15 Best Things to Do and Family Tips for Frankfurt (2026 Guide)

Is Frankfurt Good for Families?

Navigating the city with children is surprisingly simple thanks to the world-class public transport network. The public transport system includes trains and trams that are mostly stroller-accessible. Most major attractions sit within a compact central area, allowing for plenty of easy walking between stops.

One of the best financial hacks for families is the Frankfurt Card group ticket. This pass covers up to five people for a single price, making it much cheaper than individual tickets. You can learn more about these savings in our Frankfurt Card guide before you arrive.

Safety is generally high across the city, though the area near the main train station can feel a bit gritty. We recommend staying in the Westend or Bornheim neighborhoods for a quieter, more family-oriented atmosphere. These areas offer better access to playgrounds and local cafes away from the busiest business districts.

Honest editorial advice suggests skipping the Main Tower if the weather is foggy or heavily overcast. The ticket price is too high for a view that consists only of gray clouds and mist. Save that budget for a sunny day or spend it on an extra round of traditional pretzels instead.

15 Fun Things to Do in Frankfurt with Kids

We have categorized these activities into three main groups to help you plan your daily routes more efficiently. This selection includes world-class museums on the riverbank and sprawling green spaces. Each item has been tested for its 'kid-appeal' and general ease of access for parents.

Interactive learning is a major theme in Frankfurt, especially at the science and history centers. Younger children will love the hands-on play, while older kids can dive into the complex exhibits. Make sure to check the specific opening hours as some smaller spots close on Mondays.

If you want to see the historic side, our Old Town guide offers more context. The reconstructed timber houses are a hit with children who enjoy feeling like they are in a fairy tale. Combine a walk through history with a stop at a local ice cream shop for the perfect afternoon.

1. Senckenberg Natural History Museum
   • Towering dinosaur skeletons greet visitors as they enter this massive natural history museum in the Westend district.
   • The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm and costs roughly €15 for adults and €6 for children.
   • Arrive before the school groups start arriving around 10:30am to enjoy the fossil exhibits in relative peace.
2. Palmengarten and Botanical Gardens
   • Tropical greenhouses and sprawling lawns provide a perfect escape from the city's concrete skyline for active families.
   • Tickets are usually €7 for adults and €2 for kids, with the gates opening every day at 9am.
   • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass near the pond while the children watch the large carp swim.
3. Main Tower Rooftop Viewpoint
   • A fast elevator whisks families up 200 meters to the highest public viewpoint in the entire city center.
   • Expect to pay about €9 per adult and €6 per child for access to the open-air observation deck.
   • The wind can be quite strong at the top, so bring a light jacket even on warm summer days.
4. Experiminta ScienceCenter
   • Hands-on stations allow children to experiment with physics and mathematics through over 130 interactive play areas.
   • Admission is approximately €14 for adults and €10 for kids, and it is located near the Bockenheimer Warte station.
   • This is the best indoor option for rainy days when the kids need to burn off some mental energy.
5. Frankfurt Zoo
   • Lions and tigers roam in the heart of the city at this historic and well-maintained zoological garden.
   • The zoo opens daily at 9am with prices around €12 for adults and €6 for younger children.
   • The nocturnal animals in the Grzimek House wake up just as you enter the darkened hall for a unique view.
6. Junges Museum Frankfurt
   • History becomes a game at this museum designed specifically for the youngest explorers to touch and feel everything.
   • Located in the Altstadt, entry is €6 for adults and €3 for kids, though children under 18 are often free.
   • The interactive workshops on the upper floors allow kids to try traditional crafts like printing or jewelry making.
7. Ebbelwei Express Vintage Tram
   • Colorful vintage trams offer a bumpy but charming tour through the main streets of the city on weekends.
   • A ticket costs €8 for adults and includes a bottle of apple wine or juice and a bag of pretzels.
   • The tram bell rings loudly as it navigates the tight turns, which always delights the children on board.
8. Günthersburgpark Water Playground
   • Water fountains spray delighted children during the hot summer afternoons in this large and popular local park.
   • Entry to the park is free, and it is easily reached by taking Tram 12 to the Bornheim area.
   • Bring a change of clothes and a towel because your kids will definitely get soaked in the spray zone.
9. Licht- und Luftbad River Beach
   • Sand and river views create a beach-like atmosphere at this hidden riverside retreat in the Niederrad district.
   • This local secret is free to enter and offers a cafe with snacks and plenty of space to run.
   • It is the perfect place to watch the giant cargo ships pass by on the Main River at sunset.
10. Kleinmarkthalle Food Hall
    • Local vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to traditional German sausages in this bustling and historic indoor hall.
    • Entry is free, but the hall is closed on Sundays and most public holidays in Germany.
    • Visit the famous Schreiber's sausage stall on the ground floor for a quick and very affordable family lunch.
11. Römerberg and the Old Town
    • Historic half-timbered houses surround the central square of Frankfurt's beautifully reconstructed old town district.
    • Walking through the square is free, and it is located just a short walk from the Dom/Römer station.
    • The Justice Fountain in the center is a great meeting point if your group gets separated in the crowds.
12. Main River Boat Tour
    • The skyline looks completely different when viewed from the gentle waves of the Main River during a cruise.
    • One-hour tours typically cost between €12 and €16 depending on the specific boat operator you choose.
    • Sitting on the upper deck provides the best photo opportunities of the skyscrapers reflecting in the water.
13. Goethe House and Museum
    • Step back in time to see where Germany's most famous writer spent his childhood years in a wealthy home.
    • Tickets are about €10 for adults and €3 for kids, with the house open daily until 6pm.
    • This stop is better suited for older children who can appreciate the historic furniture and literary history.
14. Taunus Wunderland Theme Park
    • Forest-themed rides and animal encounters await at this family park located just 30 minutes outside the city.
    • Day passes are roughly €25 to €30, and the park is specifically designed for children under twelve.
    • The 'Wild Mouse' coaster is a family favorite that provides just enough thrills without being too scary.
15. Schloss Freudenberg Field of Senses
    • Interactive exhibits challenge the senses of touch, sound, and sight in a historic villa in nearby Wiesbaden.
    • Adults pay about €18 while kids are €12 for a full day of sensory exploration and play.
    • The dark room experience is a highlight that teaches children how to navigate using only their sense of hearing.

Where to Eat and Stay in Frankfurt with Kids

Finding family meals is easy if you stick to the traditional apple wine taverns in Sachsenhausen. Places like Fichtekränzi offer large wooden tables and a noisy atmosphere where children fit right in. Check our traditional food guide for the best dishes to order for picky eaters.

If you prefer a more modern setting, the Kleinmarkthalle is perfect for a casual and varied lunch. You can pick up fresh rolls, cheese, and fruit to create a custom picnic for the kids. Remember that almost all grocery stores and many shops close entirely on Sundays in Germany.

For accommodation, we highly recommend staying at The Westin Grand Frankfurt (Marriott) for its central location. It is situated near the main shopping streets and offers spacious rooms that work well for families. The indoor pool is a fantastic bonus for children who need to splash around after a day of sightseeing.

Another excellent choice is the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel, which sits directly across from the trade fair grounds. It offers incredible views of the skyline from the upper floors that will impress any teenager. The proximity to the tram lines makes it very convenient for reaching the Senckenberg Museum in minutes.

A Perfect 2-Day Frankfurt Family Itinerary

This two-day plan balances the city's modern skyscrapers with its natural beauty and scientific wonders. On the first day, focus on the city center by visiting the Römerberg and the Main Tower viewpoint. In the afternoon, take a boat tour to see the skyline before dining in a traditional tavern.

The second day should be dedicated to the Westend area, starting with the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. After seeing the dinosaurs, walk over to the Palmengarten for a relaxing lunch and outdoor play. If you have extra time, the Experiminta ScienceCenter is just a short tram ride away from the gardens.

For those with more time, consider taking day trips from Frankfurt to nearby castles or theme parks. The train connections to places like Heidelberg or Wiesbaden are frequent and very easy to use. Using Frankfurt as a base allows you to explore much of the Hesse region without moving hotels.

We suggest ending your trip with a ride on the Ebbelwei Express to see the city lights. It is a relaxing way to recap the highlights while enjoying a final German pretzel together. This itinerary ensures you hit the major landmarks while keeping a pace that works for children.