19 Things to Do in Cologne with Kids

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If you are planning a family to Cologne, you’ll be glad to know that there is no shortage of things to do with your little ones. This vibrant city on the Rhine River offers a wide range of activities that will keep your children entertained, educated, and engaged.

From exploring ancient Roman ruins to visiting world-class museums and theme parks, there’s something for everyone.

In this post, we’ll be sharing our top 19 things to do in Cologne with kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor fun, we’ve got you covered.

So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your family in Cologne.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW….

If you are looking to make the most out of your experience in Cologne, the KölnCard is the ultimate tip. This card allows you to explore Cologne while saving money in the process.

With the KölnCard, you can travel for free on public transport and receive discounts of up to 50% from numerous partners.

So, if you’re looking for a way to make your trip to Cologne budget-friendly, be sure to get your hands on the KölnCard.

19 THINGS TO DO IN COLOGNE WITH KIDS

1. Chocolate Museum

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is located on a small island in the Rhine River. It is one of the most popular museums in the city, attracting around 600,000 visitors each year.

The museum is an excellent destination for families with children, offering a unique and fun learning experience. Visitors can explore the history and production of chocolate, from the cultivation of cocoa plants to the final product.

The highlight of the museum is the chocolate fountain flows, providing a delightful treat for all visitors.

In addition, the museum shop offers a wide range of chocolate to take home. The museum’s cafe serves a variety of chocolate snacks and drinks.

Whether you and your kids are chocolate lovers or just curious about the world of chocolate, the Chocolate Museum is a must-visit destination.

2. German Sport & Olympic Museum

Address: Im Zollhafen 1, 50678 Cologne

The German Sport & Olympic Museum is a great place to visit if your kids love sports.

The museum is located in an old customs hall next to the Rhine river. It has 2,000 objects and installations that show the history of sports from ancient Greece to now.

The museum offers lots of activities for visitors to try, and you can even go up to the roof for amazing views over the river. There are also educational programs like guided tours and team-building activities, as well as fun parties for kids.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with your family, the German Sport & Olympic Museum is definitely worth a visit. There are lots of activities that are suitable for children, making it a perfect spot for families to spend time together. And if you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll love all the interesting things to see and learn at the museum.

3. The Chocolate Express

The Chocolate Express is a great way to see the city’s many attractions in a short amount of time. This “traveling vehicle” is especially popular among seniors and families with children.

The tour starts at the Cologne Cathedral, passing many famous sights in the Old Town with its Romanesque churches and ending at the Chocolate Museum and the ship docks. With the round trip ticket, visitors can get off at any stop and return to the Cathedral after exploring the area.

On the return trip, passengers will see the impressive Rheinauhafen harbor with its crane houses, as well as other famous Cologne churches and landmarks, before returning to the Cathedral via the Heumarkt.

The Schoko-Express runs from January to November, with the Christmas Market Express taking over during the holiday season.

Families with kids are encouraged to take a ride on the Chocolate Express and see the beauty of Cologne’s famous landmarks without tiring their legs.

4. Love Locks

If you’re visiting Cologne with kids, don’t miss the chance to walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge. The bridge is a popular destination for lovers, who leave “love locks” attached to the railings to symbolize their bond.

As you walk along the footpath that is separated from the rail tracks, you’ll be able to see thousands of these locks, each with its own unique message. While checking out the locks, you might notice names and dates carved or written on them. This is a popular way for couples to make their mark and commemorate their love.

Kids, in particular, might find this aspect of the bridge fascinating and enjoy looking for different locks.

In addition to the padlocks, the Hohenzollern Bridge offers stunning views of the Rhine River, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.

5. Guide Walking Tour for Children

There are guided walking tours of Cologne for children aged 8-12. These tours are a perfect way to experience the city’s rich history.

Led by an expert guide, the tour takes you through the oldest parts of the city and introduces your kids to ancient sites while sharing fascinating stories about the Romans and the building of the Cathedral. The tour also features a unique focus on the role of mythical creatures like the Heinzelmannchen and offers an opportunity to explore the Roman underground.

Kids will be engaged and entertained as they learn about Cologne’s past and even get to discover the unusual way to make a wish come true in ancient Cologne. Designed specifically for children, these walking tours offers a fun experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

6. Sherlock Holmes Smartphone App City Game

The Sherlock Holmes Smartphone App City Game is an exciting way to explore Cologne while immersing yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes.

This smartphone game allows you to solve a murder case alongside your family, while discovering some of Cologne’s highlights.

The game app provides specific directions to guide you around the city as you become a high-class detective for a day. With brain teasers, puzzles, and plenty of British humor, this game offers a unique adventure for all ages.

Although it does not focus on informing you about the city, it provides an interactive way to explore some of the most beautiful places in Cologne. From Alt St. Alban to Schmitz Saule, you can unlock clues, interact with the environment, and restart the game whenever you’re ready for a new challenge.

So, step into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes and help solve a murder case in this thrilling and entertaining game.

7. Boat Tour down the Rhine River

Discover the beauty of Cologne by taking a Rhine River cruise with your family.

Going on a Rhine River cruise is an awesome way to have fun and learn all at once.

You’ll learn about the history and culture of Cologne and the Rhine River from tour guides. They will tell you interesting stories about the landmarks you’ll see, and how the river is important to the city.

So, if you want to do something exciting and memorable in Cologne, you should definitely take a Rhine River cruise.

You’ll get to relax, have fun, and learn all at the same time while you take in the amazing views along one of Europe’s most famous rivers.

8. Cable Car Ride

The Cable Car is a special and must-try experience for anyone visiting the city of Cologne. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the city from above and take in the stunning views.

The crossing over the Rhine River lasts for seven minutes, and you’ll see the city from a different perspective.

The ride begins at Rheinpark and takes you on a seven-minute journey to the Cologne Zoo. It’s not just a tourist attraction, but a convenient way to get around. The cabins are comfortable and up-to-date, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.

It’s worth noting that the Cable Car is closed during the winter months.

9. Rheinpark

In the district of Deutz, opposite to Cologne Cthedral, you will find Rheinpark.

Rheinpark is a great place to visit with kids, as there’s a fantastic playground with lots of fun things to do. You’ll find climbing ropes and a huge slide to enjoy.

Also if you’re looking for a nice spot to enjoy a picnic with your family, the park is a good choice. There’s plenty of space to spread out and relax, and you can enjoy the beautiful views of the river.

Overall, Rheinpark is a great destination for families looking to have some fun and spend some quality time together.

10. Odysseum

Address: Corintostraße 1, 51103 Cologne

Odysseum in Cologne is an adventure museum that offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

With an exhibition area of around 5,500 square meters, the museum features various interactive stations and programs that make science accessible and understandable to a broad audience.

The museum offers several activities that allow visitors to experience science in a fun and exciting way. The interactive exhibits cover a wide range of topics and provide a unique learning opportunity for families with kids. An experience like that can hardly be found in any comparable institution.

Overall, Odysseum is a must-visit destination in Cologne for anyone looking to explore science and technology in a fun and interactive way.

11. Cologne Zoo

Address: Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Cologne

The Cologne Zoo is a famous destination where you can see a diverse range of animals from around the world. It is home to more than 7,000 animals from 600 different species, some of which are rare and endangered.

The zoo provides excellent living arrangements for the animals and ensures they are well-cared for.

Visitors can engage in various activities, such as guided tours, animal shows, and interactive exhibits. Additionally, there are food options, shopping areas, and picnic spots, making it an excellent place for a day trip with your family.

If you are an animal lover or looking for a fun and educational adventure, make sure to visit the Cologne Zoo when you’re in the area.

12. Aqualand

Address: Merianstraße 1, 50765 Cologne

Aqua Land Cologne is a fantastic water park that offers an exciting and fun-filled day out for families with kids.

The park boasts a wide range of water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, which will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. The park also offers a dedicated area for young children with a shallow pool and a variety of water toys, which ensures that younger children can enjoy the park safely.

In addition to the water attractions, Aqua Land Cologne also has several restaurants to cater to your needs. If you’re looking for a thrilling day out with your kids, Aqua Land Cologne is definitely worth visiting.

13. 3D Mini Golf

3D Mini Golf in Cologne is a unique and exciting indoor mini-golf experience that is perfect for families with kids.

The course is set in a neon-lit, 3D environment that is both visually stunning and entertaining. The mini-golf course offers 18 holes, each with its own unique challenge, and all set within a creatively designed 3D environment.

Kids will love the immersive experience, as they navigate their way through the course, and try to get a hole-in-one.

So iff you’re looking for a fun and unique activity to enjoy with your kids, 3D Mini gGlf in Cologne is definitely worth visiting.

14. Hänneschen Theater

Address: Eisenmarkt 2-4, 50667 Cologne

The Hänneschen Theater is a traditional puppet theater that has been entertaining audiences for over 200 years. It is one of the oldest puppet theaters in Germany and is a beloved cultural institution in Cologne.

The theater puts on shows for both children and adults, and the puppets are carefully crafted by skilled artists. The shows are performed in German, but the visual humor is universal and can be enjoyed by all.

The Hänneschen Theater has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the shows are always engaging and fun. The puppets are brought to life by the talented puppeteers, who use their voices and movements to create unique characters.

The theater is located in the Old Town of Cologne and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is a great destination for families with children, but also for anyone who enjoys the art of puppetry.

If you are visiting Cologne, don’t miss the chance to experience the unique and entertaining shows at the Hänneschen Theater.

15. Rollersclub Cologne

Address: Vogelsanger Str. 348, 50827 Cologne

Rollersclub Cologne offers a delightful roller skating experience that caters to the entire family.

What makes it even more convenient is the option to rent roller skates on-site at an incredibly reasonable price of only €5 per visit. This ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the fun, regardless of whether they own their own skates or not.

With its welcoming ambiance and affordable rentals, Rollersclub Cologne is the perfect destination for a memorable day of roller skating enjoyment.

16. Lindenthal Animal Park

Address: Marcel-Proust-Promenade 1/ Kitschburger Strasse, 50935 Cologne

Lindenthal Animal Park is located in the Lindenthal district. The park is particularly popular among families with young children.

Here, visitors can observe and feed ducks, deer, goats, fallow deer, and donkeys. The food purchased from the vending machines can be given to the animals. Unfortunately, bringing your own food to feed the animals is not allowed.

The animal park is open year-round from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and admission is free.

17. Pedal Boats

Located near Lindenthal Animal Park is the Kahnweiher, where families can enjoy riding pedal boats together. It is especially exciting for children, as most of the pedal boats available here are shaped like animals and mythical creatures such as pelicans, unicorns, and dragons.

This activity is considered one of the best things to do in Cologne with kids, offering a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.

18. Phantasia Land

Address: Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl

Phantasia Land is a fun amusement park near Cologne. It’s a great place to spend a day with your family.

The park has exciting rides, attractions, and pretty scenery. There are different areas with different themes, like a safari in Africa or a magical world of fantasy with crazy roller coasters.

There are also shows, performances, and activities to enjoy, making it a good place for families and people who like excitement. If you want to have a fun day out or just have some fun, Phantasia Land is one of the best things to do in Cologne with kids.

19. Gertrudenhof

Located just outside the city limits of Cologne is the Gertrudenhof Adventure Farm.

There is plenty for children to discover at Gertrudenhof: the adventure farm features a petting zoo with over 60 large animals, a chicken house, and the bunny town called “Hoppelhausen.”

Over 130 hectares of land are dedicated to growing potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which can be purchased at the farm’s own shops. Gertrudenhof is also well-known for its countless Instagram photos, as it features a large pumpkin pyramid every September and October, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.

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