20 Best Things to do in Dusseldorf with Kids (& Family)

Planning to visit Düsseldorf with kids and wondering how to make this family trip exciting for everyone? We've been to this 'pearl on the Rhine' countless times, and discovered plenty of fun things to do with your kids in Düsseldorf (including many free activities)!

Scroll down for the 20 best things to do in Düsseldorf with your family! 👇

13 Things to do in Düsseldorf with kids

Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum

Located in Nordpark, the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum is AMAZING. From majestic rays to tiny shrimps, as well as adorable penguins and crocodiles, this place is an aquarium, zoo and natural museum rolled into one.

Our kids had a blast with the interactive stuff – peeping through microscopes and diving into a submarine simulation.

You'll also be glad to know the Aquazoo bagged some UN awards for their amphibian conservation and breeding efforts.

Good news for parents – admission is free for kids up to 6 years. And our Düsseldorf tourist card got us in for free too.

If your German is a bit rusty, grab an English leaflet at the info desk on your way in, and throw in the audio guide for a mere €3!

Hand-feed animals at Wildpark im Grafenberger Wald

Our family had a delightful time at Wildpark Grafenberger Wald, spending a crisp winter day surrounded by nature and animals. The entire experience was free, except the €1 pots of animal food, which turned out to be the highlight.

We hand-fed adorable deer (they were the only animals not behind barricades) and the joy on the boys' faces as the deer approached for cuddles was priceless. There are over 100 animals here, and we also got to see the wild pigs and raccoons.

Located within the 200-year-old beech forest of Grafenberger Wald, it's a great place for the whole family to get more fresh air, away from city center.

But be warned – while the park is easily accessible by U73 or tram, finding it within Grafenberger Wald can be a bit tricky because the maps and signs can be quite confusing.

Aside from that, it's great for families. There's play areas for children, clean toilets, and nice picnic spots. There's even lots of free parking. Just be sure to bring your €1 coins for the animal food dispenser!

Neanderthal Museum

This fascinating museum is at the site of the first Neanderthal man (pre-historic men) discovery – just outside the city of Düsseldorf in Mettmann. [2]

From the museum, you can follow the path to where the remains were found. You start at the entrance with the early evolution and slowly spiral up.

Our kids had a blast having their photos taken with life-size Neanderthal figures. In fact, they kept asking questions about them even after we left the museum!

What struck me was how much I actually learned – it totally changed my assumption that Neanderthals were just a primitive bunch. The museum actually painted a far more complex and fascinating view of early man!

Have Kaffee und Kuchen

Fortunately, daily “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee & cake) is tradition here, so those with a sweet tooth can relax and enjoy themselves.

Düsseldorf is known for its delicious desserts and sweet treats which are always a hit with children and adults alike! 

As a matter of fact, the city is famed for high-quality chocolates, cakes, biscuits, pastries, breads, doughnuts, and traditional sweets... you name it, they got it.

For the best baked goodies in town, head to Bäckerei Hinkel, a century-old bakery and try any of their pastries - it's guaranteed to be good. Be sure to pick up a bag of their Aachener Printen (a special gingerbread hailing from Aachen) too.

Sweet and Eat on Kapuzinergasse also produces the "best roasted almonds in the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia” - a type of German candied almonds that taste absolutely fantastic!

Filmmuseum

This movie museum is totally worth checking out – especially since it's free with the Düsseldorf tourist card!

Tucked away in the Old Town, this museum has been around since 1993, showcasing the world of filmmaking, from its earliest days to the current scene. They've even got some props from the Lord of the Rings movies!

Families can enjoy a day of "movie magic" – with costumes, props, cameras, and editing techniques, all there to see, touch, and learn. My personal favorites were the exhibits that reveal the behind-the-scenes tricks of movie production!

The only hiccup is some of the info is only in German, so if you're not fluent, you might miss a bit here and there.

LaserZone

If your children are 12 years old and above, then playing laser tag at LaserZone is an activity that can involve the whole family!

Prices are reasonable and the venue is large with lots of hiding places, which means you can really go all out here. What's fun is you can play individually or team up with each other.

Beyond the fun, I like that the game encourages teamwork, some problem-solving, and even sparks creativity, which is something many parents like us struggle with when searching for an engaging activity for our kids.

Rheinuferpromenade

You'll see many young families out on Dusseldorf's Rheinuferpromenade on the weekends, with little children learning to ride their bikes, or families rollerblading down the promenade, with the passing ships serving as their backdrop.

As Dusseldorf's heartbeat, this promenade was once an industrial harbor. But today, it's a great spot to catch an authentic glimpse of Düsseldorf's way of life.

Plus, if you're with kids, taking them on a cruise along the Rhine at sunset is a cool way to see the city – because in our experience, kids generally love boats!

Have fun at the 'Kirmes'

Rheinkirmes is one of the biggest funfairs on the Rhine. [1]

Taking place on the Oberkassel Rheinwiesen, this annual fair draws large crowds every July, although it's still somewhat under the radar for international tourists. 

Indeed, compared to the Oktoberfest, it's much smaller in scale. But the atmosphere is way more family-friendly – not a place where you'll find people passed out drunk on the grass!

Everything you'd expect from a fantastic fair is here – dark beer, amazing snacks, thrilling rides (with new ones each year). There are plenty of merry-go-rounds and bumper cars for little ones to enjoy too.

My own Rheinkirmes tradition started early, tagging along with my parents since I was a wee two-year-old. So I make sure to bring my own kids every year!

Pro tip: The best rides are usually farther from the entrance!

Schloss Benrath

Schloss Benrath is a stunning Rococo palace located about 20 minutes from Düsseldorf. Built in the mid-18th century, it stands as one of the city's most beautiful historical gems.

Located in a quieter part of town, you'll need an admission ticket to enter the palace, which is really quite beautiful. But it's the luxurious 61-hectare palace park (that's free & open to the public) that impressed me.

The well-manicured gardens are ideal for children to wander around safely, surrounded by all sorts of natural beauty and small critters. On our last trip, we spotted a family of otters, swans, ducks, carp and honey bees.

There's even an orangery and a large herb and vegetable garden where you can pick and buy organic & fresh produce.

Overall, this is a great spot for the whole family to spend time in nature without traveling too far!

Bobbolino Children's World

Bobbolino is a gigantic indoor soft-play wonderland designed for kids of all ages, but it's really more for the younger ones in my opinion.

From climbing frames, tunnels and slides, to bouncy castles, trampolines, and even air hockey – they have everything you need to entertain the little ones while ensuring they are in a safe environment.

There's also a fully-stocked bistro where parents can chill, grab some hamburgers, or ice cream, and sit down with a drink (they even have special menus for kids!)

Enjoy the views from Rhine Tower

If you're a first-timer in Düsseldorf, the Rhine Tower is one of the top things to do in the city. Built in 1982, this 240-meter tower is an iconic landmark, offering fascinating views of Düsseldorf from way up high.

You can even spot the Cologne Cathedral from here on a clear day!

The elevator ride goes up 168 meters (551 feet) and is a favorite with children and adults alike. From the M168 observation deck, there's a mini bar offering drinks and cakes, creating a perfect spot to chill for 30 minutes to an hour, as the observation deck slowly revolves.

Admission to the Rhine Tower is free for kids up to 6 years, and parents with the Düsseldorf tourist card save about 40% off the entry tickets.

Unterbacher See

Unterbacher See is a freshwater lake located in Düsseldorf. What makes this spot great for families are the water playgrounds and activities found here.

On both sides of the lake, you'll find sandy beaches where kids can have a blast building sandcastles or playing in the water.

Beach chairs are available for rent, so parents can relax and soak up some sun while keeping an eye on their little ones.

If your family enjoys beach volleyball, there are courts set up where you can engage in some friendly competition.

And when everyone works up an appetite, no worries! Unterbacher See has showers and snack bars to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day.

Monkeyspot

When I was a kid, my dad made sure I got over my fear of heights by introducing me to some climbing walls. So when I brought my boys to their first rock climbing gym, it felt like I was doing the same.

I highly recommend Monkeyspot as a safe, kid-friendly place for children to pick up climbing skills. The kids get professional support, and even my younger son, who usually doesn't enjoy climbing, turned into a little climbing monkey!

There's also special area for younger children, and they offer tasty snacks, fresh waffles, drinks, and more.

If you don't have climbing shoes, don't worry – we borrowed ours, but you can also join in with regular shoes.

Freizeitbad Düsselstrand

Your family can expect an adrenaline rush at this water park with high-speed water slides, whirlpools, splash zones, a lazy river and more.

Conveniently located near Flingern station, this indoor and outdoor aquapark also includes a giant pirate's ship and a children’s pool with cute water squirting animals.

If you want classes for your kids, they also offer water basketball, water polo, baby swimming and so on. It's really an awesome spot for children to spend their energy in a healthy and active way. 

For parents with babies or toddlers, there's a clean space for the little ones to change and use the bathroom. It has a special toilet, a sink just for kids, and a baby shower.

Glowing Rooms

We stumbled on this glow-in-the-dark mini golf place by accident while looking for a bowling hall. Next to Kettwiger Straße station, our sons took one look at the name and the quirky decor and wanted in. And they loved it!

The indoor mini golf course is well-designed and the obstacles are exciting enough even for teens and adults. Do take note that children must be at least 10 years old, and accompanied by an adult if they are younger than 16.

Of course, the main attraction is that the entire location is decorated in glow-in-the-dark paint in a futuristic Star Wars style. It made our kids giddy with excitement to play golf in here.

But don't worry, it's not as dark as you'd expect, so you can still keep track of your children as they wander around.

Puppet Theatre

The Puppet Theatre at Helmholtzstraße is a must-visit attraction when you're in Düsseldorf with kids.

Located in the heart of the city, this theater offers a range of interactive and entertaining puppet shows that are suitable for children as young as two and a half years old.

From whimsical storytelling to lively performances, the Puppet Theatre uses the art of puppetry to create magical experiences that captivate both children and adults alike.

Jump Galaxy Trampolinpark

The trampoline parks in Düsseldorf aren't super accessible from the city center, and the nearest one that we visited was Jump Galaxy near Löricker Straße station.

I was genuinely surprised at how large it is, and expected it to be much smaller since it's indoors. There are 14 different areas, including a giant foam pit and cool ninja course.

The only downside is it is a little pricey for 1 hour of play (€16) - and you have to buy their special socks (€3) to take part.

Thankfully, there are no age restrictions, except that kids under 6 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. And they are strict about having only one trampoline to a person, which helps to prevent accidents!

Classic Remise

A short bus ride from Düsseldorf center is Classic Remise – a must-visit for car enthusiasts.

We were greeted by a parade of cars, from the timeless classics to the jaw-dropping million-dollar supercars. You name it, they had it – Ferraris, Porsches, and even some American models like Corvettes and Mustangs.

We spent a good couple of hours wandering around, ogling at the automotives. There's something about the smell of vintage leather and the roar of a classic engine that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping.

As we explored, we stumbled upon a whole collection of motorbikes tucked away in another corner. Don't let it slip your radar; it's in a different spot from the cars, so keep an eye out.

P.S. Entry to Classic Remise Düsseldorf is free!

Self-guided Children's City Tour

Düsseldorf's tourist office made a cool self-guided tour for parents to take their kids (between eight and 12) on a fun city adventure. [3]

This interactive tour brings you through the Old Town, along the Rheinuferpromenade, and back up Flinger Straße. You'll be provided with questions to prompt your child to encourage exploration of the city's attractions while learning about its history.

For a free, fun-filled afternoon, try out this tour with your kids!

Have a picnic in Hofgarten

Hofgarten is the oldest public park in Düsseldorf, and a favorite among families with children.

It's a 28-hectare, 250-year-old oasis made of forests and meadows, dotted with beautiful lakes and complete with white swans. [4] My family particularly liked the many ducks, geese, and rabbits around the park, which add to its charm.

There's plenty of space for children to play and run around, making it a perfect spot for some outdoor fun. Locals fondly call it "the Green Lung of Düsseldorf".

There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby, but we actually prefer to come here for a picnic – for the peaceful change of pace and fresh air. 

From Hofgarten, it's easy to explore nearby attractions like Koningsallee and the Rhine river!

Tips for a Successful Family Trip to Düsseldorf

Get free tickets & rides with your tourist card

Not many travelers to Düsseldorf know about the DüsseldorfCard, or they find out about it but it's too late. Don't let that be you!

This little-known card offers steep discounts on many attractions you might visit in Düsseldorf. This is handy because if you're traveling in a group, the savings can really add up!

For example, with the DüsseldorfCard you'd get FREE entry to the Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum, Filmmuseum, Stadtmuseum and up to 50% off other museums.

With this card, you can also take advantage of discounts at amazing eateries like Bäckerei Hinkel and Zum Schiffchen restaurant too.

But the best part is really free unlimited travel on all public transportation within the city.

The savings from buses and trams can really add up, especially if you plan to move around.

For families, the 'Group' DüsseldorfCard is recommended, as it costs less per person!

Picking Family-Friendly Accommodation

We know what it's like to travel with restless children and multiple luggage in tow – so to get everyone from point A to point B smoothly, we usually aim for hotels in the city center near the central train station.

However, hotels in prime locations are typically priced higher, especially in Düsseldorf. Affordable spacious rooms are hard to come by at the city center, but we really enjoyed our stay at Hotel am Rathaus.

Rates are reasonable for the central location; the train station, Old Town, Rheinuferpromenade and the famous Königsallee shopping street are all within walking distance.

Their large rooms are a little dated, but clean and quiet.

If budget isn't crucial to you, then Hyatt Regency is a more upscale hotel with an excellent location. With its stylish rooms, breakfast buffet, and private parking, it's for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

Check for family discounts and promotions

I always make sure to check for family discounts and promotions when planning our family trips to Düsseldorf. It's a great way to save money and make our family vacation more affordable.

Sometimes it's discounted admission tickets, or special offers at restaurants or attractions. These deals just help us stretch our money further.

Pack essentials for kids

You can certainly get small snacks and bottled water from supermarkets all around the city, so so it's fine if you forget them.

But remember to pack things you probably won't be able to find easily here, like extra clothes (in case of spills or accidents), medication or comfort items.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions

Düsseldorf is known for unpredictable weather! For example, in spring you might experience clear skies one day, and heavy rains the next. In the summer, some days are sweltering, and other days it's chilly.

One key tip is to always check the weather forecast before heading out, so you can plan for wet or hot weather if needed.

Packing clothing that can cater to different weather conditions, such as layers for cooler temperatures or rain coats for rainy days, is also a good idea.

Allow for flexibility and downtime

Flexibility and downtime are crucial aspects of a successful family trip to Düsseldorf. Being open to changes in plans allows you to adapt and make the most of unexpected opportunities that may arise during your visit.

Creating a detailed itinerary helps too, so you know exactly how the day should unfold.

Although, it's important not to over-schedule your itinerary, as allowing for downtime gives you and your kids a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some leisurely activities at your own pace. 

Whether it's exploring museums, visiting parks, or enjoying local landmarks, having an itinerary helps you stay organized and ensures a smooth and enjoyable family adventure in Düsseldorf.

Conclusion: Family-Friendly Activities in Düsseldorf, Germany

Discovering the best things to do in Dusseldorf with kids is a breeze!

For animal lovers out there, there's the options of exploring the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum or getting up close to animals at Wildpark Grafenberg.

First-timers might want to get a good city view from the Rhine Tower or a scenic cruise on the Rhine river – both are guaranteed to be a hit with all ages!

If it's too hot or rainy outside, there's no shortage of indoor attractions too – from adrenaline-filled laser tag or glow-in-the-dark mini golf, to doing somersaults in the trampoline parks or bonding over rock climbing.

All of our recommended family activities in Dusseldorf promises fun-filled memories for everyone (yes, even parents)!

FAQs

1. What are some fun activities to do in Dusseldorf with kids?

Some fun activities to do in Dusseldorf with kids include visiting the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum, exploring the Rhine Tower, enjoying a day at the Nordpark Park and Garden, and going on a boat tour along the River Rhine.

2. Are there any kid-friendly museums or attractions in Dusseldorf?

Yes, there are several kid-friendly museums and attractions in Dusseldorf such as the Neanderthal Museum, which offers interactive exhibits about human evolution, and Explorado Children's Museum where kids can engage in hands-on learning experiences.

3. Can I find playgrounds or parks suitable for children in Dusseldorf?

Absolutely! There are numerous playgrounds and parks suitable for children in Dusseldorf including Hofgarten Park with its spacious green areas and playground equipment, as well as Südpark which has play structures, sports facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings.

4. Are there any child-friendly restaurants or cafes in Dusseldorf?

Certainly! Many restaurants and cafes in Dusseldorf welcome families with children. Some popular options include Café de Bretagne offering French pastries and crepes that kids love, Muggel Bistro & Café known for its kid-friendly menu options like burgers and fries, and Vapiano where you can enjoy Italian cuisine that caters to young taste buds too!

5. Is there anything special happening during holidays or festivals for kids?

During holidays or festivals like Christmas or Carnival season (Karneval), various events take place specifically catered towards kids such as parades, puppet shows, and festive markets offering sweets and treats. These events offer great opportunities for family fun while visiting Dusseldorf during these special occasions.