Are there really family-friendly day trips from Dresden?
Dresden is a super family-friendly city for visitors and locals alike. From hiking stunning sandstone formations to exploring dinosaur parks and historical fortresses, Dresden offers unforgettable family adventures.
After living here for four years with my kids, I want to share the best family-friendly day-trips from Dresden that don’t require overnight accommodation (though some of them are so beautiful you might want to stay longer!).
Read on to find the best places to explore and practical tips to make your trip stress-free!
What makes these places family-friendly?
After many successful (and just as many awful) day-trips with my family, I’ve narrowed down the key criteria to the following:
- The location is interesting for you and your kids.
- You don’t need to travel too far to reach the destination.
- Each spot can be enjoyed for an hour or the entire day – it’s up to you!
- There’s more than one thing to do there.
- Everything a family needs can be found there.
5 Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Dresden
Here are the 5 best family-friendly day trips from Dresden.
At a glance
Check out the 5 best family-friendly day trips at a glance and jump ahead to the one that catches your eye.
Each location needs to be a jump-link
| Type of Activity | Distance from Dresden | Car or public transport? | Budget | Pram or carrier? | ||
| 1 | Leipzig Zoo | Zoo | 105km1.5 hours | Both | $$$ | Both |
| 2 | Saurier Park | Theme park | 45km50 minutes | Car | $$$ | Both |
| 3 | Bastei Bridge | Outdoor adventure | 21km40 minutes | Both | $ | Carrier |
| 4 | Tiské stěny | Hiking | 32km40 minutes | Car | $ | Carrier |
| 5 | Festung Königstein | History & culture | 23km30 minutes | Both | $$ | Both |
$ – minimal expense
$$ – medium expense, some fees payable
$$$ – more expensive. Fees required.
PSST! If you’re visiting during the festive period, why not check out my Top 3 Christmas Day Trips from Dresden?
Leipzig Zoo: A Must-Visit Family Destination Near Dresden
Leipzig Zoo is organised into six themed Lands, each celebrating a different part of our world. Every Land offers playgrounds, restaurant and cafe options as well as unique attractions.
Best experienced with kids aged . . .
All ages!
Why it’s great for families
| Free entry for children? | ✅for children under 6 |
| Public toilets | ✅ |
| Change tables | ✅ |
| Water to refill bottles | ✅ |
| Accessible with prams | ✅ |
| Can I bring my own food? | ✅ |
| Outdoor areas to burn energy | ✅ |
| Indoor areas for the colder months | ✅ |
| Playground/s | ✅ |
| Kid-friendly food for sale | ✅ |
| Low stimulus areas for tired kids | ✅ |
| Lots of reading and learning | ❌ |
| Information in English | ✅ |
Tara’s top attractions
- Gondwanda Land: Take a boat ride through this indoor, tropical paradise and take in the wonders of the plants and animals that inhabit the world’s rainforest and jungle.
- Bear Castle Playground: It is huge. Give yourself plenty of time.
- Restaurant Kiwara-Lodge: Looking across the savannah, this restaurant offers a self-service buffet with a variety of snacks, drinks and hot meals and salads.
- Gold panning: For €2 your little one can have fun panning for gold and exchange their finds for prizes.
Getting There
By Train
- Trains run direct from Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Depending on your budget, the train will take between 1 and 2 hours.
- You can walk the 900m to the zoo following the animal footprints or take a tram to save energy.
- Check Deutsche Bahn for updated train times and options.
By Car
- Driving to Leipzig from Dresden takes approximately 1.5 hours on the A4.
- Parking can be tricky, so I recommend utilising the free Park & Ride shuttle.
How long do I need?
3 – 5 hours. It’s a big zoo with lots to see. If you’re a visitor, make it a full-day outing. If you live here, why not buy a yearly ticket so that you can visit again anytime?
Keep in mind
- Weather: Dress appropriately for the weather. There is a lot of indoor space when the weather is cold but most attractions remain outdoors.
- It gets busy! Like any family attraction, it can get busy, particularly on weekends, during school holidays and on public holidays.
Saurier Park: A day with the Dinosaurs just an hour from Dresden
The Saurier Park is your REAL LIFE Jurassic Park, featuring dinosaur skeletons, life-size dinosaur statues and even a space-themed adventure playground.
Best experienced with kids aged . . .
All ages!
Why it’s great for families
| Free entry for children? | ✅ 0 – 3 years are free the birthday boy or girl |
| Public toilets | ✅ Family stalls, small toilets and child toilet seat available. |
| Change tables | ✅ |
| Water to refill bottles | ❌ |
| Accessible with prams | ✅ |
| Can I bring my own food? | ✅ |
| Outdoor areas to burn energy | ✅ |
| Indoor areas for the colder months | ❌ |
| Playground/s | ✅ |
| Kid-friendly food for sale | ✅ |
| Low stimulus areas for tired kids | ✅ |
| Lots of reading and learning | ✅ |
| Information in English | ✅ |
Tara’s Top attractions
- Giant Slide: It’s exactly what you think it is – a pair of giant slides as tall as a Dinosaur!
- Space Station: This centrally located playground is also an excellent on-the-go dining option if the hunger has already hit. Learn about space, evolution and most importantly, your kids can run off all that excitement.
- Climbing Forest: An adventure playground that weaves around the Brachiosaurus and overlooks a prehistoric lake.
- The Lost World: This Jurassic Themed area is a must for any Millenial parent. I wouldn’t recommend it with kids under 7 as it is a bit spooky.
Getting there
By car
Taking the A4 will get you from Dresden to Saurierpark in around an hour, with lots of free parking available on site.
By bus and train
Unfortunately, the nearest bus stop is 1.8km away, so this isn’t an option I recommend. Why not try car sharing for the day if you don’t have a car?
How long do I need?
3 – 5 hours. It’s a big park and if your kids are anything like mine, you will stop at every playground and attraction along the way.
Keep in Mind
- Weather: You will be outside, so please dress and pack according to the weather on the day.
- Winter closure: The Saurier Park is closed between November and April. Please check their website for up-to-date entry information.
Bastei Bridge: A family-friendly Hiking Adventure
This is the easiest attraction in the Saxon Switzerland National Park to visit and explore with children. THe beauty of it is the flexibility you have to determine what form your family adventure here will take.
Best experienced with kids aged . . .
All ages but little ones will need strict supervision for safety.
Why it’s great for families
| Free entry for children? | ✅ |
| Public toilets | ✅ Fee payable |
| Change tables | ✅ |
| Water to refill bottles | ❌ |
| Accessible with prams | ❌ The stepped and often uneven path to the bridge makes a carrier preferable |
| Can I bring my own food? | ✅ |
| Outdoor areas to burn energy | ✅ |
| Indoor areas for the colder months | ❌ |
| Playground/s | ✅ |
| Kid-friendly food for sale | ✅ |
| Low stimulus areas for tired kids | ✅ |
| Lots of reading and learning | ❌ |
| Information in English | ❌ |
Top attractions
- The Bastei Bridge: This is the photo all promotional material in Saxony. An engineering marvel from the Middle Ages set in a breathtaking landscape. Admire it from afar or walk across it, the choice is yours.
- Felsenburg Rock Fort: Although there is a small fee payable here, it is an experience to wander over the remainder of this ancient rock fortress and imagine the Knights roaming these very stairs.
- Kanapee Cliff View: Standing on this outlook, you’ll see the Elbe flowing beneath you and through the rest of the Sandstone Mountains. It’s a lovely spot for a snack break, too!
Getting there
By car
Driving from Dresden you will reach Bastei Bridge in around 50 minutes. Paid parking is available.
By bus and train
Public buses regularly arrive and depart from the Bastei Bridge. It will take between 1 and 1.5 hours to arrive there from Dresden. If you’re interested, you can plan your route here.
How long do I need?
1 – 3 hours. You’ll need even longer if you would like to take an extended tour through the Schwedenlöcher or descend to the nearby town of Rathen. I fully recommend both additions if you’re feeling fit and adventurous.
Keep in Mind
- Weather: You are hiking and should be prepared for all weather conditions. Even if it is warm when you leave Dresden, please take a jacket as the weather can change quickly.
- Safety: Bastei Bridge is a very accessible attraction for families, however usual precautions should be taken to ensure children stay safe. There are sharp cliffs and sudden drops in many places.
- It gets busy: As the most visited location in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, expect slow-moving crowds and long lines if you visit on a weekend or public holiday.
For more information, tips and hiking trails in the Saxon Switzerland, visit the official website.
Tiské stěny: A New Language and Culture Just an Hour from Dresden
For this day-trip we hop over the border into the Czech Republic, where the Saxon Switzerland Mountains are now called the Bohemian Switzerland Mountains.
This is my favourite spot for a day of hiking and it’s only 40 minutes out of Dresden!
Best experienced with kids aged . . .
All ages. The circular route is low-difficulty, meaning kids can be free to run wild.
Why it’s great for families:
| Free entry for children? | ✅ |
| Public toilets | ✅ Fee payable. |
| Change tables | ❌ |
| Water to refill bottles | ❌ |
| Accessible with prams | ❌ The path is wholly unpaved and is rocky and uneven. Parts of the track include sections of steep stairs. |
| Can I bring my own food? | ✅ |
| Outdoor areas to burn energy | ✅ |
| Indoor areas for the colder months | ✅ Restaurants and cafes in the area. |
| Playground/s | ✅ |
| Kid-friendly food for sale | ✅ |
| Low stimulus areas for tired kids | ✅ |
| Lots of reading and learning | ❌ |
| Information in English | ✅ |
Top attractions
- The lookout: From the top, you can see how far you’ve climbed and test your nerve near the edge of the 70m cliffs. This is an excellent picnic spot when it’s not too windy.
- Climbing through the cracks and caves in the sandstone: The greatest delight for children and adults alike is shimmying through the crevices in these great Sandstone walls.
- Turisticka chata Tisa: A traditional Czech restaurant right in the middle of the circuit hike. Enjoy a refreshing drink or something more hearty from their extensive menu.
Getting there
By car
Driving is the fastest and easiest option for this family day-trip. Taking around 45 minutes, you cross the border without realising it. Parking can be found onsite for a fee but it fills up very quickly on the weekend and public holidays.
How long do I need?
Give yourself a full day there to slowly appreciate the breathtaking Sandstone walls and the delicious food.
Keep in Mind
- Weather: Like the Bastei Bridge, this spot is entirely outside. Consider the weather for the day and dress accordingly. I would avoid this day-trip in the wet weather due to the many stairs that can become slippery when wet.
- Different currency: The Czech Republic does not use the Euro. Exchange currency before arriving or withdraw local currency from the ATM at the car park.
- Make it an overnight adventure: I have camped at Emperor’s Rock Caravan Park and had an amazing time. It offers striking views into the sandstone walls, an onsite Czech restaurant and accommodation options for all budgets.
For up-to-date park information and entry fees, check out the official site.
Festung Königstein: Explore Saxony’s History with Kids
This fortress on top of a mountain, looking across the Elbe is thrilling. Featuring multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants and sprawling gardens, your family will have a day trip in Saxony to remember.
Best experienced with kids aged . . .
All ages as it has so much to offer!
Why it’s great for families:
| Free entry for children? | ✅ For children under 7 |
| Public toilets | ✅ |
| Change tables | ❌ |
| Water to refill bottles | ❌ |
| Accessible with prams | ✅ |
| Can I bring my own food? | ✅ |
| Outdoor areas to burn energy | ✅ |
| Indoor areas for the colder months | ✅ |
| Playground/s | ✅ |
| Kid-friendly food for sale | ✅ |
| Low stimulus areas for tired kids | ✅ |
| Lots of reading and learning | ✅ |
| Information in English | ✅ |
Top attractions
- “800 Years of Life at Konigsteien” Exhibition: This exhibition has interactive exhibits for children, child-friendly texts in English and German and costumes to try on.
- Imprisoned at Königstein: An exhibition showcasing Königstein’s prison, detailing the conditions of prisoners across the 800 year lifespan of the fortress. Given it’s content, I recommend this for children over the age of 10.
- Original defensive walls: Let the children run free and you can walk alongside the original defensive walls of the fortress. Here you’ll have a close-up view of history paired with breathtaking views down the Elbe back towards the Bastei Bridge.
Getting there
By car
You’ll arrive at Festung Königstein from Dresden in around 40 minutes. There is plenty of paid parking on site.
By bus and train
The S-Bahn from Dresden will take you directly into the town of Königstein where you can take the Festungexpress shuttle bus. Alternatively, you can hike up to the Fortress from the town. Here you can read more information about both alternatives.
By boat
The famed Dresden Dampfschiff fleet regularly sails from Dresden to Königstein, allowing you to take the Festungexpress to Festung Königstein. For updated timetables and ticket prices, check out the Dampfschiff’s site.
How long do I need?
1 – 5 hours. There is a lot to see and experience, both inside and outside. Your ticket allows entry into every one of the museums and exhibits, so give yourself time to enjoy the history and breathtaking views.
Keep in Mind
- Weather: Festung Königstein makes for a big day trip for your family. Come prepared for all weather and all with a lot of snacks.
- It gets busy: As one of the most visited sites in the Region, it gets busy. Get there early to avoid wasting your precious pre-nap time in ticket lines.
- Research the exhibitions before entering them: Remember that it has always been a Fortress. Many exhibitions document war and might not be suitable for younger guests.
Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Family Day Trip from Dresden
These tips are the rules I live by for any family adventure, whether it’s a day-trip from Dresden or a multi-country road trip.
Start your Family Day Trip Early
I know. Getting up early on the weekend? Ugh!
But to give yourself the best chance of having a great family day out, leave early.
Arriving at popular family attractions early:
- Minimises stress trying to find a car park;
- Reduces waiting time for entry;
- Avoids running into that sacred lunch and nap-time window before you’ve even started your adventure.
Remember, places like the Leipzig Zoo and Festung Konigstein can get BUSY, particularly in Summer and on weekends. Plan your trip ahead of time to make the best of your visit.
Your Essential Packing List
Sure, it’s only a family day trip, but don’t forget the essentials:
- Water bottles,
- Snacks,
- Phones, fully charged for maps, photos and translations,
- Comfortable walking shoes,
- Coins for parking meters,
- Cash because in many places in Saxony, card payments aren’t available.
Depending on the season, remember:
- Sunscreen and hat,
- Warm and waterproof clothing.
And of course, a change of clothes for the whole family because you just never know what might happen!
Must Have Apps for a Successful Family Day Out
Use that fully-charged phone to make your family day trip a rousing success with the following apps:
- Google Maps: Download maps for offline use before you leave the house.
- Google Translate: install German for offline use.
- Deutsche Bahn App: to confirm train times and store your tickets.
- DVB App: For Dresden public transport, including bus, tram, boat and bike and car share.
Tips to Stick To Your Budget
- Eat breakfast before you leave.
- Bring water, snacks and a picnic.
- Carry your thermos for tea and coffee on the go.
- Don’t forget your picnic blanket for maximum comfort at your picnic.
Time to start planning your Family Day Trip from Dresden
Dresden offers many fantastic family day-trip destinations. No matter where you go, you will be treated to the local hospitality, breathtaking views and a lot of fun!
Have you visited any of these spots? Share your tips or favourite family moments in the comments below!
