10 Best Family Things to Do in Frankfurt

Zoo Frankfurt appeals to animal lovers with so much to see, from alpacas to zebras and other amazing creatures. Established in 1858, the accredited zoo, one of the oldest in the world, is in the central location of Ostend and is home to 4,500 animals and 450 species. Among the highlights are the Cat Jungle, Rhino House and Seal Cliffs.

Also at Zoo Frankfurt is the Exotarium aquarium and Grzimek Haus, home to Europe’s largest collection of nocturnal animals. Kids won’t want to miss the petting zoo where they can meet friendly pygmy goats. When it’s time for a bite, head to the food trucks at Sachsenhausen Schirn on the zoo terrace or The Bizzi waffle stand behind Robben cliffs.

Miramar is home to a spectacular water park offering thrills for kids of all ages. Since opening in 1973 in Weinheim, about an hour south of Frankfurt, the family-friendly destination continues to delight with numerous water attractions in an inviting setting adjacent to Waidsee Lake.

Water activities indoors and out are the main attraction at Miramar. The Adventure Pool is the place to be, with the Jungle Bay area for little ones, whirlpools for grown-ups and Slide Paradise with a choice of 10 slides, including the Crocodile and Pirate slides, for young swimmers and the double-loop Hurricane for the more adventurous. There’s a fantastic laser show at the indoor wave pool from March to October.

Taunus Wunderland is a charming amusement park for young and old. Located in Schlangenbad, a 45-minute drive west of Frankfurt, this nature-inspired attraction set within the Taunus hills has delighted visitors since its opening in 1966. Home to the Muckels family mascots, the park features themed areas inspired by the characters.

More than 50 rides await at Taunus Wunderland, including a carousel at Muckels Village. Little ones will enjoy Aunt Rosi’s Candy Floss Land with the Wild Mouse Roller Coaster. You’ll find a petting zoo and a donkey and pony station at Uncle Benno’s Farm, while Grandpa Alfred’s Dinosaur Valley has a Volcano Slide and Wild T-Rex experience. As for food and drink, there are 6 great restaurants.

Eissporthalle Frankfurt offers winter fun year-round. Located in the Bornheim district of Frankfurt, this multifunctional, 9,000-square-metre complex features several indoor and outdoor areas for recreational ice skating as well as an ice hockey rink and the home arena for the Löwen Frankfurt team.

Since opening in 1981, Eissporthalle Frankfurt has continued to welcome ice skaters of all levels on its 4 ice rinks. The atmosphere is lively with music playing in the background, perfect for working on figure eights and other ice skating moves. For beginners, there is a covered outdoor area to practise their skills. When it’s time for a break, the Cool Running restaurant has a variety of drinks and dishes for every taste.

Rebstock Park offers the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and leisurely activities in a lush setting. Surrounded by the cityscape and a forest, this urban park near the Messe in the Westend-Süd district of Frankfurt provides a tranquil escape with gorgeous greenery and open meadows to run and play.

Along with taking a stroll through Rebstock Park, visitors have a variety of other things they can do. Whether enjoying a meal at one of the picnic areas or checking out the playground, pool and water slides, there is definitely enough to ensure fun for the family. Other features worth exploring include a walking trail and a sports field.

The Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Senckenberg Naturmuseum) offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the Earth’s evolution as well as biology, palaeontology and gemology. This cultural gem, one of the largest museums of its kind in Germany, spans 6,000 square metres and is just outside the Frankfurt city centre.

Within the Senckenberg Natural History Museum is a fascinating world with thousands of exhibits touching on everything from the Big Bang theory to biodiversity and conservation. Highlights include an original skeleton of Diplodocus, a reptile exhibit and a replica skeleton of Lucy, humans’ early ancestor.

Rhein-Main-Therme offers fun for the family at its water park complete with slides and other cool features. Located 20 minutes west of Frankfurt in the city of Hofheim, the 18,000-square-metre water park features several indoor and outdoor pools along with other amenities such as whirlpools and wellness activities with views of the Frankfurt skyline and Taunus mountains.

The highlight of Rhein-Main-Therme for kids is the adventure pool where they can play in the water or go down the double slide. Little ones can play water games in the toddler area, while bigger kids can head to the sports pool for laps. There is also a bistro and restaurant featuring a children’s menu.

The Experiminta ScienceCenter encourages children to expand their minds with more than 130 experimental stations under one roof. Located in the Westend-Süd district, the museum encourages self-discovery with no instructions for any exhibits on purpose.

The areas of focus of Experiminta ScienceCenter are science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM, or MINT in German. Whether children want to build a bridge or discover the beauty of light, the hands-on interactive experiences will definitely stimulate their senses. Science shows and workshops round out the programming.

Old Bonames Airfield (Alter Flugplatz Bonames) offers a unique urban park on a former historic World War II military site. Once used by the U.S. Armed Forces, the outdoor area in Bonames, a borough north of Frankfurt, has undergone a total revitalisation.

Now a nature and leisure area, Old Bonames Airfield offers a lovely location for families to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Along with picnic areas and food trucks, there is an old runway where visitors can ride bikes and skate. Nearby, you’ll also find the GrünGürtel trail and Hölderlin path for hiking.

Tolliwood Children Adventureland Frankfurt invites families to come out and play at its incredible space full of fun attractions. In the borough of Bergen-Enkheim, the indoor playground, which spans 2,500 square metres, is every kid’s dream and encourages jumping, sliding and climbing.

Among the things to experience at Tolliwood Children Adventureland Frankfurt are the Roller Slide, Mini Kart Track and Mega Climbing Frame. There is also a trampoline area and soccer field as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy pizza, lemonade, ice cream and other treats.