8 Fun Things to Do in Munich, Germany, With Kids

Explore BMW Welt

Munich's BMW museum is sure to be a thrill for parents and any kid obsessed with cars. Not only is the architecture of the building itself a wonderous and photo-worthy site, the museum tells the story of a century of automobile evolution. In addition to permanent exhibitions, different guided tours are available that focus on everything from the brand's classic cars to tours of the plant, the latter of which is sure to be a fascinating experience for aspiring aficionados who want to learn about how cars are made.

There is also a Junior Program at BMW Welt, which offers workshops for kids and teens and asks them to imagine the car of tomorrow. There are a variety of workshops, ranging in topics for different age groups from 5 to 18. While little ones can learn the basics of programming and design, teens can learn about photography or sustainability.

Climb on the Roof of Olympiapark

If you find yourself mesmerized by the sloping tent-shaped roof of Olympiapark, then you'll be happy to know that you can don a harness and get the best view of the stadium from the top. Children must be at least 10 years old to take this roof tour that includes climbing, ziplining, and abseiling, all while learning about how the stadium was constructed for Munich's 1972 Olympics. There are many versions of the tour that end in rappelling or ziplining, or you could get down the normal way if you're feeling less adventurous.

Be Charmed by the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz

Bring your kids to Marienplatz, the central square in the heart of Munich’s Old Town, for a beautiful tradition. Every day, visitors gather in front of the impressive City Hall which houses a 100-year old Glockenspiel. This old clock chimes twice a day at 11 a.m. and noon (as well as at 5 p.m. in the summer months) with 32 life-sized figures reenacting Bavaria's historical events. Tell your children to look out for the golden bird that chirps three times to mark the end of each show.

Run Free in the English Garden

Let your kids run free in Munich’s Englischer Garten (English Garden). At 1.4 square miles (3.72 square kilometers), the English garden is larger than New York's Central Park and is considered the green heart of Munich. You can rent a paddleboat, stroll along wooded paths, visit a playground, feed the ducks. One of the most unique sights this park has to offer is the opportunity to watch surfers ride the currents of the river Eisbach on one of the world's rare static river waves.

Spend a Rainy Day at the German Museum

There is no better way for kids to spend a rainy day in Munich than to explore the German Museum, which is one of the oldest and largest science and technology museums in the world. The museum offers a plethora of interactive exhibits for busy hands, and there is a whole section dedicated to curious children. At “Kid’s Kingdom,” young explorers can sit behind the wheel of a real fire engine, fly into the air, or play on a giant guitar—just to name a few of the 1,000 kid-friendly activities at the German Museum. Admission is free for children under six years old.

See the Magic of Movie Making at Bavaria Film Studios

If you are traveling with little movie buffs, take them to the Bavaria Filmstadt (Bavaria Film Studios), Munich’s answer to Hollywood. In Europe’s largest filmmaking center, kids can take a ride on Falkor the dragon from The NeverEnding Story, while parents can experience the submarine of Das Boot. Kids will also be fascinated by the stunt show, which includes fistfights, fire, falls, and a 92-feet deep plunge. Guided tours of the studio sets are available in English.

Go to a Beer Garden (Yes, Really)

Can you take your little ones to a traditional beer garden? Definitely. Munich’s beer gardens are very family-friendly and keep the kids happy while you enjoy authentic Bavarian beer. Most beer gardens have a playground or at the very least a sandbox. The beer garden at Hirschgarten even features a small deer park. Kids will love the beer garden food, too: Sausages, potato salad, pretzels, and apple strudel.

Greet the 5,000 Animals of Hellabrunn Zoo

A visit to Munich’s zoo, Tierpark Hellabrunn, is a fun outing for the whole family. Laid out on 99 acres, the park is more like a nature preserve than a traditional zoo. Here, more than 18,000 animals from all over the world are grouped according to their regions and roam the park in their natural habitats. There’s also a petting zoo, pony and camel rides in summer, and a penguin parade in winter.