Jardin des Plantes (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Jardin des Plantes?
What makes it 93% Kids-Friendly: Children can burn energy on lawns, ride the Dodo carousel, meet red pandas in the Ménagerie, and marvel at dinosaur bones, with playgrounds, child tickets, toilets and changing tables on site.
![🇫🇷 Paris, Jardin des Plantes, 400 Years Old Botanical Garden, Amazing Walking Tour [4K/60fps]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XMiZlkuo2Q8/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Free outdoor spaces: All garden areas, lawns and playground are free to enter year-round.
- Accessibility: Paved, stroller-friendly paths and benches are available throughout the garden.
- Family ticket savings: Use bundled family packs online to cut ticket costs for zoo and greenhouses.
Challenges:
- Limited workshop days: The Children’s Gallery and themed workshops run only on Wed, Sat and Sun—check schedules.
- French-language tours: Most guided tours and labels are in French; pick up English leaflets at reception.
What is Jardin des Plantes?
- A historic botanical garden in Paris, founded in 1635 as the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants
- A living collection of themed outdoor gardens, tropical and desert greenhouses, and arboreal displays representing global flora
- A scientific and educational institution within the National Museum of Natural History, incorporating galleries of anatomy, paleontology, and a historic menagerie
What is so special about Jardin des Plantes for with kids?
- Free open lawns and playground for active kids
- Interactive nature hunts across themed garden zones
- Family-priced Ménagerie for red pandas and tortoises
- Dinosaur skeletons and mammoth bones in the Paleontology Gallery
- Exotic plants and seasonal butterflies in historic glasshouses
Recommended visit duration: 2–3.5 hours
Why 2–3.5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to enjoy outdoor play, visit key exhibits, and rest without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Jardin des Plantes
Free garden play:
Let kids run on open lawns and explore winding paths.
Tip: Bring bubbles or a ball for extra fun in the central garden.
DIY nature hunt:
Spot leaf shapes, flowers, and garden statues with a simple checklist.
Tip: Print or sketch your own list before arrival to guide exploration.
Ménagerie (small zoo):
See red pandas, tortoises and playful monkeys.
Tip: Buy the €40 family pack (2 adults+2 kids) online to save €6.
Gallery of Paleontology:
Marvel at dinosaur skeletons and mammoth bones.
Tip: Children under 26 enter free; pick up the English interactive guide at reception.
Grandes Serres (greenhouses):
Walk through restored 19th-century glasshouses with exotic plants and seasonal butterflies.
Tip: Use the €28 greenhouse family pack to cover 2 adults+2 kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Jardin des Plantes
- Buy tickets online: Order family packs in advance to skip ticket lines and secure discounts.
- Arrive early: Beat midday crowds and find shady picnic spots near the greenhouses.
- Plan meal breaks: Use picnic benches by the zoo or bring snacks to enjoy on open lawns.
When is the best time to visit Jardin des Plantes (Paris, France)?
Spring: view tulips and magnolias in bloom. Summer: pack sunhats and visit greenhouses for cool shade. Autumn: enjoy orange and red leaves along plane-tree alleys. Winter: warm up inside the greenhouses and head to indoor exhibits.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Zoo family pack (2 adults+2 kids) | EUR 40 |
| Greenhouse family pack | EUR 28 |
| Gallery of Paleontology tickets (2 adults) | EUR 24 |
| Carousel rides (2 kids) | EUR 6 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 98 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Jardin des Plantes
Address: Jardin des Plantes, 75005 Paris, France
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