Top 10 Things to See and Do with Kids in Hamburg

Kiekeberg open-air museum
Kiekeberg open-air museum | © Stiftung Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg

Hamburg is a child friendly city and a perfect destination for a getaway with the kids. The parents of babies and toddlers will appreciate that most restaurants have high chairs and nearly every drug store has a changing table equipped with free diapers. Older kids and teenagers will have a blast exploring the exciting playgrounds and diverse attractions.

Boat trips

The best way to begin exploring one of Europe’s biggest harbour cities is from the water. Boat trips on the River Elbe begin from the Landungsbrücken and you’ll be spoiled for choice – there are barges, sailboats and speedboats to choose from, and even a swimming bus. A budget friendly alternative can be found in the round-trip routes offered by HADAG ferries, part of the city’s public transport system. Boat trips on the gorgeous River Alster and the city’s picturesque lakes and canals begin from the Jungfernstieg in the centre of the city.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Public transport ferry

Awesome playgrounds

The Germans know how to do playgrounds right and Hamburg is no exception to this rule, counting over 740 public playgrounds – there’s one in almost every park. The biggest one lies in the Planten un Blomen park in the heart of the city and is especially beloved because of its exciting water attractions. Nearby there’s also mini-golf and a rollerblading / ice skating arena. A special ambiance can be found in the Grasbrookpark playground in the HafenCity, surrounded by modern buildings and close to passing ships.

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland
© Miniatur Wunderland

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

Aquarium, Zoo

Tierpark Hagenbeck
© Ralf Heid / Flickr

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

Museum, School, University

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

Forest, Park

Wildpark Schwarze Berge
© Unsplash

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

Museum, Park

Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg
© Stiftung Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg

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

Building, Museum

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

Botanical Garden, Park, University

Botanical garden
© Pixabay

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

Swimming pools

No matter if in summer heat or the middle of winter, going swimming is always a good idea. Across the city there are numerous excellent indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The Festland boasts the largest water play area in Germany, adorned by giant dinosaurs. The elegant historic Holthusenbad, opened in 1914, offers a wave pool and a water playground. A special Hamburg experience is the outdoor pool at the Stadtpark lake complete with a sand play area for kids.

Festland, Holstenstraße 30, Hamburg +49 40 1888 90

Holthusenbad, Goernestraße 21, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 1888 90

Naturbad Stadtparksee, Südring 5B, Hamburg, Germany +49 40 1888 90

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