This event is perfect for little ones who can't stop filling their pockets when out on a walk! Exchange the acorns and chestnuts that your kids have collected for free entry to this children's festival in Hannover Tiergarten.

Gathering nuts for the winter

The animals at Hannover Tiergarten eat a lot of nuts through the winter, so they ask the residents of Hanover to help them out. As the leaves turn brown and the nuts start to fall, gather them up and deliver them to collection points around the city in exchange for a free children's ticket to the Tiergarten Festival.

Nut collection points and opening hours

Acorns and chestnuts can be dropped off at these collection points for two weeks before the festival:

• Commercial building at Tiergartenstraße 149: Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm
• Forsthof Am Pferdeturm, Kleestraße 101: Monday - Thursday, 8am-3.30pm, Friday 8am-11.30am
• Mecklenheide depot (day care center access), Schulenburger Landstraße 331: Monday - Thursday, 8am-3.30pm, Friday 8am-11.30am

Don't worry if you don't come across any nuts to hand in, you can still buy a ticket! It's always free for children under six. Those between six and 14 years of age pay just two euros, and adults pay three euros.

Tiergartenfest Hannover

The festival is a great day out for families. Highlights of the event include specially costumed walking acts, a forest rally, a children's circus and a large meadow with many games. For the animal-loving children, there are pony rides through the park, as well as the chance to see the animals in the Tiergarten itself.

The festival ends as it gets dark, around 6.30pm, with a large lantern parade and music.

Hanover Tiergarten

The Tiergarten in Hanover is 112 hectares of recreational forest. The woods are inhabited by a large number of wild animals, making it one of Hanover's most popular attractions. The wooded area was first planted in 1678, so a very old tree population has grown, creating a landscape of beauty and serenity.

While it doesn't have some of the exotic animals that other zoos in Germany do, deer, boar, bats and more can be spotted in the park.

Attending Hanover Tiergarten Festival

The Tiergarten is easily accessible by public transport, with tram line five stopping right outside. While cycling in the city is always encouraged, please note that bicycles cannot be brought into the park itself.

Tickets can be bought on the day, or ordered in advance from the Hanover visitor information website.