Things to Do

The best things to do with kids in Germany

From thrilling amusement parks to delicious chocolate factories, and everything in between, we explore the best activities for kids in Germany.

Germany with kids
writer

By Sophie Pettit

Updated 7-2-2024

When it comes to family entertainment in Germany, nail-biting roller coaster rides are just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous activities and attractions to generate excitement and adventure for kids – and big kids! Just take a look at these fun things to do with kids in Germany.

Allianz Travel

If you’re planning to travel, make sure you’re covered for costs of cancellation and other interruptions with Allianz Travel. They offer a range of products, including travel insurance, incoming health insurance, and rental vehicle insurance. With 24/7 emergency contact available, Allianz Travel are there wherever you need them.

Movie Park Germany

If your little ones are movie buffs, they will no doubt love a visit to Movie Park Germany in Bottrop. The park boasts seven areas, each filled with a collection of fun attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. Kids can soar through the air on the thrilling Avatar Air Glider, or get beamed up to space in the Star Trek: Operation Enterprise. They can even hunt vampires in Van Helsing’s Factory.

Movie Park Germany

During their visit, they might even bump into their favorite TV and movie characters such as SpongeBob, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora. And because the attractions are categorized as intense, moderate, and soft, you can help them choose the most appropriate ones.

Movie Park Germany, Warner-Allee 1, 46244 Bottrop, Germany

Phantasialand

With six exciting worlds to explore at Phantasialand, your family will feel like they’ve been around the world in one day. At this magical park, you can wander beneath the pagodas of China Town or ride a log flume through a Mexican town. You can even explore Africa upside-down on the nail-biting rollercoaster!

Phantasialand

There are more than 40 exciting attractions to squeeze into your visit, as well as seven breathtaking shows that feature aerial acrobats and dare-devil stuntmen. The park attracts approximately two million visitors each year and is always adding more rides to keep the crowd coming. So watch this space for more thrilling ones to come!

Phantasialand, Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl, Germany

Europa-Park

Located in Rust, in southwestern Germany, Europa-Park is the second most popular theme park resort in Europe; following Disneyland Paris. With more than 100 attractions and shows, 13 roller coasters, and 15 European-themed areas, this is undoubtedly one of the best things to do with kids in Germany.

Europa-Park in Germany

Whether they want to sail with the African Queen and discover exotic animals, dodge gruesome creatures in a spooky Ghost Castle, or give their senses a tingle in the 4D Magic Cinema, the opportunities are endless. And because the park is located in the border triangle of Germany, France, and Switzerland, it’s also very convenient to get to.

Europa-Park Straße 2, 77977 Rust, Germany

LEGOLAND Deutschland

Little engineers will love exploring 107 acres of fun attractions at LEGOLAND Deutschland. The popular adventure park, built almost entirely out of Lego, boasts dozens of rides and themed exhibits. Kids can fly in life-size Lego airplanes at the park’s airport and spot more than 2,000 fish at Legoland Atlantis.

LEGOLAND Deutschland in Günzburg

There are 10 themed areas to explore and you can hop on the Legoland Express to get around or enjoy a full tour of the park. Look out for the famous European landmarks constructed entirely out of Lego in Miniland. Families wanting to extend their visit can stay at one of the LEGOLAND hotels. These fall under fun themes like pirate islands, castles, and camping barrels.

LEGOLAND, Allee 3, 89312 Günzburg, Germany

Deutsche Märchenstraße

If you’ve raised your children on the famous tales of the Brothers Grimm, then a family trip along the Deutsche Märchenstraße (or the German Fairy Tale Route) will be a magical adventure. This is one of Germany’s most scenic drives which takes you through 600 kilometers of beautiful countryside; much of which inspired the many fairy tales we know and love today.

Märchenhaus in Alsfeld
Photo: Ewkaa/Wikmedia Commons

Along the way, you will discover sleepy villages, enchanting castles, and numerous attractions. And if you time your visit well, you might even catch an open-air performance of The Pied Piper in Hemeln or Cinderella in Polle. Now, who said fairy tales can’t come true?

Deutsche Märchenstraße, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle

Speaking of fairy tales, if your kids love Disney movies they will never forget a trip to the palace that inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the top attractions in Germany to visit with your kids – and for good reason. The breathtaking castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 and built entirely for pleasure. It is famous for its elegant spires that jut up from the treetops.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Your children’s imaginations will run wild as they explore the castle and discover the magical grotto and throne room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier. And if you don’t fancy walking uphill for 30 minutes to get there, you can always hop on a charming horse-drawn carriage to reach the top.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Haribo Factory Outlet

Haribo Goldbären (gold bears) have been putting smiles on little faces since 1920. Well, now candy lovers can meet them and the whole gang at the Haribo Factory Outlet in Bonn, Germany. Although the Haribo factory itself is not open to the public, you can still visit the factory store which features an exhibition, photo wall, and play area.

Haribo Factory Outlet Germany

There is also an impressive candy bar where kids can pick and mix from a wonderful variety of gummy bears for sweet prices. With so many delicious gummies on offer, their only problem might be deciding which ones to choose!

Haribo Factory Outlet, Am Neutor 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Cologne Chocolate Museum

Let your kids delve into the world of chocolate in Germany with the delicious Chocolate Museum Cologne. They don’t need a golden ticket to make their sweet dreams come true in this 4,000-square-meter chocolate wonderland. There are nine exhibition areas to discover, which allow visitors to learn about the culture and history of chocolate; dating all the way back to the Mayans and Aztecs.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

Of course, no trip to Willy Wonka land would be complete without a cheeky nibble. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious cakes and chocolate specialties to enjoy at the museum café. While you’re there, make sure to lap up the magnificent view of the Rhine from the 30-meter-long panoramic window. And before you go, check for reservations and tours in English.

Cologne Chocolate Museum, Am Schokoladenmuseum, 1A, 50678 Köln, Germany