The best Berlin theatre for the whole family

Berlin is the global capital of cultural cool – and there’s plenty to see onstage, even if you don’t know any German. See the best of Berlin theatre with your kids.

Theatre: a top tip for a Berlin family holiday

Berlin is known for its cultural cool. The city is a hub for arts, performance, music and dance – and not just for grown-ups. What better way for your little ones to sample the German capital’s vibrant arts scene than to visit to one of its many theatres? From performances in English through to vibrant puppet shows, you’re sure to find something to suit.

Seeing a stage show is one of the best things to do in Berlin, especially as the nights grow colder or on a rainy day. Our top tips for what to do on a Berlin winter city break: book a family-friendly hotel, grab tickets for a show at one of the city’s many cosy theatres – then take a stroll around a Christmas market afterwards with a hot chocolate for the kids or a glühwein for the grown-ups.

Even during a school trip, a visit to the children's theatre is a welcome change from sightseeing.

Top 10 attractions for children

Do you speak English? English-language theatre for all the family

Haven’t quite grasped the local lingo just yet? Not to worry! Berlin is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth, and its theatre scene is no exception. Many of the city’s best-known venues offer performances with English surtitles (translations of dialogue projected above the stage). These include the GRIPS Theatre, a Berlin institution that stages children’s and youth theatre.

With a growing English-speaking expat community and a thriving cultural scene, Berlin is also home to its own English-language theatre companies. The independent Platypus Theatre, for example, devises and performs English plays for children of all ages.

Taking older teens on your Berlin family holiday? The English Theatre Berlin is much more than its name suggests: this cultural institution is a hub for developing English-speaking dramatic talent in Berlin. Expect hard-hitting performances that will leave everyone on the edge of their seats.

Wether you crave something sweet or hearty after the performance you can be sure to find a great spot in Berlin, where the parents can recharge and the kids still have fun.

The best family cafés in Berlin

Let’s dance: modern dance and musical extravaganzas in Berlin

Fancy something different? Then check out Berlin’s modern dance scene! Kreuzberg institution Ballhaus Naunynstrasse is the perfect place to take your teens for thought-provoking pieces on themes such as German identity. The Theater an der Parkaue is another great venue that offers quirky dance pieces for younger viewers.

If you’re looking for something spectacular for all the family in the festive season, Christmas in Berlin is a great time for stage shows based on familiar stories from classic fairytales. Major Berlin venue the Friedrichstadt-Palast stages musical extravaganzas in the festive season that are sure to capture your little ones‘ hearts – as well as your own! It’s best to book early to be sure of getting tickets.

More information about Theatres and Venues in Berlin

It’s a puppet! Fantastical figures of Berlin theatre

The ATZE Musiktheater – Germany’s biggest musical theatre venue for children – is home to spectacular shows for all ages that draw on classic fairytales and new stories alike. Or for a touch of local colour, try the Berliner Kindertheater, which will give your kids a spot of local culture along with the universal language of music, lights and fabulous costumes.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Berlin, checking out one of its many puppet shows is a must. The city is home to a wealth of independent puppet theatres, including spots like the Theater der Kleinen Form and the Mitte district‘s Puppentheater Firlefanz, which stage delightful shows for little ones all year round. Located in a former marionette workshop, the 75-seater Mirakulum lives up to its name with spellbinding performances for little ones.

Looking for a puppet show with a twist? Based in the hip arts district of Kreuzberg, the Fliegendes Theater specialises in modern, unique puppet shows that are guaranteed to delight even your hard-to-please teenagers.

Make sure to also discover some of the other highlights of Berlin, discover the capital on foot, and check out the best museums for young visistors.

All that got your little ones feeling inspired? The Figurentheater, a puppet theatre in Treptower Park, offers activity afternoons where kids can make their very own puppets. Look out for themes such as Halloween – spooky stuff! There is plenty to explore and see in the capital. We selected some of the best family friendly shows and attractions.

Berlin is fun for the family the whole year round. Travelling is a great way for children to get to know other cultures. Surprise your loved ones with a trip to Berlin and spend some real quality time together.

If you are looking for a family friendly place to stay, we have selected some great hotel tips for you.

Book your family friendly hotel in Berlin