jardin des Tuileries
Walk across the road from the Louvre pyramid, facing the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
Turn right and follow the road to the corner, then turn left onto Rue de Rivoli.
Walk along this road for about 600 metres until you find the entrance to the Aire de jeux playground in the Jardin des Tuileries.
You can also access it directly by walking through the park itself, from the entree Carrousel gates.
This playground in Paris is for 3 to 12 year olds.
Let the kids run off steam at this fun Paris playground featuring:
- a swinging hammock
- bouncing platforms
- a mini carousel
- a modern seesaw
- a rainbow-shaped climbing frame for little kids
The centrepiece of the playground is the GIANT net playground and silver tunnel slide.
The entrance to the net playground is a steep ladder, as it’s designed for 6-12 year olds only.
It’s pretty high up!
The Jardin des Tuileries Playground is the best Paris playground to visit for a run after a visit to the Louvre with kids, because it’s just a few minutes walk away.
There’s also the Terrain d’Aventures playground across the Seine, near the Novotel Paris les halles (our fave family hotel in Paris CBD).
Hot Tip: Take a 90-minute “Louvre Museum Highlights for Families” Tour
Louvre Museum Highlights Tour for families (by Get your Guide) is the most popular tour for families in Paris on a Paris vacation.
This Louvre Museum Highlights for Families experience is a 90 minute tour with an English-speaking guide.
If you are planning a visit to the Louvre with children, this tour takes in all the most popular sites in the Louvre museum for kids:
- the masterpieces
- the sculptures, and
- the architecture.
Take a look at the tour inclusions here
Image credit: Dilnawaz Karkaria
MORE Things to do in Paris with Kids
When you’ve taken a stroll and are looking for more things to do in Paris, why not this?
Paris Chocolate Museum
Visit the Paris Chocolate Museum, Le Musée Gourmand du Chocolat Choco-Story.
If you are a chocolate fanatic, why not book a “Create your own Chocolate bar” chocolate making workshop and spend 45 minutes making a chocolate bar, and choosing all the toppings.
It’s a fabulous unique souvenir of your time in Paris too! If you don’t eat it of course.
OLD JARDIN DE LUXEMBOURG PARIS PLAYGROUND IN PHOTOS
Want to have a look back at the old Jardin de Luxembourg playground to reminisce on this amazing playground in Paris?
Take a look back in time
Us too.
Take a look below.
Jardin du Luxembourg Playground for Toddlers.
The Jardin du Luxembourg playground kids activities in Paris were colour coded for the different age ranges.
There was:
- a ‘train’ to hop aboard
- a ‘car’ and ‘tear-drop caravan’ to drive
- a fort to climb
- bouncy rockers
- and slides.
Some of this equipment was set in a large sandpit, so we suggested you bring buckets and spades with you.
There was also some buckets on a pulley rope attached to one of the forts for those kids who liked to dig and scoop.
Playground Jardin du Luxembourg for Preschoolers & Big Kids
There was:
- a gigantic climbing frame and multi-level fort with wide slides
- tunnel slides to zip down
- climbing nets
- a whirly spinning disk to ride
- PLUS, the BEST circular “flying fox” zipline ride we’ve ever seen in a playground. (Check out our little video above!)
We loved the little souvenir and sweet lolly shop attached too.
More Photos of the Former Jardin De Luxembourg Playground
Toadstool Rating – Jardin Luxembourg Playground Paris for Children
Visit this playground and Terrain d’aventures, and the kids will love you for it.
Looking for MORE SUPER DOOPER FUN things to do in Paris with kids?
Click the links in blue to find out our picks of what are the best places to visit in Paris France?
Disappointed Nanny who couldn't find the place
Sunday 14th of July 2019
Your map isn't helpful and there are no coordinates of the latitude/longitude of exactly where this playground is. Though everything else is pretty thorough except for the most important part--which is finding the place with/for kids. :/
Amber
Monday 15th of July 2019
I have updated the post with a map for the location of the playground inside the park, and have found that the playground is currently under renovation and has been pulled down in preparation for the new one. That's why you couldn't find it. Check back in early spring when the new one will be unveiled.