Things to Do with Kids in Munich
Things to Do with Kids in Munich: Family-Friendly Attractions and Day Trips
Munich is known for its beer gardens, historic architecture, and Bavarian traditions. But did you know it is also a fantastic destination for families? Whether you're visiting for a few days or looking for activities during a longer stay, the city offers plenty of experiences that children and parents can enjoy together. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Munich.
Explore Nymphenburg Palace and Its Gardens
A visit to Nymphenburg Palace is a great way to combine history, nature, and outdoor fun. The impressive Baroque palace is surrounded by extensive gardens, fountains, and canals that are perfect for a family stroll.
One of the highlights for children is the opportunity to take a gondola ride on the palace canal during the warmer months. It is a unique experience that makes a visit to the palace even more memorable.
Getting there: Take tram 17 to "Schloss Nymphenburg" or bus 51/151 to "Schloss Nymphenburg". From Munich Central Station, the journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes.
Opening hours: The palace is generally open daily, with seasonal opening hours. The palace park is accessible year-round and free of charge.
Admission: Entry to the palace is ticketed, while the park is free. Family tickets are available. Prices vary depending on the areas visited. Check the official palace website before your visit.
Visit BMW Welt and the Olympic Park
Even if your children are not car enthusiasts, BMW Welt is well worth a visit. Unlike the BMW Museum, BMW Welt offers free admission and features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special events designed for younger visitors.
The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, and children often enjoy exploring the various displays and activities throughout the venue.
BMW Welt is located right next to the Olympic Park, making it easy to combine both attractions in one day. The park offers vast green spaces, playgrounds, walking paths, and plenty of opportunities to burn off energy.
If you are visiting during the summer, be sure to check out the Tollwood Festival. This popular cultural festival takes place in the Olympic Park and features family-friendly entertainment, international food stalls, live performances, and creative activities for children. In August, the “Sommerfestival im Olympiapark” awaits families with rides, culinary treats, concerts at the Theatron, and activities for kids.
Getting there: Take the U3 subway line to "Olympiazentrum". BMW Welt is directly next to the station. From Munich Central Station, travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes.
Opening hours: BMW Welt is open Monday–Saturday from 7:30 am to midnight and Sundays/public holidays from 9:00 am to midnight. The interactive family area "The Campus" offers workshops and activities for children.
Admission: Entry to BMW Welt is free. Some workshops and special experiences may require advance booking and an additional fee.
Enjoy a Sunny Day in the English Garden
The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world and a wonderful place for families to spend a relaxing day outdoors.
One of the park's most famous attractions is the Eisbach wave, where surfers ride the river all year round. Watching the surfers is fascinating for children and adults alike.
When it's time for a break, head to the Chinese Tower beer garden. Parents can enjoy traditional Bavarian food while children play in the nearby playground. The combination of outdoor dining and family-friendly facilities makes it a great stop during your visit.
Getting there: Take the U3/U6 to "Universität" or "Giselastraße" and walk into the park.
Opening hours: The English Garden is open at all times. The Chinese Tower Beer Garden operates seasonally, typically from late morning until evening, weather permitting.
Admission: Free entry to the park. The playground near the Chinese Tower is also free to use.
Discover the Deutsches Museum on Rainy Days
Munich weather is not always predictable, but fortunately the city has one of the best museums in Europe for families.
The Deutsches Museum is famous for its interactive science and technology exhibitions. Children can learn about everything from aviation and space travel to physics and engineering through engaging displays and hands-on experiences.
Families with younger children should not miss the dedicated children's section, which offers age-appropriate exhibits designed to encourage curiosity and exploration.
Getting there: Take the S-Bahn to "Isartor" and walk approximately 10 minutes, or use tram 17 to "Deutsches Museum". (Deutsches Museum)
Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. (Deutsches Museum)
Admission: Adult tickets are approximately €15–17, with discounted family tickets available. Children under a certain age may enter free of charge. Check the museum website for current rates. (Deutsches Museum)
Take a Day Trip to Lake Starnberg
For a change of scenery, consider taking a short S-Bahn ride from Munich to Lake Starnberg. The journey is quick and easy, making it an ideal day trip for families.
Once you arrive, one of the best activities is a boat cruise on the lake. Depending on your schedule, you can choose from shorter cruises of around 30 minutes or longer trips lasting up to two hours. The beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding Alpine landscape make the excursion enjoyable for all ages.
After the cruise, families can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy an ice cream, or simply relax by the water before heading back to Munich.
Getting there: Take the S6 suburban train from Munich to Starnberg. The journey takes about 35–40 minutes.
Boat cruises: Cruise boats depart regularly during the season, with options ranging from short round trips of about 30 minutes to longer cruises of up to two hours.
Admission: Cruise prices depend on the route and duration. Expect short family-friendly cruises to start at around €10–15 per adult, with reduced fares for children.
Discover Munich Through a Family-Friendly Guided Tour
Exploring Munich with children can be even more enjoyable when stories and local history are brought to life by an experienced guide. Servus Bavaria Tours offers family-friendly city tours that are specifically designed to keep younger visitors engaged while introducing them to Munich's fascinating past.
For families looking for something a little different, the children's Night Watchman Tour is particularly popular. As evening falls, kids can follow the Night Watchman through Munich's historic streets and listen to exciting tales about medieval life, local legends, and mysterious events from the city's history. The interactive storytelling makes history fun and accessible, turning a simple sightseeing walk into a memorable adventure.
Whether you choose a family city tour during the day or the Night Watchman experience in the evening, these guided tours offer a unique way for children to discover Munich beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Visiting Munich with Kids
Munich offers an excellent mix of culture, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. From exploring royal palaces and watching river surfers to discovering interactive museums and taking scenic boat trips, there is no shortage of things to do with children. Whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling, families will find plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories in Bavaria's capital.