Make Their Day: 10 Things to Do in Berlin With Kids

Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, and contrary to its gritty reputation, it is incredibly family-friendly. For parents planning a trip with kids aged 3 to 15, the German capital offers a perfect mix of education, play, and vast outdoor spaces. Whether you are visiting from the UK, USA, or neighboring countries like the Netherlands or Austria, you’ll find that Berlin is welcoming, safe, and packed with adventures.

However, traveling with children requires planning. The city is huge, and knowing where to go—and how to skip the lines—can make the difference between a stressful day and a magical one. Here is your guide to the best things to do in Berlin with kids.

Quick Tips for Visiting Berlin With Kids

• Transport: Berlin’s public transport (BVG) is stroller-friendly. Most U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations have elevators. Kids under 6 travel free!
• Passes: Consider the Berlin WelcomeCard for free transport and discounts on attractions.
• Rest Areas: You are never far from a "Spielplatz" (playground). They are everywhere and usually very high quality.
• Dining: Most restaurants are kid-friendly and will happily provide a high chair ("Hochstuhl").

10 Things to Do in Berlin With Kids

1. Berlin Zoo or Tierpark

Age: All ages
Why kids love it: Pandas, hippos, and a huge adventure playground.
Why parents love it: It’s Germany’s oldest zoo and beautifully landscaped—a park within a park.
Time needed: 3–5 hours
Type: Outdoor (some indoor houses)

2. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Berlin

Age: 3–10 years
Why kids love it: Millions of LEGO bricks, rides, and a 4D cinema.
Why parents love it: It’s indoors (perfect for rain) and located right at Potsdamer Platz.
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Type: Indoor

3. German Spy Museum

Age: 7–15 years
Why kids love it: The laser maze obstacle course is a massive hit. They can also write secret codes.
Why parents love it: Fascinating history of espionage in the Cold War capital.
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Type: Indoor

4. Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

Age: 5+ years
Why kids love it: The elevator ride is super fast (6 meters per second!) and the view is like a map come to life.
Why parents love it: Iconic views and a chance to orient yourself in the city.
Time needed: 1 hour
Type: Indoor

5. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Age: All ages (great for tired legs)
Why kids love it: Sitting on the top deck feels like an adventure.
Why parents love it: You see all the main sights without dragging the kids across town on foot.
Time needed: Flexible (1–2 hours for a full loop)
Type: Outdoor/Indoor

6. Spree River Boat Cruise

Age: All ages
Why kids love it: Waving to people on the bridges and seeing the city from the water.
Why parents love it: It’s relaxing. You can sit down, have a drink, and still sightsee.
Time needed: 1 hour
Type: Outdoor (covered seating available)

7. Madame Tussauds Berlin

Age: 8+ years
Why kids love it: Taking selfies with Star Wars characters, football stars, and pop icons.
Why parents love it: Interactive sets that make for great family photos.
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Type: Indoor

8. German Museum of Technology

Age: 4+ years
Why kids love it: Real trains, planes, and boats they can get close to. The Science Center Spectrum next door is hands-on fun.
Why parents love it: It’s educational and huge—you can spend a whole day here.
Time needed: 3–4 hours
Type: Indoor/Outdoor

9. Parks & Playgrounds (Tiergarten & Tempelhofer Feld)

Age: All ages
Why kids love it: Freedom to run! Tempelhofer Feld is an old airport where you can cycle on the runway.
Why parents love it: Free, green, and relaxing. Perfect for a picnic.
Time needed: Flexible
Type: Outdoor

10. Children’s Museums (Labyrinth or MACHmit!)

Age: 3–10 years
Why kids love it: These museums are designed 100% for touching, climbing, and playing.
Why parents love it: Safe environments where kids learn through play.
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Type: Indoor

Best Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

Berlin weather can be unpredictable. If it rains, head to the Museum of Natural History (home to Tristan the T-Rex) or the Computerspielemuseum (Computer Game Museum). The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Madame Tussauds are also excellent rainy-day saviors.

Budget-Friendly Family Activities

Berlin doesn't have to be expensive. Walking through the Brandenburg Gate is free. The East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall) is an open-air gallery. Many museums offer free entry for children under 18 (check specific museums). A picnic in Tiergarten is a budget-friendly lunch option.

Where to Eat With Kids

Look for "Kindercafés" (children's cafes) which have play areas. For a quick meal, Vapiano offers pasta and pizza where kids can watch it being cooked. Mall of Berlin has a large food court with options for everyone.

Sample 1-Day Family Itinerary

• Morning: Visit the Berlin Zoo. See the pandas and let the kids run in the playground.
• Lunch: Picnic in Tiergarten or lunch at the Bikini Berlin mall next to the zoo.
• Afternoon: Take the Bus 100 (double-decker) past the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. Stop at the German Spy Museum.
• Evening: Early dinner at Potsdamer Platz and perhaps a visit to the Panoramapunkt for sunset views.

Final Thoughts

Berlin is a fantastic destination for families. It’s safe, green, and full of history that is accessible even to younger visitors. The key is to pace yourself—don’t try to do too much in one day. Book your tickets for major attractions like the TV Tower and Zoo in advance to avoid the queues and keep the kids happy.

Ready to explore? Start planning your Berlin family adventure today!