Munich with Kids: A Practical Family Travel Guide
One of the places my kids kept asking to visit in Munich wasn’t a palace or a museum. It was the tiny playground just outside our apartment. That pretty much sums up why the city worked so well for our family.
We spent five nights in Munich in June 2025 with our three kids, ages 9, 7, and 3. There were lots of pretzels, cool cars at the BMW Museum, and fancy palace rooms where my daughter happily pretended to be a princess. But we also did really basic everyday things, like taking subway rides, visiting beer gardens, stopping at neighborhood bakeries, and going to public swimming pools, which the kids enjoyed just as much. Here’s what I’d recommend, where I’d stay, and what I’d do differently when visiting Munich with kids.
Jump to: How many days, Best things to do, Itinerary plan, Where to stay, Getting around, Eating and food, Day trips, Tips, FAQs
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Is Munich Good for Kids?
Yes, and not necessarily for the reasons you might expect. I’d always associated Munich more with Oktoberfest, dirndls, and giant mugs of beer than family travel. And while these associations might exist for a reason, Munich has a lot more to offer than beer…even things for families.
Like a number of European cities, Munich works well with kids. Not in a flashy, neon, kid-character sort of way, but in more subtle and simple ways.
It was easy to find things that interested all five of us. I could take the kids sightseeing by subway while my husband worked. We could stop at a beer garden that also had a playground. And we could pair a museum with an afternoon at the pool.
We didn’t need a rental car, and we rarely had to go far to find food or a place for the kids to play.
Munich isn’t a city I’d choose for nonstop kid-focused entertainment. I’d choose it for its mix of historic sights, outdoor spaces, Munich lifestyle, and everyday conveniences. It also makes a practical base for exploring more of Bavaria.
How Many Days in Munich with Kids?
Three days is a good starting point for a family trip focused on Munich itself. Two days will cover some major sights, but a third lets you explore without feeling like you need to rush everyone along.
With four or five days, you can add more museums, a palace, swimming, or a day trip. For Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen, I’d allow a full additional day.
We stayed five nights and could easily have stayed longer. Not because Munich has a week’s worth of must-see attractions, but because it was an enjoyable and easy place to settle into regular routines. If you’re visiting for a short city break, though, you don’t need to stay as long as we did.
Best Things to Do in Munich with Kids
These are the sights and activities we actually tried, plus a few additional options I’d consider for a longer visit.
Explore Marienplatz and Munich’s Old Town
Marienplatz is an easy starting point. The square is surrounded by historic architecture with an elaborate New Town Hall, and the nearby streets are easy to explore on foot. Check the Glockenspiel performance times if that’s something your kids would enjoy seeing.
We spent our first sightseeing day wandering through Old Town, popping into shops, and stopping for gelato. You can walk from Marienplatz to the Munich Residenz, Hofbräuhaus, and Viktualienmarkt without needing to get back on the subway.
Much of the area is pedestrian-only, with European-style plazas and car-free streets that make exploring with kids less stressful and more enjoyable.
Viktualienmarkt is worth adding if you’re already in the area. It’s an outdoor market with food stalls, produce, and Bavarian specialties. I wouldn’t build a whole day around it with young kids, but it’s a fun place to browse and pick up something to eat if you’re nearby.
Step Inside Munich Residenz
Munich Residenz is a former royal residence filled with elaborate rooms, decorations, and portraits. It’s a traditional historic attraction, not a modern hands-on children’s museum, so whether it’s worthwhile will depend on your kids.
My daughter, even at three, enjoyed the ornate interior.
I’d consider it for kids who enjoy castles, history, or impressive buildings, but wouldn’t force a visit for all kids.
Wander the English Garden and Visit the Chinese Tower Beer Garden
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) was one of my favorite parts of Munich. We wandered along paths surrounded by dense greenery, crossing bridges and following waterways. In places, it felt more like walking through a forest than a city park.
Eventually we reached Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm, where you can sit outside beneath the trees and grab food or drinks. Right beside it is Spielplatz am Chinesischen Turm, a substantial playground that makes the beer garden especially convenient for families.
There’s also a historic carousel beside the playground. Our kids wanted to ride, but we didn’t have the cash needed at the time. Consider this your reminder to keep a few euros on hand.
You don’t need to explore the entire park; it’s enormous. Choose a reasonable stretch and leave time for the playground or a leisurely meal.
Visit Nymphenburg Palace and Its Grounds
Nymphenburg Palace was another favorite, particularly for my daughter. She happily twirled through its grand ballroom as though she belonged there. And she loved looking at the royal portraits, checking out all the impressive women.
The palace has grand interiors and extensive grounds, so you can balance indoor touring with time outside.
If you’re bringing a stroller, there is an elevator inside for wheelchairs and strollers. We did encounter small gravel and some stairs around the back of the property, though. Those weren’t a big obstacle with our lightweight travel stroller and a three-year-old who could walk, but I would be prepared if your child needs to remain in the stroller or is asleep.
We paired our visit with lunch nearby at Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige Nymphenburg, which had nice outdoor patio seating, like an upscale beer garden, and a children’s menu.
Explore BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Our two older kids have always been interested in cars and vehicles, so BMW Museum was a big hit. It’s a polished museum tracing BMW’s history through cars, motorcycles, and design displays.
Across the way, BMW Welt is connected via a bridge and feels more like a futuristic showroom, with modern vehicles and a café.
We visited on checkout day with our luggage. BMW Museum had a large locker area, including lockers big enough for our bags, and visitors were required to store belongings before entering the exhibits.
Swim at Dantebad or Cosimawellenbad
I didn’t expect Munich’s public swimming pools to be (so clean) and such a memorable part of our trip, but we visited two, and they were excellent breaks from sightseeing.
Dantebad is the bigger, more expansive option. We were surprised by the size of the outdoor complex and its huge grassy lawn, where families were spread out for a full day of relaxing. There were several pools, including a large lap pool, a large warmer pool with whirlpool features, another with a wide slide, and a separate pool and play area for younger swimmers and toddlers. If you want to spend much of a summer afternoon swimming and lounging, this would be my pick.
Cosimawellenbad is smaller but still very nice. There’s a large indoor pool, a dedicated children’s splash area, an outdoor heated pool with bubbling and whirlpool features, and outdoor lawn space. Its main indoor pool also operates with waves at designated times, so check the current schedule if that appeals to your kids.
We visited Cosimawellenbad after the English Garden and Dantebad on our Nymphenburg day. Neither pool is right beside those attractions, so consider the extra transit time.
There are more public pools, such as Michaelibad to the east and Südbad to the south if you find yourself in a different area of Munich.
Check Munich’s municipal pool information for current opening hours and seasonal facilities.
Give the Kids Time at a Local Playground
The tiny playground outside our Neuhausen apartment was one of the places our kids asked to return to the most. We also spent time in another playground while trying to cut through a park, and more time at a nearby plaza, where they found ways to entertain themselves without any play structures or planned activity.
For a longer stay, I’d look for a playground near your accommodation rather than only mapping out the big attractions. Having somewhere to stop for 20 minutes can be really helpful for kids to get their energy out between meals and sightseeing.
Other Munich Family Attractions to Consider
We didn’t visit Deutsches Museum, Hellabrunn Zoo, or Olympiapark, but all three are worth researching if your family has different interests or more time. Deutsches Museum is especially relevant for science-loving kids, while the zoo and Olympiapark offer alternatives to palace and Old Town sightseeing.
Munich with Kids Itinerary: How to Spend 3–5 Days
Rather than bouncing between opposite sides of Munich, I’d group activities by area. Here’s how I’d arrange a three-day visit, with two optional extra days. This is a suggested plan informed by our trip, not a replay of our exact schedule.
Day 1: Marienplatz, Residenz, and Old Town
Start at Marienplatz, explore the pedestrian streets, and walk to the Munich Residenz if your kids are up for a palace visit. Then head toward Hofbräuhaus and Viktualienmarkt for lunch or snacks. Leave time for aimless wandering and an ice cream stop.
Why this works: The main sights are close together. Once you’re in Old Town, you can spend most of the day on foot.
Day 2: English Garden and Chinese Tower
Spend the morning walking through part of the English Garden, then aim for Chinesischer Turm around lunchtime. Eat at the beer garden and let the kids play at the on-site playground.
If you want an additional activity, Cosimawellenbad is an option for the afternoon, but it’s across town in Bogenhausen and requires more transportation.
And an alternative indoor option could be the Deutsches Museum. A bit further south from the gardens, but on the same side of town.
Otherwise, keep this as a relaxed park day.
Day 3: Nymphenburg Palace and Dantebad
Visit Nymphenburg Palace in the morning, explore some of the grounds, and have lunch nearby. In summer, head to Dantebad for swimming afterward. Both are in western Munich, although you’ll still need transportation between them.
If swimming isn’t your family’s thing, spend longer at the palace or choose an entirely different third day based on your kids’ interests.
Day 4: BMW Museum, BMW Welt, and Olympiapark
Visit BMW Museum and BMW Welt together since they’re directly across from each other. Add nearby Olympiapark if you want more open space afterward. We visited the BMW attractions but not the park since we had to get to our flight.
Day 5: Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle
Reserve a full day for Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle. Plan for a substantial train journey each way, followed by local buses and possibly a shuttle or uphill walk. We had work constraints that cut our day short, and it was rushed; don’t repeat our mistake. Füssen and Neuschwanstein deserve your full time and attention.
Only have two or three days? Start with Old Town and the English Garden, then choose Nymphenburg or the BMW attractions for your third day. Families particularly interested in castles could also swap one city day for Neuschwanstein, but I wouldn’t squeeze it into a half day.
Where to Stay in Munich with Kids
If you’re visiting Munich for just two or three days, Altstadt (Old Town) is probably the most convenient place to stay. You’ll be within walking distance of Marienplatz, Munich Residenz, Viktualienmarkt, and plenty of restaurants.
But there are a few other neighborhoods worth considering:
- Lehel: Right beside Old Town and the English Garden, making it an excellent choice for families wanting a central location with a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
- Maxvorstadt: A convenient area with museums, cafés, restaurants, and good public transportation connections. Look toward the southern part of the neighborhood for easier access to Old Town.
- Haidhausen: A charming residential neighborhood across the Isar River, with local shops, restaurants, and lovely squares. A good choice if you want somewhere less touristy while staying well connected to central Munich.
I’d prioritize a location within a short walk of a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station, especially if you’re traveling without a car. For families needing more space, it’s also worth comparing apartment-style accommodations outside Old Town rather than limiting your search to central hotels.
We were looking for a specific larger apartment setup so our options were more limited. We ended up finding our best option in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, which worked really well for us.
Why We Liked Neuhausen-Nymphenburg
We stayed near Rotkreuzplatz, with bakeries, cafés, grocery stores, restaurants, and a neighborhood square within a short walk. The U-Bahn station was nearby, too, so we could reach central Munich without a car.
I liked coming back to a residential neighborhood after sightseeing. It also gave us options on days when my husband needed to work, and I was exploring alone with the kids.
Our Apartment: Eddy’s Rest & Relax Neuhausen
We booked a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment through Booking.com. Having separate bedrooms, a small kitchen, a washing machine, and a dining table was useful for five people, particularly because my husband needed somewhere to work.
The layout was quirky. There wasn’t a proper living room, and one of the bedrooms doubled as an office. It did the job, but I wouldn’t call it especially spacious for the nine guests the listing said it could accommodate.
There was no air conditioning, although fans kept us comfortable during our relatively mild June stay. I’d check cooling carefully for a hotter summer visit.
Would I stay in the neighborhood again? Absolutely. Would I automatically book the same apartment? Not necessarily. I’d compare the layout and space of other options first.
If you’re looking for multiple bedrooms or are having trouble finding a property that accommodates everyone, my separate guide to finding hotels and apartments for a family of five explains how I compare layouts, sleeping arrangements, and occupancy limits. Those considerations can be just as useful for smaller families who want a kitchen or separate sleeping space for a baby.
Getting Around Munich with Kids
We explored Munich without renting a car, mostly by subway and just walking around. For a city stay, I wouldn’t rent a car unless you have a specific reason to drive outside Munich.
Public Transportation
Munich has an extensive and reliable public transportation system, including U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains, trams, and buses. The two train systems are slightly different:
- U-Bahn: Munich’s subway system, primarily serving the city itself. It’s useful for getting between neighborhoods and major attractions.
- S-Bahn: A suburban rail network connecting central Munich with outer neighborhoods, surrounding towns, and the airport. These trains generally travel longer distances, although they also run underground through the city center.
Both systems are part of the same MVV transportation network, so you can transfer between trains, trams, and buses using tickets valid for your route and fare zones.
We used the U-Bahn regularly from Rotkreuzplatz, near our apartment. It was an easy way to get around Munich with three kids, even when I was exploring on my own.
One small detail I appreciated was that Rotkreuzplatz station had a public restroom. When you’re out exploring with young kids, knowing where to find a bathroom is essential!
For an easy all-in-one option, it’s also worth comparing the Munich CityTourCard on Klook, which includes unlimited public transportation within your selected zones and discounts at participating attractions. There are multi-day and group options, which can be convenient for families, although I’d compare the cost with regular MVV tickets before purchasing.
Before visiting, check the current fares and ticket options through Munich’s MVV transportation network. Family and group tickets may be worth comparing with individual fares, depending on your children’s ages and how much you’ll be traveling.
Is Munich Stroller-Friendly?
Mostly, yes, in the areas we visited. Old Town was fairly flat and easy to explore with our travel stroller. We could also use it on public transportation without much trouble.
That doesn’t mean everywhere is perfectly smooth. Historic properties and park paths might have some gravel, stairs, or awkward access. At Nymphenburg Palace, for example, an interior elevator helped, but we still dealt with some less convenient surfaces outside. I’d particularly recommend a stroller that’s easy to manage and lift when needed.
Munich Airport to the City with Children
Munich Airport’s S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines connect to the city, with the journey to Munich Central Station taking about 40 minutes. How you can connect onward depends on where you’re staying.
Another option is the Lufthansa Express Bus, which runs between Munich Airport, Schwabing/Nordfriedhof, and Munich Central Station approximately every 20 minutes. It’s worth comparing with the S-Bahn, especially if you’re staying near one of its stops and would prefer a bus with luggage storage.
We arrived late after flying from Los Angeles via London and took an Uber straight to our apartment. It was convenient with three tired kids and luggage, but arranging car seats is something extra to consider.
If you’re comfortable navigating transit with your bags, I’d compare the train first. Otherwise, consider arranging an airport transfer with appropriate car seats ahead of time. The airport’s official transportation information is useful for checking current rail service.
Eating in Munich with Kids
My oldest son’s favorite Munich memory might honestly be the Bavarian pretzels. Food was an easy part of this trip for us, with plenty of bakeries, casual meals, outdoor tables, and easy kid-friendly options.
Traditional Bavarian dishes such as pretzels, schnitzel, sausages, and fries can be acceptable for many children. We also appreciated how normal it felt to bring kids to beer gardens. Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm had a playground right next door, and we stopped at the famous Hofbräuhaus while exploring Old Town.
Some other places we tried:
- Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige Nymphenburg: Nice outdoor seating and a children’s menu near the palace.
- Neuhauser: Delicious Italian food and outdoor dining.
- Mochi Restaurant: A Japanese streetfood restaurant.
- The new TAKUMI München: Ramen the kids requested after our Füssen day trip.
- Rischart Café Rotkreuzplatz: An easy bakery stop for takeaway breakfast.
- Eiscafé Sarcletti: Ice cream near our neighborhood.
- POMMES FREUNDE München Rotkreuzplatz: A convenient casual meal.
We also bought groceries and made simple breakfasts in the apartment. If you’re staying several nights, being able to feed everyone without going out for every meal is a helpful option.
Best Day Trips From Munich with Kids
Munich is a convenient base city for traveling around Bavaria and beyond. We only fit in one day trip, but it was memorable. I’d happily return to explore more of the region.
Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle
We took a train from Munich Central Station to Füssen, changing at Kaufbeuren on our route. From the station in Füssen, we boarded a public bus to the Hohenschwangau castle area. Next, we boarded and paid cash for the shuttle uphill toward Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge).
From the shuttle stop, it’s about a five-minute walk to the bridge. There was a crowd waiting to step onto it, but our queue moved in about 10 minutes. We saw Neuschwanstein Castle from the bridge only, since we couldn’t get tickets for the interior. We saw Hohenschwangau Castle in passing rather than visiting it.
Afterward, we wandered through colorful Füssen Old Town, where the kids ate Schneeballen pastries on a stoop. Between the painted buildings, cobblestone streets, and Alpine backdrop, it genuinely felt like stepping into a storybook. Füssen even earned a spot on my list of 24 fairytale destinations in Europe, and I only wish we’d had more time to explore.
Our outbound trains took about two hours and 20 minutes, and we returned via the same route. The kids enjoyed the train journey, but the sightseeing was too rushed as we only had about half a day. I’d dedicate a full day and leave time for the town and castle surroundings, whether or not you’re touring inside Neuschwanstein.
When we visited, the castle shuttle ran according to demand rather than a fixed timetable, and card payment wasn’t accepted on the bus. Book castle admission well in advance if going inside matters to you, and check official Hohenschwangau visitor updates before traveling, particularly for shuttle service and access to Mary’s Bridge.
Other Day Trips I’d Consider
Salzburg, Austria, is an exciting option for another historic city nearby, while Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers Alpine scenery and outdoor activities. Nuremberg is another possibility for an Old Town and history-focused excursion.
We didn’t make it to those destinations on this trip, so I’d treat them as ideas to research rather than firsthand endorsements. Train connections and how much your children enjoy travel days should help determine what’s realistic and worth planning.
Practical Tips for Visiting Munich with Kids
Keep Some Euros in Cash
We needed cash for the carousel by the Chinese Tower and for the shuttle near Neuschwanstein. Even if cards are accepted nearly everywhere, some tiny spots or machines may only take Euro coins. Keeping some on hand can save the day.
Pack Swimsuits, Even for a City Break
Swimming wasn’t the reason we went to Munich, yet Dantebad and Cosimawellenbad ended up being two of our most enjoyable family outings. They’re worth keeping in mind when everyone needs a break from historic sightseeing.
Check for Air Conditioning in Summer
Our apartment had fans but no AC, and we were comfortable during our June visit. That wouldn’t necessarily be true during a heat wave, especially for families returning to the accommodation for naps.
Don’t Schedule Every Hour
Munich rewards a little unscheduled time. We fit plenty into five days, sometimes too much because of work commitments, but the kids were just as happy when we stopped at a neighborhood plaza or playground. Leave some flexibility in your days.
FAQs About Visiting Munich with Kids
Is Munich Good for Toddlers and Preschoolers?
I found it very manageable with our three-year-old. Flat walking areas, a compact stroller, playgrounds, public pools, and easy food helped. I’d still be realistic about how long a toddler or preschooler will tolerate palace interiors, and I wouldn’t plan every day around museums. If you’re comparing European destinations for younger children, I’ve also included Munich, and several others, in my list of European destinations we’ve visited with a toddler.
What Can Families Do in Munich When It Rains?
BMW Museum, Munich Residenz, and the indoor facilities at Cosimawellenbad are useful options from our own trip. Deutsches Museum is another popular indoor attraction to research, though we didn’t visit it ourselves. Check hours and any reservations before heading out.
Would I Visit Munich with Kids Again?
Yes, especially if we could stay longer and use it as a base for more of Bavaria. I enjoyed Munich’s major sights, but I also liked being able to walk out of our apartment for breakfast, hop on the subway with the kids, or spend an afternoon swimming instead of sightseeing.
For a short trip, three days would be a good start. For a family that likes slower travel and exploring beyond the city, Munich could easily deserve more.
