Action-packed Family Breaks in Munich

If you’re looking at taking a trip to Munich, but worry that there won’t be enough things to do for your kids – never fear! In fact, Munich is an incredibly family-friendly place to visit and with wildlife parks, blissful gardens and movie-inspired attractions to pick from, no one will be stuck for entertainment in one of Germany’s oldest cities.

Giorgio Tomassetti

City breaks to Munich are enjoyable for all ages. Just roaming around the historic Old Town of Munich, for example, is a wonderland for kids and parents. Take the little ones to Marienplatz, the central square in the heart of the town and go stand outside the City Hall at noon. The century-old glockenspiel in the city hall will chime twice and thirty two life sized Bavarian figures emerge and re-enact historical Bavarian events. Your kids will be delighted and amazed, not least by the golden bird that chirps three times to signify the end of the performance.

If animals are their thing – or yours! – then take your children to Tierpark Hellabrunn, on the outskirts of town. More of a nature reserve than a zoo, five thousand animals, including penguins and camels, enjoy over eighty nine acres of sculpted land that has been designed to reflect the natural habitat of the various animals that roam and live within it.

Somewhat bizarrely in Munich, you will also find an ‘English Garden’; perhaps somewhere in England there’s a ‘Deutsch Garten’ returning the honour! This Englischer Garten is bigger than New York’s Central Park, making for a great place for you to relax in whilst your kids run around. You can also, if you wish, feed the ducks, rent a paddleboat, even watch surfers as they ride the current of the river Eisbach that flows through the park.

Photo by thoughtbecontact

If your kids need a toy fix, then go to the Toy Museum, housed in a clock tower in the old Town Hall. It helps if you can keep up with your kids as they race through the exhibits because there’s no elevator and the museum is spread over four floors! It’s filled with historical toys from both the States and Europe and makes for a fascinating curio.

Perhaps your family is more interested in movies; in which case, take a trip to the Bavaria Film Studios, the largest film-making center in Europe. Not only are there guided tours and an amazing stunt show that will keep them entertained, but they can also ride the dragon from the 80’s film ‘Never Ending Story’ (which might bring back a few memories for you as well!) For something more grown-up, you can also visit the submarine from the iconic movie ‘Das Boot’.

Finally, finish off your days in a local beer garden. Although that may sound like a strange place to take your kids to, most beer gardens have a playground and serve great food, from Bratwursts to Spatzle noodles, that they will love just as much as you. So although Munich is beautiful in itself, it need not be just about cultural tourism for the adults; this is one city that’s jam-packed with things to for both you and your ‘kinder’!

Images by Giorgio Tomassetti and thoughtbecontact, used under Creative Comms license

Jamie Woodruff contributes to a number of travel and lifestyle sites, and uses his vacation experiences around the world with his two boys as a constant source of inspiration…