Exploring with young children
The Fontainebleau district is a fantastic playground for little ones aged two to five to explore and discover. But planning an outing with toddlers can sometimes feel like a royal decree, and coming up with fresh ideas is half the battle.
To help spark the next adventure, this is a list of favorite local spots. These are the places that have charmed children and provided memorable days out, whether they involve running through the forest, spotting boats on a river, or enjoying a picnic in the gardens.
This list is not exhaustive, but rather a simple aid to jog your memory and inspire your next outing. From grand castles that feel like storybook settings to easy walks and exciting play areas, get ready to discover the child-friendly treasures the Fontainebleau area has to offer!
Exploring with young children
Avon
Library Les Sources Vives
Discover an awesome world of stories, games, and fun at Les Sources Vives Library near Fontainebleau. They have tons of books, movies, and cool workshops for kids. Come explore, learn, and make new friends.
To-Play
To-Play is your solution for rainy day fun! Our large, safe indoor playground/jungle gym for kids from crawling to age 13 is well-designed to minimize injuries while maximizing active play.
Barbizon
Pirate Ship
This large, pirate-themed playground features a fun pirate ship for children! Conveniently located at Barbizon Loisirs Sports between the tennis courts and cemetery, with easy parking across the street. Accessible via two gates. Bring your little buccaneers!
Le Chalet de la Caverne
While the auberge offers simple treats like fries and ice pops for a quick energy boost, the real adventure is the exciting cave exploration—perfect for young children.
Bois le Roi
Île de Loisirs
Bois-le-Roi Île de Loisirs is a great family escape, only 50 km south of Paris. Set between the Fontainebleau forest and the Seine River, it offers safe, supervised outdoor activities and relaxation for kids and adults.
Bourron Marlotte
Gymnase André Poirier
Two distinct play areas for children! The Gymnase André Poirier playground offers sand, slides, a train, picnic tables, and climbing boulders near the forest.
Skateboard Park
The Skateboard Park playground is great for supervising older kids and is beside a fenced playground for the younger. Additionally there is a large field across the road.
Fontainebleau
Chateau Fontainebleau playground
A lovely fenced playground with swings, slides, and a viking ship, making it a great spot for children to play and meet others before exploring the surrounding park.
Chateau Fontainebleau Train
A 35-minute miniature train ride offers a scenic, 8€ adult/4€ child tour of the Chateau’s gardens, starting from the Cour d’Honneur. A quick way to see the grounds, though it can be a bit dusty in summer.
Fire Department Museum
Discover a hidden gem for your kids: the Fontainebleau Firefighting Museum! Tucked under the fire station, this treasure trove features fire trucks, historical uniforms, helmets, and gear. A fun, educational visit, but check for limited hours (typically Wednesdays 2:30–4:00 PM).
Gorges de Franchards
Gorges de Francards is a spacious forest park with easy parking that offers the ideal setting for active family fun. Children can safely explore trails, climb rock formations, play in the large open field with simple huts, and see the George Sand Oak and Eye of Nations monument.
Grotte Beatrix
The path, near Bourron-Marlotte (just outside Fontainebleau), is a family favorite. It offers easy parking next to a large picnic/play field. Enjoy a flat start before a fun, rocky climb great for toddlers. The loop walk is mostly safe (with watchful eyes) and provides excellent exercise.
Jardin de la Place de la République
This small, central playground in Fontainebleau's main square is a favorite for local children, often featuring other families and activity to keep things lively. Conveniently next to underground parking, it's easy to access (except on chaotic market Fridays). A great, dependable spot for playtime!
Luwei Brunch Cafe
Kid-friendly brunch spot right next to the square. Spacious, with toys and a warm atmosphere full of other children. Great food and coffee make this a must-visit
Reel Books
A cozy English book and video store in Fontainebleau, Reel Books is perfect for parents seeking a quick fix of English-language favorites like Winnie the Witch or Harry Potter. Skip the Amazon wait and dive into their great selection for young children (and adults!), plus a handy second-hand section.
Site Arbor & Sens
This safe, fenced arboretum is perfect for families with young children. Pushchair-friendly paths and easy parking make visits simple. Kids will love following the rope-guided trail. Ideal for a quiet walk and picnic near Des Gorges de Franchards.
Square Josephine
This secure, fully-walled playground in Fontainebleau is a perfect spot for kids! Featuring swings, slides, trampolines, a picnic area, and spring riders (the wobbly sheep!), it's near the main square and bike shops. A great place to play and meet other children, especially mid-day.
Tour Denecourt
Tour Denecourt offers superb views near Fontainebleau. Park in the designated spot for a pleasant 10-20 min walk. The initial path suits pushchairs, but the final, steeper section to the 1851 tower does not. It's a lovely family walk regardless!
Grez sur Loing
Étang de la Clarette
Once a gravel source, Étang de la Clarette is now a haven for birds, perfect for a family outing. Enjoy a picnic or walk around the lake. Accessible for pushchairs although bumpy at times.
Les Jardins de Provence
Discover this garden shop gem on the Fontainebleau-Nemours route! A surprising stop for families, featuring farm animals and a wonderland of plants. Perfect for finding little toys or fresh produce.
Sabor Rumbero
Sabor Rumbero in Grez Sur Loing campground offers great coffee and Mexican food (burritos, tacos, etc.). Perfect for kids! It has a small playground and covered games room, plus a nearby park for ducks and exploring!
Tacot Des Lacs
A steam train runs on its own line at the Tacot des Lacs train museum! Located by the Etang de la Clarette, this paradise for young train lovers features over fifty trains, trams, and traction engines. A must-see for all train-obsessed kids!
Larchant
Auberge De La Dame Jouanne
Enjoy a delightful forest lunch at Auberge De La Dame Jouanne near L'Elephant. We offer a kids' menu, booster seats, and child-friendly staff. Perfect for a family walk and meal! Booking is essential due to limited hours. Check current times! Note: Limited vegetarian options; call ahead.
L'Elephant near Larchant
Explore The Elephant near Larchant! This popular spot features rock formations and sandy areas perfect for toddlers and young children to play. No long walks necessary—just sand, rocks, and trees for climbing. Easy parking and a nearby auberge for meals.
Nemours
Pet store
Bricomarché offers a large pet shop alcove featuring fish, rabbits, mice, and more. A perfect, free rainy-day activity where kids can pet and feed Abby the resident animal (if she's awake!).
Noisy-sur-École
Les sables du Cul de Chien
Explore this unique natural boulder and sand park, a hidden gem perfect for families! Your young children can safely climb fascinating, hole-filled rocks and play on soft, white sand. Les sables du Cul de Chien has easy parking and clear paths make it accessible. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection for a fun-filled day of adventure!
Recloses
Playground
Hidden Recloses playground: tiny, cute, and perfect for a quick stop! Close to the bakery for an easy lunch on your Fontainebleau area outing. Easy to miss, a true small-town gem for young children.
Saint Mammes
Boats
Watch big and small boats where the Canal Loing meets the Seine. Plenty of parking, a bakery for treats, and a footbridge to the Espace naturel sensible du Lutin nature preserve for easy walks and picnics with your young children.
Saint-Pierre-lès-Nemours
Playground beside Town Hall
Fantastic park for families! Safe, fun playground for kids, easy parking, and adult fitness equipment. Enjoy the park and then explore the Parc des Rochers Greau across the road.
Thomery
Parc des Insectes
Discover a sheltered playground gem perfect for young children! Enjoy slides, climbing, and a gated picnic area. It even offers potential forest walks. While parking is limited, the playground is sheltered for windy days and fine.
Ury
Parc d'Ury
Despite a tricky one-way street, this playground offers easy parking, a pushchair path, swings, a roundabout, fields for running, and a second, quieter play area.
Villiers en Biere
Playground
A lovely, shady park playground awaits in Villiers-en-Bière! Perfect for younger children, this clean and pleasant spot near Dammarie-lès-Lys, surrounding the Mairie, offers a great place to play and relax.
Villiers-sous-Grez
Grotte du Curé
Easy parking and a scenic ascending walk lead to the Grotte du Curé, a fascinating cave perfect for young adventurers to explore. Supervised exploration of the varied, interesting terrain makes for a memorable outing!
Still need more? Try our list of playgrounds in the Fontainebleau district.
