Well, summer took a while to come around this year and we are so excited it’s finally here. I wanted to share some of our top summer activites in Berlin with kids. Actually, you don’t really need kids they are super fun for everyone.
Berlin with kids – Monbijoux Park and Swimming Pool
It’s hard to believe this exists right in the center of a capital city but it does and we love it. Often crowded but always refreshing and fun Kinderbad (children’s pool) Monbijoux lies in the center of Monbijoux park which is a giant expanse of green complete with barbecuing families and large children’s playground. The park itself has plenty of shade too. The swimming pool itself has changing rooms, lockers and a grassy area to lie around in too. There is a small shop serving snacks, ice creams and drinks with the occasional pretzel thrown in. Come early and grab a spot before the masses arrive.
Berlin with kids – Hassenheide Park
People always rave about Templehoff and what a great spot it is and Volkspark Hassenheide often doesn’t get a mention. Get off at stations Hermannplatz or Boddinstrasse. The highlights for me are the open air cinema which shows both films in English with German subtitles or German film with English subtitles. The screenings are brilliant and varied from great documentaries to reasonably new releases. CLICK HERE, for more information. My second favorite hangout is the small outdoor zoo. There are llamas and camels and donkey and ducks. I guess its more a petting zoo but without the petting. The path through the zoo is charming and the southwest side of it has a very nice children’s playground. After all of this exploration and exertion you can grab an ice cold beer at parks beer garden Cafe Hasenchanke or if you happen to visit on a Sunday you must visit my favorite brunch spot Blume. They do a Sunday breakfast buffet which is amazing. There is even a waffle maker! Be sure to use the link above to book in advance.
BRUNCH AT BLUME
Berlin with kids – FEZ Berlin
I think limiting FEZ to a summer only destination is unfair. The FEZ center and adjoining gardens and park are worth a visit any time of year and don’t be put off by the distance. Get to Warchauer Str S Bahn station and take a train 1 stop to Ostkreuz and then the S3, 3 stops to Wuhlheide station, it’s really simple. From June to September a very charming steam train Parkeisenbahn will drive you to the FEZ building. Out of these times, we have just walked the 1.5K woodland walk which is paved and buggy friendly.
The grounds at FEZ a filled with adventure playgrounds, we counted 4 on our visit, sand pits and plenty of woodlands to explore too. There is a small freshwater lake for swimming with a lifeguard and cafe. Children under 2 are free, over 2.5€ and adults 4€. There are family tickets available too. For more information check out the very useful FEZ web site.
FEZ itself offers an ever-changing program of events with specially themed activities. The complex has a large hall with a fun house, a theater and an indoor swimming pool (currently closed for renovations June 2017). Again I highly recommend visiting their website to see what’s going on.
There are lots of food options at FEZ too, food trucks are often parked outside the entrance and the grounds have several wooden huts serving traditional chips and bratwurst. If your looking for extra health or veggie options perhaps bring a picnic just incase.
Berlin with kids – Thai Park Wilmersdorf
Every Saturday and Sunday during the summer months Wilmersdorfs Prusspark hosts a Thai street food extravaganza. Having spent a number of years living in Thailand I both love and miss their amazing cuisine and this place is as authentic as it gets. Popular vendors sell out very quickly with lines of 20 – 30 people at some single man stands! The park is filled with families and has a giant playground with water and sand to entertain little ones once running around in the grass and eating isn’t enough. The park does have some shady areas and public toilet facilities which are clean (most of the time) and free. Make sure you bring a blanket and a healthy appetite.
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