Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, is a treasure trove of history and culture. But from the cities to choose from in Germany, is Berlin good for families? Absolutely! With its versatile mix of attractions, parks, and museums, the city offers countless opportunities for kids to learn, play, and explore. So, pack your bags for a memorable journey with your little ones as we dive into the top things to do in Berlin with kids!
Take a Kid-Friendly Walking Tour of Berlin
The best way to introduce your little ones to the rich history of Berlin is by walking through the city and learning all about the very important historical moments from Prussian, Imperial, Nazi, Cold War to 21st century Berlin.
Discover Hitler’s hidden bunker, walk through the Brandenburg Gate, learn about the Reichs tag (Parliament) with its famous new dome and take a moment to see the Holocaust Memorial.
Sign up for a kid-friendly walking tour and watch as our special guides make history come alive with engaging stories that captivate the kids.
Discover German History at the DDR Museum
Berlin is home to many world-class museums, and the DDR Museum is a favourite destination in Berlin for Children. This hands-on, interactive museum offers a unique insight into life in East Germany during the Cold War. Your children can explore a replica of an East German apartment, play with vintage toys, and even pretend to be border guards at a recreated checkpoint. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about history while having fun.
This museum is recommended for children who are 8 years and older. This is for orientation purposes and you may have to check the museum’s website for up to which age, children must be accompanied by their parents.
Teach Your Kids About Jewish Heritage
The Barn District and the Spandauer Suburbia were once the areas inhabited by Jews back in the day and there is so much history for the little ones to learn about here. In this part of Berlin, you will find the Memorial to the Women’s Protest, the famous Hackeschen Höfe, the Oldest Jewish Cemetery in Berlin, the New Synagogue and so much more.
If you do visit this side of Berlin, we recommend visiting with a tour guide who will teach the little ones all about the historical relevance of all these monuments, while engaging their little minds.
Explore the Berlin Zoo
A famous Berlin family attraction is a trip to the Berlin Zoo. Nearly 20,000 animals from around 1,500 species reside in a zoo that is one of the largest zoological gardens in the world. Germany’s oldest zoo is also home to rare giant pandas, majestic elephants, giraffes and more! Take your kids on an enthralling tour, that includes animal feedings, large playground runs with a lot of information shared and discussion with these little ones.
The zoo can get busy during peak times, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance or online before visiting.
Unleash Creativity at the MACHmit! Museum for Children
The MACHmit! Museum for Children is a wonderland of hands-on exhibits and creative workshops designed to inspire young minds. From painting and sculpture to animation and filmmaking, the museum offers a wide variety of activities that cater to all interests. In addition to the bustling activity rooms, the museum also houses a climbing wall, a labyrinth, and an exciting darkroom for kids to explore! This is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day while sipping hot beverages while the kids have fun exploring the museum. The timings vary, so make sure to check for the latest information by visiting the museum’s website.
Check out the Puppet Theatre Museum
The Puppet Theater Museum in Neukölln offers a variety of activities for both children and adults. As a family, you can enjoy various puppet theatre performances, fairy tales, readings and workshops. You can see a wide range of puppetry styles from Europe, Asia, and Africa such as hand puppets, stick figures, marionettes, shadow theatre, and trick figures. Additionally, if you’re a little adventurous or if your kids are, they can try out theatre puppets for themselves. The museum also showcases technical literature, photos, posters, graphics, and play texts that add to the charm of this place!
Visit the Animals at Tierpark
Just like the Berlin Zoo, you could also check out Tierpark Berlin, in the Friedrichsfelde district. This is the largest zoological garden in Europe that has an area of 160 hectares and houses more than 10,000 animals of 650 species. Watching and feeding the marvellous animals at Tierpark are always a hit with the young ones. Make sure you book your tickets in advance for a fun-filled animal adventure!
Marvel at the colourful tropical fishes at AquaDom and Sealife
Have you ever wondered what it is like stepping into a glass elevator and being transported right into the centre of a massive cylindrical tank filled with tropical fish and coral reefs? Well, it feels like you’re floating in the ocean surrounded by marine life from every direction! The AquaDom is one of the largest cylindrical aquariums in the world, and it’s truly a sight to behold.
As you enter, you’ll be surrounded by a large tank teeming with vibrant fish of all colours. You can watch mesmerising sea creatures like graceful stingrays, cute seahorses, and even jellyfish as they gracefully swim through the water. There are also interactive exhibits that teach your kids about the fascinating underwater world. They can touch starfish and other creatures in the touch pools, attend educational presentations about marine conservation, and even watch feeding sessions where divers interact with the animals!
Learn about Science at the Science Center Spectrum
Located in the heart of Berlin, the Science Center Spectrum is a hands-on museum that explores the fascinating world of science. As a parent, you’ve had to deal with so many questions about the world we live in, but worry not, Science Centre Spectrum is your answer!
With over 150 exhibits, your kids get to learn about physics, chemistry, and biology in a fun and interactive way. From building bridges to exploring the human body, the museum offers a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. They are open from Tuesday to Friday from 09.00 am to 5.30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the museum is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. They are closed on Monday so plan your trip and book tickets accordingly.
Experience the Stone Age at the National History Museum
You must have probably noticed how kids are always asking the craziest of questions! What can we say, kids are curious! At the National History Museum, your little ones get to embark on an exciting adventure. This place is like a time machine that takes them back to ancient times and introduces them to fascinating creatures and civilizations. From towering dinosaurs to ancient Egyptian mummies, there’s so much to explore. With interactive exhibits, touching real fossils, and even experiencing the famous dinosaur skeletons up close, they can experience existence during the stone age.
The museum also has cool workshops and activities designed just for kids, where they can become a palaeontologist or an archaeologist for a day. The Museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 09:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Weekends and Public Holidays, they are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. They are closed on Monday. We recommend you book your tickets in advance to avoid the rush.