Exploring Berlin With Kids : at the main train station
Exploring Berlin With Kids : walking easy
Table of Contents
Museums
Berlin offers a variety of museums that are engaging and suitable for kids. Here are some museums in Berlin that are great for families:
- The DDR Museum: This interactive museum provides a hands-on experience of life in East Germany during the Cold War. Kids can explore a replica of an East German apartment, drive a Trabant car simulator, and learn about daily life in the former GDR.
- Museum für Naturkunde (Museum of Natural History): Home to the famous dinosaur skeleton known as “Tristan,” this museum is a hit with kids. They can explore the extensive collection of fossils, including the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton, and learn about natural history through interactive exhibits.
- Deutsches Technikmuseum (German Museum of Technology): This museum showcases the development of technology throughout history. Kids can explore a wide range of exhibits, including airplanes, trains, and steam engines. The museum also offers hands-on activities and a science center where children can experiment and learn through play.
- Labyrinth Kindermuseum (Labyrinth Children’s Museum): Specifically designed for children aged 3 to 11, this museum encourages interactive and imaginative play. Kids can engage in role-playing activities, build structures, create artwork, and explore different themed areas.
- Museum für Kommunikation (Museum of Communication): This museum focuses on the history of communication and media. Children can learn about the evolution of postal services, telephones, and the internet through interactive exhibits. The museum also offers workshops and guided tours tailored to different age groups.
- MACHmit! Museum für Kinder (MACHmit! Children’s Museum): Located in the Prenzlauer Berg district, this museum offers hands-on exhibits and workshops for children aged 3 to 12. Kids can engage in creative activities, explore sensory exhibits, and participate in interactive storytelling sessions.
- The German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum): While primarily aimed at older visitors, this museum has sections that can engage children as well. The “Children’s Museum” offers interactive exhibits and workshops where kids can learn about various historical periods through play and hands-on activities.
Zoos
Berlin has a couple of zoos that are great for kids to visit. Here are two notable zoos in Berlin:
- Zoologischer Garten Berlin (Berlin Zoological Garden): The Zoologischer Garten is the oldest and most well-known zoo in Germany. It houses a wide range of animals from all over the world, including elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys, and penguins. The zoo also has a separate section called the Aquarium Berlin, which is home to various marine creatures. In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo offers feeding shows, educational talks, and a petting zoo for younger children.
- Tierpark Berlin (Berlin Tierpark): Located in Friedrichsfelde, Tierpark Berlin is one of the largest zoos in Europe. It covers a vast area and is home to over 9,000 animals from around 800 different species. The zoo is known for its spacious enclosures and naturalistic habitats. Kids can see animals such as elephants, tigers, polar bears, zebras, and many more. The Tierpark also offers a children’s farm where kids can interact with domesticated animals like goats and sheep.
Both zoos provide educational programs, feeding demonstrations, and special events throughout the year. It’s recommended to check their websites for detailed information on opening hours, ticket prices, and any additional activities or exhibits that may be available during your visit.
Exploring Berlin With Kids : Best Things To Do – Charlottenburg Palace pond
Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace, located in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin, is a stunning royal palace that showcases the grandeur and elegance of the Baroque and Rococo architectural styles.
The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens that offer a serene and picturesque setting. The gardens feature beautifully manicured lawns, flower beds, fountains, and pathways. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, relax on benches, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The gardens also include a mausoleum where the tombs of the royal family are located.
Special Exhibitions and Events:
Charlottenburg Palace hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. These include temporary art exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and festive events, such as seasonal markets and open-air concerts in the palace gardens.
Exploring Berlin With Kids : going to the city center
Walk in History
Walking around Berlin to see iconic landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and memorials can be a memorable experience for both kids and adults. Before you goo, discuss the significance of these landmarks and their historical context with your kids, adapting the information to their age and understanding. It’s also essential to be mindful of the emotional impact these sites may have and provide support and guidance as needed.
Exploring Berlin With Kids : remains of the Berlin wall
Berlin Wall
Start at the Berlin Wall Memorial: Begin your journey at the Berlin Wall Memorial, located at Bernauer Strasse. This memorial site provides a historical context and exhibits related to the Berlin Wall. Kids can learn about the division of the city and the experiences of people living in divided Berlin through interactive displays and preserved sections of the wall.
Exploring Berlin With Kids : a telephone booth!
Exploring Berlin With Kids : Brandenburg gate
Walk along the East Side Gallery: From the Berlin Wall Memorial, head towards the East Side Gallery. This open-air gallery features a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall adorned with vibrant murals created by artists from around the world. Kids will enjoy viewing the colorful and expressive artwork that depicts various themes and messages.
Brandenburg Gate
Continue your walk towards the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This symbol of Berlin and German unity is a must-visit landmark. Kids can marvel at the impressive architecture and learn about the gate’s historical significance. It’s a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the city center.
Holocaust Memorial
Located near the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is an important and somber site to visit. The memorial consists of a field of concrete slabs of varying heights, creating a maze-like structure. While it may not be suitable for very young children, older kids can gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its impact on history.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is a historic site that played a significant role during the Cold War when it served as a crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin. While it is an important historical location, it is relatively small and does not offer specific attractions or activities tailored explicitly for children.
However, visiting Checkpoint Charlie can still be an educational experience for kids. They can learn about the history of the Berlin Wall, the division of Germany, and the stories of people who lived during that time. There are often informative displays, exhibits, and panels providing historical context and information about the checkpoint.
It’s important to note that Checkpoint Charlie can get crowded with tourists, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly, considering the comfort and attention span of your children. To make the experience more engaging, you can involve them in discussions, share stories, and encourage their curiosity about the historical significance of the site.
Additionally, in the vicinity of Checkpoint Charlie, there are other attractions and activities that might be of interest to kids, such as the nearby Mauermuseum (Wall Museum), which provides more in-depth information about the Berlin Wall and escapes from East Germany.
Ultimately, while Checkpoint Charlie may not be solely kid-oriented, it can still be an educational stop that contributes to their understanding of history and the events that took place during the Cold War era.
Aquadom
The Aquadom in Berlin is a fascinating and unique attraction that combines the beauty of marine life with architectural marvel. Here’s a description of the Aquadom:
The Aquadom is located in the lobby of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin’s city center. It is a massive cylindrical aquarium that stands as a stunning centerpiece, capturing the attention of visitors as soon as they enter the hotel. The aquarium is one of the largest of its kind in the world and offers an immersive underwater experience.
The cylindrical tank reaches a height of about 25 meters (82 feet) and is filled with approximately 1 million liters (264,000 gallons) of saltwater. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine species, including colorful tropical fish, vibrant corals, and even some larger creatures like rays and sharks.
Exploring Berlin With Kids : Aquadom
What makes the Aquadom truly unique is the glass elevator that runs through the center of the tank. Visitors can step into the elevator and take a mesmerizing ride that provides a 360-degree view of the aquatic ecosystem. As the elevator ascends or descends, you are surrounded by the vibrant marine life, creating a truly immersive experience.
The underwater world within the Aquadom is carefully maintained to ensure the well-being of the marine species. The habitat is designed to resemble a natural coral reef, with various nooks, crevices, and hiding places for the fish to explore. The combination of the mesmerizing aquarium, the glass elevator ride, and the stunning marine life creates a sense of awe and wonder for visitors of all ages.
The Aquadom offers a unique perspective on the wonders of the underwater world, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life without getting wet. It’s a popular attraction in Berlin, appealing to both adults and children who have a fascination with the ocean and its inhabitants.
Update December 2022: on December 16, 2022, the outer wall of the acrylic glass cylinder burst and the contents of the aquarium devastated the lobby of the hotel with the reception, waiting and breakfast areas and washed furnishings onto the street. Two people were taken to hospital with injuries. Most of the water drained into the sewage system, but it also penetrated some basements and other areas of the building, including the DDR Museum.
