Family Activities near Frankfurt

Frankfurt, with its vibrant city life, also serves as a perfect gateway to numerous exciting day trips and excursions that are sure to delight kids. From historical castles to thrilling amusement parks and picturesque nature spots to educational museums, there’s a wealth of activities just a short drive or train ride away. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best family activities near Frankfurt.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Taunus Wunderland

Located about an hour’s drive from Frankfurt, Taunus Wunderland is a family-friendly amusement park nestled in the scenic Taunus mountains. The park features a variety of rides and attractions suitable for younger children, including carousels, roller coasters, and themed play areas. With its picturesque setting and diverse attractions, Taunus Wunderland provides a fun-filled day for kids of all ages.

Holiday Park

Situated in Haßloch, around 90 minutes from Frankfurt, Holiday Park offers thrilling rides and entertainment for the whole family. And whilst the park may not have the most original name, it is home to the famous Expedition GeForce roller coaster.  In addition to the big rides it also caters to younger audiences with attractions like the Mayaland indoor play area and water playgrounds. Shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets add to the excitement.

Europa Park

While a bit further away (approximately a two-hour drive), Europa Park in Rust is Germany’s largest and most popular theme park. Divided into themed areas representing different European countries, Europa Park offers over 100 attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and live shows. It’s a fantastic destination for a full day of adventure and fun.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Heidelberg Castle

A visit to the historic Heidelberg Castle is a magical experience for children and adults alike. Located about an hour from Frankfurt, this stunning castle overlooks the charming town of Heidelberg and the Neckar River. Kids will enjoy exploring the castle’s ruins, learning about its history, and marvelling at the giant wine barrel in the cellar. The adjacent gardens provide a lovely spot for a picnic.

Saalburg Roman Fort

Saalburg Roman Fort, located in the Taunus mountains, is an excellently reconstructed Roman fort that provides an immersive historical experience. Kids can explore the fort’s walls, barracks, and baths while learning about Roman military life. The fort also hosts reenactments and workshops that engage children in hands-on activities.

Good to know:

• Sunday (November–February): 2 p.m. together for adults and children
  Sunday (March-October): 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.  There are separate tours for adults and children from school age
• However, please be aware that tours are in German unless booking a private tour

Hessenpark Open-Air Museum

Hessenpark is an open-air museum that showcases traditional rural life in Hesse. It features historical buildings, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits.

Nature and Outdoor Adventures

Felsenmeer in Lautertal

Felsenmeer, or “Sea of Rocks,” in the Odenwald forest is a natural playground for kids. This large boulder field offers endless opportunities for climbing and exploring. Families can hike through the scenic forest trails, have a picnic among the rocks, and learn about the area’s geological history.

Good to know:

• It’s worth noting that the images may be slightly deceiving as the incline of the boulders appears less steep than it is in person.
• The trails running alongside the boulders are a good option for those with very young children and less agile individuals
• Highly recommend wearing shoes with good grip

Pinta Beach

Located just outside Frankfurt, Pinta Beach is a great destination for families seeking a fun and (fairly) relaxing day trip.  This artificial beach, situated along the picturesque shores of Raunheimer Waldsee, offers a variety of amenities designed to cater to both relaxation and active pursuits.  There is plenty to keep everyone entertained, from the aqua park, which is like a giant obstacle course, to stand-up paddle boarding and inflatable boats.  And finally, if sunbathing with a good book is your more your vibe, hire yourself a sunbed and relax while the kids tire themselves out!

Good to know:

• Children are not allowed in the VIP section
• Bicycles are available to rent at the southern entrance of the train station. It’s worth pointing out that they can be used free of charge for 30 minutes.  Voucher code can be found at the bottom of your booked ticket

Edersee

Edersee, one of Germany’s largest reservoirs, is located about two hours from Frankfurt and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Kids can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake, or explore the surrounding Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. The park’s treetop walkway provides a unique perspective of the forest canopy and is an exciting adventure for children.

Good to know:

• Checkout Edersee’s kid’s activities this summer

Lorelei Rock

A visit to the iconic Lorelei Rock along the Rhine River is both scenic and educational. Families can take a boat tour along the Rhine, enjoying the beautiful river landscapes and listening to the legend of the Lorelei siren. The nearby Lorelei Visitors Center offers interactive exhibits about the region’s history and geology.

Wakeport

Wakeport, located just outside Frankfurt in Raunheim, is a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This modern wakeboarding park offers exciting activities centred around its state-of-the-art cable systems and pristine lake. Highlights of the Wakeport experience include its various wakeboarding courses suitable for beginners to advanced riders, ensuring an inclusive environment for all skill levels. The park features multiple obstacles and jumps, adding thrill and challenge to the rides. Additionally, Wakeport provides equipment rentals and professional coaching, making it accessible even to those new to the sport.

Beyond wakeboarding, visitors can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), e-foiling, and relaxing on the sandy shores. The park also hosts regular events and competitions, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Complementing these activities are the on-site amenities, including a beach bar and dining options, ensuring a fun-filled and comfortable outing. Wakeport’s blend of high-energy water sports and leisure facilities makes it a standout destination for a memorable day trip from Frankfurt.

Interactive and Educational Museums

Technoseum Mannheim

A bit over an hour’s drive from Frankfurt, the Technoseum in Mannheim is an interactive science and technology museum that captivates kids and adults alike. The museum features hands-on exhibits that cover topics ranging from industrial history to modern technology. Kids can experiment with machines, participate in workshops, and enjoy the museum’s engaging displays.

Good to know:

• With the museum’s app, you will find tours and explanations of exhibition objects in English.

Senckenberg Natural History Museum

While technically in Frankfurt, a visit to the Senckenberg Natural History Museum is a must for any family. The museum boasts one of Europe’s largest collections of dinosaurs, along with extensive exhibits on biodiversity, geology, and ancient Egyptian mummies. Kids will be fascinated by the life-sized dinosaur skeletons and interactive displays.

Mathematikum Gießen

Located about an hour from Frankfurt, the Mathematikum in Gießen is a unique museum dedicated to mathematics. Through over 150 interactive exhibits, kids can explore mathematical concepts in a hands-on and playful manner. Puzzles, experiments, and games make learning math fun and accessible for all ages.

Good to know:

• All experiments are labelled in German and English