Munich with kids
A family-friendly guide to a city full of adventure
October 10, 2025 • 4 min read
As a company rooted right here in Munich, we know just how special this city is — and how many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered beyond the usual tourist trails. That’s why we asked local moms and dads for their top tips on Munich with kids.
From the sprawling green oasis of the English Garden to fascinating museums designed to ignite young minds, from lively playgrounds with climbing towers to peaceful river walks perfect for a stroller — Munich truly has it all. The city’s excellent public transport makes it easy to get around, plus, Munich’s rich culture and history provide countless opportunities for learning disguised as adventure, whether it’s spotting surfers on the Eisbach wave or exploring a castle fit for a fairy tale.
No matter what kind of family you are — the curious explorers, the energetic adventurers or the foodies eager to find the best pretzel — Munich promises memories that will last a lifetime.
In a nutshell: what you're about to discover
🌳 Munich’s green side — from the English Garden to riverside walks and playgrounds that feel like nature’s own adventure park.
🏄 Unique experiences — yes, really! Discover where locals ride the waves right in the middle of Munich.
🎨 Rainy-day fun — interactive museums that make science, art and history exciting for kids of all ages.
🛍️ Shops with charm — quirky toy shops, cosy book nooks and cafés where both little and big explorers can recharge.
🐘 Animal encounters — meet creatures from around the world at the zoo or get wild just outside the city.
🍦 Family-friendly eateries — where to grab pretzels, Schnitzel and some of Munich’s best ice cream.
🏰 Unforgettable day trips — castles, mountains, alpine lakes and even a Lego-filled theme park.
💡 Practical tips — everything you need to make family travel in Munich smooth, stress-free, and fun.
3 reasons why the whole family will love Munich
Adventure at every corner
From surfers on a river wave to castles that look straight out of a storybook and inspired Disney.
Nature in the city
Parks, rivers and playgrounds that make Munich feel like one big outdoor adventure zone.
Fun for everyone
Interactive museums, cosy cafés, and food kids actually want to eat (hello giant pretzels!).
Things to do in Munich
English Garden
The English Garden is one of the largest city parks in the world — even bigger than New York’s Central Park! You won’t cover it all on foot in one day, but renting bikes makes exploring a breeze.
Don’t miss the famous Chinesischer Turm beer garden — a perfect spot to enjoy a pretzel bigger than your head! There’s also a playground and a historic carousel nearby, plus often live German polka bands setting the mood.
Eisbach wave
While you’re at the English Garden, don’t miss out on seeing the famous river surfers at Eisbachwelle! All year long, brave (or crazy) surfers throw on their wetsuits and surf the Eisbach river at this spot where there is a constant wave. It is mesmerizing to watch, and a very unique thing to see when you visit Munich.
Combining a stroll and a playground
Silkworm playground Flaucher
In Munich’s Flaucher Park, kids climb through cocoon towers, bounce on trampolines and splash in water play areas — playful nod to the city’s silk-making past.
Forest loop walk Grünwald
A charming woodland trail with info boards, climbing spots, narrow paths and even a wild boar enclosure. Kids stay entertained while parents enjoy coffee and waffles at the cosy forest café.
Abenteuer Spielplatz Laim
Small but mighty: 1,400 m² of creativity for kids aged 6–13, with supervised hut building, crafting from recycled materials, a fire pit for bread on a stick and year-round indoor and outdoor fun.
Museums
Rainy day in Munich? The Deutsches Museum is the perfect escape — and not just for tech enthusiasts. This interactive museum is packed with fascinating exhibits on transportation, science, and technology that will keep both kids and adults entertained for hours.
One highlight is the Children’s Kingdom, a 1,000-square-metre wonderland for little explorers aged three to eight. Here, kids can dive into the worlds of water, light, acoustics, and mechanics — all through hands-on play. They can climb aboard a real fire engine, get tips from the friendly mascot Milla, or snuggle into cosy corners for a break.
Just next door, things get even more exciting: try your hand at a flight simulator, peek inside an Airbus fuselage, marvel at a giant diesel engine, watch tiny wonders in the microscopic theatre, or meet robot Nao.
Getting there & tickets
- The museum is easy to reach via Munich’s public transport — simply take the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to Isartor and follow the short walk to the entrance.
- To skip the queues, book your tickets online in advance.
Situated in the vibrant Kunstareal, the Pinakothek der Moderne is a one-of-a-kind art museum that combines four distinct collections — modern & contemporary art, graphic works, design, and architecture — all under one architecturally striking roof. Its spacious, light-filled galleries and central rotunda make exploring with kids a visual treat.
There’s always something fresh for curious minds — wonderful exhibitions and hands-on elements make art approachable and fun for all ages.
Getting there & tickets
- The museum is easy to reach via Munich’s public transport — U-Bahn U2, U3, U4; Tram 27, 28; Bus 100, 154 — all stop nearby.
- To skip the queues, book your tickets online in advance.
The Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum is a vast and captivating transport museum offering 12,000 m² of engaging exhibits on mobility — from bicycles and vintage cars to locomotives and trams. It blends historical vehicles with modern displays, making it exciting for all ages. Younger visitors especially enjoy the play corner, where they can climb aboard and interact with exhibits — an immersive treat for little explorers. The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions as well. Check their website here.
Getting there & tickets
- Located in the historic halls of the Alte Messe (Am Bavariapark 5), the Verkehrszentrum is right by Theresienhöhe. Get off at Hackerbrücke and enjoy a 15-minute scenic walk or take U4 or U5 to Schwanthalerhöhe.
- Buying tickets online helps skip queues — grab them via the museum’s official online shop.
Nestled in the picturesque Nymphenburg Palace, this natural history museum brings science to life with interactive displays that explore the origins of Earth, evolution, human anatomy and pressing environmental topics. The hands-on “Spielerische Naturkunde” (playful natural science) section is especially popular — kids can touch, press buttons and explore to their heart’s content.
The museum’s exhibits are designed to be educational and entertaining. Informative dioramas, engaging quiz stations and immersive displays (like planetary evolution and the story of species) offer a rich, multi-generational experience.
Fantastic perks for kids
Free admission for children and teens up to 18 years old — perfect for families.
Free family tours every Friday from 15:00 to 16:00, no registration needed. A great way to explore themed areas together.
Getting there & tickets
- Address: North wing of Nymphenburg Palace, Schloss Nymphenburg, 80638 Munich.
- Closest transit stop: Maria-Ward-Straße — just a 1–2-minute walk from the museum. Served by multiple options: bus lines 12, 143, 151, 180, 51; U-Bahn U1, U7; S-Bahn S2, S6; and tram 17.
- Sundays: Special €1 ticket for adults
- Buy tickets in advance through MünchenTicket to secure a fixed entry time — helpful, especially on weekend
This museum makes contemporary art an experience — for grown-ups and little explorers alike. It’s not just about “serious art” — many exhibitions are designed to spark curiosity in younger visitors too. You’ll often find interactive elements, large installations, or unusual formats that invite you to explore, participate and be amazed.
Another plus: the atmosphere is relaxed. Kids are welcome to ask questions out loud or move around freely without a stern “shhh.”
Getting there & tickets
Located at the beginning of English Garden and next to the famous Eisbach wave, it’s easy to integrate Haus der Kunst in nearly all of your plans on exploring the city.
You’ll need a time-slot ticket, which must be booked in advance via their online system — especially important for weekends when it gets busy.
Pro tip: Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening helps avoid crowds and ensures a calmer, more enjoyable experience
Shopping
The city’s major shopping streets around Marienplatz are easy to find. But what about the smaller, independent shops? We’ve put together a selection that’s a real highlight for both children and adults alike.
Kunst und Spiel
This Schwabing gem boasts an outstanding children’s book section, expert advice and a carefully curated selection. Beyond books, discover high-quality toys, sustainable kids’ clothing, DIY materials, and charming gifts — so plan plenty of browsing time.
Brauseschwein
Roughly translated to “fizzy pig”, this store in Neuhausen is packed with quirky erasers, marbles, nostalgic tin toys and a paradise of sweets. Perfect for school cones, party bags, advent calendar gifts or just a fun little present – colourful, playful and a joy for kids and adults alike.
Murmelwald
A charming kids’ shop with café in Maxvorstadt, founded by a Swiss vet turned mum of two. It offers fair, high-quality clothing for ages 0–6, toys and a cosy café corner with a giant marble run, play mats and cappuccinos for grown-ups and kids alike.
Outdoor adventures
Discover the impressive diversity of more than 500 animal species from all five continents at Munich Zoo. At Hellabrunn, there are only a few meters between the African savannah and the cold ice desert of the polar world. Learn why nature conservation and species protection are important, how we can protect the habitats of our animals and experience the diversity of life 365 days a year.
Plan for a full-day visit, as there is plenty to see and you’ll want to take your time. While there’s an on-site restaurant, the food may leave you underwhelmed (seems to be a common zoo trend anywhere), so you might want to bring your own. The silver lining? You can enjoy your meal with a view of giraffes and other animals trotting around.
Just bring comfy shoes, a sense of adventure and maybe a few snacks.
Getting there & tickets
U3 from Marienplatz to Thalkirchen (Tierpark), then a 5-minute walk to the Isar Entrance (recommended for visitors with strollers)
Buggy-friendly: the park is well-paved and fully accessible, making it easy to navigate with little explorers in tow
- You’ll find a ticket overview here
This gem offers a lively and immersive experience where European native animals — like deer, wolves, lynxes and even a bear family — roam in well-designed, naturalistic enclosures. The park is especially charming for kids, with many animals approachable enough to feed or pet.
The massive adventure playground, complete with water features, pirate ships and sliding forts, guarantees energetic, fun-filled playtime. A bonus: the daily bird of prey show (from April to November) is a breathtaking highlight that delights both little and big audiences.
Getting there & tickets
By public transport: Take the S-Bahn S2 toward Erding to the station Poing, then enjoy a roughly 1 km walk to the entrance.
By car: The park is about 30 minutes from Munich via the A94, and free parking is available on-site.
- Check their ticket shop in advance here.
In summer, Blutenburg Castle is pure magic. Its idyllic courtyard is a little paradise where kids can hop on a toy car, tractor, or bike and roam the grounds like tiny royalty. Meanwhile, parents can sit back and enjoy a leisurely meal at the charming Schlossschänke Blutenburg.
For a dose of culture, head to the International Youth Library (Stiftung Internationale Jugendbibliothek), a treasure trove of children’s books from around the world. There’s also a gallery that regularly hosts art exhibitions designed especially for young audiences.
A visit here is the perfect mix of play, relaxation, and a sprinkle of culture — all wrapped in a storybook setting.
Getting there & tickets
- Take bus 143 to Schloss Blutenburg or enjoy a bike ride through the scenic parks in Munich’s west.
- Entry to the castle courtyard and library is free; check the International Youth Library’s website for any special exhibition fees.
Just a short trip north of Munich lies the stunning Schleissheim Palace Complex, a family-friendly gem where history, elegance and outdoor fun come together in a beautiful mix. Comprising three palaces — the Old, New, and Lustheim — set in a sprawling Baroque garden, it’s a place where kids can roam freely and adults can soak in architectural grandeur.
Getting there & tickets
By S-Bahn: Take the S1 train from Munich to Oberschleißheim — a 20–30 min ride. From there, it’s a 10–15 min walk or a quick hop on bus 292/295 to the “Schloss” stop right at the palaces.
By car: Drive via A92 (exit Oberschleißheim) or A99 (exit Neuherberg), or take roads B13/B471. There are paid parking spaces near the New Palace (~120 lots) and a small lot at the Old Palace.
Children under 18: Free entry!
Eating out with kids in Munich
One thing about Bavaria is that you can picnic (bring your own food) just about anywhere. This is a great way to save some money too. Head to your nearest grocery store and grab lunch supplies to bring with you and make your own sandwiches and snacks. You can even bring your own food into a biergarten, it’s totally normal! Do as the Bavarians do!
Here are some things to order from a typical German menu that kids tend to love:
Pommes – French fries
Spätzle – A type of noodle, often comes with cheese Käsespätzle, close to Macaroni and cheese
Pretzel – Try it with butter inside, trust us
Schnitzel – Basically a giant pork nugget, if your kids like chicken nuggets, they will like this
Bratwurst – Various kinds of sausages, Frankfurter is closest to a “regular” hot dog
Family-friendly restaurants
Marta Brasserie
Office workers, families, neighbours — all under one roof. ‘Cosy at home’ meets cosmopolitan ‘savoir vivre’.
Café Clara for Brunch
One of Maxvorstadt’s trendiest, most family-friendly cafés – perfect for a cosy morning of treats and relaxation.
Fräulein Wagner
A great place to hang out. Whether it's sunny in the garden or rainy indoors, you'll find everything your heart desires.
Beergardens
Hirschau
This beer garden offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere and a charming playground for kids. A great place to enjoy an authentic, peaceful time beneath ancient trees.
Zum Flaucher
Warm regional dishes, hearty snacks, and vegan bowls made seasonally with local organic ingredients. Kids can play nearby on a natural-material playground set in the green Isar meadows.
Königlicher Hirschgarten
Munich’s west hosts the world’s largest — and most beautiful — beer garden. Kids can feed deer, enjoy a carousel, climbing wall and games, while parents savor fresh beer and Bavarian classics.
Remember
If you don’t specify the size of the beer you’d like to have, Munich gastronomers tend to give you 1 Liter (called Maß). So if you’re not ready for drinking that much, make sure to order a Halbe, which is 0,5 liters.
Ice cream
Munich rivals Italy for amazing gelato! After exploring parks and streets, treat your family at:
Ice Date
Organic, vegan ice cream made daily with dates, cashews and real fruit. Choose from 12 flavours at Amalienstrasse or Klenzestraße.
Sweet Monkeys
Handmade ice cream and waffles, free from additives, crafted with love in Pasing. Seasonal flavours and fresh sorbets that might be Munich’s best.
True &12
Twelve fresh flavours daily, made with regional hay and pasture milk from cows with names. You can even watch the ice cream being made — a delight for kids.
Day trips from Munich
Neuschwanstein castle
A castle straight out of a storybook – and yes, the one that inspired Disney. Perched dramatically against the backdrop of the Alps, Neuschwanstein is as picturesque as it gets. While the interior tour isn’t for everyone (the castle was never fully finished), older kids might enjoy the history. Right next door is Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent his childhood – and it’s well worth the extra visit.
Getting there & tips
Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
If you don’t have one, rent a car to get there. You’ll see a lot of beautiful spots on the road inviting for a quick break.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch is a true alpine gem. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the views from Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, the emerald waters of Lake Eibsee and the wild beauty of the Partnach Gorge. Whether you’re up for a family hike or just a walk with a view, this is where Bavaria really shows off.
Getting there & tips
Drive Time: 1 hour
You can either take the car or public transport. Trains run regularly to and from Munich Central Station to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. However, for more flexible travel from A to B, we recommend taking a car.
Amusement parks
Perfect for Lego fans aged 3–10, this park offers fun rides, building zones and impressive Lego sculptures. One day is enough to see it all.
Drive time
1 hour 15 minutes
This fairy tale theme park is perfect for younger kids, with gentle rides and over 20 classic stories brought to life by 260+ animated characters. A magical day out for little ones!
Drive time
40 minutes
Skyline Park offers over 60 attractions, from bumper cars to roller coasters – fun for all ages! Open nearly year-round, it’s a great stop for thrill-seekers.
Drive time
1 hour
Practical tips
- Tipping is not expected but is appreciated if you had good service. Instead of adding 10% to the bill, round the bill up a few euros to an even amount. If paying by card, ask the waiter to charge the amount plus tip. For example, your bill was 36.50, ask the waiter to charge you 40 euros. If paying cash, you can just say to keep the change or ask for what you want back. “Can I have 2 euros back please?”
- Always have cash – Germany is still a cash is king place. Even though most places do take cards, it is still very common to end up at a place that is cash only. So be prepared.
- Keep your eyes open for family discounts. Many museums, transportation passes and attractions offer family tickets or discounts for tickets.
- Pack layers — Munich’s weather can change quickly.
- Sunday closures: All stores are closed on Sundays! This includes grocery stores, most pharmacies, retail stores and things like dry cleaning. Restaurants and museums will still be open, as well as supermarkets and drug stores at the main train stations like Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof.
- Talking about shopping: bring your own reusable shopping bags our you’ll be charged for a paper or plastic one.
- Carseat rules are enforced strictly here. You won’t be allowed in a taxi without a carseat. The carseat standards here do not match the US exactly.
- Keep coins for paid public restrooms. This is just the way it is here. But you can be almost certain the restroom will be clean at least.
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