The Circus Guide to
Berlin might be famous for its nightlife and its political history, but dig a little deeper into the reality of life in the city and you’ll discover one of Europe’s most family-friendly capitals. Despite having the reputation of being a bit dour when it comes to the cityscape, Berlin is a place where green spaces outnumber concrete ones, and where it feels like there is a playground, a table tennis table or a basketball court around every single corner.
The city’s museums and sites of historical interest have made a real effort to make discovering the history of Berlin easy for children and young people, and there is a wealth of things to see and do regardless of the weather. Whether you are staying in the family-friendly Circus Apartments, in the Circus Hotel or the Circus Hostel, here are some of our favourite ways to experience Berlin with the whole family.
MUSEUM ISLAND AND BEYOND
Depending on the length of little legs, the world famous Museum Island is just a 15-minute walk from The Circus. The Neues Museum is particularly brilliant for families, with its Egyptian collection including the famous bust of Nefertiti and interactive displays that bring ancient civilisations to life. Children are often mesmerised by the museum’s mummies and can explore how archaeologists piece together the past.
While the Pergamon Museum remains closed for renovation until 2027, the temporary Pergamonmuseum Das Panorama offers an immersive experience with Yadegar Asisi’s spectacular 360-degree artwork that transports visitors to ancient Pergamon. It’s the sort of experience that captures young imaginations in ways traditional museum displays sometimes struggle to achieve.
GET HANDS ON AT THE GERMAN MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY
For families with curious minds and busy hands, the German Museum of Technology is an absolute treasure. Located about 20 minutes from The Circus by public transport, this sprawling complex houses everything from vintage locomotives and aircraft to working mills and printing presses. Children can climb aboard historic trains, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and explore the museum’s extensive collection of vintage computers and telecommunications equipment.
The museum’s approach to learning through doing makes it particularly engaging for younger visitors, while the breadth of the collection ensures there’s something to capture every family member’s interest.
ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Berlin’s abundance of green space means families never need to feel hemmed in by city life. The nearest park with a fine playground for smaller children is two minutes walk from all three Circus houses, while the Tiergarten – Berlin’s central park – is easily accessible by public transport and transforms into a natural playground where children can run freely while parents enjoy the tree-lined paths and unexpected clearings. The park’s size means you can easily spend a morning here, perhaps combining it with a visit to Berlin’s Zoo at the western end.
For something more adventurous, head to Tempelhofer Feld, the former airport turned into one of the world’s largest urban parks. The vast runways are perfect for cycling, learning to skate, or simply running around with space to spare. It’s about 30 minutes from The Circus by public transport, and the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Families staying during the warmer months should make time for Berlin’s excellent swimming options. The Sommerbad Humboldthain, just three stops from us on the U-Bahn, offers a perfect introduction to Berlin’s outdoor swimming culture with dedicated children’s areas, slides, and plenty of grass for picnics.
You’ll find more of our favourite swimming spots here.
DISCOVERING HISTORY THROUGH STORIES
Berlin’s complex past might seem challenging to navigate with children, but the city excels at making history accessible and engaging. The Everyday Life in the GDR exhibition, just a short walk up the hill from The Circus, uses historical artefacts to tell the story of East Germany and understand daily life behind the Iron Curtain through interactive displays.
For older children and teenagers, a section of the Berlin Wall Trail is easily accessible at Bernauer Straße, not far from The Circus. The memorial site here tells the story of divided Berlin through personal accounts and preserved sections of the Wall, making abstract historical concepts tangible and real.
RAINY DAY ALTERNATIVES
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, Berlin’s indoor attractions ensure families never run short of options. The Legoland Discovery Centre offers hands-on building experiences and rides designed specifically for younger children, while the nearby Cinemaxx multiplex cinema has daily screenings of major films in the original English-language version, which is not always a given in Germany!
The Labyrinth Children’s Museum, housed in a former factory building, creates immersive environments where children can explore different themes through play, from understanding how cities work to discovering the secrets of the natural world.
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If you want even more tips and ideas for things to do, check us out on Instagram. And while you are in Berlin, our lovely team is always on hand with suggestions of their own! Just come and have a chat with us.
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