Frankfurt with Kids

Senckenberg Museum

The Senckenberg Museum is one of largest museums dedicated to natural history in Germany. It is a fascinating place for young and old, showcasing more than 400,000 exhibits ranging from fossil amphibians and American mammoths to Egyptian mummies.

A highlight of the museum ​is its massive dinosaur skeleton collection (including a Tyrannosaurus Rex), one of Europe’s most diverse exhibitions.

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt

Palmengarten

Take a deep breath and let your kids run free in Frankfurt’s Palmengarten. Founded in 1868 by a group of Frankfurt citizens and now maintained by the Goethe University, this botanical garden takes you on a horticultural journey from the African savanna to the exotic plants of the rain forests to the blooming flower gardens in Europe. Let the kids relax near the majestic waterfall amid exotic plants.

On 50 acres and in various green houses, you can see more than 6,000 different botanical species from all around the world.

Address: Siesmayerstr. 63, 60323 Frankfurt

Apple Cider Express

Your kids are tired from walking around, but there is still more of Frankfurt you want to see? Hop on the colorful Ebbelwei Express (Apple wine express), a historic tram that takes you trough the heart of Frankfurt and connects popular sights like the historic Romerberg Square, Paulskirche, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Frankfurt Zoo.

While listening to some local Hessian music and picking up the dialect, the grown-ups can enjoy a glass of traditional "Ebbelwei" (alcoholic apple cider), the signature drink of Frankfurt, while kids nibble on some pretzels. Download the podcast commentary to hear about all the sights along the way.

(Note: the tram only runs on weekends and holidays).

Ebbelwei Express stops

Main Tower

One of the best ways to see Frankfurt is from above. One of Frankfurt's top attractions, the impressive Main Tower skyscraper has an observation deck that allows you to look down on the rest of the city.

Completed in 2000, this high-rise is named after the German river Main, which runs through Frankfurt's city center. Although the Main Tower (650-feet) is not the highest skyscraper in Frankfurt, it is the only one open to the public. Take the elevator up to the viewing platform and show your kids the sweeping views of Frankfurt's skyline.

Address: Neue Mainzer Strasse 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt

Deutsches Filmmuseum

Little film buffs shouldn’t miss the German Film Museum, located on Frankfurt’s riverbank. The museum explores the art and history of the moving picture, from its early beginnings with the laterna magica and camera obscura, to the replica studios and special effects of the today's movie industry.

There are lots of hands-on exhibits for curious kids. You can re-enact a car chase or take a magic carpet ride over Frankfurt with the help of a blue screen. Take a guided tour to explore every inch of the museum. And of course there’s a movie theatre, which presents all movies in their original version.

Address: Schaumainkai 41, 60596 Frankfurt

Experiminta Museum Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s science and technology center is a great place to spend a rainy day. The museum offers a wealth of interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops for busy hands and curious minds. Young visitors can discover 130 experimental stations by getting inside a huge soap bubble, watching races with miniature solar cars, or exploring the inside of a giant eye ball to understand the physics of human vision.

Along with the permanent exhibit, there are special shows, lectures for young and old, and hands-on workshops.

Address: Hamburger Allee 22, 60486 Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt International Airport is Germany's busiest airport and the fourth biggest hub in Europe. There is a good chance this will be your entry point to Germany, but there is no need to rush away. There is a fantastic visitors' terrace (free for kids under 4) and several behind-the -scenes tours. There is a mini-tour (45 minutes, no reservations required), night tour, and even a fire department tour.

Address: Terminal 2, 60547 Frankfurt