Weekends are to spend time with children. Living in a capital or a big city has its advantages because you always have something to do. Since we have 2 children, we are often looking for a show, an exhibition or a park for toddlers. I had often heard of the Jardin d’Acclimatation, but I had never been there. Last weekend, we took advantage of the good weather and went there to spend a wonderful day with the family. As it was the first time I went there, I discovered a lot of things and so I decided to share them with you via this article. We hope it will help you to better organize your day at Jadrin d’Acclimatation.
Jardin d’Acclimatation : what is it?
Jardin d’Acclimatation is not just a garden :). Located in Paris downtown, in the 16th arrondissement, near Bois de Boulogne, on an area of 16 hectares, it now offers more than 40 attractions, but also free playgrounds. Free shows and activities for nature lovers are also offered there, such as the Apiary, the vegetable garden, or the Large Aviary where you can contemplate 150 colorful birds, from all over the world. Just in a few words, it is an ideal place to spend a pleasant day, full of laughter and unforgettable moments with children.
How to go there ?
Located in Paris, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is easily accessible. You can get there by car or public transport. If you choose the metro, line 1 will take you there. To go through the main entrance, you must get off at « Les Sablons » station. After about ten minutes of walking, you are there. If you get off at the « Porte Maillot » station, you can take « the small train », which will take you inside the park. However, we should underline that this service is not free. A ticket will be deducted from your pass for the attractions.
You can also go by car, which is the most comfortable solution because at the end of the day you will be exhausted. I, therefore, advise you to get there quite early in the day, because around noon (the time we arrived, after looking for a car place for 20 minutes), you must be very lucky to find a place for the car. We ended up parking about 10 minute walk from the park.
Prices
Once there, you must buy an entrance ticket for the park, which is compulsory for everyone, even if you are not doing any attractions. The price was 7 euros (full price). A reduced rate exists (4 euros), for large families, job seekers, elderly people. Note that the entrance is free for children under 80 cm. Yes, indeed, this is in relation to height and not in relation to age because most attractions are not accessible to children under 80 cm, which is quite logical, I think.
As for the attractions, each one requires 1 to 3 tickets. You can buy a bunch of 15 tickets on one of the machines on site, or on the Internet. The price for the 15 tickets is 45 euros. For us, the 15 tickets were enough, because first, we arrived quite late and then, we would have to go home for Tina, to take her nap. We ended up staying there until 4 p.m. If you go early and plan to spend a whole day, you can also opt for one of the unlimited passes. More information on prices and conditions you will find on their website.
The attractions
So, the most interesting part of the article now :). Even if you are not a fan of thrills, you can find your happiness there. Most attractions are suitable for children at age of 2.5 years. You can often accompany them, because they are quite interesting, such as « The Flying Ships » or « The Gondolas ». Thrill-seekers, you have « The Chinese Dragon » or « The Flying Chairs ». The little ones will be happy to discover « The Frogs » attraction, or the brand new attraction called « La Toupie ». If you want to take a break, you can lie on the grass (there are reserved places where you can sit on) or sit on a bench and watch the birds in « The Great Aviary ».
Where to eat?
After spending a good part of the day (for those who go there early enough), you can have lunch in one of the restaurants on site. There is food for all tastes and for all budgets. You have meals from 8 euros to 35 euros per person. You have of course hamburgers, sandwiches, salads or even the buffet at 35 euros at the Italian restaurant. If you wish, you can pic-nic there, but think to bring your meal. In any case, remember to have water with you, because it is true that the park is quite large and therefore you will be walking a lot. Not to mention that it is very important to hydrate yourself, especially during the summer season.
This wasthe most important information that I would have liked to know before going there ;). Hoping that it will be useful to you for the preparation of your adventure in the Jardin d’Acclimatation.
