Ready to plan your next adventure? After months of being holed up at home, it’s time to plan the trip of a lifetime. Forget Disneyland. Don’t go for another trip to the beach. This year, it’s finally time to explore all of those unforgettable family-friendly events in Germany.
From Berlin to Bavaria, there is no better place for travelers of all ages. Whether your kids love amusement parks, fairy tales, or Christmas fun, you will find first-rate events all year round.
Here is your guide to the best family events in Germany.
Exploring Miniatur Wunderland and Hamburg
The planet’s biggest model train exhibit is a must-see for any train lover. With a miniature airport and fascinating models of attractions around the world, Miniatur Wunderland is truly a fun day out even if you’re not into trains. Miniatur Wunderland has events going on all year, including the popular Culinary Trip around the World and Wunderland at Night.
Unlike your typical theme park, the food here is top-notch and the prices are affordable. During the Culinary Trip around the World, you can sample authentic Italian antipasti, Zurich Ragout, Scandinavian honey, and a wide array of other picks that are both kid and foodie-friendly.
Once you have had your day in the park, you will want at least a couple of extra days to explore Hamburg. With ample green space, expansive pedestrian zones, and some of the best family-friendly events in Germany, it’s a perfect pick for families of all ages.
Insider Tip: On top of the usual tours around Tierpark Hagenbeck and Zoologisches Museum, be sure to get to Chocoversum. Way more interactive than your average chocolate museum, kids can learn about the full life cycle of chocolate and sample the real deal (no Hershey’s here!). Once you’ve become a full-fledged chocolate connoisseur, you can make your own sweet souvenir.
Touring the Christmas Markets of Germany
For unforgettable family-friendly events in Germany, there is no better time to visit than during December. The country is filled from west to east with magical Chrismas markets. Start your adventure in Berlin with the Christmas Garden in the Botanical Gardens and the holiday event at Tierpark. From there, make you way down to the Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt which has been running ever since 1458. For a traditional experience explore the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt then head down to the Münchner Christkindlmarkt in Munich.
Continue back northbound to the Christmas Market in Stuttgart then explore the western side of the country as you make your way over Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom in Cologne. Of course, you will find countless markets along the way as well so plan plenty of time to explore.
A Weekend at Europa Park
Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, has a seemingly permanent spot at the top of nearly any list of the world’s best amusement parks. With 13 heart-stopping rollercoasters and an endless maze of games and attractions, you will need at least two days to even see a fraction of it all.
On top of the regular fun, this amusement park has events going every month of the year. From astronauts to pirates to magicians, there are fun family shows almost every week in fact. You’ll also find events geared toward adults and teens like the ultra-popular Euro Dance Festival. Check out the schedule of events before you go.
Planning Tip: While many families opt to spend all of their trips in the park, it’s well worth making time to see more of the countryside. Nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges, you will be in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful regions.
Family-Friendly Events in Germany on the Fairy Tale Road
Fairy Tale Road, or Deutsche Märchenstraße as it’s called in Germany, is a magical route spanning the nearly 400 miles from Frankfurt to Bremen. On this one-of-a-kind path, you can follow Little Red Riding Hood’s path through the forest, climb up Rapunzel’s tower, and explore Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
There are 50 towns dotted along the road and they are packed some of the best family-friendly events in Germany. You will find costumed characters at every stage. Read the full events schedule then plan your route. You will get to try frog cake from the Frog Museum in Witzenhausen; help Cinderella get ready for a night out in Polle; and dance with the Pied Piper in Hamel.
Oktoberfest with Kids
While it may be known for its debauchery, Oktoberfest is about far more than just the beer! In fact, it is actually one of the best family-friendly events in Germany. There is a massive selection of concerts, parades, rides and so much more. While you certainly will find drinking, you will also find a place to play and explore while the whole family learns a bit more about Bavarian culture.
The trick to a kid-friendly Oktoberfest is knowing where and when to go. Generally speaking, you will want to start early. Many tents are closed to kids after 8 pm. Earlier in the day, you will find places like the Augustiner Beer Tent and the Wine Tent offering kid activities earlier in the day.
Ready to plan your trip to Germany? You need our complete listing of the Best Family Events in Germany.
