Visiting Dresden with kids should be nothing but fun!
Yes, Dresden is a historic town. It’s full of stories from the Middle Ages and World Wars and everything in between.
But in the words of my eldest after a long day of sightseeing: “Not more old buildings!”
Historic doesn’t have to mean boring.
Is Dresden good for kids?
YES!
Dresden is an incredibly family-friendly city.
Many tourists only visit Berlin but Dresden is much better for families!
Why?
Because Dresden is smaller.
It’s easier to navigate with little legs.
Even at it’s busiest times, it’s calmer.
Many of the cultural sites and museums are free for children to enter.
Dresden offers an abundance of playgrounds and children-specific entertainment.
And did I mention that it’s clean and also very safe?
Best of all, Dresden is comparatively cheaper than Berlin and many other major cities in Germany.
Dresden definitely can’t offer the same nightlife and shopping experiences that Berlin can. However, it offers many more playgrounds and forests to explore.
Travelling with an infant or toddler? Here are my honest experiences about travelling with a pram versus a stroller.
What makes THIS the ultimate guide to visiting Dresden with kids?
After living in Dresden for nearly four years with my children, I’ve learnt a thing or two about how to keep them entertained here.
The majority of things I’ve recommended can be enjoyed for free.
This guide includes historic sites that can be fun for the whole family, kid-friendly museums, playgrounds and a few of my favourite unusual attractions.
Compiled with my local knowledge of the city, I aim to offer you and your family the best time possible while you’re visiting.
Here are 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Dresden
The Ultimate Guide to visiting Dresden with kids in four parts
I’ve compiled this guide in four sections: The Old City, The New City, The Großer Garden and surrounds, Schiller Platz and Körner Platz.
These reflect the four parts of Dresden where the best activities for kids are (in my opinion!).
I’ve put this guide together with the competing needs of the whole family in mind.
These tours are for parents who want to experience the history and culture of Dresden while letting kids run and jump between snacks.
The guide is a useful companion for on-the-go. Why not pin it for later?
Here’s an overview of each of the tours. For full details, just skip ahead.
1. The Old City
This tour is for you if you:
- Want to experience the architecture and History of Dresden,
- Like your sightseeing to be limited to a central area,
- Enjoy being outside more than inside.
Starting Point:
Altmarkt.
Sites:
- Kultur Palast
- Transport Museum
- The Neumarkt
- Martin Luther statue
- The Frauenkirche
- Bruhl’s Terrace
- Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
- Procession of Princes
- The Old Stables
- Residential Palace and the Green Vault Museum
- Semper Oper
- The Zwinger
Budget:
- The Transport Museum has an entrance fee.
- The Frauenkirche is free to enter but tickets must be purchased to climb the spire.
- The Residential Palace can be entered and viewed for free but to see the full museum collection, tickets must be purchased.
2. The Neustadt
This tour is for you if you:
- Enjoy being a little “off-the-beaten-track”
- Want to explore contemporary art and culture,
- Need your children to have more space to run free.
Starting Point:
Starting from the Old City, you’re going to cross the Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrucke).
Sites:
- 2002 Flood Marker
- Golden Rider
- New City’s Market Hall
- Fountains on the Hauptstrasse
- Kunsthofpassage
- Alaunpark
- Pfunds Molkerei
- Priesnitz
Budget:
- All sites are free to visit and enjoy.
3. Großer Garten and Surrounds
This tour is for you if you:
- Enjoy being outdoors,
- Are interested in trains or cars,
- Don’t mind paying entrance fees.
Starting Point
Altmarkt. Take tram number 1, 2 or 4 three stops or just walk the 1.5km to the Hygiene Museum.
Sites:
- Hygiene Museum
- Großer Garten
- Park Eisenbahn
- VW Factory
- Dresden Botanical Gardens
- Dresden Zoo
Budget:
- Tickets must be purchased for:
- Entry to the Children’s Museum of the Hygiene Museum.
- To ride the Park Eisenbahn.
- For tours inside the VW Factory.
- To explore the Dresden Zoo.
- The Großer Garten and the Dresden Botanical Gardens are free to enter.
4. Schiller Platz and Körner Platz (City East)
This tour is for you if you
- Want to explore the real Dresden.
- Experience life in Dresden like a local.
Starting Point
Starting from the Altmarkt, walk to Prager Str. Here take the number 12 tram to Schiller Platz.
Sites
- Schiller Platz
- Under the Blaue Winder
- Schiller Garten
- Over Blaue Wunder
- Körnerplatz
- Dresden’s Funicular
Budget
- Exploring this corner of Dresden is completely free!
- Your daily transport ticket can be used on the Funicular.
Check out Your Guide to Getting Around Dresden for more information about transport in Dresden.
1. The Old City (Altstadt)
Here you can explore the stunning buildings, lovingly reconstructed following the devastating bombings of World War 2.
Yes. It can be a tourist trap, particularly in the high season of July and August but it is worth it.
A day wandering through the Old City of Dresden is like travelling back in time.
And as visitors, this is the area of Dresden where it is easiest to find service in English, making your stay hassle-free.
For more tips, read my post 5 Things You Need To Know About Dresden Before You Visit Dresden
Starting Point:
Altmarkt.
Kultur Palast
First opened in 1969 during the period of the Democratic Republic of Germany, the Kultur Palast now hosts the City Library and the Symphony Orchestra.
There are free toilets and wifi here!
The library’s Children’s section even has a well-stocked English collection.
Enjoy a good coffee at a decent price at the cafe on the mezzanine level and take in the view across the Altmarkt, the old city square.
On your way out, walk past the Kultur Palast along the Schlossstraße to take in the 30m tile mosaic along the side of the building.
It is an ode to Dresden’s socialist past and was controversially left on the building after the reunification of Germany in 1991.
A full explanation of the mosaic can be read here (unfortunately only available in German but Google Translate should help).
Transport Museum (Vekhers Museum)
While an unusual choice, the Transport Museum can be so much fun for kids!
It offers a break from history, art and architecture, with the opportunity to drive cars, see old trams, participate in flight experiments and just be a kid.
The Children’s route is specifically curated for curious little minds. Older children will enjoy seeing the regular exhibitions, including a full-sized locomotive.
Children under 5 are free.
Read more here about special exhibitions, entry prices and opening times.
The Neumarkt
The Neumarkt is the beloved heart of Dresden’s Old City.
Painstakingly rebuilt over half a century, it is hard not to become nostalgic as you explore this historic quarter.
Take in the Baroque architecture and historical landmarks.
The Neumarkt is also a vibrant hub of cafes, bars and restaurants, regularly hosting markets and events.
Martin Luther Statue
You can’t miss him!
Martin Luther, the leader of the religious reformation in Germany, stands proudly in front of the Fraunekirche.
Remembered for translating the bible from Latin into German, Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
Unbelievably, his statue remained standing despite the destruction of Dresden during the bombing campaigns of 1945.
The Frauenkirche
The Fraunekirche is now the most famous symbol of Dresden; not only for its beauty but also for its incredible history.
Destroyed in the bombings during World War 2, the Frauenkirche was painstakingly rebuilt, stone by stone, by a team of international experts between 1993 and 2005.
Around 45% of the bricks you see now are from the original construction (they’re the darker ones).
The Frauenkirche now stands as a symbol of peace and hope. It is often used as a meeting place for peaceful demonstrations against international conflicts and groups on the extreme right.
I strongly recommend climbing the tower to enjoy the stunning views across the valley.
For up-to-date visiting hours, check the website from the Frauenkirche here.
If you’d like to experience a church service here, the Fraunekirche offers a monthly Anglican service in English. Check here for up-to-date details.
Bruhl’s Terrace
The famed “Balcony of Europe” overlooks the Elbe.
Stretching 500m, it is flanked by curated gardens and Baroque buildings.
The terrace was opened to the public in 1814 and has Dresden’s fortress at its centre.
Offering incredible views along the Elbe, it has space for kids to stretch their legs. There’s plenty of room here for them to run, jump and climb if they want to.
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Constructed between 1739 and 1755, this cathedral is the largest in Saxony.
Housing the remains of 49 of Saxony’s ruling family, it is also the final home of the heart of Augustus the Strong.
Procession of Princes
Walk along the 101 m-long mosaic created from around 23,000 Porcelain Tiles.
Created to mark the 800th anniversary of the House of Wetten, the ruling family of Saxony, this incredible piece of art depicts the history of the 35 rulers from this dynasty.
Unbelievably, this mosaic also survived the 1945 bombings of Dresden.
The Old Stables
You’re now in the old stables of the Dresden Castle.
Here is another large, open space for your kids to burn off some energy while you take in the beauty of the space.
Walk through the stables to enter the Residential Palace from the back.
Residential Palace and the Green Vault Museum
Here we are, in the home of Saxony’s previous ruling family.
Lovingly restored, this palace is now a stunning museum and home to the Green Vault.
The Green Vault is the treasury of August the Strong and includes everything that glitters or sparkles.
Even the exhibition rooms have been lovingly restored to their former glory of the 1720s.
While fascinating for art and design lovers, I don’t recommend exploring the Green Vault with children under 7.
You can enjoy both the external and internal courtyards of the Dresden Palace free of charge.
This will also allow you to take in the incredible reconstruction efforts, while your children move freely without fear of breaking anything.
Tickets and further information about both museums can be found here.
Semper Oper
Here stands the third incarnation of the Dresden Opera House, named after its principal architect, Gottfried Semper.
Originally opened in 1841, the first Semper Oper burnt down in 1969, only to be rebuilt in 1878. This second theatre was destroyed in the 1945 bombing raids of Dresden.
What you can see here was completed and officially opened in 1985.
By now it might be difficult to take in the beauty of yet another building.
But.
Inside it is even more breathtaking.
Tours in English take place daily at 1 pm.
More information and tickets are available here.
The Zwinger
The Zwinger was built for one reason: because August the Strong wanted it.
Constructed around a central orange tree, the Zwinger provides a stunning inner courtyard that is freely accessible by visitors (check here for updates on the construction works).
Take in the vast grounds in the Zwinger or enjoy a walk on the Zwinger’s external walls, offering a bird’s eye view over much of Dresden’s Old City.
Did you know?
The Zwinger was used as the location for the art museum in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.
The Zwinger is also home to the Porcelain Collection, the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments.
Tickets must be purchased to enter these museums. More information is available here.
End
You have now explored Dresden’s Old City!
What was your favourite part?
Let me know in the comments.
2. The Neustadt
It is particularly international here and you’ll immediately feel the vibe change from the Old City as you cross the Elbe and enter the new city.
Despite being decidedly urban, there’s no shortage of architectural beauty here.
This side of the river taps into everyone’s playful side, making it an excellent day out with kids.
Starting Point:
Starting from the Old City, cross the Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrucke).
Enjoy the views up and down the Elbe as you walk along the left side of the bridge.
Your first site will be about 100 meters over the bridge.
2002 Flood Marker
This beautiful piece of art by local artist Tobias Stengel has been in place since 2006 and commemorates the 2002 Flooding of the Elbe, a disaster that saw water reach as far as Dresden’s main train station.
If you look from this sculpture to your left at the Semper Oper, imagine how it would have looked when the water gushed through its doors.
The Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)
Augustus the Strong, the King credited with building the stunning Baroque buildings, is here depicted as a Roman soldier.
Unveiled in 1736, sadly after his death, Augustus is facing his extended territory in the east, modern-day Poland.
While you take in this stunning statue, the children can run around the square, climb on the other statues and run up and down the stairs.
The New City’s Market Hall (Neustadter Markthalle)
Here is your first snack break! Or an opportunity to stock up for the rest of the day.
This market hall will give you the experience of an old-style market with all the trappings of modernity featuring a supermarket, deli, bakery, fresh produce and cafe.
There is also a Russian cafe, an Asian restaurant on the lower floor and the deli offers food to-go.
Besides food, the Market Hall offers unique souvenir and gift options at its retail stores.
Open Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 8 pm.
Up-to-date opening times and a full list of shops are available here (unfortunately only available in German).
Fountains on the Hauptstrasse
Here is a chance for your kids to get wet, be silly and have fun!
Water jets shoot up from the ground in various patterns and beg to be played in.
There’s a small grassy patch for you to sit in if your kids need time to get their energy out.
Your next stop is the longest walk of the day at 1.2km. Take a tram if little legs are getting tired.
Kunsthofpassage
The Kunsthofpassage is a series of five courtyards, each with a unique theme.
Walk through the passage and be immediately transported to an avant-garde outdoor art museum.
The artwork here is designed to be enjoyed by the entire family.
1. The Courtyard of Elements
Arguably the crowd favourite, this courtyard celebrates the sunshine and water.
Here you’ll experience the reflective wall, painted entirely yellow with reflective metal attached all over it.
You’ll also get to experience the musical pipes. This is the most lovely-looking drainage system I have ever seen and it’s musical when it rains.
2. The Courtyard of Animals
You’ll know when you’re there.
Greeted by life-size giraffes, monkeys and birds on the wall, this courtyard is a scene straight from the savannahs of Africa.
Even the balconies have been constructed to resemble the thatched roofs of a traditional African hut.
3. The Courtyard of Mythical Creatures
With children, this courtyard offers a great opportunity to let their imaginations run wild.
The walls are adorned with magical creatures and symbols from mythology through the ages.
Why not take a seat in this courtyard and let your kids create a story out of what they can see?
4. The Courtyard of the Lights and 5. The Courtyard of Metamorphosis
These two courtyards each have individual themes, though they’re much more subtle than the previous three.
Both house retail stores, stocking artwork from resident artists and cafes if you’re ready to refuel.
Alaunpark
Alaunpark is an unexpected green space in the Neustadt.
Complete with a playground, expansive green space and skate park, Alaunpark boasts a Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Alaunpark also regularly hosts a food van selling Empanadas.
Priced between €3.50 and €5, these Empanadas are handmade and cooked to order.
The pastry is the perfect combination of crispy and flaky. Delicious!
Have a look and see for yourself on their Instagram account.
Pfunds Molkerei
Welcome to the world’s most beautiful dairy shop!
This stunning cheese shop is free to enter and is well worth a stop.
Opened in 1892, it is covered, floor to ceiling, in hand-painted porcelain tiles.
It is like nothing you’ve seen before!
Fun Fact!
The ornate glass counter was used Wes Anderson’s film The Grand Budapest Hotel as a cake shop.
Unsurprisingly, there’s an exceptional selection of cheese, milk and other local produce.
Just looking at the display case is rewarding but tasting it is even better!
You can sample a cheese plate, a fresh glass of milk or buttermilk in the standing-only dining section of the shop.
For a more extensive range of meal options and local produce, you can enjoy a seated restaurant experience upstairs.
Head to the back of the shop to see the full selection of locally sourced products.
Special Note:
Pfunds Molkerei can get very busy. If you or your children are sensitive to crowds, avoid going in if there’s a bus in front of the shop.
Priesnitz
This little gem is a favourite spot for locals to cool off through the hotter months.
It’s a small inlet from the Elbe with ankle-deep water that is perfect for splashing and playing.
There are stones and rocks to play with and a large, shaded area to sit and rest.
Good to Know:
It’s common to see naked children playing here.
Keep an eye out for the giant swing (I’m really letting you in on the local secrets now!)
End
When you’re ready, you can walk the 2 km along the river back to our starting point, or take a tram.
How did you enjoy the Neustadt?
What was your favourite part?
Let me know in the comments!
3. Großer Garten and the surrounds
This corner is less about the history and architecture and more about the experiences.
Starting Point
Altmarkt.
Walk the 1.5km to our first stop or take tram number 1, 2 or 4 three stops.
Hygiene Museum (kids museum)
While the name is odd, this museum has everything you could ask for as a parent travelling with kids!
The entire basement is a Kid’s Museum!
Here, kids explore the 5 senses through interactive exhibitions.
And much of the information is also provided in English!
The rest of the museum also offers plenty to explore.
Of particular interest is the exhibition about the human body, featuring a life-size replica with light-up organs.
Kids under 16 enter the museum for free.
Further information about opening times, tickets and exhibitions can be found here.
Local Tip
Entry into the museum is FREE from 3pm every Friday afternoon
Großer Garten
The Großer Garten, covering 1.8 square kilometres is an expanse of green space for kids to run wild in!
Featuring a Summer Palace in its centre for the architecture lover, the Großer Garten also boasts:
- two lakes to sit by and enjoy bird watching,
- numerous curated gardens for the plant lover,
- amphitheatres,
- statues and ornaments
- a children’s garden
- four beer gardens
- a restaurant
Did you know?
The Summer Palace was the set for a ballroom party scene in Cate Blanchett’s 2022 film Tár.
Meander through the winding paths and enjoy the adventure.
Throughout the Summer, the Großer Garten hosts numerous events and concerts, too.
More information about upcoming events is available here.
Park Eisenbahn
This miniature railway is an institution of Dresden.
Built in 1950, the Park Eisenbahn offers a 30-minute round trip covering 6km through the Großer Garten.
You’ll pass by both palaces, a lake, and the Dresden Zoo and have the opportunity to enjoy all of the beautiful nature that the Großer Garten offers.
The carriages have no windows, making it easy for excited kids to wave to every passerby.
Tickets can be purchased at every one of the 5 stations.
If you want to learn more about the railway, I recommend starting your trip at the main station on Lennéstraße (next to the VW Factory).
Head here for up-to-date ticket prices and trip times.
VW Factory
We all know that Germans love their cars!
And while you’re here in Dresden, you can visit the home of the Volkswagen ID.
Offering a variety of guided tours and experiences (including a children’s tour), you’re sure to find something here that piques your interest.
If a full tour is beyond your budget (or your children’s attention span), simply enjoy looking at the glass building and see how many cars you count.
Current tours and experiences on offer can be viewed and booked here.
Dresden Botanical Gardens
Just around the corner from the VW Factory, on the very edge of the Großer Garten, is the Dresden Botanical Gardens.
This hidden gem is free to enter and explore and has a free public toilet.
The Dresden Botanical Gardens allow you to travel the world through only a few steps.
You can jump into the tropical glass houses or wander the local woodlands.
Periodically the Botanic Gardens also hosts markets and other events.
All details are available here.
Dresden Zoo
On the opposite side of the Großer Garten stands the Dresden Zoo.
While I have mixed feelings about Zoos in principle, this small zoo is easily accessible to kids, without them becoming overwhelmed.
It has an interesting variety of animals and some of the best playgrounds in the city!
A highlight of the Dresden Zoo is the African House, where the Elephants and Monkeys live.
The other favourite of my family is visiting the Sloth family who roam freely in their heated house.
Typically, my children spend more time climbing on the four playgrounds than looking at the animals.
There are opportunities to watch animals being fed and washed at various times throughout the day.
Dresden Zoo offers multiple outlets to buy food and drinks.
Bringing a packed lunch is also permitted.
Further information about opening times, entry costs and feeding times is available here.
End
After exploring the Grosser Garten and its surrounds, what are your impressions?
Let me know in the comments!
4. Schiller Platz and Körner Platz (City East)
Not only are there fewer tourists here, there is loads on offer for families without the price tag of the Old City.
Approximately 30 minutes from the Old City by public transport, this corner of Dresden offers a more authentic Dresden experience.
This was the first corner of Dresden I experienced and is still my favourite (I still live a stone’s throw from it!)
Starting Place
Starting from the Altmarkt, walk to Prager Str.
Here take the number 12 tram to Schiller Platz.
Schiller Platz
Named after Germany‘s beloved poet Friedrich Schiller, you are now in one of the most affluent suburbs of Dresden.
A short walk from the tram stop are two of my favourite coffee shops in Dresden:
- Charlotte’s Enkel: the sweetest Espresso Bar serving world-class coffee and home-baked sweet treats.
- Flamingo Kaffee: This speciality coffee roaster is for the true coffee lover. Here you can peruse the coffee roasts and coffee equipment while waiting for your freshly brewed coffee.
Walk just 200m to the town square for its delightful market every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Sample some local delights, particularly the breads, cakes, cold meats and cheeses.
Perfect for a picnic!
Under the Blaue Wunder
Here you’ll be treated to several things all at the same time:
- A look underneath the Blaue Wunder, the famous blue bridge of Dresden.
- Views up and down the river, including a close encounter with the Dampfschiff fleet.
- Engaging with the native birds.
While it’s forbidden to feed the birds here, the curious ducks, geese and swans are all used to humans.
I have spent many hours with my daughter here, engaging with the birds and watching the boats sail past.
Schiller Garten
One of Dresden’s most famous beer gardens, Schiller Garten is a true cultural experience.
Expect large beers, freshly roasted Bratwurst and Bretzel.
The beer garden offers views across the Elbe, two dining options and a playground for little people who aren’t satisfied passively taking in the surrounds.
You’ll enjoy a casual dining experience, where you can select your preferred table and when you’re ready, order your drinks from the bar and food from either the Barbeque area or inside.
TIP
If you’re a vegetarian, head straight to the kitchen at the back. Here you’ll find vegetarian options, vegetables and salads.
There is also a restaurant inside if your family would prefer a seated dining experience.
For opening times and a peek at the menu, visit Schiller Garten’s website here.
Now that you’re bellies are full, it’s time to walk across the Blaue Wunder.
Over Blaue Wunder
Walking across the Blaue Wunder offers stunning views into the Old City (on your left) and the Saxony Switzerland National Park (on your right).
The Blaue Wunder, also called the Loschwitz Bridge, was built in 1893 connecting the two districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz.
At the time, these were two of the most expensive residential areas in Europe.
This bridge is famous for its Cantilever construction, an unusual choice for the time and of course, its blue colour.
Miraculously, the Blaue Wunder survived the 1945 bombings of Dresden, as did much of the Loschwitz neighbourhood, specifically our next stop – Körner Platz.
Körner Platz
My favourite place in Dresden.
This is an area to wander through slowly.
Houses here date from the 1700s!
I am always in awe of these beautiful little buildings, still standing, and now housing a modern family with all the conveniences.
My top tips in this corner of Dresden are:
- Arabusta: another option for an excellent coffee stop. Enjoy the art deco interior while watching the world go by.
- Eisgarten Loschwitz: Great ice cream in the cutest triangular building you’ve ever seen!
- Cafe Wippler: Cakes and bread as far as the eye can see. This bakery is an institution in Dresden, having been in business for over 100 years.
- Elbegarten: another Beer Garden on the river’s edge, directly opposite Schiller Garten. This is the better option if you’re looking for a more modern beer garden experience. I also prefer the layout here. The eating area is directly adjacent to the playground, so you can always see your children while seated.
- Have a picnic on the river with the goods you bought from the Schiller Platz market. Turn left at Elbegarten and find a nice spot on the grass by the river.
When you’ve taken in the sights and sounds of Körnerplatz, you’re little people might be ready for the next site.
Dresden’s Funicular
A fun way to get to the top of the hill and enjoy a breathtaking view across Dresden and the entire valley towards the Saxony-Switzerland National Park.
You might even have seen the carriages trundling up the hill while you were taking in the view from Schiller Platz.
To be clear, there are two ways to get up the hill.
The blue rails seen on the hillside from Schillerplatz are the Schwebebahn. This cable-drawn, suspension railway is just a short 500m walk from here.
The Standseil Bahn, on the other hand, is a cable railway offering a relaxing 5-minute ride up an incline of 97m.
Once at the top, enjoy the views across the Dresden valley.
Directly opposite the upper station is the historic Luisenhof, an incredibly child-friendly cafe and restaurant with beautiful architecture and interior design to boot.
Featuring a kid’s play corner inside, a colour-in kids’ menu and a playground with a trampoline outside, there is no reason not to enjoy a stop here.
Fun Fact
The Funicular in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel was inspired by this one!
After you’ve returned down the hill to Körnerplatz, you can easily jump on the 61 Bus to cross back over the Blaue Wunder, or simply walk back to Schiller Platz.
End
What did you think of this corner of Dresden?
Does it deserve to be my favourite part of Dresden?
Let me know what your experiences here were in the comments.
Time to Visit
This guide aims to offer you a family-friendly experience of Dresden, while not blowing your budget.
I hope it has inspired you to visit this beautiful city and offered you some insights into the best spots for kids.
Let me know in the comments if this guide helped you with your planning.
Followed one of my tours? Let me know how it was in the comments.
