A child points to a screen in an exhibition about bees at the Natural History Museum.

Munich Guides: the best tips for families

The most popular sights and excursions with children

Munich is one of the most popular travel destinations in Germany with children. The capital of Bavaria offers numerous parks, family-friendly museums, excursions and exciting leisure activities. There is always something to discover in Munich. These are our suggestions for families with children at any time of year and in any weather!

Munich for families: tips at a glance

- Munich sights: with children in the city centre
- Museums for children in Munich
- Excursions with children in and around Munich
- Children's activities in Munich for sports fans
- The Englischer Garten (park): tips for families
- Hellabrunn Zoo
- Beer gardens with a playground
- Munich Olympic Park
- Theatre for children in Munich

 

Munich sights: with children in the city centre

Munich's city centre is easy to explore on foot or with a pushchair. These many sights and Munich landmarks appeal not only to adults but also to little ones:

Marienplatz, the heart of the city, with its famous Glockenspiel.  

St. Peter's, also known as Alter Peter, is one of the city's most famous churches and vantage points. How many steps lead up to it?

The tower of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), which, unlike the popular Alter Peter lookout tower, has a lift – and the view is just as fantastic!

The Frauenkirche: Particularly fascinating for young and old alike is the Devil's Step legend in Munich Cathedral.  

The Viktualienmarkt (market): Here you can get fresh food and regional snacks for in-between hunger pangs. Strolling through the stalls and tasting food is also fun for children.  

Odeonsplatz with the white Theatinerkirche and its Hofgarten. The two lion figures in front of the entrance to the Residenz (next to the entrance to the Hofgarten) are famous in Munich: They say whoever strokes their nose is lucky. 

Museums for children in Munich

The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest natural science museums in the world. It is not only the Children's Kingdom (for children aged 3 to 8) that captivates the little ones. Experimental workshops, workshops and guided tours are very popular with children and young people. The adjoining Transport Museum and Schleissheim Airfield also offer plenty of things worth seeing for children.

The Museum Mensch und Natur (human and nature Museum) is an outstanding natural history museum near Schloss Nymphenburg (palace). Here you can also visit the Marstallmuseum with its impressive collection of courtly carriages in the southern part of the palace. 

The Children's Museum at the main railway station: a place of world discovery that invites you to experiment with changing hands-on exhibitions.

FC Bayern Museum: Combine a visit to the Allianz Arena and the FC Bayern Museum with an extraordinary city tour. Info here.

BMW Welt and BMW Museum: racing cars, automobiles and motorbikes in the BMW Welt also inspire the little ones. In the varied Junior Programme at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum, children and teenagers interactively discover the mobility of the future and take a look at more than 100 years of automotive history.

The Pinakothek der Moderne is ideal for all those who are enthusiastic about art, design, architecture and graphics. Especially interesting for families: the family tours and the creative children's programme.

A visit to the Egyptian Museum is a real cultural experience. There are regular exciting guided tours for families. Admission is free for children under 18. Also free is the small Palaeontological Museum on Königsplatz – among fossils and skeletons, dinosaur fans are guaranteed to be happy.

Kinderkunsthaus at Schwabing: In the “open programme“ in the workshop and media lab, children become artists and creatives. Worshops and courses are also offered.

A historic toy collection from over two centuries awaits in the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) in the Old Town Hall, directly on Marienplatz.

 

Excursions with children in and around Munich

Looking for family-friendly excursion destinations in Munich and the surrounding area? Here you will find our excursion tips:

Day trip to Starnberger See (lake) with a boat trip. It's worth visiting the children's playground in the Bürgerpark near where the boats dock.  

Excursion to Schliersee (lake): Near the “Schliersee“ railway station on the shore of the lake is a lovely playground next to a beer garden with pedal boat hire. 

Trip to the Allgäu Skyline Park: the amusement park has over 60 attractions: pure thrills and fun rides for children. Here you'll find the highest overhead roller coaster in Europe and the most powerful motorbike coaster in the world. Younger children will love the Kids Farm. And for refreshment and slide fun, there's the fun pool and the new white-water slide. 

Day trip to the castles of the Bavarian fairytale king Ludwig II in the surrounding area, for example to Neuschwanstein, Linderhof or Herrenchiemsee. Here, München Tourismus also offers organised day trips with bus transfers and skip-the-line service! 

Märchenwald amusement park in the Isartal: Child-friendly fairytale houses, numerous climbing opportunities, attractions and rides make the park particularly attractive for families. Children can let off steam in the climbing garden and playgrounds. 

The Bavaria Filmstadt: Here you can take a look behind the scenes of cinema & TV as well as a unique 4D experience cinema.

Wildpark Poing (Wildlife Park): Families can observe a wide variety of animals in their natural environment on a 4 km long forest hiking trail. The birds of prey demonstration and the adventure playgrounds are further attractions. 

Bergtierpark Blindham in Aying: Native wild animals, a variety of attractions, a barbecue area and panoramic views of the Alps. In bad weather, the SpielStadl at Blindhamer Hof offers great fun for children. Attention: no card payment possible.

Munich Airport Visitors Park: Discover the airport world on an exciting airport tour. The most popular attractions include a viewing hill and an adventure playground, which is open all year round and accessible free of charge. 

Excursion to Oberschleissheim/Unterschleissheim: Schloss Schleissheim and the Flugwerft Schleissheim of the Deutsches Museum are particularly worth seeing, where interesting exhibits, guided tours and a flight simulator will delight the whole family.

Children's activities in Munich for sports fans

The leisure sports programme offered by the Department of Education and Sport includes various free sports and games activities for children and young people in the city.

Family-friendly Munich pools: Munich's outdoor and indoor pools, such as the Michaelibad, the Westbad, the Dantebad, the Cosimawellenbad and the Ungererbad.  

Climbing and bouldering in Munich: Here you can find the Munich climbing guide.

Bicycle tours through Munich: Discover the city and its highlights in a relaxed way by bike

 

The Englischer Garten (park): tips for families

Beer gardens, playgrounds, lakes and manicured meadows promise a relaxing afternoon in the English Garden. On foot, by bike or a rickshaw tour, here we reveal our favourite places:

The beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm in the Englischer Garten beckons with a lovely playground, a historic children's carousel (open from April to October; only in fine weather) and brass band music. Here you can enjoy a snack you have brought with you and of course there is also a delicious selection of Bavarian dishes directly in the beer garden.

The Seehaus is located directly on the shore of the Kleinhesseloher See. The idyllic location of the lake is perfect for walks and great fun for anyone who wants to hire a boat! At the Seehaus, the restaurant, beer garden and terrace with panoramic views are highly recommended. 

The Eisbachwelle (river wave) is one of Munich's top attractions. Children and adults alike will be thrilled by the famous surfers at the Eisbachwelle. It is located in Prinzregentenstrasse opposite house number 22.

 

Tierpark Hellabrunn (zoo): Nature's Paradise for Children

If you have a whole day to spare, after a lunch break you can continue on to Tierpark Hellabrunnone of the most animal-rich zoos in Europe. The zoo has a lot to offer, especially for little guests: a petting enclosure with pygmy goats, two playgrounds and the Hellabrunn Children's Land.

If you are already in Thalkirchen, you can take a walk along the Isar river. It takes an hour to walk from the city centre to the Glockenbach district. If you don't feel like walking, take the little ones to the Flaucher – a great adventure and swimming paradise in summer!

 

Beer gardens with a playground: the favourites for families

Fresh air and sightseeing make you hungry. Here are a few family-friendly beer gardens that not only offer delicious Bavarian food, but also play facilities for the kids.

The Hofbräukeller on Wienerplatz in Haidhausen district. 

The Augustiner-Keller beer garden at Hackerbrücke.

The beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm in the Englischer Garten.  

The Königlicher Hirschgarten in the west of Munich.

Munich Olympiapark (Olympic Park): Sport and culture since 1972

In Munich, a visit to the Olympiapark (Olympic Park) is an absolute must. Fascinating for young and old are the architecture of the stadium of the 1972 Summer Olympics and the many green spaces. These are the most popular sights and leisure tips for families in the Olympic Park:

Exciting ascent of the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower): the Olympic Tower is Munich's tallest building and offers the best views over the city all the way to the Alps.

Ride on the park railway: The ride departs every 30 minutes from the Olympiasee (lake) in front of the Olympic Tower and from BMW Welt. Tickets are available from the driver. 

Tent roof tour on the Olympic roof: Here you can discover the exciting history of the Olympic Park with children (from ten years) and enjoy the spectacular view.

Visit to BMW Welt and the BMW Museum: Families discover more than 100 years of automobile history and the mobility of the future here.  

Family outing to Sea Life Munich in the Olympic Park: a fascinating underwater experience!

Theatre for children in Munich

In Munich's children's theatres, the little ones can experience theatre performances suitable for children. Our recommendations for families: 

Munich Marionette Theatre: It is one of the oldest marionette theatres with a permanent seat in the German-speaking world. 

Münchner Theater für Kinder (theatre for children): From the robber Hotzenplotz to Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio: professional actors perform plays for children from the age of four at the Munich Theatre for Children.  

 

Photos: Christian Kasper, Frank Stolle, Redline Enterprises, Deutsches Museum; Video: Redline Enterprises
A child points to a screen in an exhibition about bees at the Natural History Museum.

Munich Guides

Great activities for families

Munich is one of the most popular destinations with children. These are our suggestions for families at any time of year and in any weather!

Munich is one of the most popular destinations with children. These are our suggestions for families at any time of year and in any weather!

A young woman is smiling at English Garden in Munich.

Itinerary suggestions

Sustainable visit and more in Munich

Discover Munich consciously and mindfully and make a contribution to a sustainable future.

Discover Munich consciously and mindfully and make a contribution to a sustainable future. Our suggestions for a sustainable visit to Munich.

A couple is sitting on a picnic blanket at Nymphenburg Schlosspark in Munich on a sunny day in autumn.

Suggestions for your stay

Great activities for nature lovers

Numerous parks, beautiful lakes in the surrounding area, many excursions into the countryside. Our tips for nature lovers.

Numerous parks, beautiful lakes in the surrounding area, many excursions into the countryside - here are some great activities for nature lovers.

A couple is watching the sunset at the Olympiapark in Munich.

Romantic Places in Munich

Munich for lovers: 20 tips

Discover the most romantic places in Munich and have a lovely time together. 

Love is no solo; love is a duet! We’ve put together 20 tips for partners and budding lovers. Discover the most romantic places in Munich and have a lovely time together.

The Nymphenburg Palace Canal and Nymphenburg Palace against a cloudy sky

Munich in the rain

Good ideas for bad weather

Inclement weather lures visitors to museums and cafés. And it provides a nice opportunity to discover other thrilling places.

Inclement weather lures visitors to museums and cafés. And it provides a nice opportunity to discover other thrilling places. Some tips for rainy days in Munich.

A dog barks in a meadow on the Isar in Munich

Suggestions for your stay

Munich with your dog

Would you like to take your dog with you on your trip to Munich? The city is very dog-friendly with its extensive parks and many green spaces. All the important information and tips can be found here.

Would you like to take your dog with you on your trip to Munich? The city is very dog-friendly with its extensive parks and many green spaces. All the important information and tips can be found here.

A woman is pulling her suitcase at the airport in Munich.

Luggage Storage in Munich

Luggage Storage Tips

Munich is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. Here, you can store your suitcases and bags safely.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a favourite travel destination for guests from all over the world. Here, you can store your suitcases and bags safely.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for only 20€ !

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.