The Champs de Mars Playground: The Best Playground Near the Eiffel Tower

When most families plan a visit to the Eiffel Tower, a playground probably isn’t the first thing on their itinerary. But when you’re visiting Paris with kids, adding time for them to run, climb and play can completely change the day.

The playground at the Champs de Mars is one of our favorite places to stop near the Eiffel Tower. The kids get a break from sightseeing, and you get one of the most memorable playground views in Paris.

It’s an easy addition before or after visiting the Eiffel Tower, and it’s especially helpful when younger kids need time to move after waiting in lines or walking through the city. Pair this playground with a picnic lunch and it will be one of your kids favorite memories!

Why Families Should Visit the Champs de Mars Playground

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from traveling around Europe with three kids is that you have to make it fun for them too. Our best days as a family usually include something the adults want to see and something that gives the kids time to simply be kids.

That is exactly why I love pairing a playground with something we want to see. This playground is especially nice because of close proximity to the Eiffel Tower plus it’s FREE. There are many nice playgrounds around the city, but you can’t beat this location or view. There are plenty of benches to rest and find a shady spot to get off your feet for a little bit.

What Is the Playground Like?

This playground was recently renovated and includes a separate play area for toddlers and big kids. Both are fenced in and provide benches for parents to rest while the kids play. The big kids area offers a climbing structure, slides, and even a little trampoline that my kids all loved!

There is a small vintage carousel for the younger kids but you would need to buy tickets for this so bring cash if you plan to use this.

Where Is the Champs de Mars Playground?

The playground is located in the Champ de Mars park near the Eiffel Tower. Because the park is large and there are different family activities throughout the grounds, I recommend saving the playground on your phone before arriving instead of assuming you will immediately see it.

We always stop by this playground on a day that we do a picnic by the Eiffel Tower. It’s just a few minute walk and the kids always love to play here.

The easiest nearby Metro stop is Ecole Militaire, but your best route will depend on which side of the Eiffel Tower you are visiting from. You could also get here from the famous Bir-Hakeim line (line 6) and enjoy a short walk to the northwest/ Eiffel Tower end of the park.

The Best Time to Visit

You can visit this park any time of year! There are plenty of benches and trees to provide shade in the summer months. The trees around the Eiffel Tower are so beautiful in the fall too.

There is a small cafe right outside the entrance that offers crepes, sandwiches and icecream for the kids. They also have good coffee if you need a pick-me-up especially during those first few days fighting the jet lag.

How to Add It to Your Eiffel Tower Day

The playground works best as part of a larger Eiffel Tower outing rather than as a separate destination. The playground is not that big so you will not need a separate trip here. Just work it into your day.

A simple family itinerary could look like this:

Visit the Eiffel Tower in the morning, stop at the Champs de Mars playground afterward and then have a picnic or early lunch in the area.

You could also reverse the order and let your children play first if you have a later Eiffel Tower reservation. That can be helpful when kids have been sitting in a stroller or traveling across the city.

The lawns of the Champ de Mars are popular for picnics and offer open views toward the Eiffel Tower, so it is easy to extend your playground visit into a relaxed family break.

Is the Champs de Mars Playground Worth Visiting?

Yes! Especially if you are already visiting the Eiffel Tower with younger children.

It is free, conveniently located and gives kids a chance to play during what might otherwise be a long sightseeing day. It is not an attraction that needs half a day, but it is exactly the kind of stop that can make Paris feel more enjoyable for the whole family.

For us, some of the best moments in Paris have come from balancing the famous landmarks with ordinary childhood experiences. Having a picnic at the Eiffel Tower and stopping by this playground should be on your itinerary.