Berlin is such an exciting city with impressive museums, architecture, art, music, and a vibrant multicultural atmosphere. Berlin is truly the heart of Europe by any means. Even more so when you visit Berlin with your kids – what an experience it will hold for everyone from young to old.

My post will show you some of the best things Berlin has to offer for you and your kids. You’ll find outdoor activities for sunny days and things to do for (not only) rainy days.

You’ll also find family-friendly restaurants and cafes your kids will love with lots of toys to play with and, of course, yummy food.

There is always something exciting to discover, in every corner of the city. The best time to explore Berlin is from April to the beginning of November.

December is a lovely month to visit the Christmas markets with their unique flair and aromatic smell of mulled wine, roasted almonds, and grilled Bratwurst.

But unfortunately, it is usually the time when the weather is miserable, and it gets dark early. 🙁

I do hope my post will inspire you to travel to Berlin with your kids. I am sure you’ll love this amazing city as much as my family and I do.

Practical Tips

How To Get Around

The best way to explore the city is by public transport. Berlin has a huge network of subways, city trains, buses and in some parts a tram. The Berlin Welcome Card Zone ABC covers one Adult plus three children from 6 to 14 years old. Children under six get a free ticket.

The price for a 48 hours ticket starts at Euro 21.90 and for six days Euro 46.00. For more information, please click here. The Welcome Card also entitles you to discounts for nearly 200 attractions.

Finding Accommodation

Berlin has many options for families, whether you are traveling on a budget or looking for a more luxurious place to stay.

One of my favorite search engines I highly recommend is Travelocity, where you can book flights, hotels, rent cars or book package deals like flights plus hotels, for great prices by the way.

A great option to find affordable apartments in Berlins districts is Airbnb.  Just make sure there is public transport close by. Great places to stay are Berlin-Mitte, Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Berlin-Kreuzberg, Berlin – Schöneberg.

We do love to stay in holiday homes, with a kitchen and a play area for the kids. It feels more relaxed and also helps to stick to a budget.

There are lots of options through Airbnb from townhouses to apartments at affordable prices; if you are new to it you could save money on your first booking via my link.
Click Here To Find A Great Deal With Airbnb.

The 20 Best Things To Do In Berlin With Kids

Things To Do On A Sunny Day

1. Berlin Zoological Garden

The Berlin Zoo is one of the oldest Zoo’s in Germany with over 1500 species. Right in the middle of Berlin, it’s easy to get there by public transport. Besides watching the animals, the adventure playground is fantastic for young and older children.

The petting zoo is perfect for your littlies. They always love getting close with goats, sheep’s, and donkeys.

Lot’s of fun activities for the whole family that will keep you busy for at least half a day.

Admission: Small families (1 Adult plus children under 15 years) 25 Euro; Large families: (2 Adults plus children under 15 years) 39 Euro

Opening Times: Daily; Winter – 9 am -4.30 pm; Summer – 9 am-7 pm

Getting There: S-Bahn Zoologischer Garten (S5, S7, S75; U-Bahn Zoologischer Garten (U2, U9)

Website: www.zoo-berlin.de 

2. Berliner Tierpark – Friedrichsfelde

Berlin-Tierpark is situated in the former East Berlin and covers a vast area. The animals here have much bigger enclosures as their relatives at Berlin Zoo. You can easily spend a whole day with your family, enjoying the playgrounds, restaurants and watching animals like giraffes, elephant’s, the Sumatran tiger or the Indian rhinoceros.

Children will enjoy the petting zoo as well as the Bilbos Hoppel Hut, a walking rabbit paradise where kids can get close to the hares.

If you don’t want to walk, hop on the electric train (for free) and go for a 4km ride through the park. Hop on and off as you like. Don’t have a stroller for your kids? You can rent a handcart for 5 Euro. You’ll need it – trust me on this one. 🙂

Admission: Small families (1 Adult plus children under to 15 years): 22 Euro; Large families: (2 Adults plus children under 15 years) 33 Euro

Opening Times: Daily; Winter – 9am-4.30pm; Summer – 9am – 6.30pm

Getting There: U-Bahn Station Tierpark (U5)

Website: www.tierpark-berlin.de

3. A Boat Tour

Discover Berlin from a different perspective and go for a boat trip on the river Spree. It is a fun and relaxed way to explore the city. You can go for a day tour, half day tours or short ones (1hours to 2.5hours).

We chose the shortest tour with one hour, and it wasn’t too long for my children. The boat ride took us down the Spree to see the Museum Island, the Regierungsviertel and Reichstag, the Chancellor’s office and many more historic places.

After the boat tour, you can visit the nearby Monbijoupark with a playground and Biergarten. It’s only a short stroll.

Highly recommended!

Ticket: Adults and children (with a Berlin Welcome Card): 10.75 Euro each

Getting There: S and U-Bahn Alexanderplatz; from there a 10min walk to Burgstrasse (opposite of the Berliner Dom)

Website: www.visitberlin.de

4. Berliner Fernsehturm (Teletower)

Enjoy a 360º view of Berlin at over 200metres above the ground. With a height of 368metres, the Fernsehturm is the tallest building in Germany.

Your children will love the fast ride in the elevator. From the observation deck, you can spot many of Berlin’s attractions and sightseeing spot.

Admission: Adults from €13 / children from €8.50 / free entry for children under 4

Opening Times: daily from 9am – midnight

Getting There: S and U-Bahn Alexanderplatz

Website: www.tv-turm.de

5. Kinderbauernhof Pinke-Panke

The Kinderbauernhof Pinke-Panke is a kid’s farm and adventure playground at the same time. The farm is home to 70 animals.

Children designed it for children aged 7 to 14 years old. But also younger children can get in close contact with donkeys, goats, cats, ducks, geese, sheep and minipigs and feel instantly transported to a countryside right in the middle of Berlin.

Besides a petting zoo, children are encouraged to help to feed the animals at 4 pm every day. Another attraction is the Feuerhütte (fire hut) where children can sit around an open fire, play music, sing and roast some sausages on a spit.

On Sundays, parents can sit down for a coffee and a slice of homemade cake while the children are busy playing.

Admission: free

Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday: 12 – 6.30pm; weekends and holidays: 10am-8.30pm

Getting There: Am Bürgerpark 15-18; S-Bahn Wollankstrasse (S1, S25)

Website: www.kinderbauernhof-pinke-panke.de/

6. Strandbad Wannsee

If you feel like spending a day at the beach, building sand castles or splashing in the water, the Strandbad Wannsee is the place to go.

It is a safe swimming spot for younger swimmers and also offers a playground and bungee trampoline stations. There is plenty to do to keep the young ones happy.

For your convenience, you’ll also find showers, changing rooms and snack stands so that you won’t get hungry.

The Strandbad Wannsee has been a popular destination for Berliners and tourists alike for more than 100 years. So take a blanket, some toys, a picknick and enjoy Berlin’s great outdoors.

Extra tip: in the main summer season I would recommend avoiding going on a weekend; it can get really crowded.

Admission: Adults: 5.50 euro, discount ticket at 3.50 euro; family ticket: 11.50 euro (for 2 adults and 5 children)

Opening Times: daily from April to Mid September; 10 am – 6 pm (in Summer during the main season until 8 pm and 9 pm)

Getting There: S-Bahn Nikolassee (S1, S7); from there a 10min walk – just follow the crowd.

Website:www.berlinerbaeder.de

7. Playground Villa Kunterbunt Berlin Charlottenburg

Berlin has over one thousand (!) playgrounds, and a few are special ones like this playground in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Not only is it perfect for cooling off (it has a water pump) on a hot summers day. If your children like Pippi Longstocking than they will love this small playground even more.

You’ll find in the ‘Villa Kunterbunt’ slides, swings and a water pump to play in the mud.

To find more playgrounds close by your accommodation go on this site ihrspielplatz.de.

Getting There: Zillestrasse 83, U-Bahn Bismarckstrasse (U7), 5 min walk

8. Turkish Market In Berlin – Kreuzberg/Neukölln

A visit to Berlin is not complete without checking out the Turkish street market in Berlin-Kreuzberg which is on every Tuesday and Friday.  The aromatic smell of marinated olives, herbs, and freshly baked bread will instantly transport you to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

Buy fresh produce or just indulge in the delightful, friendly atmosphere, either way, it is an excellent way to spend a couple of hours.

Explore the different specialties with your kids and get some yummy things for a picnic at a nearby playground. Berlin has many marketplaces, but the Turkish market is by far my favorite one.

Opening Times: Tuesday and Friday: 11 am – 6.30 pm

Getting There: U-Bahn Schönleinstrasse (U8)

Things To Do (Not Only) On A Rainy day

9. Indoor Playground Jolo’s Kinderwelt

At Jolo’s Kinderwelt, children can truly burn off their energy on 1500m² of fun, games, tube slides, wave slides and so much more. How about kid’s trains, bumper cars, and bouncy castles. Your children surely will be tired afterward.

Littlies from 1 to 3 years old have a separate area with bobby cars, ball pools, and mini slides.

Parents can sit in the cafe, relax and keep an eye on their darlings. Perfect for a rainy day.

Tip: please bring some socks, because kids are not allowed to enter the play area with shoes or barefoot.

Admission: Wednesday – Friday:  Children (1 and 2 years): 2.50 Euro (2 hrs) 3.50 Euro (whole day); children from 3 years: 5Euro (2hrs), 7 Euro (whole day)
Weekends: Children (1 and 2 years): 3 Euro (2 hrs) 4 Euro (whole day); children from 3 years: 6 Euro (2hrs), 8 Euro (whole day); Adults pay between 2 and 4 Euro depending on the day

Opening Times: Wednesday – Friday: 2 pm -7 pm; weekend: 11 am – 7 pm

Getting There:  Am Tempelhofer Berg 7d, U-Bahn Platz der Luftbrücke (U6)

Website:jolo-berlin.de

10. Puppet Theatre Firlefanz

How about taking your children to a puppet theater and watch German fairy tales brought back to live on a small stage? The puppet theater Firlefanz was founded in 1982 and is a delight for young and old alike. It is best to preorder tickets, so you don’t miss out on an exceptional performance.

For more details about the schedule, please click here.

Please note: Children have to be at least four years old!

Admission: Children 6 Euro; Adults: 8 Euro

Getting There: Sophienstrasse 10, Berlin-Mitte; U-Bahn Weinmeisterstrasse (U8) or S-Bahn Hackescher Markt

Website: please book tickets in advance at puppentheater-firlefanz.de

11. Aquarium – Berlin

A visit to the majestic underwater world at the Aquarium Berlin is a perfect activity for a rainy day. My children and I love gazing at the beautiful fishes like the clownfish, manta rays, jellyfish, sharks and my favorite, the seahorses.

The large landscaped aquariums are ideal for observing marine life in their fascinating forms and environment.

Children love the Koi petting basins with the big Japanese Koi Carps.

Admission: Small families (1 Adult plus children under 15 years) 25 Euro; Large families: (2 Adults plus children under 15 years) 39 Euro

Opening Times: daily; 9 am – 6 pm

Getting There: S-Bahn Zoologischer Garten (S5, S7, S75); U-Bahn Zoologischer Garten (U2, U9)

Website: aquarium-berlin.de

12. Legoland Discovery Center

Who doesn’t like Lego? My kids love Lego, and it is always on their birthday wish list. What better way of spending part of the day at the Legoland in Berlin with its many attractions.

Explore the Dragon Castle, the Lego Studio 4D Cinema, Lego Ninjago, Lego Friends and for the little one’s Duplo Village.

You’ll find the Legoland Discovery Center right in the heart of Berlin, the Potsdamer Platz.

Admission: Adult/Children: 18.50 Euro; online tickets from 11 Euro; Children under 3 – free

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 7 pm (last admission 5 pm)

Getting There: S and U-Bahn Potsdamer Platz (U2, S1, S2, S 25)

Website: legolanddiscoverycentre.de

13. Ritter Sport – Bunte Schokoworld (Colorful ChocoWorld)

Imagine, three floors with everything about chocolate. And not any chocolate – Ritter Sport is one of the leading brands in Germany, a hugely successful family business.

In fact, Ritter Sport is one of my all-time favorites, and with so many flavors it is impossible to pick my top choice. It’s a close race between Joghurt and Marzipan. You can click here to get yours. 🙂

But back to this amazing place where chocolate lovers of all ages will feel like in paradise. How about putting your own flavors together and take your personalized chocolate home? Or, explore the ChocoExhibition and find out what a cocoa tree looks like or how the yogurt filling makes it inside the chocolate bar. Lot’s of fun for all ages.

Children from 7 – 18 years old can attend a chocolate workshop where they choose they own ingredients for designing the matching packaging. An exciting and unique experience. The session goes for 75 minutes and costs 10 Euro per child. For more details and to book your spot, please click here.

Parents can wait in the lovely ChocoWorld cafe and indulge in more sweet things or go shopping at the nearby Galleries Lafayette.

Fun for the whole family!

Admission: free; workshop for children 10 Euro; please note: you need to book in advance!

Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday: 10 am-7 pm; Thursday-Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Getting There:  Französische Strasse 24, Berlin-Mitte; U-Bahn Französische Strasse

Website: ritter-sport.de

14. Naturkundemuseum Berlin

The Naturkundemuseum is famous for the world’s biggest dinosaur skeleton, the 13.27 m high Brachiosaurs brancai. If your children love Dinosaurs, then this museum is the place to go.

The dinosaur exhibition had a complete makeover recently and features now an interactive multimedia display showing the life as it was 150 million years ago.

Another fascinating part of  Museum is the exhibition “Tristan – bares teeth” which shows one of the best-preserved skeletons of the Tyrannosaurus Rex worldwide. Of approximately 300 bones, 170 have been preserved and can now be admired in Berlin.

Admission: Small families (1 Adult plus 2 children under 14) 9 Euro; Bigger families ( 2Adults plus 3 children under 14) 15 Euro

Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday: 9.30 am – 6 pm; Saturday/Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Getting There: Invalidenstrasse 43, Berlin-Mitte; U-Bahn Naturkundemuseum (U6)

Website: naturkundemuseum.berlin.de

15. Museum – The Story Of Berlin

The Story Of Berlin displays 800 years of Berlin’s history in an exciting interactive way. It will take you back to the humble beginnings right up to present days. The 23 theme rooms are designed to explore each era individually and are equipped with multimedia technology.

Older children can solve tricky riddles about the history of Berlin. What did life look like after the war? What happened when the Berlin Wall came down?

One of the highlights of the tour will be a visit to an original nuclear shelter deep below Kurfürstendamm which could give shelter to over 3000 people in case of a nuclear disaster. Very interesting because the shelter is still active today.

Guided tours are on every full hour.

Admission: Adults 12 Euro; Children (6 -16 years) 5 Euro; Family ticket (2 Adults plus 3 kids) 25 Euro

Opening Times: open daily from 10 am – 8 pm; last entry 6 pm

Getting There: Kurfürstendamm 207-208 (inside the Kudammkarree); U-Bahn Uhlandstrasse (U1)

Website:www.story-of-berlin.de

Child-Friendly Cafe’s And Restaurants

16. Restaurant/Cafe Giraffe

Are you looking forward to having a yummy breakfast or a delicious lunch? The Giraffe offers a menu for adults and a special menu for kids. The outside area has a small playground for toddlers and younger children and inside is a play corner with toys, books, and crayons.

The food is excellent and even more enjoyable when your kids are having fun playing. Click here for the kid’s menu.

In summer time, the Biergarten (beer garden) is perfect to enjoy the warm days with a beer or coffee. I love this place and have spent many hours there with my children.

The Giraffe is close to the Berlin Zoo so you could start your day with a filling breakfast and make your way to the Zoo afterward.

Highly recommended!

Opening Times: Daily from 8 am – 2 pm

Getting There: Klopstockstrasse 2, S-Bahn Tiergarten

Website: www.giraffe-berlin.de

17. Jockel Biergarten

Right in the heart of bustling Kreuzberg, Jockel’sBiergarten is perfect for the family since a large public playground is situated right next to it. There is plenty of space for children to run around and keep themselves busy.

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a great view of the canal.

Jockey offers yummy food from burgers, pizza, finger food to homemade cakes and ice cream. You sure won’t stay hungry. 🙂

Opening Times: Daily from 10 am – midnight

Getting There: Ratiborstrasse 14, U-Bahn Schönleinstrasse (U8) – 15 min walk

Website: jockel-biergarten.de

18. Cafe Kiezkind

In the ever so famous Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Kiezkind is an Eldorado for children. The cafe is next to a public playground but offers, even more, to keep the littlies entertained.

Kids can play outside with scooters, bobby cars, and tricycles or inside the cafe in the heated sandbox. There is also a reading corner and more toys.

You’ll find a small menu with freshly pressed juices, wraps and more.

Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 12 am -6 pm; Saturday/Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Getting There: am Helmholtzplatz 1; U-Bahn Eberswalderstrasse (U2)

Website: www.mein-kiezkind.de

19. Cafe Klunkerkranich

The best for last: Cafe Klunkerkranich is one of my favorite places to go with its charming atmosphere and stunning views of Berlin. It has quickly become one of Berlin’s hip places.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast while the kids can play in the huge sandbox. Nearly every afternoon from 4 pm you can listen to live music for a small fee (around 3 to 5 Euro). There is always something on in this quirky place.

A visit to Cafe Klunkerkranich should be on top of your to-do list!

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 2 am, Sunday from noon – 2 am

Getting There: Karl-Marx-Strasse 44, U-Bahn Rathaus Neukölln (U8) at the shopping mall take the elevator at the library/post entrance to the 5th floor,

Website: klunkerkranich.de

20. Trattoria Il Casolare

Il Casolare in Berlin-Kreuzberg has been an institution for many years and hasn’t lost any of its popularity. Whenever I go to Berlin, Il Casolare is always a place to meet up with friends.

If you want to eat a traditional wood-fired pizza, then you have to visit Il Casolare. It is not really child-friendly (no toys etc.) but perfect for a casual lunch or early dinner. A playground and a gelateria (ice cream for dessert!) are just around the corner, only a minute away.

Don’t go to Il Casolare after 6 pm because it gets crazy busy in the evening and the staff seems a bit stressed the later the evening.

Otherwise, if you want to enjoy an authentic Italian pizza and want to feel like being in Italy then a visit to Il Casolare is a must.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: noon – midnight

Getting There: Grimmstrasse 30; U-Bahn Kottbusser Tor

Website: eatingoutwell.com

Summary

I hope my post ‘Twenty top things to do with kids in Berlin’ has given you some good ideas about activities Berlin has to offer.

You will discover even more on your visit to Berlin. In every corner, you most likely find more exciting things from cozy cafes to adventurous playgrounds and groovy shops.

For more insider tips, please check out my other posts.

Berlin With Kids – Part 2 – Exciting Day Trips

Three Days -Three Tours To Explore Berlin With Your Children

If you like this post, please share it on your favorite social media platform.

Safe Travels from Anke

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. For more information read here.