Frankfurt am Main - With Kids Between the Zoo, Dinosaurs and the Riverbank

Frankfurt is known for its skyscrapers, but the city also has a surprisingly family-friendly side. Green spaces, museums with hands-on elements and the banks of the Main make sure children are never bored. Parents benefit too, because many sights are close together and easy to reach by bus and train.

This article shows how to plan a stay with children, from toddlers to teenagers.

The zoo: animals in the middle of the city

Frankfurt Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Germany and lies close to the centre. You will see animals from around the world, and in the indoor houses you can watch nocturnal species. The zoo is spread out, so it is worth allowing plenty of time and building in breaks.

• A playground and shady benches make the visit pleasant even with little ones.
• Go in the morning if you can, when the animals tend to be more active.

Senckenberg: dinosaurs and natural history

The Senckenberg Natural History Museum is a must for anyone who loves big skeletons. Dinosaurs, mammals and fossils from many millions of years are on display. For children it is thrilling to stand in front of bones bigger than a house. There is a lot to explore, and it combines well with a walk in the green space nearby.

Palmengarten: the tropics in the city

The Palmengarten is a botanical garden with greenhouses, lawns, ponds and playgrounds. Inside you will find tropical plants and humid warmth, outside a large park for running around. On rainy days the greenhouses are a good refuge, and on sunny days families spread out on the lawn. A visit in spring, when everything is in bloom, is also well worth it.

On the riverbank: space, water and skyline

The riverbank along the Main is the perfect place to breathe out. There are broad paths for pushchairs, scooters and bikes, and the skyline in the background turns every photo into a keepsake. The Eiserner Steg footbridge is popular with children, as you stand above the water and see the boats from above.

• A trip on a sightseeing boat makes for a relaxed change of pace.
• Along the bank you will find ice cream parlours and spots for a picnic.
• From a viewing platform in a high-rise, the whole city looks like a model.

The Römerberg and a park for running around

The Römerberg, with its half-timbered facades, looks to children like a fairy-tale stage. It is easy to invent a story about knights and merchants here. Afterwards, a short ride takes you to Grüneburgpark, where the children can run off steam while you rest on a bench.

Practical advice for families

• Weather: Museums and greenhouses are ideal for rainy days.
• Getting around: Buses and trains are simple to use, and many sights are close together.
• Pace: Two stops a day are enough so that nobody gets overtired.
• Supplies: Carry water and snacks, which makes every outing easier.

That is how Frankfurt becomes a destination that delights children and adults alike.