As a family based between Nijmegen and Arnhem, we've personally enjoyed most of these outings and highly recommend them for families. Living just 30 minutes from the border makes Germany an easy, rewarding destination for day trips with children. Whether you're seeking affordable shopping in Kleve (try the Steakhouse Hotel zur Post for great value meals) or full-day adventures, these spots deliver fun for all ages.
Germany is conveniently accessible—just 200 km from Utrecht—and perfect for family trips. Highlights include Oberhausen's CentrO for shopping and attractions, Duisburg Zoo, Bottrop's Movie Park Germany, and Europe's largest bedding nursery, Erlebnispark von Emsflower. Here are our top 5 picks for kids.
Movie Park Germany, formerly Warner Bros Movie Park, is a thrilling theme park near Bottrop centered on movies. From Paw Patrol for little ones to action-packed shows like Crazy Cops New York with live stunts, it entertains kids and adults alike.
General Information: Movie Park Germany
Movie Park Germany
Warner-Allee 1
Bottrop
Website: Movie Park Germany
Phone: +49 2045 899999
Accessibility
From the A31, take exit 39 (Kirchhellen-Nord) despite navigation suggestions—signs will guide you to parking. Bus day trips available; by train, head to Oberhausen Hbf or Essen Hbf, then RE14 or RB44.
Opening Hours
Check website (typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM or later; closed some days/weeks).
Admission
€39.90–45.50 (online from €26.90)
€30.00–36.00 (online €26.90 for ages 4-11 & 65+ with ID)
Free (under 4)
We recently visited Sea Life Oberhausen and loved it—a compact aquarium ideal for families, perfect with CentrO shopping. Great for kids, though plan 2-3 hours max.
General Information: Sea Life Oberhausen
Sea Life Oberhausen
Zum Aquarium 1
46047 Oberhausen, Germany
Website: Sealife
Phone: +49 1806 66690101
Easily reached by car (ample parking) or public transport: bus from Oberhausen Hbf to Neue Mitte.
Opening Hours
364 days/year, 10:00 AM–6:30 PM (check site; closed some Sundays/Dec 31).
Admission
Online from €11.95
Combi with Legoland: €22.00 (online)
The Legoland Discovery Center in Oberhausen's CentrO is a hit for younger kids (our teens have outgrown it, but reviews rave). Pair it with Sea Life for play and learning.
General Information: Legoland Discovery Center
Centro Promenade 10
Oberhausen
Website: Legoland Discovery Center
Phone: +49 208 7822010
Accessibility
Car-friendly with parking; bus from Oberhausen Hbf to Neue Mitte (100m walk).
Opening Hours
Daily 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM).
Admission
From €10.50 (online)
Though we haven't visited yet, rave reviews from other families make Wunderland Kalkar a must-try. Just 30 minutes from Arnhem, it's ideal for mixed-age kids with attractions for all.
General Information: Wunderland Kalkar Family Park
Griether Strasse 110–120
Kalkar
Website: Wunderland Kalkar
Email: sales@wunderlandkalkar.eu
Phone: +49 2824 9100
Accessibility
1 hour from Utrecht via A3/A12 (Emmerich exit) or A57/A77 (Goch/Kalkar). Train to Emmerich + taxi.
Opening Hours
July-Aug: daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; other months per website.
Admission
€29.95 (€23.95 online from 1.3m)
€22.95 (€16.95 up to 1.29m)
Years ago, we loved Zoo Duisburg—its dolphinarium shows (audience participation!), koala house, huge playground, and diverse animals. Planning a revisit with our teens.
General Information: Zoo Duisburg
Mülheimer Strasse 273
Duisburg
Website: Zoo Duisburg
Email: info@zoo-duisburg.de
Phone: +49 203 305590
Accessibility
Via A3/A40 by car; from Duisburg Hbf, tram 901 (20 min).
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–6:30 PM (Mar-Oct)
9:00 AM–4:00 PM (Nov-Feb)
Admission
€16.90 (18+)
€9.90 (3-17 yrs)
Have you tried these spots or planning a visit? We'd love to hear your experiences!
