Family fun in Germany

With national parks and theme parks, world-class museums and countless attractions, Germany is the perfect destination for families travelling abroad.

With LeShuttle, you’re sure to have a gute resie!

Why Germany is perfect for a family holiday

Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or the great cities, enjoy a relaxing break or a thrilling adventure, you’re sure to find something for everyone in Germany.

Germany is well known for being a family-friendly destination. You’ll find family tickets and discounted rates at most attractions, as well as play areas, nursing rooms, and stroller-friendly trails. There is also an abundance of kid-friendly eateries, events, and accommodation.

The drive from our Calais terminal is just 4 hours, making it a perfect road trip destination for families looking for more adventure and quality time. With the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France bordering Germany, it is also the ultimate launchpad for families exploring Europe by car.

Best cities for a family holiday in Germany

A city break in Germany is a great way to enjoy a mix of experiences. With plenty of family-friendly activities, affordable attractions and convenient transport opportunities, your trip will be fun and hassle-free. Better still, with activities for every season, there’s plenty to do no matter the weather!

Berlin

Germany’s iconic capital, Berlin is bursting with fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and exciting experiences for the whole family. History and culture enthusiasts will want to plan educational trips to the Berlin Wall Memorial, Berlin Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, and the aptly named, Museum Island.

For a different kind of experience, families can visit the oldest zoo in Germany, Zoo Berlin. Here, you can see animals of every shape and size, including pandas, hippos, and Asian elephants! You can even head to the petting zoo to meet pygmy goats and miniature donkeys. 

If you’re looking for more interactive fun, the playful and hands-on exhibits at the Computer Games Museum may be the perfect choice. Learn about the evolution of gaming or test your skills on retro arcade games and vintage consoles. Gamers of all ages will enjoy immersing themselves in the nostalgic gaming spaces and memorabilia. For younger visitors, the Labyrinth Children’s Museum also offers experiential and hand-on exhibits that are perfect for children between 3 and 11.

A day at Berlin Zoo isn’t complete without a visit to the pandas – come see them!

Munich

There is plenty of family fun to be had in the lively city of Munich. For an exciting and educational afternoon, visit the Deutsches Museum on the Isar River. The largest science and technology museum in the world, visitors can enjoy flipping switches, pressing buttons and twirling thingamajigs across 20 permanent exhibitions. The museum even has a dedicated ‘Kids Kingdom’ bursting with hands-on activities – just make sure to bring a spare set of clothes!

If you enjoy exploring museums, you should also plan a visit to the Museum of Man and Nature, the Paleoethological Museum, and the Children’s Museum too. 

Families who enjoy mind-boggling illusions, interactive installations and unique photo opportunities will love spending a morning in Magic Bavaria or WOW Museum Munich, where you can immerse yourself in weird and wonderful upside-down worlds.

Make memories in Munich! A perfect destination for family fun and exploration.

Hamburg

Family holidays in Germany’s Hamburg are sure to be fun-filled and action-packed. If you’re not especially well-travelled (yet!) then a trip to Miniatur Wunderland is the perfect way to see more of the world. Visit Austria, America, Italy and even Monaco at the world’s largest model railway exhibition.  Kids will love pressing the buttons to bring the tiny adventures to life and adults will enjoy watching the models builders and technicians as they craft new landscapes.

History and horror fans will not want to miss the spine-chilling Hamburg Dungeons, where live actors, immersive sets, special effects and spooky rides take you on a frightening journey through Hamburg’s dark history. But if you prefer something a little sweeter, the Hamburg Chocolate Museum is perfect for chocoholics. Indulge in a 90-minute tour before heading to the chocolate workshop to design your very own chocolate bar.

Outdoor adventurers should head to Hagenbeck Zoo where ‘lions, tigers and bears - oh my!’ await in the city centre. No visit to the port city would be complete without a trip to the harbour - join a guided tour or hop aboard a boat trip to enjoy Hamburg from the water.

Explore Hamburg’s historic heart and capture the beauty of the Wasserschloss.

Nuremberg

Another family-friendly German city to explore is Nuremberg. Get to know Nuremberg from the inside out – literally – by heading underground at the Historic Rock Cut Cellars, where you can learn more about the system of tunnels under the Old Town. The attraction even offers a 60-minute ‘children’s tour’, perfect for little treasure hunters.

After a subterranean adventure, head back outside to explore Nuremberg Zoo where you can meet polar bears, dolphins and manatees as well as other creatures big and small. Or why not head back in time at The Dinosaur Museum Altmühltal, where towering dinosaurs await along a scenic forest path? Don’t worry – they don’t bite! Head inside to meet Dracula, a life-sized replica of the largest pterosaur discovered and Little Al, an original skeleton of the youngest allosaurus ever found.

Step into a different kind of history at the Toy Museum. In the heart of the Old Town, the museum showcases 600 years of toy history from antique doll houses to optical toys and classic construction sets. Discover beloved and nostalgic favourites like Barbie, Playmobil and Lego among others.

Explore the storybook streets of Nuremberg’s old town—a must-visit for families seeking culture and adventure.

Best outdoor adventures for families

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of beautiful landscapes and adventurous activities to try on a family holiday in Germany.

The Black Forest

Dense, green forests, rolling hills, sparkling lakes and mesmerizing waterfalls shape this region in the southwest of Germany. With every season bringing with it a new breathtaking landscape, the Black Forest is a paradise for nature lovers and families will love hiking, cycling, and even skiing through its ever-changing scenery.

With so much to do, boredom isn’t an option on a Black Forest family holiday! Follow the gnome trail in Feldberg, take on 23 exhilarating water slides at Slide Universe, or race down a mountainside on the Hasenhorn Mountain coaster. Head to one of the many nature parks and zoos to get up close and personal with the wildlife or enjoy a more peaceful carriage – or sleigh ride – through the beautiful surroundings.

Don’t forget to explore the fairytale villages in the region and, of course, enjoy a slice of black forest cake while you’re there!

Pack your bags and your sense of adventure - your perfect Black Forest family holiday awaits.

Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps are the perfect location for families looking for postcard-perfect views. From snow-capped peaks and dramatic gorges to fairy-tale castles and traditional Bavarian villages, families will find plenty to explore in this storybook-like region.

Active families will love Berchtesgaden National Park, where they can hike along scenic nature trails, rent paddleboats and even take a boat trip across Lake Königssee. Head to the Eagles Nest for the best mountain-top views and to learn more about the alpine retreat’s dark history. Once you’ve had your fill of sweeping mountain views, head underground at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. Whizz down the miner’s slide to descend deep underground and take a raft across the underground salt lake.

Outside Berchtesgaden National Park, you’ll find plenty more kid-friendly activities. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the castle that inspired the infamous Disney logo, or head to one of the region’s many ski resorts.

From boat rides to breathtaking hikes, Königssee has something for the whole family

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Despite its name, Saxon Switzerland National Park, is in fact, in Germany, and is another great place to visit for a family holiday.

History fans will enjoy exploring Königstein Fortress, Stolpen Castle, Weesenstein Palace and Sonnenstein Castle. While water sports enthusiasts will be eager to plunge into the Elbe River for a gentle paddle between the sandstone cliffs. Rent a canoe, raft or dinghy to enjoy the park from a unique perspective. Land lovers will still find plenty of adventure, with a wealth of hiking and cycling trails, cave tours and kid-friendly routes to discover.

For a more relaxed exploration of the area, hop on the historic Kirnitztschtalbahn tram for a scenic ride to the Lichtenhain waterfall. Or chug along the Elbe River on a steamboat river tour. 

A pause to admire the view - family holidays are all about these special moments.

Harz Mountains

Around nine hours from Calais, the Harz Mountains are another unforgettable German destination. Whether you’re young, or young at heart, everyone will find something to enjoy in this rugged landscape. Ride the Harz Narrow Gauge steam train to enjoy the scenic views or brave the 100-metre-high Titan RT Suspension Bridge for a more thrilling perspective. Follow the trails to Hexentanzplatz and discover the Witches Dance Floor, and the spooky folklore that surrounds the area. Or if you dare to explore deeper, step into Baumanns Caves to discover stalactites and stalagmites, and even, fossilized cave bears!

For a unique family day out, why not visit Märchenwald, a fairy-tale forest and family-friendly theme park near Munich?

Take family adventure to new heights on the breathtaking suspension bridge above Rappbodetalsperre in the Harz Mountains!

Theme parks and attractions for families

Whether you love fairy-tale magic or adrenaline-pumping rides, the theme parks in Germany are sure to delight.

Europa Park

Germany’s largest theme park, Europa Park is second only to Disney in size! You’ll find over 100 different attractions, rides and shows in the fun-packed attraction. Alongside rides with gravity-defying drops and wild loop-de-loops, the park also has a water park with equally thrilling slides, tubes and funnels.

Phantasialand    

Discover fantastical ‘phantasy’ worlds in this park near Cologne. Themed zones allow you to immerse yourself in different cultures and fantasy settings, from 1920s Berlin to the World of Wuze. Even the restaurants and rides work together to immerse you fully in the magic of each themed world.

Legoland ®

‘Everything is awesome’ at the Legoland Deutschland Resort. Master builders and novices alike can enjoy all kinds of rides, roller coasters and adventures in this Lego-themed attraction. Jump aboard the Legoland® Express, find out more about how Lego bricks are made in the Lego Factory or soar through the sky on one of the Flying Ninjago®.

Playmobil Funpark

Fans of Playmobil will love the Playmobil Funpark! The attraction is packed with activities for the whole family but will be especially loved by little ones with big imaginations! You’ll find themed areas, like the Knights Castle, the Mermaid Kingdom, the Farm, and the Pirate Ship to play in, as well as plenty of playgrounds, climbing areas, and adventure trails.

Best family holiday resorts in Germany

There’s no shortage of family-friendly accommodation in Germany, with options for every style and budget! Choose from self-catering apartments, hotels, holiday parks, theme park resorts and camping sites to find the right stay for you and your family.

Practical tips for a stress-free family holiday

Plan an unforgettable family holiday in Germany with these simple tips:

•    Plan ahead as much as possible and book tickets for attractions in advance. Download maps, trails, audio guides and family activities before your visit so that you can make the most of your time at each attraction.

•    Plan your itinerary to include must-see destinations but leave a little flexibility in there for more spontaneous moments and relaxation.

•    Look out for free and low-cost activities. Many German attractions offer family discounts or free entry to children under a certain age.

•    Avoid the crowds by visiting attractions during off-peak hours. Weekdays, early mornings and late afternoons are usually quieter.

•    A family holiday in Germany is the perfect opportunity to teach your little one some simple German phrases to use while away. 

•    It’s always a good idea to carry cash in Germany – contactless payment isn’t always an option.

•    Plan some fun car games and bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the road! You can buy any last-minute necessities at the LeShuttle terminal before you set off.

And lastly, have fun! Whether you’re heading to the Black Forest or Berlin, Germany is sure to leave you and the whole family with memories for years to come.

Plan your family holiday to Germany with LeShuttle

Driving to Germany for your family holiday is easy. With LeShuttle, you can bring up to nine passengers and as much luggage as you can fit in the boot. So, you can head to the continent with plenty of space for adventure – and return with all the souvenirs, pretzels, and bratwurst sausages you want!