Off-the-Beaten-Path Paris: Things to Do with Kids Beyond the Tourist Traps

Paris is often imagined as a city for romance and art, but it’s also a brilliant playground for families. If you’re traveling with kids and don’t need to stick to the crowded queues at the Eiffel Tower or the crush around the Mona Lisa. Paris has plenty of quieter corners, curious experiences, and little-known gems that spark young imaginations while giving adults a breather from the tourist traps. Here are some ideas to make your family trip to Paris both adventurous and surprisingly peaceful.


Take a Walk Through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

While many visitors flock to the Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the northeast of Paris offers a wilder, less-manicured escape. With suspension bridges, hidden grottos, and a temple perched high on a cliff, it’s a place where kids can explore, climb, and run freely. Bring a picnic and watch them invent their own adventures.


Rent Mini Sailing Boats in the Luxembourg Gardens

Yes, the Luxembourg Gardens are on the tourist map—but most people stick to strolling the paths or sitting by the fountains. What many don’t realize is that kids can rent little wooden sailing boats and launch them onto the central pond, nudging them along with a stick as they drift in the wind. It’s an old Parisian tradition that kids take to instantly, and it’s a far cry from waiting in line at a packed attraction.

Experience the Balloon Museum

A more recent arrival in Paris, the Balloon Museum is an immersive art experience that kids and teens adore. Giant inflatable installations fill the space, inviting visitors to wander, bounce, and interact. It’s colourful, fun, and incredibly Instagram-worthy, making it as appealing to a 12-year-old as to parents who appreciate clever design. It’s also a great rainy-day option.

Go Underground at the Catacombs

For those who like a thrill, the Catacombs are unforgettable: endless tunnels lined with centuries-old bones. It’s a mix of spooky and fascinating that appeals to older kids, especially those who enjoy history with a bit of an edge. Just save this for children who are up for it, not the easily scared.



Wander the Covered Passages

Paris’ 19th-century glass-roofed arcades are like stepping into a hidden world. These atmospheric passages are full of quirky little shops—vintage toys, old bookshops, antiques—and the sense of discovery makes them feel like treasure hunts. Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau are especially good with kids.

Take a Day Trip to Parc de Sceaux

If you need a proper break from the city, hop on the RER and head to Parc de Sceaux. Designed by the same landscape architect behind Versailles, it offers wide lawns, canals, and plenty of space for picnics and games. In spring, the cherry blossoms are magical, but it’s beautiful year-round—and blissfully free of tourist crowds.

Mix in Some Tourist Fun: The Colonnes de Buren

Not all “touristy” spots are a hassle. The Colonnes de Buren—also called Les Deux Plateaux—in the courtyard of the Palais Royal, is a playful contemporary art installation made up of striped black-and-white columns of varying heights. Kids and adults  immediately start climbing, hopping, and balancing on them. It’s one of those rare places where art doubles as a playground, and it’s free to explore!

Final Thoughts

Paris with kids doesn’t have to mean long queues and bribes of croissants to keep everyone going. By mixing hidden gems with playful “tourist-lite” experiences, you’ll discover a city that feels surprising, relaxed, and magical. Paris offers endless adventures for families.