Munich with Kids: Bouncing from Beer Gardens to English Gardens
Remember that scene from Sweet Home Alabama, when Reese Witherspoon's character is surprised to run into an old classmate and her baby...in a bar?
“Look at you...You have a baby…in a bar," she stammers.
Well, there are no rolling eyes or surprised looks if you’ve decided to babywear and beer-chase in the Bavarian capital of Munich, Germany.
Besides visiting beer gardens, there are many family friendly activities for kids to experience. There are playgrounds scattered across the city, beautiful parks to explore, famous museums, fun festivals year round (Hi Oktoberfest) and quaint cobblestone streets to let imaginations run wild. It’s the perfect European destination for an adventure with kids, and this article will highlight some of the most popular activities.
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Is Munich Child-Friendly?
A few years ago, when we visited Italy with our then 1-year-old daughter, there were old Italian Nonnas practically tripping over themselves to cuddle with little Claire.
That’s not going to happen in Germany.
This is not a cuddle culture, but it is still extremely family friendly. Where else can you go where you'll find rides and games for kids held adjacent to the largest beer festival in the world?
Additionally, Munich is a great option to visit with kids because, Moms – you won’t feel go-go-go. Munich is a smaller European city, which makes it easy to take in the sights on “toddler time.”
Wondering what you can do to fill the days? Read on to hear about the best activities for kids in Munich.
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Looking to learn more about planning a trip to Munich? Check out this article!
17 Things to do In Munich With Kids
If you’re searching for things to do in Munich with kids, here are 17 of the most popular activities. We stayed for 5 days and still didn’t have time to check everything off the list – a reason to go back one day! You may be surprised which activities the kids end up liking best. For example, who knew a 3 year-old would love the formal palace of Residenz Munich? Well, when you get to a wear a princess dress inside a palace, it's a dream come true for a little girl!
1. Explore the Historical Center of Marienplatz
Marienplatz, the main center of town, is where you'll want to start your Munich adventures. It's safe and easy to explore because it's a pedestrian-only zone, with stores and restaurants spilling out from the square and onto neighboring streets.
However, before you get sidetracked shopping, be sure to check out the glockenspiel performance held outside New Town Hall. The show runs everyday at 11am, 12pm and 5pm, and is a 15 minute performance that includes historical reenactments using bells and figurines. At the end, the clock transforms into a cuckoo clock.
After the show, you can also climb St. Peter’s Tower located in Marienplatz for aerial views of the city. This activity may be a better adventure if traveling with older kids, as there are quite a few stairs to climb.
Compass Roam Classroom
Did you know that Marienplatz is over a thousand years old!?
The main pillar that stands in the center, the Mariensaule, was not erected until the 1630’s – it was constructed as a thank you gift for the Swedes for not destroying the city during the turbulent time of the 30 Years’ War.
2. Spend the Day in the English Garden
The English Garden refers to 900 acres of urban park that lies in the center of Munich. In fact, it’s larger than NYC’s Central Park!
As you stroll through the park, you’ll find plenty of walking trails. In warmer months, people picnic on the grass, some brave souls swim in the river, and locals can be found playing volleyball or lawn games. You can also stop by one of the numerous beer gardens for something to eat, and have the kids play on the adjacent playgrounds.
3. Watch the River Surfers Rip the Waves
At the southernmost edge of the park, you'll find river surfers taking on the 1 meter wave of the Eisbach River. Once the ice thaws from winter, surfers brave the icy waters with wet suits and surfboards. It’s so much fun to watch them take turns riding the waves, and even wiping out.
4. Pretzels, Playgrounds &...Beer Gardens
It’s not quite an authentic Munich experience until you’ve tasted a Bavarian pretzel while enjoying the atmosphere in a German beer garden. Why is this a good fit for kids too? Some of the best beer gardens have beautiful playgrounds on site, and many also offer a casual kid-friendly atmosphere.
Each beer garden has a different vibe. Some are situated right in English Garden, where you can grab a tray of spaetzle (that's German Mac and Cheese) and apple strudel. Think of it as an elevated and delicious cafeteria experience. Other beer gardens were located in tavern style pubs, with lively outdoor sections.
Here were some of our favorite beer gardens to enjoy a drink, and ones that the kids loved too.
- Chinesischer Turm- Located in the middle of the English Garden lies a gigantic Chinese pagoda surrounded by a delicious beer garden. You can select a Bavarian treat to devour at a picnic table, while watching the kids explore the playground only a few steps away. There is even a carousel that operates from April-October.
- Biergarten am Kleinhesseloher See - This beer garden has beautiful panoramic views of the man-made lake in the English Garden. You can grab a bite to eat, rent rowboats, and walk the nearby trails. Although there is not a full playground on site, there was a small play area and space for kids to run around.
- Hofbrauhaus - Hofbrauhaus is technically a beer hall, but it was one of our favorite restaurants, and had a beautiful outdoor patio too. The restaurant itself is known as one of the most famous taverns in the world for its brew, and was built over 500 years ago.
Compass Roam Classroom: The Dark Past of the Hofbrauhaus
If you’re a WW2 history buff, you may already know that Munich was ground zero for Hitler’s propaganda speeches and war planning during the 1930’s and 40’s. Hofbraus Haus is where he gave one of his first speeches denouncing the Jewish people.
Today, when you walk into the hall it is rowdy, lively and fun. However, the ceiling was once painted in swastikas - now repainted and redesigned as the Bavarian flag. If you're interested in learning more about its past, I highly recommend signing up for walking tour. You can find WW2 walking tours here.
5. Discover the Exhibits at the Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world! There are full sized replicas of ships and submarines, with interactive exhibits focused on teaching children how technology operates. There is even a special “Kids’ Kingdom” section with over a thousand activities and workshops.
6. Go for a Swim at the Public Pool
To an American, the term “public pool” does not conjure up the cleanest of mental images. We think: band-aids in the water...clumps of wet hair...damp, uncirculated air.
However, that's not how it works in Munich! The public pool complexes are spacious, incredibly clean, and the views through the large floor-to- ceiling windows makes it feel as if you’re swimming outside in nature!
The popular complexes near Munich include Westbad, Nordbad, Dantebad, Michaelibad, Sudbad, and Cosimawellenbad. They cost just a few euro, and no memberships are required. Each complex has unique features – for instance, Cosimawellenbad had a wave pool, outdoor pool, separate kid splash zone, and saunas for adults. This is an excellent acvitity to do with kids in Munich on a cold or rainy day.
7. Visit Olympia Park
Olympia Park was the site of the 1972 Olympics, but is used today as an enormous activity center, including water sports and ziplining! You can spend a full day visiting the area, as the BMW Museum and Sea Life aquarium are located down the road.
At Olympia Park, you can stroll, bike or walk through the giant green spaces. It’s also possible to take a guided rooftop tour, which has beautiful views of Munich and the Alps in the background. However, do note that children must be at least 10 years old to participate in this tour. For younger ones, you may want to check out the Parkway Railway, which runs every 30 minutes.
Mom and Dad Date Idea:
As part of the rooftop tour, you can take the Flying Fox zipline to the ground when the tour concludes. You’ll step off a platform and fly down Europe’s longest zipline – a 200m cable!
8. ...And the BMW Museum
Just a five minute walk from Olympia Park is the BMW Museum, which spans over 500 sqm. They offer history tours, and unique car-themed exhibits. The dealership is conveniently located around the corner in case you are particularly inspired during your time there…
9. Dance at the Residenz munchen
If you happen to have a daughter obsessed with princesses, beautiful dresses, and all things Elsa, then you should beeline straight for the Residenz Munich.
Are there a lot of delicate things inside? Yes. Is it hard to explain to young kids that, no, they can not jump on the Queen’s bed? Yes, that's a little tricky too. However, running through the palace hallways fashioning a princess dress was one of my daughter’s favorite parts of our trip to Munich.
10. Practice Your Manners at the Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace was used during the 17th century, primarily as a summertime residence of Bavarian rulers. Today, the expansive Baroque-era building contains two museums, and immaculately landscaped gardens.
Once you’ve arrived, you can tour the palace and royal apartments, or check out the MarstallMuseum and Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum. The MarstallMuseum has decorative carriages on display -- or better yet -- also known as Cinderella's pumpkin carriage to any young travel companion.
11. Explore the City By Bike Or Scooter
Biking is a way of life in Munich. Even in the cold, snow, or rain, Germans seem to use bikes just as commonly as we use cars here in the U.S. Therefore, if you'd like to see the city as the locals do, then it's time to rent a city bike! You can rent scooters and e-bikes through Tier or Lime (downloadable App). The city has clearly marked bike lanes and crossing lights, making it easy and safe for anyone to ride. If you're traveling to Munich with kids, you'll definitely want to save some time to explore the sights by bike.
12. See the Animals at the Hellabrunn Zoo
Located about 25-30 min outside the city is the Hellabrunn Zoo. This was one of the first zoos in the world to design its' exhibits around geographic locations; that means that as you walk the grounds you’ll feel as if you’re entering different habitats around the world. Along with the 750 animals species, there are also petting zoos, playgrounds, and train rides for kids to enjoy.
13. Photoshoot at the Brandhorst Museum
The Brandhorst Museum showcases contemporary artwork, but admittedly, we didn't visit simply to take-in the exhibits. Instead, we decided to use the museum as a fun photoshoot backdrop.
14. Explore Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt has more than 140 vendors selling handmade goods, fresh fruit and veggies, local cheeses and meats, soft baked bread, and bright flowers. The market is located near Marienplatz, making it an easy place to stop for a snack. There is also a beer-garden in the market too!
15. Check out Oktoberfest...Even with Kids
Oktoberfest is the annual beer festival held in Munich. It starts in September and ends the first Sunday in October. During these few weeks, there are rides and games for kids to enjoy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you plan to visit Munich with kids during Oktoberfest.
- Strollers are only allowed until 6pm, and are not permitted at all on Saturdays. It may be easier to use a baby carrier.
- Not surprisingly, visiting the festival earlier in the day will be less rowdy. Alcoholic drinks are not served until noon.
- Das Familienplatzl is a tent dedicated for families, equipped with entertainment and kid friendly activities.
- Tuesdays are dedicated family days, where there are discounts on admission and rides. However, children are welcome to attend any day of the week.
16. Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is said to have inspired the design and imagination of Walt Disney’s own iconic castle. It’s known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, and should definitely make your “must-visit” list if you have a flexible day in your itinerary. The castle is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Munich, reachable by train or car. It's also common to join an organized group tour, like Mike's Bikes. If traveling with older kids, I recommend touring with this group. You'll first explore the lush green valleys by bike, followed by time exploring the castle and surroundings.
17. Check Out the Cool Attractions at the Airport
If you’re departing from Munich and arrive early to the airport with time to spare, you're in luck! After you've finished checking your bag, try to find the observatory, mini golf course, and small playground on site. If you have more time after that, you can grab a bite to eat and drink at the airport's own brewery.
Where to Sleep and Eat in Munich
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If you’re interested in visiting Munich, check out my city-guide filled with luxury accommodation recommendations, and our favorite places to eat with kids around the city.
That's a Wrap
The Bavarian capital city of Munich is a wonderful destination to visit with kids. There are plenty of family activities for kids of all ages, and it's also a manageable and easy city to navigate as a tourist. Next time I'm in town, I'll be trying that zipline!
I hope this article has inspired your own family getaway to Munich, Germany. If you have any questions, or your own travel tips, please leave them in the comments below. Also, don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter, packed with travel tips, upcoming news, and access to FREE destination itineraries.
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