Young children and museums don’t usually mix well, but maybe you just haven’t been to the right ones! Berlin has some fantastic modern museums that are great for kids, offering hands-on experiments, exciting workshops and guided tours, all aimed at twerking your children’s interest and keeping them entertained.
With a complex history and cool urban vibes, Berlin may not immediately be your 1st choice or strike you as a family destination. But think again, this city is full of green spaces, parks and playgrounds which kids of all ages will love, as well as the largest zoo in Europe! So why not rent a bicycle or take a river cruise to explore?
So without further ado, let’s look at the best things to do with in Berlin with kids.
📆 If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and outdoor events, summer is the best time to visit. The warm weather and longer days provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the city’s parks, attending festivals, and enjoying street food. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
📆 Fall and spring are also good times to visit Berlin. The weather is mild, and many museums and galleries remain open. With fewer crowds, you’ll have a chance to explore the city’s historical sites and landmarks without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Plus, hotel prices tend to be more reasonable during these seasons.
📆 Winter in Berlin can be cold and gloomy, but the city’s Christmas markets and holiday lights make it a magical time to visit. The markets are a great way to experience the city’s festive spirit and sample traditional German treats like glühwein and gingerbread. Berlin’s many indoor attractions, such as museums, theatres & the Lego Museum for kids, are also open during winter.
2. Getting Around: Public Transportation & Walking Tours
Going around Berlin is convenient thanks to its excellent public transportation system. The city’s public transportation includes buses, trams, trains, and subways, all run by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
🚌 Berlin Welcome Card
Visitors can purchase single tickets or day passes, providing unlimited public transportation within certain zones. The BVG also offers a Berlin Welcome Card, which provides free use of all public transit within certain zones and discounts on many attractions and museums.
🚌 Another great way to explore Berlin is on foot. The city is very walkable, with many neighbourhoods and attractions located within a short distance of each other. Walking around Berlin is a great way to discover hidden gems and get a feel for daily life in the city.
🚌 For those who prefer a more guided experience, a guided walking or even a Hop-on-off bus tour of Berlin can be great options. Kids of all ages thoroughly enjoy the hop-on-off city bus tours. Many companies offer free walking tours of the city, led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the history and culture of Berlin. These tours usually last a few hours and cover a variety of neighbourhoods and landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Berlin Wall.
When visiting Berlin with your family, it’s essential to find accommodations that cater to the needs of both adults and children, providing comfort, convenience, and easy access to the city’s attractions. Here are some of the best family-friendly hotels and neighbourhoods in Berlin:
Located at the iconic Potsdamer Platz, the Ritz-Carlton Berlin offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. The hotel provides a range of family-friendly amenities, including spacious rooms, connecting rooms, babysitting services, and a kids’ club. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Berlin’s top attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, and the Holocaust Memorial.
Located in the heart of Berlin’s city center, this 5-star luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop spa, and pool. The hotel is close to family-friendly attractions like the Berlin Zoo and the Sony Center. Kids will love the indoor pool, and the hotel offers a variety of family packages, including special activities and amenities for children.
These stylish serviced apartments in the lively Mitte district offer the comfort of home with the convenience of hotel services. Ideal for families who prefer a more self-contained stay, the spacious apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, separate living spaces, and multiple bedrooms. The central location is close to attractions such as Museum Island and Alexanderplatz.
The Cirus Hotel & Circus Apartments are located in the vibrant Mitte district, this quirky and eco-friendly boutique hotel offers family rooms and apartments with kitchenettes. With its rooftop terrace, lively common spaces, and proximity to popular attractions like Mauerpark and the Berlin Wall Memorial, The Circus Hotel is a fun and unique option for families seeking an authentic Berlin experience.
In Mitte situated right next to the Brandenburg Gate, Hotel Adlon Kempinski is a historic and elegant hotel that offers an unforgettable stay for families. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, some with separate living areas and extra beds for children. Amenities include a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and family-friendly dining options. The central location in the Mitte district ensures easy access to Berlin’s main attractions.
(Potsdamer Platz) The Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz is a modern, eco-friendly hotel known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Offering spacious family rooms and play areas for children, the hotel ensures a comfortable stay for families of all sizes. Its location near Potsdamer Platz makes it a great base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Sony Center, Tiergarten park, and the Mall of Berlin.
This contemporary hotel in the heart of Berlin offers family-friendly accommodations, including spacious rooms with sofa beds, a children’s play area, and a dedicated kids’ corner at the restaurant. Its central location in the Mitte district means that attractions like Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, and the Berlin TV Tower are just a short walk or tram ride away.
Be-In Apartments is wonderful if you prefer a more local experience, consider renting an apartment in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg. This charming area is known for its beautiful parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly cafes and restaurants. With easy access to public transportation, you can quickly reach Berlin’s main attractions while enjoying the comforts of a home-like environment.
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Daily Itinerary - Two days - One Week
Day One: Berlin Attractions
Day One Morning - Mitte
On the one side you will have the waters of the River Spree and the green Tiergarden Park and on the other side the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, the Reichstag and the beautiful and historic Unter den Linden. Museum Island the and Holocaust Memorial. Mitte is Berlin's history and, of course, its most important neighbourhood. Definitely start your exploration from here.
📍Start your itinerary at Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz on your first day. The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Berlin and a symbol of Germany’s reunification. It was originally built in the 18th century as a neoclassical monument, and it has since become a popular spot for tourists to take photos and learn about the city’s history.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Berlin and a symbol of Germany’s reunification. It was originally built in the 18th century as a neoclassical monument, and it has since become a popular spot for tourists to take photos and learn about the city’s history.
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The gate has played a significant role in many important events throughout German history, including the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today, it is one of the top attractions in Berlin and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city for the first time. For those interested in art and culture, the Berlin Philharmonic and the Konzerthaus Berlin concert halls are nearby and offer world-class performances.
📍 Unter den Linden is one of the most famous streets in Berlin and the perfect place to explore. The street has beautiful trees and historical buildings, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin State Opera.
The Mall of Berlin is a massive shopping centre with over 270 stores, restaurants, and cafes. There are also plenty of street food options and beer gardens for those looking to experience the daily life of Berlin.
I recommend a hop-on hop-off bus tour to maximize your morning in Potsdamer Platz and the city centre. Berlin’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient, with options including the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (light rail), and buses.
Day One Afternoon: Reichstag Building & Museums
📍In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Reichstag Building. The Reichstag Building is an impressive structure that witnessed some of the most significant events in German history, including one of the final battles of World War II. Today, it is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the building, including a visit to the impressive glass dome at the top. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and get a sense of Berlin’s history and importance as the capital of Germany.
In the course of 20 minutes, your personal guide to the dome will share with you all the most important facts about the Reichstag Building and its surroundings, the German Bundestag, the work of Parliament, and the sights you can see during your 230-metre-long ascent and descent.The easy-to-use audioguides, which you can obtain on the roof terrace, are available in twelve languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Dutch and Chinese. Special audioguides (in German) will also be available for children, for people with disabilities and in easy language.
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📍If you’re traveling with young children, the Natural History Museum is a great option for a fun and educational activity. The Natural History Museum, located in Berlin, is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. The museum’s collection includes over 30 million objects, including zoology, paleontology, mineralogy, and geology specimens.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the dinosaur exhibit, which features a range of skeletons and fossils, including a complete skeleton of a Brachiosaurus. Other notable exhibits include the extensive mineral and gemstone collection and displays on the evolution of life on Earth.
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📍The German Spy Museum is unique and interactive in central Berlin. It offers visitors a chance to learn about espionage and the history of spying in Germany. The museum has a variety of exhibits and displays, including authentic spy equipment, interactive displays, and films. Visitors can also try spy techniques such as codebreaking and cryptography. The German Spy Museum is a great option for families with older children or anyone interested in espionage.
The German Spy Museum Berlin gives a unique insight into the gloom of espionage right where the Wall once divided the city. Visitors are welcome to use the most recent multimedia-based technology to detect all the bizarre and sneaky methods of agents and secret services.
An exciting time travel from spying in ancient Bible history to the present and future right in the middle of the capital of spies. Decipher a range of secret codes, negotiate the laser maze, see how secure your favourite password is and hack in to your favourite websites!
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📍Berlin Museum Of Communication – A Journey Through Time:
The Berlin Museum of Communication takes visitors on a journey through the history of communication. The museum’s permanent exhibition, “From Semaphore to Smartphone,” showcases an impressive array of communication technologies, from the early days of telegraphy and Morse code to the modern era of smartphones and social media.
Interactive Exhibits for Kids: Children visiting the museum can engage in numerous interactive exhibits and hands-on activities to spark their curiosity and imagination. These exhibits include:
1. The pneumatic tube system: A network of transparent tubes running throughout the museum allows kids to send messages via capsules, providing a fun and tangible way to experience a historical communication method.
2. The telephone exchange: Children can role-play as telephone operators at this exhibit, connecting calls using a vintage switchboard.
3. Morse code stations: Kids can learn the basics of Morse code and try their messages using telegraph keys.
4. The media tunnel: A multimedia installation that immerses visitors in a world of images, sounds, and videos, demonstrating the power and evolution of mass media.
5. The robot lab: An interactive space where children can meet and interact with robots, learn about artificial intelligence, and explore the role of robotics in the future of communication
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Day One Evening
🍽️ For dinner, stroll through Prenzlauer Berg, a trendy neighborhood with many cafes and restaurants. Or, head to Charlottenburg Palace for a relaxed evening and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
Walk along the River Spree and enjoy the stunning views of the city’s many bridges and landmarks. Another great option is to visit one of Berlin’s many beer gardens, such as the Prater Garten, to enjoy a cold drink and some delicious German cuisine.
Alternatives For Day One:
Checkpoint Charlie Musuem
The Checkpoint Charlie Museum, also known as the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, is dedicated to the history of the Berlin Wall, particularly the stories of those who attempted to escape from East Germany to the West during the Cold War.
The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions and is visited by thousands yearly. It is open daily, and admission is free.
The museum was founded in 1962 by human rights activist Dr. Rainer Hildebrandt and is named after the checkpoint at the border between East and West Berlin. It is near the former location of Checkpoint Charlie, one of the few crossing points between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
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📍East Side Gallery
East Side Gallery, where impressive murals are painted on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. The open-air gallery is a great way to learn about the city’s history and see some amazing street art.
Day Two
Day 2 Morning
📍 Start your day at Berlin Zoo and see the famous polar bear, enjoy live music, or rent a pedal boat on the River Spree.
The Berlin Zoo is the oldest and most visited zoo in Germany. It was founded in 1844 and is home to over 20,000 animals representing more than 1,300 species. One of the most popular animals at the zoo is the polar bear, with several living in the polar bear exhibit.
The zoo also has a variety of other exhibits, including a rainforest house, a birdhouse, and an aquarium. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances or rent a pedal boat to explore the River Spree. The Berlin Zoo is a great place for the whole family, including younger children who will love seeing the animals up close.
The museum’s collection spans various subjects, including transportation, communication, energy, manufacturing, and medicine. Some of the most notable exhibits include historic locomotives and trains, a replica of a 19th-century coal mine, and a collection of early computers and communication devices.
One of the museum’s main attractions is the Aviation and Aerospace exhibition, which features a range of aircraft and spacecraft, including a replica of the Wright Brothers’ plane, a V-1 flying bomb, and a Soviet-era space capsule.
Another popular exhibit is the Transport and Traffic exhibition, which showcases the development of transportation technology over the years. It includes displays on the history of the automobile, railways’ story, and aviation’s impact on global travel.
The museum also features a range of interactive exhibits, including hands-on activities and simulations that allow visitors to experience various aspects of technology firsthand.
Overall, the German Museum of Technology is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history and development of technology. It is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and admission is included with the Berlin Welcome Card,
The Illuseum Berlin is a fantastic place to see optical illusions. Engage your senses and stimulate your brain with hands-on displays. See yourself expand and contract, defy gravity, and lose your footing.
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📍Berlin: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience
You’ll get to do three fascinating things on your city tour while it is divided. Look at life in both West and East Germany through a glimpse of the Berlin Wall. It’s hard to imagine how people survived these radically different societies.
Also see three modern-day witnesses and listen to their accounts. Which story had the greatest impact on you? Whomever you pick will be your guide through post-war Berlin’s divided streets.
The VR demo is the tour’s main attraction. Your trip across East Germany begins now. To experience Berlin in the 1980s, sit on the bus, and don virtual reality goggles. It’s time to head to Checkpoint Charlie.
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📍Other Museums At Museum Island
Museum Island is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. Located in the heart of Berlin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to five world-class museums showcasing diverse collections. The museums on Museum Island include the Pergamon Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Altes Museum.
The Frankfurter Allee is one of the oldest streets in Berlin, the capital of Germany. It extends from Karl-Marx-Allee from Frankfurter Tor in the direction of the city of Frankfurt. It is part of Bundesstraße 1 and is 3.6 km long.
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Have An Extra Day? Day Trip To Potsdam or Dresden
📍A day trip to Potsdam to see the beautiful Sanssouci Palace is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Berlin. Located just a short train ride from the German capital, Potsdam is home to several stunning palaces and gardens recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sanssouci Palace is the most famous of these and was once the summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent interiors and stroll through its beautiful gardens, which feature over 3,000 fruit trees and several fountains.
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I recommend allowing a full day for this trip and purchasing a combined ticket with an entrance to the palace and gardens.
📍The Berlin Cathedral is a must-see attraction in the city and a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture. Visitors can admire the cathedral’s ornate facade and intricate details before climbing to the dome for breathtaking views of Berlin. The climb to the top of the dome can be a bit challenging, but it is worth it for the stunning panoramic views of the city.
📍The Charlottenburg Palace is a stunning Baroque palace located in the western part of Berlin. The palace was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Prussia, and its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens are a testament to the wealth and power of the Prussian royal family. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace to learn about its history and explore its many rooms and halls.
Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia, was not only an accomplished musician, playing the harpsichord and singing Italian opera, but also strolled through the grounds here with her friend, the renowned scholar and philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. When Sophie Charlotte died, just 36 years old, the palace and the area around was named Charlottenburg after her. Today, this is the largest and most magnificent palace in Berlin – a highlight for any Berlin visitor.
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I recommend visiting the Berlin Cathedral and Charlottenburg Palace in the evening, as the crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is more relaxed. It’s a great way to end your two-day trip to Berlin on a high note and soak up the city’s rich history and culture.
Dresden - Full Day Trip
Take a Flix Bus From Berlin Alexanderplatz - Bus 070 to Dresden Neustadt Station (Dr. Friedrich-Wolf-Sftabe)
📍Blue wonder - (Loschwitz Bridge) The Loschwitz is a projected bridge over the Elbe River in Dresden, the capital of Saxony, Germany. It connects the city districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz, two wealthy residential areas, which around 1900 were among the most expensive in Europe. – A bit far from the centre.
📍Tour of VWs Transparent Factory & Test Drive an Electric VW
Enjoy a tour of Volkswagen's Transparent Factory in Dresden. Learn about the future of e-mobility from an expert and see the manufacturing process with your own eyes.
Experience the ID.3, ID.4 or ID.5 live - on your personal test drive through Dresden.Take the special opportunity to test Volkswagen's electric mobility during a visit to the Transparent Factory. You drive on a predetermined route of about six kilometers. A trained instructor will show you how the vehicle works and how to operate it before you set off on your journey. You can have a maximum of three other people accompany you on your test drive.
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Itinerary that you can add on for 1 week in Berlin.
Historical Sites & Museums for Older Children
👨👨👦 Topography Of Terror And Berlin Wall Memorial
The Topography of Terror, possibly the most visited museum in Berlin, is a powerful open-air exhibition located at the former Gestapo headquarters in Berlin. It explores the history of the Third Reich and the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. The exhibition features photos, documents, and personal accounts, providing a haunting look into the city’s dark history.
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Just a short distance away from the Topography of Terror is the Berlin Wall Memorial. This outdoor exhibition traces the history of the Berlin Wall and its impact on daily life in the city. The memorial includes a section of the wall that has been preserved, as well as an observation deck and an information centre. Visitors can learn about the wall’s construction, the attempts to escape from East to West Berlin, and the eventual fall of the wall in 1989.
The memorial is a powerful tribute to the millions of Jews murdered during the Holocaust. It consists of over 2,700 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern that creates a disorienting and somber atmosphere. The memorial is an important reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II.
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👨👨👦 Jewish Museum - A must experience with older children
The Jewish Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Jewish life in Germany. The museum is one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe and boasts a collection of over 3,000 objects, including works of art, historical documents, and personal artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent exhibitions that cover topics such as the Holocaust and the contributions of Jews to German society. One of the highlights of the museum is the Holocaust Tower, a tall space that is meant to evoke a sense of isolation and despair.
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👨👨👦 Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen Tour Berlin Concentration Camp Memorial Tour
Located just outside of Berlin and was used by the Nazis to imprison political prisoners and others deemed “undesirable.” Today, the camp is a memorial and museum open to the public. Visitors can explore the camp’s remaining buildings and learn about the atrocities. The museum features permanent exhibitions that cover the history of the camp, as well as temporary exhibitions that explore related topics.
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I recommend visiting the Jewish Museum and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp during the day and allowing enough time to immerse yourself in history fully. It’s important to remember that both destinations can be emotionally intense.
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Best Berlin Food And Drinks
Street food is a great way to sample the city’s culinary delights, with options ranging from the classic currywurst to falafel and Vietnamese cuisine. Visitors can find street food vendors throughout the city. Check out neighbourhoods
Neukölln is one of the twelve boroughs of Berlin. It is located in the southeastern part from the city centre towards Berlin Schönefeld Airport.
Neukeln is famous for its cosmopolitan character, with many canteens serving hummus, Middle Eastern patisseries and outlets on the busy boulevards. The vintage shops and trendy bars and cafes in the picturesque streets attract students and artists. In the Turkish market next to the canal, agricultural products, spices and textiles are sold. Further south, the tiny Rixdorf district is reminiscent of a quiet, picturesque village, and flower exhibitions are often held in Britcher Garden.
For those looking for a more formal dining experience, Berlin has a range of restaurants serving traditional German dishes and international cuisine. Prenzlauer Berg is a trendy neighbourhood with many cafes and restaurants serving everything from local favorites to international cuisine.
Be-In Apartments is wonderful if you prefer a more local experience, consider renting an apartment in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg. This charming area is known for its beautiful parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly cafes and restaurants. With easy access to public transportation, you can quickly reach Berlin’s main attractions while enjoying the comforts of a home-like environment.
A covered market with various food stalls offering a range of food options, from Korean to Italian cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy local beer and wine at the market.
