Berlin’s child-friendly heart beats strong

You’ve traveled to the German capital and know all about the historical sights available for you to see – the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, the Holocaust memorial and a solemn walk around the Berlin Wall to learn all about its history. Does any of that sound like it will grab the attention of your younger children? Well, if not, let us provide a few solutions so that those with a different idea of what ‘fun’ is leave Berlin with great memories and stories of their own.

A fascinating world of small colorful bricks

We’re quite confident that there’s not a child that’s visited the Legoland Discovery Centre in Berlin and left without a smile on their face (other than those that are being dragged screaming as they feel their creative fun has been cut short prematurely!) It’s found at the Potsdamer Platz in the Sony Center and is just a short subway ride from the NH Collection Berlin Friedrichstrasse hotel. There the little hands can get busy creating their very own Lego creatures, carefully selecting from over five million tiny colored bricks.

And that’s not all. There’s MINILAND which is full of the iconic sights of Berlin – making all the original sights appear much more intriguing to younger eyes – as you wander around like visiting giants. You can also jump aboard the Dragon Ride for a journey around animated Lego models or watch the Lego Heroes save the day in the incredible 3D cinema. Mini actors providing entertainment to the max.

Italian tasty treat for the journey home

All that fun needs to be topped off with a tasty treat and Caffé e Gelato at the aforementioned Potsdamer Platz shopping mall offers the perfect solution. Self-confessed lovers of home-made Italian ice-cream, the team there believe in giving you a delicious taste experience in as healthy a way as possible. Their natural, fresh ingredients and wide range of products is the ideal way to get little legs back to the hotel without any complaints

Meet Angelina Jolie, Lionel Messi or Darth Vader

Another sure-fire winner for the family is a walk through the famous Madame Tussauds center, just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. Berlin’s version has all you’d expect from the wax works experts, giving you a chance to take selfies with Hollywood’s A-listers, sports greatest achievers and cultural icons. There is also a spectacular Star Wars exhibition featuring all your favorite characters set in their classic cinematic scenes. Be careful you don’t cross over to the Dark Side.

Flea market gifts and street entertainment

A trip to the Mauerpark flea market is a winner for the whole family. Adults get to look around the stalls for gifts to take home or new clothes at very reasonable prices, while the kids will be amazed by unusual items on sale, entertained by the street artists and caught up in the musical charisma of the area. And with tempting aromas filling the air, it won’t be long before someone suggests tasting the local delicacies that are on offer from the market vendors.

There is so much to do and see in downtown Berlin but if a little escapism and tranquility is desired then you’ll find it just 10 minutes from the hotel. Brandenburger Tor is a green oasis that connects the old east part of the city with that of the west and is the perfect space for you to have a sit down while others in the family tire themselves out with a safe run around.

Animal magic as you escape the Berlin bustle

If you manage to meander your way to the far side of the park (public transport is another option) you’ll find Berlin Zoo. Watching the animals at rest and play is one thing but you can also get involved in feeding times and animal shows, with a particular favorite being the occasionally obedient penguins.

As you can see, although Germany’s capital city may be most famous for its ‘grown-up’ attractions, there is certainly a child-friendly heart beating within.

Planning your trip to Berlin? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Berlin.

Author: David Rickerson-Seidel

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse

My name is David Rickerson-Seidel and I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since September 2015 when the first NH Collection Hotel opened in Germany. After 16 years of hotel experience, I was offered a great chance to meet people from all over the world and each time I was able to learn from them – this is one of the reason why I love my position as a Guest Relation Manager. My daily task is to fulfil our guest’s needs before they actually asking for it. With my passion for my job it is always a great pleasure to see our guests happy and smiling before they leave the hotel and I know that we have done the job right. I always say that the only thing that a guest can’t buy and book in advance is our smiling receptionist with a warm welcoming, the friendly breakfast host who would like to know if you slept well, and our elusive room maid, who is preparing the room so that it feels like home – our employees make the difference – this is why you are not checking into your room at a terminal. Whatever you need – we are always there for you.