Looking for some amazing family-friendly things to do in Cologne of your Germany vacation? Then you have come to the right place. This place is a wonderful city full of vibrant attractions. When you come to this place for the very first time you will notice history beautifully blending into modern charm. Grab the chance to see chocolate museums, majestic cathedrals and much more in Cologne with your family. Read on to know some exciting activities to do in Cologne with your family!
11 Best Family-Friendly Things to do in Cologne, Germany
1). The Cologne Chocolate Museum Experience
If you are travelling with kids to the Cologne, then you should not miss out on the Chocolate Museum. You will find the Schokoladenmuseum or the Chocolate Museum along the Rhine River.
One amazing thing about this attraction is that it delights visitors of all ages. Who wouldn’t love chocolate?
After visiting this place, you can learn about some amazing things like the chocolate-making process – From Bean to Bar!
A major attraction of this museum is the 3 meter high chocolate fountain. Here, the visitors can taste fresh chocolate wafers. In addition, you can explore the tropicarium to see the cacao trees.
You and your kids can indulge in chocolate making workshops and chocolate tasting sessions. Last but not least, enjoy a relaxing meal at the riverside café of this museum!
2). Rhine River Cruises – Best Family-Friendly Activities in Cologne
One of the most popular activities in the Cologne is taking a cruise on the Rhine River . When you go on the boat trip on beautiful river, you will enjoy a unique perspective of the city skyline . Some of the famous landmarks that you will see on your cruise are the Old Town and the Cologne Cathedral.
Apart from this, the cruise gives you a leisure and serene way to explore the city. If you want to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city life then this is the top thing to do in Cologne.
One interesting thing you will notice and enjoy on the cruise is the audio commentary about the place. This will give you rich insights into the history and culture of the Cologne . The cruises usually last around 1.5-2 hours and departs from convenient places like Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer . On the cruise, you can relish delicious culinary delights that add an extra layer of enjoyment to your Colonge vacation!
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3). Visiting Cologne Zoo with Children for a Fun Day Trip!
A fascinating thing about this zoo is that it dates back to the year 1860. The zoo may seem historic but it is home to a whopping 10,000 animals from 850 species. But, that is not all!
You will get to experience modern facilities while seeing this zoo with your kids. In addition to that, the zoo boasts conservation programs that make this place an educational family destination.
Your kids will also love the interactive exhibits and the feeding demonstrations. One of the must see attractions in this zoo is the Asian Elephant Park. This place covers a staggering area of 20,000 sq. metres. In addition to this, you will love explore the Rainforest house. Here, you can spot the free-flying tropical birds in a lush green environment.
Apart from this, other major attractions to see are the Hippodrome, Monkey Rock and the Petting Zoo!
4). Museum Ludwig – One of the Cologne’s Main Attractions
This is a world-class museum that is home to the largest pop art collection in the Europe. Here, you can get to see many popular works by Pablo Picasso. In addition to this, famous American pop art icons like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein have their works on display here.
This place dates back to the year 1976 and initially had around 350 works donated by Peter and Irene Ludwig. Over time, the museum became popular and now houses around 20,000 pieces of artworks!
The museum offer several family-friendly activities which make it the top Cologne attractions for children. The museum has a special programming for children. This encourages them to explore the art in a fun and interactive way.
Visitor families can also borrow a family suitcase that has a lot of toys and activities for children above 2 years of age . Then there is the Art Lab where kids can engage in the creative activities. So, why wait any longer? Plan your trip to Cologne, Germany today!
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5). Phantasialand – Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids in Cologne
This amazing theme park is in the Brühl which is very close to the Cologne. This place is famous for several reasons with one begin the intricately designed theme areas. You will be happy to see various areas in this theme park like the Fiesta Mexico, the mystical mystery and Rookburgh.
Then there are the world-class rides that you kids will enjoy riding on. Some of the must-try rides are the Taron, the F.L.Y. and Black Mamba. The Taron is essentially one of the fastest multi-launch coasters in the world. Whereas the F.L.Y is the longest flying coaster in the world. When it comes to the Black Mamba is a popular inverted coaster!
Apart from this, there are family friendly attractions like Maus au Chocolat. This place is a 3D interactive shooting right. In addition to this, you can also witness the live shows and entertainment performances by professionals.
If you are looking for accommodations, this theme park has their own. You can book the stays at the Hotel Ling Bao and Hotel Matamba!
Overall, this place has everything that will satisfy not just your kids also your inner child!
6). Enjoy the Old Town Walking Tours in Cologne
If you want to explore the Cologne at your own relaxing pace then you should choose to go on a walking tour to the Old Town area. The Altstadt or the Old Town will help you to explore centuries of history of not just Cologne but Germany!
When you first go to see this place, you will come some fascinating things. These include the narrow streets, the traditional brewhouses and the colourful houses. All of these combine to create a magical ambience for you and your kids.
If you don’t know where to start, you can also choose guided tours . These will help you to dive deeper into this place with the help of stories and legends!
Do not miss out on some highlight attractions of the Old Town in Cologne. These include the Cathedral (Kölner Dom) which is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the largest cathedrals in Germany. Then there are other sites like the Great St. Martin Church and the Cologne City Hall.
You should also explore the lively squares like the Alter Markt and Heumarkt. If indulging in heritage places is what you are after then exploring the Old Town is the best thing to do in Cologne for families!
7). Flora and Botanical Garden – Family-friendly parks in Cologne
Searching for a peaceful escape from the city bustle in the Cologne? The Flora and Botanical Garden is the place to be!
Dating back to the 1864, this place is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. One of the most amazing things about this place is the 10,000 different places species which include exotic plants too. In addition to this, the garden features different incredible themes. You can explore the theme like Mediterranean Garden, Alpine Garden and the Garden of Aromas. Fascinating, right?
The entire area of the gardens spans close to 12 hectares. During your garden trip, you will come across manicured paths and picturesque ponds . Then, there are the stunning flower beds that you will kids will love seeing.
Children can also enjoy the educational opportunities, thanks to the interactive exhibits and activities . Admission to this is free making it an attractive place to visit for the families!
8). Cologne Cable Car – Popular Things to Do in Cologne with Kids
This is a captivating cable car ride that will take you across the Rhine river . The entire experience will provide with unique views of the fascinating Cologne!
This ride dates back to the 1957 and is one of the most exciting activities to do in Cologne. During the ride, you will get to enjoy breathtaking views landmarks like Cologne Cathedral and the Zoo Bridge. The entire ride is gentle which appeals to holidaymakers that come to the Cologne with their families.
A interesting fact about this ride is its history. Initially, this cable car ride was built for the National Gardening Exhibition. But, over time, this turned into a historic transportation option for the city!
If you are visiting the Cologne during any events then you should definitely try to ride this cable car. During this time, you will enjoy views of the festivals or the fireworks!
9). Visit Historical Beer Houses – Authentic Things to do in Cologne
Traditional beer houses are a staple, not just in the Cologne but also in Germany. An amazing fact about these places is that some of them cater to the families as well.
Although these beer houses are popular for their beers, you will get to enjoy delicious family meals too. You can choose from a variety of beer houses for your family meal. These include the Peters Brauhaus which is a historic brewery in the Old Town. This place is famous for the traditional German cuisine and the friendly service.
Then there is the Brauerei zur Malzmühle which is one of the oldest in the Cologne . This place dates back to the year 1858 and offers a family-friendly ambience. Also, the menu of the beerhouse boasts classic german dishes alongside the famous Kölsch beer.
If you are looking for a beerhouse that has outdoor play areas then you can go to the Haus Unkelbach. Plan your trip and add such incredible attractions to make your Cologne vacation unforgettable!
10). Explore the Cologne Cathedral – A Gothic Masterpiece
One of the Cologne’s main attractions, this wonderful cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, it also receives the most number of tourists in the Germany.
One of the first things that you will notice about this attraction is its twin spires. They reach a staggering height of 157 metres and offer captivating views of the city. Families need to undertake an arduous climb of 533 steps to the observation deck. But, the views that you get from this place are beyond legendary!
The Gothic masterpiece dates back to the year 1248 and features beautiful stain glass windows. You can also check the popular Shrine of the Three Kings . Then, there is the beautiful architecture and the intricate details that you and your kids will love.
If you don’t want to do everything on your own, you can also book a guided tour . This will enable you to easily learn more about the fascinating cathedral and have a great time with your kids.
11). Go Shopping at the Schildergasse in Cologne
This place is one of the busiest shopping streets in the Europe. The fact that it is this busy if because you can find just about anything here. This place boasts modern shops that seamlessly mix with the historic architecture. Apart from this, you will come across seasonal market and the streets. These will add an extra element of fun and entertainment to your shopping experiences.
Here, you will find both local and international brands. In addition to this, the place boasts local boutiques as well as the cafés and restaurants where you can relax after a shopping spree!
Conclusion
The incredible Cologne in Germany beautiful combines the best of the history, modern entertainment and the rich culture. These allow families to explore some of the best things to do in Cologne and even Germany too!
Right from climbing the towers of the Cathedral to munching tasty chocolates, Cologne has it all. These attractions, destinations and activities make Cologne an ideal place for your family holiday. So, choose the best time to visit Cologne and jet off to Germany for a hassle-free and memorable holiday!
FAQs
The perfect time to go to the Cologne to see it is during the Spring and the Autumn season. During these seasons, you will experience a pleasant weather and will encounter few people. If you prefer cooler temperatures, you can go to the Cologne in December to experience the Christmas Market.
Yes, many tourist attractions in the Cologne offer child-friendly facilities. Also , the public transportation in the Cologne is easily accessible for strollers . In addition to this, many museums and tourist spots provide special family programs!
A 3-5 or a maximum of 5 day stay allows families to see and explore most of the attractions of the Cologne comfortable. You can also add extra days to your stay if you want to go on a extensive shopping spree of visit the Phantasialand.
Adults can try the classic Kölsch beer. As for children, they can try the Shnitzel, Bratwurst, Potato Pancakes and Pretzels. Apart from these, families can also relish the Himmel un Äd (heaven and earth dish), Halver Hahn (cheese sandwich), and local chocolates.
Families visiting the Cologne can explore a wide selection of activities at the Rheinpark. Then there is the Volksgarten which offers pedal boating on the lake.