Top Activities for Kids in Munich

Munich is an excellent destination for families. Its abundant green spaces and efficient public transport create a relaxed and navigable atmosphere, despite the city's size.

Beer gardens and Oktoberfest also accommodate children, so you won't miss out on the city’s iconic experiences. Here’s what you should know about visiting Munich with the family.

Is Munich Family-Friendly?

In addition to engaging museums and attractions, Munich’s standout feature for families is its spacious parks. The expansive green areas and riverbanks cater to various age groups, providing a chance to relax and play between sightseeing.

While more upscale dining spots may not be ideal for little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly eateries, bakeries, and open-air food markets perfect for a quick snack. In summer, beer gardens are a great option, as you can bring your own food to the self-service areas, and many feature playgrounds!

Munich's flat terrain and generally stroller-friendly sidewalks make it easy to navigate. Well-marked bike lanes are popular, with many parents using cargo bikes while older kids ride alongside. Most stations have elevators, and certain trains offer designated family spaces.

What Are the Best Spots for Kids in Munich?

With numerous public parks available, don’t miss the chance to visit Englischer Garten or Olympiapark. Spending time by the Isar River is also highly recommended. The city center and old town are manageable with kids, though they can get crowded; consider quieter neighborhoods like Haidhausen or Schwabing for more room and plenty of babycinos.

Top Activities in Munich for Babies and Toddlers

Exciting Adventures at Tierpark Hellabrunn

Located in the southern part of the city near the river, Munich’s zoo offers plenty of ground to explore, so it’s wise to bring a stroller or carrier, or you can rent one of their hand-pulled carts (Bollerwagen) for about five euros.

Instead of dining inside, check out Kiosk 1917 next to Thalkirchen subway station for locally roasted coffee and a few light snacks. If you have some extra time and energy, take a leisurely walk along the water's edge.

Take a break at Wiener Platz

This charming square in Haidhausen is perfect for kickstarting your neighborhood exploration or grabbing some snacks for an afternoon at the nearby playground (Spielplatz Grütznerbergl).

Connect with fellow parents at the delightful cafe Little Rabbit’s Room or pick up some fresh fruit and snacks from the local market stalls. The Hofbräukeller beer garden at the corner is also popular among local families.

Explore Englischer Garten

If you’re looking for a perfect spot for a long buggy nap or an area for toddlers to run free, Englischer Garten is your answer. Spanning over five kilometers, this expansive park is designed in the style of an English landscape garden, reflecting its name.

Wander without a specific destination, visit the northern meadows, or stop for a bite to eat. Fraulein Grüneis, housed in a charming old public restroom, is perfect for indulging in cake, while the Hirschau beer garden features an amazing play area, complete with a pirate ship!

Top activities for families in Munich

Visit the Museum of Humankind & Nature

Nestled within a wing of Nymphenburg Palace, the Museum Mensch und Natur is brimming with fossils, skeletons, and engaging interactive displays. A standout feature for many visitors is the preserved body of Bruno, a brown bear that stirred up trouble in Bavaria back in 2006.

Although much of the information is in German, some parts have been translated, and other exhibits are self-explanatory. After your visit, take some time to wander among the geese in the gardens or explore the palace itself. Nearby, Patagon Helados offers delightful Argentinian ice cream.

Relax by the Isar

The pebbly beaches and grassy banks along the river provide an ideal spot for a picnic or an afternoon of stone-skimming and wading. The area near the zoo, known as Flaucher, is especially popular, featuring islands and larger rocks for climbing. Barbecuing is permitted here, too.

For more excitement, visit the adventurous rope maze and high slides at Spielplatz Seidenspinner, and if you prefer not to cook, check out Zum Flaucher for a meal.

Planes, trains, and automobiles await at the Deutsches Museum

Many local families hold season passes for the Deutsches Museum, where hours of fun are guaranteed. This impressive structure explores various topics in science and technology, featuring an entire floor dedicated to kids. Don’t miss the remarkable model railway that operates twice daily.

For even more trains, visit the nearby Verkehrsmuseum (Transport Museum) on the opposite side of the city. Here, you can explore everything from high-speed ICE engines to vintage trams showcased in expansive exhibition halls. Afterward, Bavariapark next door is perfect for some energetic playtime.

Top activities for tweens and teenagers in Munich

Get active at the Olympic Stadium

More than fifty years after Munich hosted the Summer Olympics, the grounds remain vibrant. The hilly park offers recreational opportunities, the aquatics center is accessible to the public, and the stadium regularly welcomes events and artists like the Rolling Stones and Harry Styles.

Thrill-seekers aged 10 and up can embark on a tour of the stadium, climbing the iconic tent-like roof, then soaring across it on a zip wire or descending via abseiling.

Soccer at the Allianz Arena

Munich proudly hosts one of Europe’s top football teams. Football enthusiasts can explore the state-of-the-art Allianz Arena, walking through the players’ tunnel and stepping onto the pitch, while also discovering more about FC Bayern at the on-site museum. On match days, the museum extends its hours for two additional hours after the final whistle.

A lunch date with a twist

Munich offers several quirky spots for a bite to eat. The whimsical witch-themed restaurant Gans Woanders in Giesing specializes in wood-fired pizza, while Gans am Wasser in Westpark features an eclectic decor by a lakeside. Don't miss their delicious rosemary chips available at both venues.

Another standout is Alte Utting, an unexpected boat situated atop an old railway bridge in Sendling. You can savor meals on the deck before venturing into the historic boiler room below.

Planning tips

• For the quickest transit, use U-Bahn and S-Bahn connections, but consider taking the slower trams and buses to enjoy more of the city's sights. Biking is one of the best ways to explore Munich, so think about renting a bike for the day.

• Children under 6 can ride public transport for free. Group day tickets accommodate up to five adults, with two kids aged 6 to 14 counting as one adult. Alternatively, you can get day passes for children in that age group for €0.

• Regarding Oktoberfest, the festival can be enjoyable for families if you know when and where to go. Kids will adore the fairground rides and the traditional games and music at the Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest). There's also a designated family zone called Familienplatzl. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends, and daytime crowds are usually more family-friendly than evening ones.