Best European Cities for Kids: Munich

Who wouldn’t love a city where life-sized figures on horseback jump out of a clock and have a jousting match three times a day? This is just one of the experiences family travelers can enjoy while traveling in Munich and, like the Glockenspiel, several of them are free.

The beautiful park surrounding Nymphenburg Palace is one such place, where children play in the maze or run off extra energy while parents admire the gardens, fountains and statues. In summer you can ride on the lake in a real gondola. The palace itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and decoration and, exploring it, kids will feel like royalty themselves. Be sure they look up to see the frescoed ceilings, so realistic they seem open to the sky.

While you’re in the neighborhood, visit Tierpark Hellabrunn, one of Europe’s finest zoos. Animals are grouped by their native origins and live in environments replicating their natural homes. Apart from the polar bears and other Arctic animals, who have their own refrigerated building, the nearly 2,000 animals roam free in spacious settings. Take a picnic, stroll the paths and watch kids enjoy the large playground.

Another attraction where you’ll meet Munich families enjoying the outdoors is the mammoth English Garden. Large, well-equipped playgrounds are scattered throughout one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, one close to the Chinese Tower, where a family-friendly beer garden serves snacks and heartier German dishes. On weekends, bands play in the lower floor of this 80-foot tower. Take in the panorama of Munich’s skyline from the temple-like Monopteros, rent a paddleboat on the lake, and relax in the serenity of the Japanese Tea House on its own little island.

Take kids of all ages to the state-of-the-art Deutches Museum, where Children’s Kingdom is reserved for ages 3–8. Here, older kids can explore science, technology and aeronautics through hands-on interactive stations and experiments. Add a little kid-friendly culture to a Munich trip with a visit to Pinakothek der Moderne for some colorful modern art, and Egyptian Museum for some ancient perspectives. Admission at both is free for children under 18.