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Exploring Paris with school-age kids is one thing, exploring the city with a toddler is…something else. Even the most precocious two-year old probably won’t be bowled over by the elegance of the Eiffel Tower or neo-Byzantine steeples of Sacre Coeur. And have you heard about the legendary acoustics in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame? Let’s just say it’s no place for a meltdown.

Luckily, there are plenty of spots in Paris where you can bask in the splendor and history of the city, while your toddler develops his or her running skills, shrieking ability, or capacity for eating sand. If you are traveling with anyone in the age 3-and-under set, be sure to include some (or all) of the following toddler-friendly places in your itinerary.

1. Jardin du Luxembourg

This magnificent 56-acre garden on Paris’s Left Bank was created in the early 17th century for queen consort, Marie de Medicis. Take some time to stroll down its harmonious gravel-lined paths, and delight in the garden’s immaculate flowerbeds, fountains, and statues. If the little one starts to get impatient, head to the small gated area specially designated for the just-learning-to-walk crowd. This area, called Le Jardin de Roserie, faces the Orangerie. There, your toddler will find several large sandboxes, wading pools (in the summer), and four small, clipped lawns which it is perfectly acceptable to run, crawl or have a little picnic – a rarity in Paris. On the opposite wing of the park, there’s even more to do. Your tot can enjoy a ride on an old-fashioned wooden carousel, take a turn on the swings, watch a marionette show (Wed., Sat. Sun, only), or even go on a pony ride!

2. Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Paris

This 900-year old cathedral on the Ile de la Cité is a must-see on your visit to Paris. But if your toddler is in need of a break, just pop outside to the play area on the right side of the Cathedral. While you admire the building’s Gothic architecture and famous gargoyles (or just sit exhaustedly on a bench) your child can build castles in a sandpit, bounce on the “rocking horse” animals, or watch the barges drift by on the Seine. After the kiddo has burned off some steam, pop him or her back in the stroller and take a five-minute walk to Berthillon on the Ile St. Louis to taste its legendary ice cream.

3. Place des Vosges

Both you and your toddler will enjoy this exquisite 17th-century square. You’ll love it for its classically French architecture, the abundance of art galleries, boutiques and cafés, and the impromptu classical concerts that frequently occur beneath its elegant stone arcades on weekends. Your little one will love – guess what? The playground. This playground has the usual accoutrements: several sandpits, a rather tall slide (some kids will need assistance), and a cool, newfangled see-saw that allows your babe to bounce away without a partner on the other side.

4. Champ de Mars

What could be more spectacular than loafing about in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower? Unlike most grassy areas in Paris that forbid walking or even sitting on the grass, your tot can run and play with abandon on the huge lawn of the Champs de Mars. So feel free to bring along a ball to kick around or a blanket to sit on while you revel in your proximity to Paris’s most celebrated symbol. There is also a playground and on the opposite side of the Champs de Mars (on the Right Bank, at Trocadero) you’ll find a wonderful merry-go-round.

5. Jardin d’Acclimatation

Okay, mom and dad – this last one is mainly for the kids. But they’ll be so excited to be at this special “garden” that you won’t mind forgoing an afternoon at the Louvre. Located in the Bois de Boulogne just on the outskirts of central Paris (but easily accessible by metro), this “Zoological Garden” is really a small amusement park for little ones. Kick off your visit by catching “Le Petit Train” at Porte Maillot, which will take you directly to the park. Your toddler will go crazy for the small zoo (“La Petite Ferme”), the House of Mirrors (Miroirs Déformants), the mechanical boat ride (La Rivière Enchantée), not to mention the puppet shows, pony rides and other attractions.

When all is said and done, your toddler probably won’t remember the fabulous time that she had in Paris… but you will.

Photo of young child in Paris by Mark and Allegra