Located along the Elbe River, Hamburg is a lively port city with plenty going on. This is one of my favourite places in Germany, it has that big city feel without being too overwhelming. What’s more, it’s full of brilliant attractions for all ages making a visit to Hamburg with kids a great choice!
Hamburg is a fantastic destination for families. Here are my tips on how to make the most of your time in Hamburg with kids with all the top things to do!
Things to do in Hamburg with kids: Activities and attractions
What you need to know
- Is Hamburg kid-friendly? Absolutely! Hamburg is an exciting city with lots to keep you entertained. From its busy port to its incredible historic buildings and all of its great attractions, Hamburg is perfect for visiting with children.
- What are the best things to do in Hamburg with kids? This depends on what your children are interested in. There’s a great variety to see and do, from zoos to planetariums and even treasure hunts, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
- How many days in Hamburg with kids? I think 3-5 days would be perfect for visiting Hamburg with kids. There’s lots to do to fill a longer stay but some great highlights if you only want to see a few things and space them out.
Hamburg CARD
The Hamburg CARD is a great tourist card for those visiting the city offering fantastic deals on transportation as well as many popular attractions. The card can give free access to all forms of public transport in Hamburg, including some ferries, along with discounts on lots of museums, tours, experiences and attractions. This is a great money-saving option to consider if you’re visiting Hamburg with children and looking to see a lot of the most popular places!
Museums
Hamburg has plenty of amazing museums for kids, I could easily dedicate this post just to them. I’ve picked out four of the best that cover different styles and interests. Whether you want to explore history or jump into a minatur world, there’s a museum to suit every taste!
Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland, holding the Guinness World Record for the largest model railway, is a must-see marvel. It offers a miniature glimpse of the world, from Venice to Germany to the USA, complete with over 250,000 tiny figurines. The exhibits are incredibly well-detailed, you could spend hours looking through them. There’s even an airport with planes taking off and landing! This is a great activity to do in Hamburg with kids, especially on a rainy day!
Note that it’s pretty much essential to book your tickets in advance via the website. Miniatur Wunderland has previously been voted the most popular tourist attraction in Germany and sells out quickly!
International Maritime Museum Hamburg
Discover Hamburg’s nautical charm at the International Maritime Museum. Explore the world’s largest private maritime collection, with over 50,000 miniature ship models and more than 1,500 large model ships. Dive into the history of ocean exploration with a plethora of drawings, paintings, photos, and ship memorabilia on display. A visit to the International Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Hamburg with kids if you want to explore the city’s history.
Museum of Illusions Hamburg
Experience mind-bending fun at the Museum of Illusions, where your world turns upside down and back to front! Step into illusion rooms like the vortex tunnel and reverse room, where you become part of the exhibit. Don’t miss the head-on-a-plate illusion—it’s a favourite and perfect for a memorable photo op! There are lots of exhibits, installations and confusing pictures to wrap your head around making it one of the most fun Hamburg kids attractions!
Panoptikum Wax Museum
Home to over 120 figurines, head on over to Panoptikum Wax Museum to grab a selfie with a celebrity! From Henry VIII to Adele and Barack Obama there’s a great range of figures on display. Don’t forget to pick up a free audio guide at the entrance to learn more about the ones you might not recognize. This is a great activity to do in Hamburg with kids, especially if you want to some great photos!
Parks
Hamburg has so many great parks filled with things to see and do for children. Here are two of my favourites that I visited and some of their highlights:
Grasbrookpark
Another one of the most popular parks in Hamburg for families is Grasbrookpark. With a maritime theme, this park is sure to capture the imagination of your little ones. Surrounding the main ship, water play areas offer relief on hot days. Afterwards, you can relax in the shade of hedges shaped like ships, further adding to the nautical feel.
Planten un Blomen
Probably the most well-known park in the city, Planten un Blomen is centrally located with lots to explore. It boasts one of the largest children’s playgrounds in the city, complete with a water play area and ropes course. Additionally, there’s a mini golf course, rollerskating rink, trampoline area, and a giant chess set. The park provides ample facilities including changing rooms, toilets, and cafes for convenience. This is such a great spot to visit in Hamburg with kids offering a great variety of activities for all ages.
Indoor activities
Looking for something to do indoors that isn’t a museum? Hamburg has got you covered with some great choices. Whether you’re looking for a bone-chilling experience in The Dungeon or want to gaze up at the stars in the Planetarium there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy!
The Hamburg Dungeon
For older kids, Hamburg Dungeon offers the ultimate immersive live-action experience. If you’ve been to one of The Dungeons before, you know they’re not for the faint-hearted. Actors portray historical figures amidst incredible terrifying sets, transporting you back in time as you delve into the city’s most frightening history. Explore the torture chamber, visit the Plague Hospital, learn about the great fire of Hamburg, and more at this amazing attraction!
Planetarium Hamburg
If you’re looking for something fun and educational, a visit to the Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Hamburg with kids. Its domed hall hosts a variety of incredible shows that whisk you into outer space. From the history of our planet to the future of space exploration, there’s something for everyone. Plus, they offer shows specifically tailored for children. Don’t miss out on the viewing platform for great views of the city!
JUMP House trampoline park
If you’re looking to burn some energy when visiting Hamburg with kids, a visit to the JUMP House is a must. It offers 11 exciting activities including Slam Jump basketball hoops and the Sky Ninja obstacle course, located 8 meters above ground!
Outdoor activities
From treasure hunts to tigers there are plenty of great outdoor activities to do when visiting Hamburg with kids. Here are a few you have to check out:
Hagenbeck Zoo
I really love visiting zoos and Tierpark Hagenbeck doesn’t disappoint. From polar bears, penguins and seals to zebras and lions you’re sure to find your favourite animal here. Be sure to check out some of the live feedings for some fun animal interactions (I especially loved the Pacific Walrus feeding!) This is the perfect activity, not only for visiting Hamburg with kids, but everyone!
Elbstrand Beach
Visiting a beach with kids is always exciting, even more so when you’re in the middle of a city! Along the northern bank of the Elbe River, you’ll find Elbe Beach, the sandy shoreline is the perfect place for some fun and you can even BBQ in some places. Lots of cafes and restaurants are dotted around the beach making it easy to grab food for a picnic as you watch the boats sail past.
Hamburg DOM
One of my absolute favourite things I did in Hamburg was visit the Hamburg DOM. This is a huge fair held in the city three times a year (spring, summer and winter) full of amazing rides. This is the ultimate place for thrill seekers, roller coasters, log flumes, and ghost trains are just some of the 260 attractions you’ll find here. If rides aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty to enjoy with numerous food stalls offering tasty treats and plenty of arcades to explore. I recommend visiting later in the day for the perfect way to spend an evening in Hamburg with kids.
City Hunt for Mr X
Looking for an exciting way to explore the city? The City Hunt for Mr. X is just that. It’s a unique tour where you’ll be tracking down Mr. X, who sends live updates of his location to guide you through all the city’s hotspots. The goal is simple: snap a photo of Mr. X, and the first one to do so wins. The tour is fully customisable for families and kids depending on who you have with you and is such a fun way to explore Hamburg with kids!
Treasure hunt through Hafencity
Another fun way to see the city, specifically the Hafencity area, is with this fantastic interactive treasure hunt. Upon arrival, you receive a bag with clues to read and directions to lead you around all the best-known spots in the area while learning more about them. Solve riddles and puzzles to achieve your objective: finding the lost treasure and exploring Hafencity in this unique way!
Hop on Hop off Bus tour
Seeing the city, learning its history and, best of all, sitting down, the Hop on Hop off Bus tour is a great activity to do in Hamburg with kids. With 20 stops conveniently situated near major attractions, you can hop on and off at your own pace and features an onboard audioguide with earphones available to use. The full journey takes about two hours, and with a day pass, you can use the bus as much as you like throughout the day.
Summary
With its blend of great parks, a variety of indoor experiences, and exciting museums, Hamburg provides a great selection of great child-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled family trip!
