Top 10 Things to See and Do with Kids in Hamburg

Miniatur Wunderland

The Miniatur Wunderland is likely one of the most unique museums on the planet. It holds the Guinness record for the world’s largest miniature railway but this fact just scratches the surface of treasures in this unforgettable attraction. Its nine theme worlds are inhabited by over 260,000 figurines and include magnificent buildings, an airport with planes that take off and land, an erupting volcano, and ships that float in real water. Over 200 push-buttons allow the visitors to interact with the scenes; for example, by producing a gold-wrapped treat from a miniature chocolate factory.

Miniatur Wunderland, Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 3006 800

Miniatur Wunderland | © Miniatur Wunderland

Tierpark Hagenbeck

Opened in 1907, the Tierpark Hagenbeck was the first zoo in the world that used open enclosures instead of cages. Today it is home to over 1,850 animals representing species from five continents. Some of the highlights for kids are the giant polar sea (‘Eismeer’) with penguins and walruses, a petting zoo, large play areas, pony rides and one of Europe’s biggest elephant herds that can be fed from the palm of your hand. Adjacent to the zoo is the Tropical World Adventure Aquarium with underwater habitats brimming with life, coral reefs, a large crocodile pond, a world of caves, and more.

Tierpark Hagenbeck, Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 5300 330

Hagenbecks Tierpark | © Ralf Heid / Flickr

Zoologisches Museum

Animals of a different kind can be seen at the Zoological Museum in the university district. The museum’s collection includes lifelike animals from around the world: bears, tigers and crocodiles, and countless birds and sea-dwelling creatures, including impressive whale skeletons. The Zoological museum doubles as a learning space for school and university students, and serves as a venue for art classes. Its central location and free admission make the museum a perfect family activity for a rainy day in Hamburg.

Zoological Museum, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 4283 8227 6

Wildpark Schwarze Berge

In the hills in Hamburg’s south lies the beautiful Schwarze Berge wildlife park. Upon entrance you’ll be welcomed by the free-ranging potbellied pigs, waiting to get a snack and a back rub from passersby. Go deeper in the park and discover around 100 species of native animals, among them bears, wolves, and lynxes. Enjoy the tranquil forest and the fresh air, feed deer from the palm of your hand and watch a flight show of birds of prey. Kids of all ages will also love the park’s adventure playground.

Wildpark Schwarze Berge, Am Wildpark 1, Rosengarten, Germany +49 40 8197 7470

Wildpark Schwarze Berge | © Unsplash

Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg

Next to the wildlife park you’ll find the Kiekeberg open-air museum. Together the two make an excellent day trip in nature – consider buying the discounted combined ticket. Across its 40 historic buildings, gardens and fields, visitors experience life from the early 17th to the mid-20th century. Kids will love the hands-on exploration stations scattered throughout the vast area, especially the water adventure trail and the water playground. Throughout the year the museum hosts a variety of themed children’s adventure weekends with arts and crafts workshops.

Keiekeberg Open-Air Museum, Am Kiekeberg 1, Rosengarten-Ehestorf, Germany +49 40 7901 760

Kiekeberg open-air museum | © Stiftung Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg

KL!CK Kindermuseum

The children’s museum KL!CK is a unique place where kids learn about the world by playing and experimentation. There are areas for building with diverse materials, a workshop for making and spending money, experiencing the Stone Age, learning about the body and the senses, and more. Regular travelling exhibitions ensure that the museum remains exciting no matter how often you visit. No child is too young for enjoying KL!CK as there’s a special area for kids under the age of two. On Saturdays the museum hosts children’s birthday parties and is closed to other visitors.

KL!CK Kindermuseum, Achtern Born 127, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 4109 9777

Botanical garden

The botanical garden, also known as the Loki Schmidt Garten, is one of Hamburg’s most beautiful parks away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Opened in 1979, the 25 hectare (62 acre) garden is managed by the University of Hamburg and is accessible year-round and for free. One of the gardens is organised by the evolutionary relationship of the plants, another by their geographic origin. A further five sections are themed by the use of the plants, from farmer’s garden to pharmacy garden. Throughout the park, visitors are not only allowed but encouraged to explore, touch and smell the many flora and fauna on offer.

Loki Schmidt Garten, Ohnhorststraße, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 4281 6476

Loki-Schmidt-Garten | © Pixabay