Munich Kids

The Deutsches Museum is a treasure trove of activity for children of all ages, and their parents.  The main floor is full of all the kinds of exhibits that you would expect from one of the  largest museums of science and technology in the world.  My kids usually never make it past the main floor, which includes the exhibits on boats, cars, trains, and airplanes.  They have a wonderful model train exhibit. The kids could sit and watch that for hours if we would let them.  Right now, the model train is under construction, but it is expected to reopen at the end of February 2007.  The model trains run only at scheduled times throughout the day, so refer to the website for times and to confirm that construction has indeed ended.  Multiple programs for kids are on offer and more information can be obtained from the website.  The best offering for young kids is the Kinderreich, or Kid’s Kingdom.  It is housed in the underground floor.  The Kid’s Kingdom consists of an entire floor of hands-on acitivities for young children.  The museum advertises that it is for children ages 3-8. However, I started bringing my oldest son there at 15 months, and he had a wonderful time with many of the activities, as did several other babies and toddlers that were visiting at the same time.  Activities include:  a water play area; a fire engine to climb on; a large play area with giant lego blocks; interactive computers; a musical instruments area, and others.  There is a dryer near the restrooms in case your kids get soaked in the water play area, but  I would recommend bringing extra clothes.  Many of the museums in Munich are free on Sunday. The Deutsches Museum, unfortunately, is not one of them.  However,  children under 6 are always free.  Also, you can buy a 10-punch card at a slight discount.  The card can be used to visit either the Deutsches Museum or the Hellabraun Zoo.  We found that to be useful as we could visit the zoo during the warm months and the museum during the rainy or cold months of the year.

Address:  Museuminsel 1, 80538 Munich

Phone:  (089) 2179-1

Website:  http://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/

Nearest S-bahn:  Isartor  (note: the escalator at this stop is too narrow for a double stroller.  I suggest using the Rosenheimer Platz S-bahn stop instead if you have a double stroller.  The walk is about the same distance).