The Best Vacations in Germany for Kids

Rhine cycle trail

The Rhineland has such a hold on the German imagination – think Goethe, Hesse, Schumann and practically every 19th century bildungsroman – that it is no wonder UNESCO designated 120km (75 miles) of it a World Heritage Region. Some 40 castles and palaces line the river, while Loreley rock – a feature of countless poems – still stands proudly. The cycle trail covers 1,233km (766 miles) on mostly flat ground, following the river from the south of France to North Rhine Westphalia.

Baltic coast cycle trail

Snaking its way from Kiel in the northwest to Fehmarn Island in the northeast, the Baltic coast cycle trail is all about sandy white beaches, steep cliffs and breathtaking views. Shallow bays are great for an afternoon swim to cool off and gorgeous islands and peninsulas along the way will keep your memory card full to bursting.

Germany has more than 6,200 museums covering every topic imaginable. Some, like mustard, may not be so interesting for small children – or anyone for that matter – but others like the Deutsches Museum in Munich and the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin are paradise for children and adults alike. Both Berlin and Munich have museum districts, so they’re both good places to base a museum holiday from.

The Natural History Museum in Berlin has the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton and other extinct animals like the world’s oldest bird and a Tasmanian tiger, alongside a T-Rex called Tristan.

Museum für Naturkunde Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, Germany, +49 30 20938591

The German Museum leaves dinosaurs and paintings behind and focuses on science, technology and astronomy. The Experimental Workshop allows children and adults to explore physics and other science disciplines with their hands.

Deutsches Museum – Museumsinsel, Munich, Germany, +49 89 21791

Kieler Woche (ships)

Every June since 1882, thousands of sail boats and tall ships have descended on Kiel, a city in the north of Germany, for Kieler Woche, the largest sailing event in the world. During Kieler Woche, 4,000 sailors from all over the world race 800 boats in over 50 classes, ranging from tiny single-sailor dinghies to massive yachts. Boats are cool, but so is the Spiellinie at the Krusenkoppel, Germany’s biggest cultural children’s attraction. It’s a huge kids’ wonderland, with a full slate of activities for children of all ages along with ample space to run, tumble, hammer and explore. Oh, and a pirate ship.