Family Travel Guide for Frankfurt
If you are traveling to Frankfurt with kids, here are tips and ideas on how to make the whole family happy. From child-friendly museums, and fascinating skyscrapers, to the best toy store in town, here are sights and attractions for Frankfurt visitors of all ages.
Senckenberg Museum
The Senckenberg Museum is one of the 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 exotic plants of the rainforests to blooming flower gardens in Europe. Let the kids relax near the majestic waterfall amid exotic plants.
Spanning 50 acres and housing various greenhouses, you can see more than 6,000 different botanical species from all around the globe.
Address: Siesmayerstr. 63, 60323 Frankfurt
Apple Cider Express
When your kids are tired from walking around, but you still want to see more of Frankfurt, hop on the colorful Ebbelwei Express (Apple wine express). This historic tram takes you through the heart of Frankfurt, connecting popular sights like the historic Romerberg Square, Paulskirche, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Frankfurt Zoo.
While listening to 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 pretzels. You can also download a podcast commentary to hear about all the sights along the way.
(Note: The tram only operates on weekends and holidays).
Main Tower
One of the best ways to see Frankfurt is from above. The impressive Main Tower skyscraper features an observation deck that offers breathtaking views over the city.
Completed in 2000, this high-rise is named after the German river Main, which flows through Frankfurt’s city center. Although the Main Tower stands at 650 feet, making it one of the tallest buildings, it is the only one open to the public. Take the elevator up to the viewing platform and enjoy the sweeping skyline of Frankfurt with your kids.
Address: Neue Mainzer Strasse 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt
Deutsches Filmmuseum
Little film buffs shouldn’t miss the German Film Museum, situated on Frankfurt’s riverbank. The museum delves into the art and history of moving pictures, from its early beginnings with the laterna magica and camera obscura, to replicas of studios and special effects utilized in today’s movie industry.
There are numerous hands-on exhibits for curious kids. You can re-enact a car chase or take a virtual magic carpet ride over Frankfurt with a blue screen. Joining a guided tour will ensure you explore every inch of the museum, which also includes a movie theatre presenting films in their original versions.
Address: Schaumainkai 41, 60596 Frankfurt
Experiminta Museum Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s science and technology center is an excellent destination for a rainy day. The museum provides an array of interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops designed for inquisitive minds. Young visitors can explore 130 experimental stations, which include getting enclosed in a gigantic soap bubble, racing miniature solar cars, or examining the inside of a giant eyeball to learn about human vision.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum offers special shows, lectures for all ages, and hands-on workshops to engage visitors.
Address: Hamburger Allee 22, 60486 Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt International Airport stands as Germany’s busiest airport and the fourth largest hub in Europe. Chances are, this airport will be your entry point to Germany, and there’s no need to rush away. It features a fantastic visitor terrace (free for kids under 4) and various behind-the-scenes tours. These include a mini-tour (45 minutes, no reservations required), a night tour, and even a fire department tour.
Address: Terminal 2, 60547 Frankfurt
