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Volkspark Friedrichshain Berlin im Sommer
Volkspark Friedrichshain © visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

Parks in Berlin: Green oases for families

Playing and relaxing between water and forest

Have you been amazed by the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower, but now need some to work off some excess energy? It's a good thing that Berlin's a lot greener than you might think at first glance. The city covers 344 km² between Reinickendorf and Rudow and is home to hundreds of beautiful parks, waterways, lakes, and forests. We show you where you can relax or run around with your children.

Regal leisure on Pfaueninsel

The romantic Pfaueninsel is in south-western Berlin. The palace and the idyllic park surrounding it look like they've just stepped out of the pages of some fairy tale . Queen Luise von Mecklenburg visited the island regularly with her family as an escape from everyday life in the court. Now you can do the same as your children romp about the well-manicured lawns at the gates of the city, while you lay back and chill. If you feel like getting some exercise, you can also walk around the island with the kids and look for the peacocks that have given the island its name.

Flowering tulip magnolias at Schloss Pfaueninsel Castle in Berlin
Pfaueninsel Castle on Peacock Island © SPSG, Foto: Michael Lüder

Hills and fairy tales at Volkspark Friedrichshain

Another fairy-tale spot is Volkspark Friedrichshain, where a fountain at the western side of the park features 106 characters from Grimm's fairy tales carved in stone. Who will be first to guess which character comes from which fairy tale?

To the east of there, the park's spacious lawns are perfect for a picnic and running around. Thanks to the size of the park, you can enjoy some peace and quiet  with your children right in the heart of the busy city centre . Another popular activity there is to climb the hills in the park, which were filled with war debris after the end of World War II and now blend seamlessly into the vegetation. Other highlights such as the large playground, the terrace café, and the open-air cinema make the Volkspark one of the most popular parks in Berlin.

Fairytale Fountain in Volkspark Friedrichshain
Volkspark Friedrichshain © visitBerlin, Foto: Dagmar Schwelle

Gardens of the World in Marzahn

The whole world in green: at Gardens of the World in Marzahn, not only can yo relax with your children, but also explore horticulture and beautiful flowering gardens from several other countries. You can discover fascinating plants in ten different international gardens, including those representing China, Bali, and Italy . Make sure to plan enough time for your visit: the gardens cover an area equal to 60 football pitches. Once you've check out the gardens, you can head over to the maze. See who can find their way out between the evergreen yew trees and countless twists and turns. 

Volkspark Rehberge

While some parks in Berlin offer a lot of space for relaxing, a trip to Volkspark Rehberge in Wedding offers a varied journey through nature. On the nature trail, learn more about the meadows and fields that surround you and check out the wild boars, sheep, and pheasants kept in the wildlife preserve. In winter, the toboggan run is sure to get the little ones excited. On a hill covering 300 metres, you and your children can race on sledges over the snowy white hill.

Ballspielwiese im Volkspark Rehberge
Ballspielwiese im Volkspark Rehberge © wikimedia, Foto: Fridolin Freudenfett (CCBY-SA4-0)

Do you want to really let off steam?

Are you planning an extensive time in the capital ? Then take a look at our day tours in Berlin for families with children. In it you will find further recommendations for walks and relaxation in the countryside and many exciting tips for activities that you can experience together with your family. Look forward to adventure playgrounds, theatres and children's museums and have a great time in Berlin.