11 best things to do with kids in Germany
By Abi Carter
Planning a holiday with the little ones or just want a place for your inner kid to run free? Here’s our selection of the best kid-friendly places and activities in Germany, just in time for the school holidays.
Great family-friendly activities in Germany
From enchanting fairytale castles and Christmas shops that never close, to hands-on museums and experiences to tempt the sweet tooth in us all, Germany has no shortage of interesting, stimulating and entertaining activities suitable for families with children.
1. Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg
Kids aged from two to 92 will marvel alike at Miniatur Wunderland’s painstaking recreation of famous sights from Germany and abroad in tiny, titillating detail. Located in the centre of Hamburg, it is the largest model railway system in the world, with 15.400 metres of miniature track, 4.110 buildings, 260.000 figures and 1.040 trains (and even a tiny chocolate factory that dispenses tiny chocolate bars!). It is regularly voted the most popular tourist attraction in Germany, and you’ll definitely understand why as soon as you enter.
2. Museum of Natural History, Berlin
What kid could possibly turn their nose up at the giant dinosaur skeletons and stuffed polar bears housed in the Museum of Natural History in Berlin? Dive into a million years’ worth of natural history with exhibits covering everything from the development of our universe, the giant dinosaurs that stalked the earth millions of years ago, and the evolution of the animals and birds we know today.
3. LEGOLAND Deutschland, Günzburg
Plenty of German amusement parks have rides suitable for kids, but LEGOLAND Deutschland is the only theme park that’s specifically targeted at families with children aged between two and 12. Even if you’re not a LEGO lover, you can’t help but enjoy the themed rollercoasters and other attractions, including Miniland, which features recreations of European cities and landscapes, constructed out of 23 million LEGO bricks.
Image credit: ©LEGOLAND / Christian Colista
4. Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If your kids wish it could be Christmas every day, pay a visit to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria. The town itself is one of the prettiest in all of Germany, straight out of a picture book, but the real magic begins inside the shop, where time stands still. No matter the season or the weather outside, inside it’s Christmas time and there are decorations to be bought all year round. For the real Christmas fanatics, there’s also a Christmas museum.
5. Haribo Factory Store, Bonn
Bonn is where the most famous gummy bears in the world were created in 1920, and you can get your hands on bagfuls and bagfuls of Haribo sweets in all different varieties - and at super sweet prices - at the Haribo Factory Store in Bonn. While the factory itself isn’t open to the public, the store includes information boards telling the history of this international company, allowing you to learn a little while you get what you’re really after: the sweets. If you’re more of a chocolate person, why not head to the Chocolate Museum in Cologne?
Image credit: Haribo
6. Black Forest Open Air Museum, Baden-Württemberg
History comes to life in 360 degrees at this super kid-friendly museum housed on the site of a 17th-century farmhouse. Through a collection of lovingly restored buildings, which are open for visitors to explore in detail, the museum lets you experience how people lived and worked in the Black Forest 600 years ago. There are plenty of family workshops for those who want to try their hand at historical crafts, while pigs, horses, cows, chickens and geese mill about for animal lovers. There’s also an adventure playground, perfect for running around.
Image credit: © Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof, Michael Bode
7. Neuschwanstein Castle
If your kids are begging for a trip to Disneyland, why not give them the real deal? As well as being one of the most famous sights in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is also a hit with the kids, thanks to being instantly recognisable as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. If your little ones don’t fancy the hike up to the top, you could opt for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage for an unforgettable day out.
8. Deutsches Museum, Munich
Another museum that lets you get hands-on is the German Museum in Munich, one of the oldest and largest science and technology museums in the world. The interactive exhibits, demonstrations and experiments invite children and adults alike to get involved and discover early computers and aeroplanes, petrol cars, giant ships, microscopes, clocks, musical instruments and even medicines with their eyes, hands and ears. experimenta Science Centre in Heilbronn is another great interactive museum for kids.
9. Aquarium Berlin
The perfect activity for a rainy day, Aquarium Berlin is one of the most famous collections of sealife in Europe, where mysterious, curious and monstrous creatures await discovery by nature-loving kids - from colourful coral reef inhabitants to awe-inspiring sharks. As well as fostering interest in marine animals, the aquarium also supports innovative conservation projects around the world.
Image credit: © Aquarium Berlin
10. Spargelhof Klaistow, Beelitz, Brandenburg
Germany loves its seasonal produce, and never is this quite so clear as when the strawberry and asparagus season gets underway. Heading to a farm to harvest fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to feel at one with nature, while also picking up some tasty food. The whole country is awash with places to “pick your own” (selbst pflücken), but a great day out is to be had by all at the family-run farm Spargelhof Klaistow, in Brandenburg, which offers a petting zoo, climbing forest and maize maze alongside the fruit and vegetables.
11. Alpsee Coaster, Bavaria
Thought that tobogganing was only a winter activity? Think again! When the warm weather arrives, the whole of Germany goes mad for summer toboggan runs (Sommerrodelbahnen): exhilarating rides that let you slide down a track in a sledge. While you’re sure to find one close to you almost anywhere in the country, the longest Sommerrodelbahn that’s open year-round is the Alpsee Coaster in the Alpsee Bergwelt ski resort, promising 68 curves, 23 waves, seven jumps and speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour! All kids above the age of three are allowed to take part in the fun.
Video: Ride Review / YouTube
Get out and about with the family this summer
With so many fun and family-friendly activities to take you all over Germany, the summer holidays will likely disappear in a flash. Have you got any other suggestions for things kids will love? Let us know in the comments below!
Abi Carter
Editor in chief at IamExpat Media