By Ann Cronin
The German capital is a city layered with history and culture, but it is also a paradise for a kids’ city stay. Berlin is known for its amazing public transport system and tram line, making getting around with kids much easier and more affordable than it is here at home. The fact that the city has no shortage in exciting and enjoyable activities for kids of all ages only adds to the brilliance of Berlin city break.
Site-seeing with a difference
See Berlin from a whole new angle by opting for a family tour with a difference, with companies offering Segway tours of the capital cities most iconic stops, a boat ride along the Mitte, or renting a few bikes for an active cycling excursion. Seasonal events take place at some of the tourist hot-spots such as the New Year’s Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate, so keep an eye out to see what events may be going on during your stay in the city.
For more information on Segway tours see 2wheelsberlin.com. For sightseeing tours and boat rides see visitberlin.de.
Outdoor enjoyment
One thing Berlin has is strong supply of parks and playgrounds ideal for both relaxation and activity. TempelHofer Feld is an impressive park with a six-kilometre cycling/jogging trail, a large BBQ area and a massive picnic area for families. If you fancy a calm and relaxed meal out among the scenery or getting the whole family active for a few hours, this location is a perfect choice. FEZ & Wuhlheide Park is an area which has a wide selection of activities for kids of various age groups. There are a number of playgrounds and climbing structures for varying ages and abilities, as well as a BMX and skateboarding half-pipe for older kids. Also featuring a swimming pool, pony riding, canoeing, and a number of scenic trails and walkways, you could easily spend an entire day occupied in this park.
For more information on TempelHofer Feld and other Berlin parks, see gruen-berlin.de. For more information on FEZ Wuhlheide Park see fez-berlin.de.
Animal antics
Berlin is host to several zoos and sea-life centres which have become very popular and famous over the years. Zoo Berlin is home to the world’s largest variety of species and is Germany’s oldest zoological garden, and undoubtedly worth a visit. For a more interactive and hands-on experience, Tierpark Berlin is Europe’s biggest animal park and provides a unique experience and view of these species, as you can view and learn about feeding times. The park also offers opportunity to see various live shows in which creatures such as polar bears and elephants will perform with their carers to entertain and educate you on their behaviours. Gorlitzer Park, Sea Life Berlin and Mauerplatz are also popular petting zoos in Berlin for younger children who may wish to hang out with some smaller and sweeter animals.
For more information, see zoo-berlin.de, tierpark-berlin.de, visitsealife.com/de/berlin and kbh-mauerplatz.de.
Historical highlights
It’s widely known that Berlin is rich in history but if you think this aspect of the city will not interest you children, think again! For slightly older kids, museums such as the Berlin Ann Frank Zentru, and the Jewish Museum have programs and tours focused on educating children on the Holocaust and World War II in an age-appropriate manner. In addition, Berlin’s Computer Games Museum and Puppet Museum are proof that museums can be entertaining for children.
For more information see annefrank.de, jmberlin.de, computerspielemuseum.de and puppentheater-museum.de.
Top-rated favourites
There are several locations and attractions in Berlin which never fail to stand popular among visitors. These must-see spots include Madame Tussauds, Legoland Discovery centre and the Berlin Dungeon. A popular stop we recommend is Filmpark Babelsberg, an exploration into the film and television industry. You can see and learn about sets, props, costumes and technical equipment from years ago and what is used currently. As Babelsberg is still a working studio, you can get insight into the behind-the-scenes areas of film making, such as stunts men, animal actors, costume designers and more. This experience is definitely one worth seeing for film enthusiasts of any age.
For more information see madametussauds.com/berlin/de, legolanddiscoverycentre.de, thedungeons.com/berlin and filmpark-babelsberg.de.