6 of the best things to do with kids in Berlin

31.07.2023 - 10:23 / lonelyplanet.com

Berlin is a city where families will feel welcome.

Germany’s capital, known for cherishing tolerance and inclusivity, plus a free-spirited, bohemian vibe, is a destination where parenting doesn’t have to limit the parents' fun. From beer garden shindigs to outdoor techno festivals, tots in prams and anti-noise earmuffs are an integral part of the action.

Whether on the go with toddlers or teens, Berlin bear-hugs family travelers with cool entertainment, from grown-up social spaces where kids are gladly accepted to multi-aged attractions. Here’s what you need to know when traveling with kids in Berlin.

German parenting, compared to most other non-European standards, is considered to be laissez-faire. Children are given freedom to explore their individuality and express themselves in public, especially outdoors – although free rein stops at misbehavior. Particularly in Berlin, a proudly progressive and liberally minded city, children are allowed everywhere, keeping businesses conscious of family’s needs.

This is most abundant in Berlin’s bountiful outdoors. About a third of the city is covered in green open spaces, with around 2500 well-landscaped parks each with their own unique character: from lush gardens to paved walking paths and shady picnic spots. Urban recreation goes beyond your usual swings and sandpits; ping-pong tables are ubiquitous, as are massive wood jungle gyms with footbridges, slides and climbable walls. Rest assured, in the residential areas away from busy main streets, a park or playground is usually close by and ready to entertain the children you're traveling with.

Dining out shouldn’t be a big to-do, with highchairs and children’s menus at most restaurants. Even some fine-dining establishments welcome children and cater to dietary needs, though asking ahead is a must. Less formal German restaurants, like beer gardens and cafes, are definitely best suited to family time with playgrounds and easeful self-service.

When choosing family accommodations in Berlin, consider staying close to larger parks and open-air markets, where open space, live music and snack vendors abound. In Prenzlauer Berg, Mauerpark has a must-visit Sunday flea market and Schöneberg’s Gleisdreieck is a top park for families with skateboarding, soccer and not-your-average play areas for bouncing and climbing.

Berlin’s waterways aren’t swim-friendly, but catch the drift in other ways. Take a breezy boat tour along the Spree River for panoramic views of the big attractions, or paddle onto Kreuzberg and Neukölln’s less-busy canals. And, if you’re still set on swimming, there’s Badeschiff, a pool built into the Spree from a converted cargo ship. Parents can take in Badeschiff’s trendy, beach club-esque vibe, à la DJs and