Summer activities with children in and around Berlin
Summer in Berlin is a fantastic time of year for families with small children to explore the great outdoors. Here are some tips on what to do with your kids this summer.
Summer in Berlin
With plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, there are countless opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. Berlin is great in the summer and I love staying here. We love going out as a family and I thought I would share my best tips. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or venture out on a day trip or weekend getaway, there are plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained.
Local activities in Berlin
Explore the City’s Parks
Berlin is home to many beautiful parks, making it easy to escape the city and enjoy nature with your family. Tiergarten is one of the city’s largest parks and offers a range of activities, including bike rides, picnics, and boat tours. Volkspark Friedrichshain is another great option, with its many playgrounds, hiking trails, and outdoor swimming pool. And for families with young children, Kinderbauernhof Pinke-Panke is a fantastic farm experience located in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg. There are a lot of petting zoos all around the city
Take a Bike Ride
Berlin is a very bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and trails throughout the city. Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, taking in the sights and sounds of Berlin. The Berlin Wall Trail is a great option for families, as it is mostly flat and offers a chance to learn about the city’s history. The Mauerweg Trail, which follows the path of the former Berlin Wall, is also a great option for more experienced riders.
Go on a Boat Tour
One of the best ways to explore Berlin in the summertime is by boat. There are many boat tours available throughout the city, offering a unique perspective on Berlin’s history and architecture. For families with children, a pirate-themed boat tour is a fun and exciting option that is sure to keep the little ones entertained.
Some more ideas for activities with children
Visit the open-air pools
When the temperatures start to climb, an open-air pool can be a great way to cool off and have some fun, like the Freibad at Prinzenstraße for example. You can stay there all day, swim and play in the water. Most of them have an ankle-deep pool for babies and toddlers, so it is safe. Don’t forget to watch over your child at all times when they are near the water. If you want to spend a day at a water park, Tropical Islands is a popular one located just outside of Berlin, offering a range of water slides, wave pools, and other attractions. While it may require a bit of a drive, it’s well worth the trip for families looking to beat the heat.
Have a picnic in the park
There are so many beautiful parks and forests in Berlin. This is one of my favourite things to do in the summer, especially because it’s free and you have a picnic at a new spot every time! Take your picnic blanket, some snacks and a ball or frisbee to enjoy some family time at a picnic. You can also find lovely green patches along the Landwehrkanal or Spree. Even the Tempelhofer Feld has some beautiful spots where you can enjoy picnics under the shade of trees, while watching people flying beautiful kites. Most of them have public toilets and cafes nearby where you can get some food or drinks if you need more.
Head to the lake
While Berlin may not be known for its beaches, there are still plenty of options for families to cool off and soak up the sun. There are a lot of lakes that are easily reachable by S Bahn or local trains that you can check out. Strandbad Wannsee is a popular destination for families, with its wide stretch of sand and calm waters. Smaller lakes that have warm water in the summer and are good to go with children are Schlachtensee and Krumme Lanke. There are also many smaller beach areas along the Spree River, such as the Badeschiff and Holzmarkt, that offer a more urban beach experience.
Landwehrkanal or Spree river
I personally love spending time at the Landwehrkanal with my daughter. There are lots of options for her to stay busy, watching the ducks and swans, playing on the green patches at the water and running around freely since there is no car traffic. Some parts of the canal also have playgrounds for children, and table tennis tables for the grownups. There are also some great spots at the Spree riverside, like the Monbijou Park near Hackescher Markt.
Day trips with children
Potsdam
Located just a short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam is a charming town known for its beautiful parks and historic architecture. The Sanssouci Palace and Park is a must-see attraction, offering stunning gardens and fountains that are sure to impress both parents and children alike.
Tropical Islands
As mentioned earlier, Tropical Islands is a popular water park located just outside of Berlin. With its warm climate and tropical atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Spreewald
Located about an hour south of Berlin, Spreewald is a picturesque area known for its many waterways and outdoor activities. Take a canoe trip along the Spree River or explore the many hiking and biking trails in the area. The Biosphere Reserve is also a must-see attraction, offering a chance to see the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Dresden
I love Dresden, it is such a historical city and yet very contemporary. Located about two hours south of Berlin, Dresden is a beautiful city known for its Baroque architecture and cultural attractions. The Zwinger Palace and the Frauenkirche are two of the most popular attractions in the city, but there are also many museums, galleries, and parks to explore.
Sächsische Schweiz
Just a little ahead of Dresden is the Sächsische Schweiz, with lots of hiking trails and nature. You can enjoy some serious climbing or nice strolls. They even have a small historical train that is entertaining for children. If you plan to go hiking, make sure you have a good carrier/backpack to put your baby/toddler in.
Mecklenburgische Seenplatte
Just a couple of hours from Berlin, this area has a large number of beautiful lakes with hotels and camping grounds that you can spend some lovely days with your children. If the temperatures allow it, you can enjoy a good swim, a hike or even a boat ride.
I hope you enjoyed these ideas. Do let me know whether you visited any of these places. Find out more about how to keep your children cool and safe this summer.
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