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20 Best Family Vacation Ideas in Germany

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Published on: June 19, 2022
Last updated: June 6, 2024

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Kyle Kroeger

Written by Kyle Kroeger

Kyle Kroeger is the Founder and Owner of ViaTravelers.com. He is a full-time traveler and entrepreneur.
Read Kyle Kroeger's full bio

You probably stumbled upon this guide because you’re planning a family vacation in Germany with kids. If so, it’s your lucky day because you’re at the right place. This guide will show you 20 of the best family vacation ideas in Germany, the best accommodations, how to get around the country, and more.

Germany is a breathtaking country with a rich historical and cultural background. Thus, expect to find many historical landmarks and museums in this country. But if you’re bringing kids who aren’t fond of those, don’t worry—there’s more to Germany for everybody.

Remember that this is a large country, so there is much to see. But as much as we all want to visit every tourist spot in Germany, most families have limited time and budget. Thus, we must pick only the best ones to see with recommendations on family-friendly hotels.

That’s what we’ll help you with! This article will help you curate the perfect itinerary for your family vacation in Germany with kids and the entire family.

TL;DR

Need that sweet, sweet family and kid-friendly stuff right flipping now?! I got you, fam.

Best Family Vacations in Germany

1. Start at the Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Planning to tour Berlin? Like most tourists, you might want to begin your journey at the Brandenburg Gate. This victorious neoclassical arch is Berlin’s most iconic structure.

Out of the 14 customs gates built to surround the city, the Prussian capital, the Brandenburg Gate is the only one remaining. The sandstone arch leads directly into the expansive Pariser Platz square and is the gateway to Unter den Linden, often considered Berlin’s most beautiful street. 

If you plan to visit the Brandenburg Gate, expect the location to be bustling with visitors, street performers, and people aiming to take photos.

Here’s a hint: dusk is the best time to take pictures with your family. The crowds are thinner, and the gate at sunset is magical. Plus, a charming horse-drawn carriage can be rented within the area!

Don’t worry about traveling with kids; the Brandenburg Gate is kid-friendly. Families of tourists frequent this spot, so your children won’t feel out of place.

Accommodations near the Brandenburg Gate

2. Take Your Kids to the Waldspielpark Heinrich-Kraft Park

Waldspielpark Heinrich-Kraft Park

Address: Heinrich-Kraft-Park, 60386 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt’s Forest Game Parks have long been a mainstay of the city’s recreation and cultural activities. The biggest of these parks is the Waldspielpark Heinrich Kraft Park. This has a total area of 8.62 hectares, more than enough room for the town and its neighbors to enjoy. 

Everyone is welcome to utilize the park’s amenities, including a playground and a picnic area. In addition to playgrounds for children, there are tennis and volleyball courts, roller skating rinks, barbeque areas, and other recreational places. 

This Frankfurt park is a great place to relax away from the busy city and enjoy a walk with the whole family, even your sullen older kids!

In particular, the Waldspielpark Heinrich Kraft Park’s accessible play area and inclusive play attitude are noteworthy. The park has amenities that allow disabled and non-disabled children to play together. Thus, it is one of the best parks for families with kids.

Accommodations near the Waldspielpark

See Related: Why is Germany so Powerful?

3. Bask in the Beauty of Planten un Blomen

Planten un Blomen

Address: Marseiller Straße, 20355 Hamburg, Germany

Called the “green lung of Hamburg,” Planten un Blomen is a 100-acre attraction and is a favorite of both residents and tourists. This magnificent landmark boasts a beautiful rose garden, stunning Mediterranean terraces, and the largest Japanese garden in Europe. 

However, Planten un Blomen is more than just a collection of gardens. It has several other attractions, including mini-golf, roller skating trails, and ice skating. There’s also a life-size chessboard that kids are rather fond of. 

If you need to sit down for a snack or drink, visit the food stalls and cafes nearby. The place is well-maintained, and the vibe of Planten un Blomen screams unwinding and relaxation. This is a place where parents can find peace without worrying about the children, as the amenities of Planten un Blomen can keep them occupied.

Accommodations near Planten un Blomen

See Related: Best Parks in Berlin

4. Enjoy Countless Activities at Europa-Park

Europa-Park

Address: Europa-Park-Straße 2, 77977 Rust, Germany

If you’re here for one of the best things to do in Germany with kids, then Europa-Park is your best bet. It’s the largest theme park in Germany, and after Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park is the most popular theme park in Europe. 

This kid-tastic park has over 100 attractions, 15 European-themed zones, and 13 roller coaster rides. Guests can choose from a terrifying Ghost Castle adventure, a visit to the 4D Magic Cinema, or a trip on the African Queen to see exotic animals. There are also frequent live performances!

Another great thing about this park is that it’s easy to hop from Europa-Park to other European tourist spots. It is positioned in the border triangle between Germany, France, and Switzerland, so it’s convenient for traveling families.

Europa-Park offers many great experiences for kids and adults, so make sure you put it on your list of places to visit in Germany.

Accommodations near Europa-Park

See Related: What Languages Are Spoken in Germany?

5. Let the Allianz Arena Lift Your Spirits Up

Allianz Arena

Address: Werner-Heisenberg-Allee 25, 80939 München, Germany

This next destination is perfect for sports fans. The Allianz Arena is the home of Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s top football teams (soccer teams to us Yanks). A few stadiums in Europe can hold as many people as the Allianz Arena in Munich. With 75,000 seats, it is Germany’s biggest sports venue. 

This arena’s first game was a sellout, and almost every game since then has been, too. Thus, getting tickets could be a challenge but well worth it. Aside from its popularity among football fans, the Allianz Arena is well-known for its translucent membrane shell design, which is currently the biggest in the world.

The stadium’s bowl-shaped design includes luxurious skyboxes and a new museum dedicated to Bayern Munich. This family-friendly arena offers unique experiences, especially for adults and children who are football fans.

Accommodations near the Allianz Arena

6. Enjoy a Hearty Meal With the Entire Family at Marjellchen

Marjellchen

Address: Mommsenstraße 9, 10629 Berlin, Germany

Kids can be fussy eaters, and the best way to introduce children to a new cuisine is to make sure it’s a) delicious, b) exciting c) done right!

A vacation is never complete without an authentic meal with the whole family. And there is no better restaurant for authentic German food than Marjellchen. This is a well-loved restaurant that serves traditional East Prussian cuisine. 

You can anticipate delectable dishes, an inviting ambiance, outstanding service, and a meal that will leave a lasting impression on you and your kids.

Start your meal with the Bartsch soup, then follow it with a traditional East Prussian specialty. This could be anything from pork stewed with prunes and yeast dumplings, to pork kidney in a cream sauce with cucumber salad and mashed potatoes. After the main course, indulge yourself with their remarkable desserts, like the Windbeutel and the signature Marjellchens Desserteller.

Having eaten here with and without my kids, I can honestly say this place is incredible. Authentic Prussian cuisine has never tasted so good. If your kids aren’t fond of German food, Marjellchen will change their minds! 

Accommodations near Marjellchen

See Related: Is Germany Allowed to Have a Military?

7. Explore the Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Address: Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a German town tucked in the Bavarian Alps, and it’s the perfect place for a family vacation. It’s right in the middle of the Bavarian Alps, so you can do all the skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other winter sports you want. You’ll also be surrounded by beautiful scenery—you can hike through forests and mountains or just go for a leisurely stroll through town.

The area has plenty of restaurants and cafes offering traditional Bavarian food as well as more modern options if your kids have more adventurous palates. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available at all times of the year: hiking, biking, kayaking—the list goes on!

The town itself has plenty of museums and parks to explore, too. The Olympic ski jump stadium is worth visiting because it’s one of only two such stadiums in Germany that still stands today (the other being on Lake Konstanz).

You can also check out one of Garmisch’s famous churches or wander around the town, looking at all kinds of statues and sculptures scattered throughout.

Accommodations near the Garmisch-Partenkirchen

8. Feel the Fresh Air at the Black Forest

Black Forest

Address: German Schwarzwald, mountain region, Baden-Württemberg Land, southwestern Germany

The Black Forest is an area of southwestern Germany that is known for its dense forests. It’s also home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, including the Feldberg mountain—Germany’s highest peak at 1,493 meters (4,898 feet).

But you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy the Black Forest’s natural wonders. There are plenty of family-friendly activities available in this forested paradise that will leave everyone feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

You can take your kids on a hike through the forest, where they can see beech trees, coniferous forests, and other types of trees. You could also visit some of the towns in the area, such as Freiburg or Staufen.

You can also go on horseback riding tours through the forest or spend time at one of the many spas found throughout the area.

Accommodations near the BLACK FOREST

See Related: Things to Do in the Black Forest, Germany

9. Visit the Deutsches Museum

Deutsches Museum

Address: Hinter dem Gießhaus 3, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Let your kids learn and explore at the Deutsches Museum (German Museum) during family vacations. This museum opened its doors more than a century ago and holds one of the world’s most valuable natural history collections. It’s also the largest science and technology museum in the entire world!

Visitors are invited to have hands-on experience with exhibits, experiments, and media stations at the main building on Münchner Museumsinsel, the Verkehrszentrum transport museum close to Bavariapark, and the Flugwerft Schleissheim aviation museum. 

The Deutsches Museum exhibits will amaze both adults and children. These include early computers, airplanes, the world’s first gasoline-powered automobile, and microscopes.

Accommodations near the Deutsches Museum

10. Meet your Favorite Movie Characters at the Movie Park Germany

Movie Park Germany

Address: Warner-Allee 1, 46244 Bottrop, Germany

A big fan of Hollywood movies? Prepare to have a unique encounter with the most popular Hollywood actors at the Movie Park!

Well, technically, you won’t be meeting them for real. But most excitingly, you and your kids will be immersed in the sets of your favorite movies and TV series.

Movie Park is a Hollywood-themed amusement park located in Bottrop-Kirchhellen. It has seven attractions based on Hollywood movies and TV shows. The Hollywood Street Set, Nickland, Santa Monica Pier, and Adventure Lagoon are some attractions you shouldn’t miss.

Apart from roller coasters and water rides, the Movie Park also features live shows and 4-D movies. During autumn, it hosts a Halloween Horror Fest that showcases six horror-themed mazes and hundreds of actors portraying scary characters. It’s undoubtedly the dream place of every kid!

Accommodations near Movie Park Germany

See Related: What is Germany Known For?

11. Be in the Company of Your Favorite Animals at the Berlin Zoo

Berlin Zoo

Address: Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

Children and the whole family will surely spend their lives exploring and seeing different wild animals at the Berlin Zoo. With 1,400 species and 20,000 animals, it is the world’s most diverse zoo.

Some of the animals that you see in the Berlin Zoo. Thus, it’s not surprising that about three million tourists visit this place per year in this zoo.

Berlin Zoo is popular for its unique animal buildings like the giraffe and elephant house, gorgeous lanes, and neat green areas built by Peter Joseph Lenné. Many families utilize the Zoo as a green getaway in the city.

This place is also home to a Zoo Aquarium containing fish, reptiles, and insects. The naturally landscaped basins transport tourists to different coastal ecosystems within the zoo. Berlin visitors can look at Blacktip reef sharks and cow nose rays circling majestically while colorful coral reefs dazzle. The Berlin Zoo Aquarium has a variety of jellyfish.

Accommodations near Zoo Berlin

12. Take a Look Around the Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland

Address: Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Miniatur Wunderland is the world’s largest model railway. It has been named the most popular tourist attraction in Germany. So, if you’re visiting the country, it would be a crime not to include this magnificent exhibit in your itinerary.

This exhibit showcases impressive miniature versions of countries and states, including Hamburg, America, Switzerland, and Italy. It also features a replica of the Hamburg Airport that seems so authentic, if not for its small size.

An interesting fact about the Miniatur Wunderland is that, as of 2020, it has more than 400,000 human figurines. Yup, ‘Wurlanders’ outnumber the actual inhabitants of Iceland!

The Wunderland gets a bit crowded on weekends. Thus, to avoid standing in long lines, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance.

Accommodations near Miniatur Wunderland

See Related: When is the Best Time to Visit Regensburg, Germany?

13. Taste the Sweetness of Germany at the Chocoversum Chocolate Museum

Chocoversum Chocolate Museum

Address: Meßberg 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old—we all get a little giddy when it comes to chocolates! And where better to experience all things chocolate than in CHOCOVERSUM?

CHOCOVERSUM is an interactive chocolate museum in Hamburg. It is an initiative of Hachez, a popular German chocolate manufacturing company based in Bremen.

Inside the sweet museum, visitors go on a walking tour to witness the process of chocolate making in its factory store. Of course, a tour guide is present to discuss the history and background of chocolates.

CHOCOVERSUM also has a chocolate gift shop, so be sure to purchase a memento for your visit before leaving! It is a well-noted destination for kids and all people with a sweet tooth.

Accommodations near CHOCOVERSUM

14. Have Fun at the LEGOLAND Deutschland

LEGOLAND Deutschland

Address: Legoland-Allee 1, 89312 Günzburg, Germany

LEGOLAND Deutschland has 107 acres of entertaining activities for little engineers to enjoy. Numerous rides and themed displays may be found at this well-known adventure park, nearly completely constructed from Lego bricks. 

You can ride the Legoland Express, take the German Fairy Tale Route, or take a complete park tour throughout the park. Check out Miniland’s replicas of renowned European locations made completely of Lego. LEGOLAND hotels are available for families that want to prolong their trip. 

LEGOLAND Deutschland is a paradise for many young children and even the whole family. Thus, if you plan a family vacation in Germany, this tourist destination should be on your list.

Accommodations near LEGOLAND Deutschland

See Related: Best Universities in Germany for International Students

15. Take Photos at the Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Do you ever wonder whether the castle in the iconic Disney logo exists? Well, the answer is in Germany. The Neuschwanstein Castle partly inspires the Disney logo in Füssen!

While Germany is famous for its castles, the Neuschwanstein castle stands out. It is the symbol of a fairytale home. It is fenced in the Bavarian woods, giving it a picturesque background. The enchanting view will surely leave you speechless for days!

This magnificent palace was constructed upon the order of Ludwig II of Bavaria. He was renowned for his exquisite taste throughout the majority of his life.

Traveling to Neuschwanstein Castle is pretty easy. Take the train from Munich to Füssen, then ride a bus to the base of the castle grounds. Walk around the Marienbrücke to see the castle from all sides.

Accommodations near Neuschwanstein Castle

16. Experience Wonderland in Phantasialand

Phantasialand

Address: Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl, Germany

Phantasialand is a theme park situated in Brühl, North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. It is Germany’s second most popular theme park and also ranks in the top 15 in Europe. 

The theme park is divided into six areas: Berlin, Mexico, Fantasy, China Town, Mystery, and Deep in Africa. Each area adapts to its respective theme, giving people a variety. These areas show history (except maybe the Fantasy area), buildings, gardens, culture, and much more.

Phantasialand has plenty of fun and heart-racing rides, including their famous thrilling and high-speed roller coaster, Taro, and the world’s fastest family boomerang rollercoaster, Raik. Water rides and attractions are also available. If you want to rest and relax for a while, Phantasialand also offers shows.

Although most of the rides are extreme, kids as young as seven can still visit Phantasialand with their families, as there are rides and attractions for kids.

Accommodations near Phantasialand

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Munich, Germany

17. Exercise Your Mind at the German Spy Museum

German Spy Museum

Address: Leipziger Pl. 9, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Are you fond of spies and secret service activities? Do you think of yourself as a bit of a James Bond or Jason Bourne? Do you need to think of new ways to spy on your kids? Try checking out the German Spy Museum with the whole family.

Located near Potsdamer Platz, the German Spy Museum is the only spy museum in Central Europe. Berlin, “The capital of Spies,” saw this museum open in 2015, and it has been a popular tourist spot ever since.

Experience the life of a spy for a day in the German Spy Museum, where modern technology gives visitors a realistic encounter with espionage. A large map portrays the locations of the world’s top spy services in Berlin, as well as the best areas for safe houses.

Visitors may watch interviews with former spies and historians that depict a thrilling espionage story throughout history. They can also learn Morse code, decode messages, try a lie detector, crawl through a laser maze, and crack a safe like a super spy.

Accommodations near the German Spy Museum

18. Learn about Ostalgie at the DDR Museum

DDR Museum

Address: Vera Britain Ufer, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Knowing its history is one activity you shouldn’t miss when visiting a place with kids. Learn about one of the most controversial chapters in Germany’s rich history through one of the best interactive museums in the world: the DDR Museum.

This museum gives visitors a fun and unique experience of learning about life under East German rule. Replicas of covert listening devices used during the East German era allow visitors to experience what it was like to be “under surveillance.” 

Tower block apartments, old TVs, typewriters, and clothes are also available. Drawers and closets all around the place show basic East German artifacts, letters, and photographs when opened.

This exhibition provides a unique, immersive learning experience. It encourages visitors to interact, touch, feel, and ask questions, allowing locals and tourists to understand the things East Berlin residents had to endure in the past.

Accommodations near the DDR Museum

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Berlin, Germany

19. Take Pictures at the East Side Gallery

riding bicycle at the berlin wall

Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany

The famous East Side Gallery memorial is the perfect place for sightseeing and picture-taking. The world’s biggest open-air gallery is in the Friedrichshain district, which is also the longest-standing part of the Berlin Wall. East Side Gallery is a heritage-protected landmark commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

Over 118 artists from 21 countries painted the 1.3-kilometer-long wall, reflecting Germany’s freedom after years of oppression. It is a colorful, playful, and powerful reminder of the Cold War years and a great way of teaching kids about the collective trauma Germany suffered after it was split in two. A wide range of art styles, from New York-style graffiti to classic Japanese paintings, are on display in this unique open-air gallery.

Being one of the most iconic tourist spots in Berlin, 800,000 people come to visit every year, so expect the place to be packed. Many people come not just to appreciate the beautiful art but also to commemorate Berlin’s history.

The best way for you and the gang to take in this spectacle is on one of the many Berlin Wall Bike Tours around the city.

Accommodations near the East Side Gallery

20. Discover the History of Berlin at the Little Big City

Little Big City

Address: Panoramastraße 1a, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Learning about Berlin’s history is much more exciting with Little Big City! This miniature world sits at the base of the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz (the unmissable Berliner Fernsehturm).

Both kids and adults will enjoy Little Big City because it tells the unique history of Berlin in a much more exciting way.

Immense yourself with stories that happened 750 years ago, from the 12th century to the Industrial Revolution and World Wars. Watch major figures that have contributed to the city’s history, like Matthaus Hagen and Marlene Dietrich, come to life and interact with them.

This miniature world includes famous tourist destinations, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, and it has unique effects that will delight you.

More than a hundred historic buildings, 30 projectors, 15 holograms, 6,000 hand-painted 3D figures, stunning lighting, and sound effects will entertain locals and tourists.

If you have time, check out the Berliner Fernsehturm. If you want to blow your kids’ minds, take them to the top. From there, Berlin will seem like a miniature city!

Accommodations near Little Big City &Berliner Fernsehturm

Getting around Germany

If your itinerary for your family vacation consists of destinations that are heavily spaced out, fret not. One of the most desirable things about Germany is its excellent transportation system that allows locals and tourists to get around quite easily. Here are some ways to get around Germany:

  • By car

Want to drive on the German Autobahn? Driving in Germany is simple, but you must observe the road regulations to avoid accidents. If you’re looking for car rentals in Germany, try looking on RentalCars.com and Kayak.

  • By bus

Buses spread beyond Germany’s boundaries. They provide great prices without sacrificing luxury. Berlin Linien Bus and Flixbus provide wifi-connected, eco-friendly buses.

The travel is sometimes longer than by car or rail, although the difference is typically small. Buses often experience traffic delays during holidays and weekends.

  • By train

Traveling by train is an excellent way to see Germany, thanks to the reliability of the German railway system, also known as Deutsche Bahn or “DB.” Train travel is your best option if you’re looking for a pleasant and comfortable method to go throughout Germany.

  • By air

Flying is one of the worst methods of getting around Germany. Traveling by air in this country is pricey, and many flights have lengthy layovers in other countries, adding to the inconvenience. You can use Skyscanner to search for the nearest airports to your destination.

FAQs

What’s Germany famous for?

Germany is one of the world’s best-known vacation destinations because of its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, mountains, woods, mouthwatering cuisine, and world-class beer. The country’s numerous historic castles, palaces, cathedrals, and other landmarks can all be sighted with a short tour within any city.

What are the best tourist attractions in Germany?

Germany is home to several world-class tourist attractions. Some of the best and most popular include Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and East Side Gallery.

What are the best things to do in Germany with kids?

The best thing to do with kids in Germany is to visit different amusement parks and museums. Amusement parks like Europa-Park, Phantasialand, and Miniatur Wunderland will surely provide children with enjoyment. Meanwhile, museums like the German Spy Museum, Deutsches Museum, and DDR Museum will help kids learn more about various subjects.

Make yourself Enjoy and ease off the responsibility of managing an itinerary with GetYourGuide, and easily get your tickets at Viator.

What are some fun things to do in Germany?

Germany offers various activities for all kinds of tourists, including sightseeing, exploring, hiking, watching sports, visiting historical landmarks, and more. The place has a wide variety of enchanting castles, many hotels, museums, and other city attractions.

Pick out the family-friendly and kid-friendly ones, and you are off to go. Remember to keep your family safe and let go of your worries by getting travel insurance. Search for ones that can help you with emergency assistance like WorldNomads or pandemic-related inconveniences like quarantine costs or medical care expenses like InsureMyTrip.

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