Berlin | Travel with kids

All you need to know

Angela and Marcelo Meyer

Angela and Marcelo Meyer

Germany

Berlin is one of the most child-friendly capitals in Europe.

The city offers excellent infrastructure, with parks on every corner and interactive museums.

You will also find all the attractions listed below on the interactive map on the following pages, complete with addresses, opening hours, ticket prices, and websites.

Must-See Attractions (Fun and Learning)

- Berlin Zoo (Zoo Berlin): Located in the heart of the city (Charlottenburg), it is Germany's oldest zoo. The attached aquarium is fantastic for rainy days.

- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre: Located at Potsdamer Platz, this is an indoor park ideal for children aged 3 to 10. It features a 4D cinema and LEGO replicas of Berlin.

- Museum of Natural History (Museum für Naturkunde): Famous for its giant dinosaur skeletons (including Tristan the T-Rex) and interactive exhibits about the cosmos.

- Deutsches Technikmuseum (Museum of Technology): A favorite among young people and children (and adults, too!). It features suspended real airplanes, vintage trains you can step inside, and "Spectrum," a science center with hands-on experiments.

- Labyrinth Kindermuseum: A museum designed specifically for children, where the motto is "touch everything." It focuses on playful learning.

- Parks and Outdoor Activities

- Große Tiergarten: Berlin's "green lung." It features several tucked-away playgrounds (*Spielplätze*) and vast areas for running around.

- Tempelhofer Feld: A former airport turned into a park. Kids love rollerblading, cycling, or flying kites on the massive runways.

- Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World): A theme park featuring gardens from various countries. The hedge maze and the cable car are major attractions for the little ones.

- Playgrounds (*Spielplätze*): Berlin has thousands of them. The Piraten-Spielplatz in Charlottenburg and the fairy-tale-themed playground in Volkspark Friedrichshain are excellent choices.

Where to Eat with Children

Most restaurants in Berlin are child-friendly, but these are especially well-equipped:

- Family Cafés (Kindercafés): There are several cafés designed for parents and children, such as Kiezkind (at Helmholtzplatz), which features an indoor play area.

- Vapiano: An Italian food chain common in Berlin—and Germany in general. It’s convenient, offers made-to-order pasta, and has a relaxed atmosphere where the sound of children isn't an issue.

- Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin: Located near Alexanderplatz. Although it is a Bavarian beer hall, it is spacious, lively, and family-friendly, offering classic kids' meals.

- Markthalle Neun: A food market in Kreuzberg featuring street food from around the world. It’s a great place for children to try new things in a vibrant setting.

Public Restrooms and Facilities

Berlin is well-equipped, but it’s good to know the following:

- Public Restrooms (Wall City Toilets): You’ll see modern silver cubicles on the streets. They usually cost €0.50 (accepting cards or coins) and are self-cleaning. Many are equipped with baby changing tables.

- Shopping Malls: Malls like the Mall of Berlin or Alexa offer the best "Baby Care" facilities (nursing areas and clean changing stations).

- Drugstores (dm and Rossmann): Almost all dm stores have a free changing table at the back, and many offer complimentary diapers in case of an emergency.

- Public Transport (VBB): Strollers travel for free on all trains and buses. Subway and train stations (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) have elevators, though they may occasionally be out of service for maintenance in older stations. Practical Tips

- Berlin WelcomeCard: Check out the family version, which includes free public transport for children up to 14 years old accompanied by an adult, as well as discounts on almost all the attractions mentioned.

- Sundays: Since shops are closed, parks and museums tend to be more crowded. It’s the perfect day to visit Tempelhofer Feld or the Zoo.

- Water: Berlin’s tap water is of excellent quality and safe for children. Bring reusable bottles.

- Emergencies: The emergency number is 112. There are renowned children's hospitals, such as Charité Virchow-Klinikum, should you need urgent medical care.

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

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