'Best of both worlds': How to enjoy Berlin with kids
I lived in Berlin for two years with my husband and two small children, and during that time I discovered just how much the city has to offer families.
Most people think of Berlin as a place for legendary nightclubs and its 150 plus museums filled with history, art, and culture.
And yes, those are big reasons people flock here.
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Sam lived in Berlin with her family. Supplied
But what surprised me most was how easy it was to blend the best of both worlds.
While adults can admire the Brandenburg Gate or visit the Reichstag, there are a plethora of kid-friendly activities the whole family will enjoy.
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Living in Berlin turned out to be an adventure of a lifetime and one of the most surprising family destinations we experienced in Europe.
Here are the must dos for families.
Get your bearings with a boat ride
One of the best ways to ease into Berlin is by taking a boat ride along the Spree River.
You'll pass iconic landmarks like Museum Island, the Reichstag, and Berlin Cathedral, all while the kids wave at passers-by out walking or basking in the sun.
It's relaxing, scenic, and gives you a sense of the city's layout before diving into the action.
One of the best ways to ease into Berlin is by taking a boat ride along the Spree River. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Visit Berlin's amazing playgrounds
Berlin's playgrounds are a revelation.
They're not made from plastic, they're crafted from timber, rope, and natural materials, making them both sustainable and visually beautiful.
But what really sets them apart is their philosophy: risk is part of the design.
Equipment is age-appropriate, and if a child can climb onto it, it's assumed they're ready for the challenge.
Parents don't lift their kids up – they watch from the sidelines as little ones test their limits and build independence. It's empowering, and it works.
Berlin's playgrounds are a revelation. Supplied/Sam McClymont
Visit museums and attractions designed for kids
Berlin's museums and attractions are built for curious minds and little hands. Some favourites include:
Dark Matter: A one-of-a-kind light and media art museum housed in a former warehouse in East Berlin. Kids (and adults) are mesmerised by dazzling kinetic light installations and interactive displays that feel like stepping into another dimension.
Berlin has things for the big kids and the little kids. Supplied
MACHmit! Museum: Art, science, and climbing walls in a former church.
Legoland Discovery Centre: A dream for LEGO lovers, with building zones, rides, and a mini-Berlin made of bricks.
Spy Museum: Kids can crawl under laser beams and decode secret messages—like stepping into a real spy movie.
Berlin Zoo: One of the oldest and most diverse zoos in Europe, with playgrounds, petting areas and pandas.
Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World): A sprawling park in Marzahn where you can catch Berlin's only cable car into the gardens. Families can enjoy a mini water park, adventure playgrounds, and themed gardens from around the world.
Berlin Zoo: One of the oldest and most diverse zoos in Europe Getty
Berlin Christmas markets
Berlin's Christmas markets are magical – with over 60 spread across the city, each offering its own festive flair.
Twinkling lights, carousel rides, and hot chocolate are just the beginning.
Sip on a steaming cup of mulled wine while the kids nibble on gingerbread and marvel at the lights. But be warned, winter is intense.
The sun disappears for weeks, the sky stays a stubborn grey, and it's the wind chill that really bites. Aussie winter gear won't cut it – you'll need proper coats, thermal layers, and waterproof boots.
You need proper winter gear for Berlin at Christmas. Supplied
Getting around Berlin
Berlin's transport system is easy to navigate. Between trains and trams, you can get almost anywhere without needing a taxi or Uber, far less than you'd rely on in Australia.
It's also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. Families often use cargo bikes, where kids sit up front in a cozy box while parents pedal through leafy streets and past historic monuments.
Bear spotting and the Tiergarten
Berlin's mascot – the bear – is scattered across the city in colourful statues. Spotting them became a game for my kids.
Germans are true nature lovers, and if you are too, there are endless green spaces to explore with children. A favourite of ours was the Grunewald Forest, on the city's western edge.
It's easy to get around Berlin. Getty
You can do short walks of just a kilometre or two or spend half a day wandering its trails.
And in classic German style, you'll often stumble across a pub in the middle of nowhere, perfect for a pretzel and a refreshing Erdinger while the kids refuel.
Right in the heart of Berlin, the Tiergarten offers a huge green escape. Families can hire rowboats on its canals, picnic under shady trees, or stop at the lakeside café while the kids run free. It's a reminder that even in a bustling capital, nature is never far away.
German pubs
Surprisingly, traditional German pubs are perfect for lunch with children. Many have outdoor beer gardens with play areas and open spaces, so kids can run around while parents enjoy a hearty meal and a cold drink.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is comforting, and the staff are used to families. It's a great way to experience local culture without sacrificing kid-friendly convenience.
Zollpackhof is on the Spree, and one we often frequented.
Mitte is one of Berlin's cultural areas of the city. Getty
If you need a break from Berlin's icy grip, Tropical Islands Resort is just an hour south of the city.
Housed in a massive former airship hangar, it's climate-controlled and packed with water slides, wave pools, and even a rainforest.
It's surreal to be in swimwear while it snows outside. It's a lifesaver for stir-crazy kids in winter.
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Tips for visiting Berlin with kids
- Book in advance: Germans are efficient, and popular attractions fill up quickly.
- Carry cash: Many places still prefer cash over cards, especially smaller cafés and markets.
- Layer up: Winter is colder than it looks – wind chill is real, and the sun might not show up for days.
Book in advance if you can. Getty
- Language isn't a barrier: Berlin is incredibly international, with people from all over the world. English is widely spoken, especially in restaurants, shops, and transport hubs.
- Follow the rules: Don't jaywalk or cross on a red light – even if the street is empty. Berliners take pedestrian rules seriously and respecting them is part of the city's culture of order and consideration.
- Plan around Sundays: Almost everything in Berlin is closed on Sundays, from supermarkets to many shops. If you're only in the city for a few days, try to avoid having Sunday as your main sightseeing day – or better yet, use it as your chance to get into nature, like exploring the Grunewald Forest or the Tiergarten.
Getting outdoors is great when things are closed on a Sunday. Supplied
Best time to visit Berlin
For Australians, the July school holidays are ideal. It's just before the European summer holidays in August, so you'll enjoy the shoulder season with fewer crowds and pleasant weather around 25 degrees.
Another great time is the December school holidays. While Australians enjoy a long break Europeans don't, so you can soak up the Christmas magic.
But plan your trip only up to New Year. January and February are deep winter, with limited events and a definite post-holiday lull.
Berlin might not be the first place you think of for a family holiday, but it's full of surprises. From sustainable playgrounds to spy museums, forests, and boat rides, it's a city that invites kids to explore, learn, and grow. Just like it did for mine.
Watch Sam McClymont on Getaway Saturdays at 5:30pm on Nine or on 9Now for more exciting travel adventures.
