Introduction
Munich is a great destination for families who want to enjoy a mix of culture, nature, and fun. The capital of Bavaria has many things to offer for kids of all ages, from museums and parks to castles and zoos. You can easily explore the city by public transport, bike, or on foot, and find plenty of places to eat, drink, and relax.
In this article, we will give you some of the best things to do in Munich with kids, along with some tips on how to plan your trip, where to stay, and what to pack. We will also provide you with some resources and links to help you find more information and book your tickets online.
| Key Takeaways |
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| – Munich has many attractions that appeal to kids, such as the Deutsches Museum, the English Garden, the Olympiapark, and the Hellabrunn Zoo. |
| – Munich also has some cultural and historical sights that are worth visiting with kids, such as the Marienplatz, the Nymphenburg Palace, and the BMW Museum. |
| – Munich is a good base for exploring some nearby destinations that are ideal for families, such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Legoland Germany, and Lake Starnberg. |
| – Munich has a variety of accommodation options that cater to families, from hotels and hostels to apartments and campsites. |
| – Munich has a mild climate that varies throughout the year, so you should pack accordingly and check the weather forecast before you go. |
What to See and Do in Munich with Kids
Munich has a lot of attractions that will keep your kids entertained and engaged. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest and oldest science and technology museums in the world. It has over 28,000 exhibits that cover various fields, such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, communication, transport, energy, and mining. You can also enjoy interactive demonstrations, experiments, workshops, and planetarium shows.
The museum is especially suitable for kids aged 3 to 8 years old. They can explore the Children’s Kingdom section, which has a giant slide, a fire engine, a water playground, a construction site, and a mini airport. They can also participate in guided tours or birthday parties.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on certain holidays. The admission fee is 14 euros for adults and 4.50 euros for children aged 6 to 15 years old. Children under 6 years old are free. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance.
English Garden
The English Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Europe. It covers an area of over 900 acres and offers a variety of attractions and activities. You can stroll along the paths, relax on the lawns, watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave, visit the Chinese Tower and the Japanese Tea House, or have a picnic by the Kleinhesseloher Lake.
The park is also home to some animals, such as sheep, ducks, geese, and swans. You can feed them or watch them from a distance. You can also rent a bike or a boat to explore the park more easily. There are several playgrounds and beer gardens in the park, where you can enjoy some snacks and drinks.
The park is open all year round and free of charge. You can access it from different entrances, such as Odeonsplatz, Prinzregentenstrasse, or Tivolistrasse.
Olympiapark
The Olympiapark is a large park that was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It has a variety of facilities and attractions, such as the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Tower, the BMW Museum, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the Olympiaberg hill. You can enjoy sports, concerts, exhibitions, or panoramic views of the city from the tower.
The park is especially suitable for kids aged 6 to 12 years old. They can have fun in the Olympic Adventure World, which has a climbing wall, a zip line, a trampoline, and a playground. They can also learn about the history and legacy of the Olympics in the Olympic Walk of Stars and the Olympic Hall of Fame.
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on certain holidays. The admission fee varies depending on the attraction you want to visit. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance.
Hellabrunn Zoo
The Hellabrunn Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Germany. It is located in the south of Munich, along the Isar river. It has over 19,000 animals from more than 750 species, living in spacious and natural enclosures. You can see animals from all continents, such as elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, penguins, monkeys, and more.
The zoo is especially suitable for kids of all ages. They can interact with some of the animals, such as feeding the goats, petting the sheep, or riding the ponies. They can also learn about the animals and their habitats in the educational programs and exhibits. They can also have fun in the playgrounds and the water park.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on certain holidays. The admission fee is 15 euros for adults and 6 euros for children aged 4 to 14 years old. Children under 4 years old are free. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance.
5. Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is the central square of Munich and the heart of its old town. It is surrounded by historic buildings, such as the New Town Hall, the Old Town Hall, and the St. Peter’s Church. The New Town Hall features a famous clock tower, the Glockenspiel, that chimes and re-enacts scenes from Munich’s history every day at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m. (except in winter). You can also climb up the tower of St. Peter’s Church for a panoramic view of the city.
The Marienplatz is especially suitable for kids who are interested in history and architecture. They can admire the beautiful facades and sculptures of the buildings, watch the Glockenspiel show, and learn about the history and legends of Munich. They can also enjoy some shopping and dining in the nearby streets and markets.
The Marienplatz is open all year round and free of charge. You can access it by public transport, such as U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, or bus. You can also join a guided tour or a walking tour to learn more about the square and its surroundings.
6. Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace is another magnificent palace that was built as a summer residence for the Wittelsbach rulers. It is surrounded by a large park with beautiful gardens, fountains, lakes, and pavilions. You can explore the interior of the palace, which features several rooms with exquisite Rococo style, such as the Gallery of Beauties, the Great Hall, and the Amalienburg. You can also visit the Marstallmuseum, which displays historic carriages and sleighs, and the Porcelain Museum, which showcases fine porcelain from various eras.
The Nymphenburg Palace is especially suitable for kids who love fairy tales and royalty. They can admire the elegant and lavish decoration of the palace, imagine how the kings and queens lived there, and learn about the history and art of Bavaria. They can also enjoy the nature and wildlife in the park, such as swans, ducks, deer, and peacocks.
The Nymphenburg Palace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April to October) or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November to March), except on certain holidays. The admission fee is 11.50 euros for adults and free for children under 18 years old. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance.
7. BMW Museum
The BMW Museum is a modern and interactive museum that showcases the history and innovation of BMW, one of the most famous car manufacturers in the world. It has over 120 exhibits that display various models of cars, motorcycles, engines, and technology from different eras. You can also see some rare and iconic vehicles, such as the BMW Isetta, the BMW Z8, or the BMW Hydrogen 7.
The BMW Museum is especially suitable for kids who are interested in cars and technology. They can learn about the design and engineering of BMW products, see how they work and perform, and experience some of them in simulators or virtual reality. They can also participate in guided tours or workshops that are tailored for different age groups.
The BMW Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Mondays and certain holidays. The admission fee is 10 euros for adults and free for children under 18 years old. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance. Ok, I will complete the list with sections 8 to 10. Here is the rest of the article:
8. Sea Life Aquarium
The Sea Life Aquarium is a large and colorful aquarium that showcases the diversity and beauty of marine life. It has over 4,500 animals from more than 200 species, living in different habitats and ecosystems. You can see fish, sharks, turtles, rays, octopuses, seahorses, and more. You can also walk through a glass tunnel that surrounds you with water and creatures.
The Sea Life Aquarium is especially suitable for kids who love animals and nature. They can learn about the biology and behavior of marine animals, see how they are fed and cared for, and touch some of them in the interactive pools. They can also participate in guided tours or events that are designed for different age groups.
The Sea Life Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on certain holidays. The admission fee is 17.95 euros for adults and 14.95 euros for children aged 3 to 14 years old. Children under 3 years old are free. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance.
9. Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous and beautiful castles in the world. It is located in the south of Munich, about two hours by car or train. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century as a tribute to his idol, Richard Wagner, the composer of operas and music dramas. It has a fairy-tale style and a stunning location on a hill overlooking the Alps.
The Neuschwanstein Castle is especially suitable for kids who are fascinated by castles and legends. They can admire the architecture and decoration of the castle, which features scenes from Wagner’s works, such as Lohengrin, Tannhäuser, and Parsifal. They can also learn about the life and mystery of King Ludwig II, who died under mysterious circumstances before the castle was completed.
The Neuschwanstein Castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April to October) or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November to March), except on January 1 and December 24-25. The admission fee is 13 euros for adults and free for children under 18 years old. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau village.
10. Legoland Germany
Legoland Germany is a theme park that is based on the popular Lego bricks and toys. It is located in Günzburg, about an hour and a half by car or train from Munich. It has over 50 attractions and shows that are divided into nine themed areas, such as Lego City, Pirate Land, Adventure Land, and Miniland. You can also find a Lego Factory, a Lego Shop, and a Lego Hotel.
Legoland Germany is especially suitable for kids aged 2 to 12 years old who love Lego and creativity. They can build their own models with Lego bricks, ride roller coasters and water slides, watch live shows and movies, and explore miniature replicas of famous landmarks made with Lego bricks. They can also meet some of their favorite Lego characters, such as Ninjago, Star Wars, or Friends.
Legoland Germany is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on certain days in November and December. The admission fee varies depending on the season and the day of the week. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance.
How to Plan Your Trip to Munich with Kids
Munich is a family-friendly city that is easy to visit and enjoy. Here are some tips on how to plan your trip to Munich with kids:
When to Go
Munich has a mild climate that varies throughout the year. The best time to go depends on your preferences and activities. Here are some general guidelines:
- Spring (March to May): This is a good time to enjoy the blooming flowers, green parks, and pleasant temperatures. You can also catch some festivals, such as the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) or the Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Festival).
- Summer (June to August): This is the peak season for tourism, which means more crowds, higher prices, and hotter weather. However, you can also enjoy the long days, outdoor activities, and cultural events, such as the Tollwood Festival or the Opera Festival.
- Autumn (September to November): This is another good time to visit Munich, as the weather is still mild, the colors are beautiful, and the crowds are smaller. You can also experience the famous Oktoberfest, or the smaller Herbstfest (Autumn Festival).
- Winter (December to February): This is the coldest and snowiest season in Munich, which can be a challenge for some travelers. However, you can also enjoy the festive atmosphere, the Christmas markets, and the winter sports.
You should always check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. You should also book your accommodation and tickets in advance, especially during the high season or during festivals.
Where to Stay
Munich has a variety of accommodation options that cater to families, from hotels and hostels to apartments and campsites. You can choose based on your budget, location, and amenities. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Munich with kids:
- Altstadt: This is the old town of Munich and the center of its attractions. You can find many hotels, restaurants, shops, and museums here. You can also walk or take public transport to most places. However, this area can be noisy, crowded, and expensive.
- Maxvorstadt: This is a cultural and academic district that is close to the Altstadt. You can find many museums, galleries, universities, and cafes here. You can also find some cheaper and quieter accommodation options here.
- Schwabing: This is a trendy and bohemian district that is north of the Altstadt. You can find many bars, clubs, boutiques, and parks here. You can also find some family-friendly hotels and apartments here.
- Haidhausen: This is a charming and historic district that is east of the Altstadt. You can find many cozy pubs, restaurants, and shops here. You can also find some family-friendly hotels and apartments here. This area is close to the Deutsches Museum and the Ostbahnhof train station, which makes it convenient to travel to other destinations.
- Laim: This is a residential and quiet district that is west of the Altstadt. You can find some budget and spacious accommodation options here, such as hostels, guesthouses, or campsites. This area is close to the Nymphenburg Palace and the Hirschgarten park, which are great for kids.
You can find more information about the best areas to stay in Munich with kids on these websites: [The Best Neighborhoods in Munich for Families], [Where to Stay in Munich with Kids], [The Best Family Hotels in Munich].
What to Pack
Munich has a mild climate that varies throughout the year, so you should pack accordingly and check the weather forecast before you go. Here are some general items that you should pack for your trip to Munich with kids:
- Clothing: You should pack comfortable and versatile clothing that can be layered depending on the temperature. You should also pack some warm and waterproof clothing for the colder and wetter months. You should also pack some smart casual clothing for dining out or visiting cultural sites.
- Shoes: You should pack comfortable and sturdy shoes that can handle walking on different terrains and surfaces. You should also pack some sandals or flip-flops for the warmer months or for visiting the parks or pools.
- Accessories: You should pack some essential accessories, such as sunglasses, hats, scarves, gloves, umbrellas, and sunscreen. You should also pack some insect repellent and first aid kit for emergencies.
- Documents: You should pack some important documents, such as passports, visas, tickets, reservations, insurance, and emergency contacts. You should also pack some copies of these documents in case you lose them or need them for verification.
- Toys: You should pack some toys or games that can keep your kids entertained during the travel or downtime. You can also pack some books or devices that can help them learn about Munich or Germany.
- Snacks: You should pack some snacks or drinks that can satisfy your kids’ hunger or thirst during the travel or activities. You can also pack some local or special treats that can make your trip more enjoyable.
