Family Friendly Destinations in Germany: 12 That You Won’t Want to Miss!
The Western European country of Germany is rich not only in history, with strong ties with WWII and Cold War, but also natural beauty, delicious eateries, and family friendly attractions! If you are searching for your next destination for a family getaway, Germany should absolutely be a consideration! With so many family friendly destinations in Germany, you will easily find one that will meet all the travel needs and wants for every member of your family!
Head over to Potsdam to visit the Brandenburg Gate, take the funicular up to Schlossberg or try the Black Forest Cake in Freiburg, go river punting in Tübingen, explore the capital city of Berlin, try some delicious Rausch Chocolates in Peine, get up close with Germany’s nature at Saxon Switzerland National Park, and more!
12 Family Friendly Destinations in Germany
Potsdam
Recommended by Sam from My Flying Leap
Potsdam is a lovely and historic city just 45 minutes from the capital, Berlin. It’s known for the stunning Sanssouci Palace, which is actually a complex of several beautiful palaces.
The main palace at Sanssouci was the favorite getaway for German King Frederick the Great. Inspired by Versailles, it’s beautiful, gilded, opulent, and the perfect place to pretend to be king or queen for a day. The grounds are beautiful as well and the park is a tranquil and relaxing respite from the city.
Walk around the historic town center, passing through Brandenburg Gate and Nauener Gate. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch as you’ll find lots of cafes and restaurants in this area. Head to City Palace and the Old Market Square. Film buffs will love the Potsdam Film Museum, one of the oldest buildings in the city and built in the 1600s.
History lovers may recognize Potsdam from the image of “the Big Three” from the Potsdam Conference of 1945. Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam was where Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin brokered the agreement for the end of World War II.
The Bridge of Spies is also located in Potsdam. It’s the place where the East and West German regimes exchanged secret agents caught as political prisoners. Whether you’re interested in beautiful palaces, dramatic history, or just walking through the passageways of time, Potsdam has a little something for everyone. Potsdam is an easy day trip from Berlin and a must-see when you visit the area at any time of year.
Freiburg
Recommended by Bec from Wyld Family Travel
For many people visiting Germany, their visit includes beer, epic castles, giant pretzels, hearty cuisine and history without leaving the major capital cities like Munich and Berlin. Cities like Freiburg are often overlooked but they have just as much to offer the traveler too.
Freiburg is a beautiful green city that is home to many university students, but don’t let that put you off. The city is easy to walk around and is in the perfect position for you to also add an easy trip to the Alsace region of France as well as amazing day trips to the Black Forest.
If you are looking for things to do in Freiburg there is an abundance of activities. You can take the funicular to the top of Schlossberg. Schlossberg is a hill that gives you amazing views over the city of Freiburg and is a great place to get back to nature around the city.
Views of the Freiburg Munster from here are magnificent but you must visit the Munster itself. On a Sunday you will find a market held in the square where the famous church is. Treat yourself to a freshly cooked wurst in bread and some amazing local produce, then let yourself just wander the city but watch out for the Bachle! These small water filled channels run through the Old Town and were once used for irrigation. They are known to catch a few visitors to Freiburg out but never fear they say if you step in one you will marry a Freiburger! Now they are used to catch a tourist and take rainwater from the Old Town area.
Spend some time listening and watching the local street artists in Rathhausplatz and find a shop to sit with a slice of the famous Black Forest Cake. The Mundenhof is also a great place to spend an afternoon with kids in Freiburg. This is the largest animal enclosure in Batten-Wattenburg and here you will find many different animals to look and and plenty of places to sit and rest.
Day trips from Freiburg are easy too with train travel if you don’t have a car. One place you should visit if you have time is Europa Park. This is a theme park in Rust and is a must for families travelling to Freiburg.
Koblenz
Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Situated in the German corner, Koblenz is a captivating city. It is where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. Almost 2,000 years old, this city is known to be the most beautiful part of the country. It has been a significant part of history. It was a part of the Holy Roman Empire in 925 AD. The city was also significantly impacted during World War II. That is what drags most of the visitors to this part of Germany.
Koblenz is a combination of various eras that are now reflected through ancient buildings. Old Town is covered by streets and alleyways that have a vintage feel to them. Surrounded by waters, Koblenz offers seaside food stalls, wine bars, boat rides, and even more.
Activities like boat rides, riding bicycles on the waterside, and exploring castles like Stolzenfels Castle make it one of the best family friendly destinations in Germany. For families with kids, there are fun activities like water parks, theme parks, and more.
Families can explore Schloss Stolzenfels, Kurfürstliches Schloss, DB Museum, Butterfly garden, Rathaus among some of the popular things to do in Koblenz. It would be best for you to visit this beautiful city during summer, from June to August.
For a family-friendly stay, you can consider Vintage meets Moderne. Also, do not forget to try their local since it is situated in Germany’s wine region.
Tübingen
Recommended by Soujanya from The Spicy Journey
Tübingen is a university city in the state of Baden-Württemberg in the south-west of Germany. Its proximity to Stuttgart makes it a perfect day trip for any kind of traveler. What makes Tübingen so great is that despite being so incredibly picturesque, it is still not quite on the tourist radar yet, so visitors get to enjoy the city without the crazy crowds.
Some of the best things to do in Tübingen include taking a stroll through the Tübingen Altstadt, grabbing coffee in the Tübingen Marktplatz- one of the most beautiful and unique ones in Germany, and catching a panoramic view of the city from the Hohentübingen castle. However, the best and the most unique thing to do at Tübingen is to go river punting in the Neckar River. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat that is pushed by a person with a pole to move the boat forward in shallow rivers and it is a proud university tradition in Tübingen. This experience can be booked online or in-person at the pier.
All in all, Tübingen is a place to relax, have fun in the river, stroll or play in its gardens and enjoy quality time with your loved ones! We stayed at Hotel Meteora which was a family-friendly stay just a 10-minute walk from the Altstadt.
Kassel
Recommended by Lotte from Gezond Weekmenu
Kassel is a lovely medium sized city, located between Hanover and Frankfurt. It’s a city with an interesting history that goes back until 913 AD. Unfortunately, many historic buildings were heavily damaged during WWII and large parts of the city have been completely rebuilt since.
That being said, there are still several notable old buildings as well as many other activities to do in Kassel. In fact, the city has one of the highest concentrations of museums in Germany!
Kids will love Grimmwelt, a museum dedicated to the Brothers Grimm who gave the world many famous fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and the Sleeping Beauty.
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is another must-visit, especially during summer (though it’s a great place to visit year-round). Here you can explore Wilhelmshöhe Palace, admire the imposing Hercules Monument and the beautiful water features. Note there are lots of stairs here so you might want to leave the stroller at home.
While you can visit Kassel year-round, the best months are April – October. Temperatures are generally comfortable, though July and August occasionally have very hot days. During the winter months it can get quite cold in Kassel, which isn’t an issue if you stick to mostly indoor activities. But your kids probably won’t be happy when you’re making them wander around in the cold the entire day.
If your kids are a little older and comfortable cycling in cities, renting a bike is an excellent way to explore Kassel. Public transport is well-organized and very affordable, however, some sights are quite far from each other. That means it can take some time to get from place to place. If your kids are still quite young it may be more convenient to rent a car to get around.
Leipzig
Recommended by Ali from Berlin Travel Tips.
Leipzig is a wonderful city in Germany, and since it’s smaller than cities like Berlin or Munich, it’s easy to explore, especially if you’re traveling with the whole family. Even if you only have one day in Leipzig, you can see a lot of the important sights.
Located in the former East Germany, Leipzig has an interesting Cold War history. Check out St. Nicholas Church, which was an important place for the peaceful protests that eventually led to the end of communist rule in East Germany. It’s also one of the churches where Bach served as choir master.
Leipzig was home to many musicians and other artists throughout history. Bach was also a choir master at St. Thomas Church, plus you can visit the Bach Museum to learn more about this important composer. You’ll also find statues around the city honoring figures such as Goethe, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and Richard Wagner, plus two Bach statues.
Martin Luther also had strong ties to Leipzig. This important figure in the Protestant Reformation was a preacher at the St. Thomas Church. A visit to Leipzig is full of interesting history.
It’s also a great city for a leisurely stroll. The old town is really cute and compact. Marktplatz is the city’s market square, and you’ll also see the gorgeous old city hall building there.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, but it can get hot. If you’re able to come in late spring or early autumn, you will get some more pleasant weather and fewer tourists. If you come in December, you can enjoy Leipzig’s fantastic Christmas Market. For a nice place to stay, check out the Penta Hotel.
Goslar
Recommended by Vicki from Vickiviaja
Goslar is definitely not one of the most famous cities in Germany. But nevertheless, or maybe primarily because of that, it is definitely worth a visit. As one of the most beautiful towns in the Harz Mountains, a visit is doubly recommended: for an incredible medieval atmosphere in a relaxed small town and the breathtaking nature surrounding the small city.
Goslar has a long history and was founded more than 1,000 years ago. So, it’s hardly surprising that history buffs in particular flock to the town. But that doesn’t make it boring at all for children. Because everywhere there is something new to discover and learn about times gone by.
A walk through the city center also invites you to dream, because the medieval atmosphere in old alleys and magnificent half-timbered houses simply enchants everyone. But you should also not miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rammelsberg mine, which is located a short walk outside the city center. On a guided tour, young and old can learn more about life and work in the mine. Here you can also explore the area underground.
After you have seen the city, you should definitely not miss the extraordinary nature of the Harz Mountains. Whether walking or hiking trails in nature, skiing and winter sports, mountain biking, or swimming in one of the countless ponds during the summer – there is simply a place for everyone.
Trier
Recommended by Corinne Vail of Reflections Enroute
Trier is commonly referred to as the oldest city in Germany. The city was originally founded by the Celts, and then the Romans came through here and built the city up. They left many buildings as well as Trier’s most famous sight, the Porta Nigra which still stands today. Kids love this sight, and you can climb up the four levels and get great views of the city.
Other fun Roman sights include the amphitheater, the Aula Palatina (a massive basilica), the Roman baths, and the Römerbrücke or old Roman bridge that traverses the Mosel River. All of these sights are remnants and it’s a great place for families to go and let the kids run around and explore on their own.
Other things to do in and around Trier that families love are taking a Mosel River Cruise to places like Bernkastel and Cochem. Exploring the beautiful vineyards that line the river and seeing and visiting castles along the way is fun for everyone.
The downtown area and Füssgangerzone (walking area) has a wonderful Saturday market, colorful fountains, and old medieval buildings and houses. During the winter, the Christmas market is quaint and charming, so Trier really is a city that can be visited at any time of year.
Families will find great things to eat in Trier, and two fantastic restaurants are the Domstein and the Kartoffel Kiste, both in the downtown area and easy to get to.
Frankfurt
Recommended by Disha Smith of Disha Discovers
One of the most family-friendly cities in Germany is Frankfurt. Frankfurt is a city that is rich in history and culture, and it’s one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
Frankfurt has a futuristic feel to it and it’s the business and financial hub of Germany. Hence, the skyline is breathtaking. It’s also home to Europe’s largest dinosaur collection. Last but not least, Frankfurt New Old Town has picturesque alleyways and is bustling with things to do.
Frankfurt has something for everyone, but it’s often overlooked by families that are visiting Germany. The city has tons of green space including parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Additionally, there are many museums to keep the kids entertained, making it one of the best family friendly destinations in Germany!
Experimenta is the perfect place for families to visit. This science museum provides an interactive experience for kids where they can perform experiments and play science games. Afterward, explore the Senckenburg Natural History Museum. Kids can walk around and look at the dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and more. Then, grab a picnic lunch and enjoy it at Palmengarten. You’ll find greenhouses, gardens, a mini train, and more here.
A fun playground to take the kids to do is Gunthersburgpark. There are several splash pads and a fountain for them to play in. There are also several cool climbing structures and a playground. The parents can relax under the trees while the kids play.
The best time to visit Frankfurt is April, May, or September. The weather is mild which makes sightseeing more enjoyable. Le Méridien Frankfurt is an excellent hotel to stay at. Atschel is a delicious restaurant that is family-friendly, and you’ll be able to try many German delicacies here.
Berlin
Recommended by Sydney from A World in Reach
If you want to take your kids on a trip that’s both educational and fun, consider a visit to Berlin. The German capital is one of the best family friendly destinations in Germany. There are so many interesting things to see and do that are enjoyable for all ages.
Berlin is home to countless historic sites, and you can bring history class to life by visiting them all. Sites like Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Museum, and the East Site Gallery will teach you about the city’s division during the Cold War. You can learn more about the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II at the Topography of Terror, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and at the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, a Nazi concentration camp that can be visited on a day trip from Berlin. Keep in mind that many of the topics covered at these sites are heavy and may be better suited towards older kids and teenagers.
There are many different parks throughout Berlin that are perfect for families visiting the city. Don’t miss Tempelhofer Feld, a park on the site of the former Tempelhof Airport. The Berlin Zoo, one of the best zoos in Europe, is another fun spot for families. It’s located in Tiergarten, Berlin’s most popular park.
Other things to do include seeing Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most famous monuments, visiting the dome at the Reichstag Building, and visiting the different museums on Museum Island.
There’s no bad time to visit Berlin, but it is especially nice around Christmastime or the spring. Don’t visit the city without sampling its delicious street food, especially currywurst and doner kebabs. Kreuzberg is a great area to stay – the district is home to many great restaurants and affordable Airbnbs with plenty of room for the whole family.
Dresden
Recommended by Natasha Karcz from Planes, Trains and Karcz
Close to the Eastern border of Germany lies Dresden, a thriving metropolis that manages to still feel roomy and open, due to its seemingly endless lush plots of grass and forest. A moderate climate makes this a suitable destination for any time of the year, though perhaps the best time to visit is during the spring or summer months; where you’ll be welcomed with even more daylight hours and warmer weather, so that you can make the best of your time in the city and surrounding region.
Due to its relaxing atmosphere, Dresden is a city perfectly suited to those traveling with little ones or for families in general – you can really take it in at your own pace! This makes Dresden one of the best family friendly destinations in Germany! A visit to Großer Garten in central Dresden makes for a worthwhile afternoon, which also happens to be home to the Dresden Botanical Gardens and the Dresden Zoo. Between the months of April to October, the Dresden Park Railway (AKA Parkeisenbahn) operates throughout the park and appeals mainly to children and families.
Dresden is chock full of culture, with an abundance of museums and art galleries. If you wish to learn more about the city during your stay, consider the Dresden City Museum. Dresden Panometer showcases one of two massive, 360º paintings of the city, either set in the eighteenth century or during WWI (both integral eras to the city’s formation). The Saxon State Library has a book museum, and the Dresden Transport Museum offers a historical view of various means of human transportation.
Needless to say, however you opt to spend your time in Dresden, be it strolling through its charming old town or delving into one of its many historical establishments, it’ll be a trip you and the family remember for years to come!
Peine
Recommended by Ragain Adventures
Peine is a small, beautiful Germany town located in Lower Saxony. It is the capital of the district of Peine and is located 25 km west of Braunschweig and 40 km east of Hanover. The city of Peine has several attractions for visitor’s including Kreismuseum Peine, shopping at City Galerie Peine, and the beautiful Jakobi Kirche, my absolute favorite is Rausch Schokoland.
Rausch Schokoland is a museum and chocolate café / store located at the Rausch Chocolate factory in Peine. Once you walk in the door, you are surrounded by the spell of chocolate. At the museum, you can learn about the history of the production of chocolate from around the world. After the exhibits, be sure to enjoy hot chocolate and a snack while watching the large chocolate volcano. On your way home, be sure to stock up on Rausch Chocolates for yourself, friends, and family.
If you are looking for a great hotel for your stay in Peine, be sure to check out Hotel Shcoenau. With comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant / bar and even a beautiful event center, Hotel Shcoenau is a great hotel with a local feel.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Recommended by Bernadette of Live a Relaxed Life
For a day out in nature, the Saxon Switzerland National Park is a great place to see the East German countryside. The national park is less than an hour away from Dresden and it is worth a stop on a day trip or road trip through this part of Germany.
The star of the park is the sandstone mountains, specifically the Bastei formation and the Bastei Bridge. Don’t worry, this is not a strenuous hike. The trails are cemented and anyone can walk around, though there are some uphill parts! Bridges snake through the area connecting the formations together. There are numerous points laid out for picture taking and to enjoy the view of the River Elbe and the surrounding valley. It is pretty high up so those who are afraid of heights should stick to the mountain and not venture out to the tops of the other formations. And, of course, kids should be kept close, especially along the bridges and the viewpoints.
It is free to visit the Bastei and the Bastei Bridge all year round. There is a restaurant and kiosks for snacks and water. For those that want a real hiking experience, there are numerous hiking and climbing trails in the surrounding mountains with castle ruins and other natural wonders to see.
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About Me
I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!
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