Frankfurt offers plenty of outings for babies, toddlers and older children, whatever the weather. This guide summarises the types of places the old directory grouped under “things to do”. Always check opening times and prices with each venue before setting out.
Excursions
The zoo in the east of the city is a classic outing, and there is also a smaller private zoo. The Palmengarten, with its gardens and glasshouses, is another favourite. Further afield, farms in the Bad Vilbel area and a family farm in Rhineland-Palatinate were suggested for day trips. The Lochmühle and the Lohrberg hill with its park appear in the directory as well.
Swimming pools
The city runs several outdoor pools known as Freibäder, including those in Brentano, Eschersheim, Hausen, Nieder-Eschbach and the Silo area, as well as the Riedbad in Bergen-Enkheim. Indoor options include Hallenbad Höchst, Rebstockbad, Panoramabad Bornheim and a private pool in Bad Soden. Some indoor pools offer traditional lane swimming for adults at set times.
Museums and culture
Parents mention the Kinder Museum, the Hessisches Puppenmuseum, the Senckenberg natural history museum and the Schirn Kunsthalle, along with a children’s cinema programme at the German Film Museum. A children’s theatre in Bockenheim, the Galli Theatre, is also on the list.
Libraries
By far the longest part of the list. The central city library is supported by a network of neighbourhood branches across Frankfurt, from Bockenheim and Bornheim to Sachsenhausen and Sindlingen, plus a mobile library. Libraries are free or cheap places to borrow picture books, and many have children’s corners.
Indoor play for rainy days
Indoor play centres and play cafes are particularly popular in winter. The directory named several large play halls in the city and in the Taunus, and a play cafe where parents can sit while children explore.
Art and craft
Studios offer painting and pottery sessions for children.
Planning tips
- Take a change of clothes, since pool and play-centre visits are messy.
- Check whether a venue has baby-changing rooms. The changing-table guide lists typical options.
- For free outings, see parks and playgrounds.