Top 10 Kids Winter Activities
Winter in Bavaria with kids doesn't have to mean freezing at a ski school. Water parks, gentle toboggan runs, film studios, and indoor adventures—tested by parents, approved by kids.
←Back to Trip PlannerSeason
December - March
Age Range
2-14 years
Strategy
Indoor Backups Ready
Family-Tested, Kid-Approved
The Top 10
Therme Erding Galaxy→
Europe's largest thermal bath has a dedicated "Galaxy" zone with 27 water slides designed for families. Wave pools, lazy rivers, and tropical indoor pools at 34°C. Kids think it's the Caribbean; you know it's 30 minutes from Munich.
Best for ages: 4-16 | Indoor
The Real Deal
Textiles Zone: The Galaxy zone requires swimwear (textiles mandatory). The VitalOase is 16+ and textile-free. Know which area you're heading to with kids.
Height Restrictions: The extreme slides (X-Treme Faser, 72 km/h) have strict height minimums. Check before promising kids they can do "all the slides."
Bavaria Filmstadt→
Kids can ride the Falkor dragon from The NeverEnding Story, explore the Das Boot submarine interior, and watch 4D movies with motion seats and wind effects. One of the few theme parks that welcomes dogs too.
Best for ages: 5-14 | Mostly Indoor
The Real Deal
Birthday Freebie: Kids (and adults) get free entry on their actual birthday—bring ID. Great winter birthday party option.
U-Boat Warning: The Das Boot submarine is physically tight and claustrophobic. Young kids or anyone anxious in confined spaces should skip it.
Jennerbahn Toboggan Run→
The 1.4km "Jennerhex" toboggan track is accessed via chairlift, so kids can do repeat runs without the exhausting climb back up. Sled rentals at the valley station, and family tickets make it affordable for multiple rides.
Best for ages: 5-14 | Outdoor
The Real Deal
Helmets Provided: Sled rentals include helmets. Use them—the run gets fast and other sledders may not be in full control.
Family Ticket: The Family 3/7 Day pass (€179 for 2 adults + all kids) is excellent value if you're staying in the Berchtesgaden area for a few days.
Wildpark Poing→
Even in winter, the deer, wolves, and wild boar are active. Kids can still feed the free-roaming deer (bring €0.50 coins for feed machines), and the "Westernstadt" adventure playground operates year-round.
Best for ages: 2-12 | Outdoor
The Real Deal
Winter Hours: The park closes earlier in winter (often 4 PM). Arrive by 1 PM at the latest to give kids enough time with the animals.
No Dogs: Dogs are strictly banned due to free-roaming wildlife. Leave pets at home or find a sitter.
Nuremberg Castle & Underworld→
The Imperial Castle has a fully accessible museum via lift, and the rock-cut cellars maintain 8-10°C year-round—warmer than outside in winter! The Children's Christmas Market section has rides and crafts specifically for kids.
Best for ages: 6-14 | Mostly Indoor
The Real Deal
Age Restriction: The Medieval Dungeons tour is strictly NO children under 10 due to graphic content about torture methods. The castle museum is fine for all ages.
Nürnberg Card: Kids under 5 get the Nürnberg Card free. It includes the zoo, which is excellent in winter (many animals have heated indoor areas).
Olympiapark Sledding Hill→
When snow falls, the Olympiaberg (Olympic Hill) becomes Munich's favorite sledding destination. Thousands of families descend with sleds. It's free, centrally located, and has a beer garden at the top for parental refreshment.
Best for ages: 3-12 | Outdoor | Free
The Real Deal
Bring Your Own Sled: There's no rental. Hardware stores and sports shops sell cheap plastic sleds for €10-20. Buy one before you go.
Icy Paths: The main walking paths become icy from sled runners. Wear boots with good grip—parents have been known to slide down accidentally.
BMW Welt & Museum→
BMW Welt is FREE—a futuristic showroom where kids can sit in concept cars and explore interactive vehicle displays. The connected Museum (paid) traces automotive history with real cars at every turn. All indoors, all heated.
Best for ages: 5-16 | Indoor | Free
The Real Deal
Museum Closed Mondays: The Welt showroom is open daily, but the Museum is closed Mondays. Plan accordingly if the museum is your main draw.
Cheap Parking: The P+R Olympiazentrum lot offers parking for just €1.50 with MVV validation. Much cheaper than the BMW parking garage.
Füssen Ice Skating→
Füssen is Germany's National Ice Hockey Training Centre, which means excellent public skating rinks. Traditional Bavarian curling (Eisstockschießen) on frozen lakes is something uniquely German that kids find hilarious.
Best for ages: 4-16 | Indoor/Outdoor
The Real Deal
Skate Rentals: The rinks have rental skates in children's sizes. Helmets are available but not always included—ask at the counter.
Deer Feeding: At Bannwaldsee, kids can observe red deer being fed from a viewing platform. It's a magical winter wildlife experience unique to this area.
Flugwerft Schleissheim→
Germany's oldest airfield now houses 70+ aircraft in heated hangars—from Lilienthal gliders to Eurofighter jets. Kids can get close to real planes, watch mechanics restore antiques, and explore cockpits. The perfect rainy-day backup.
Best for ages: 5-16 | Indoor
The Real Deal
Family Ticket: At €17, the family ticket covers 2 adults + all children up to 17. Per-head cost drops to €4.25—exceptional value.
Combine with Gardens: Walk through the free Baroque palace gardens to reach the museum. Kids can burn energy running along the grand canals before heading inside.
Munich Residenz Treasury→
The crown jewels, royal swords, and golden artifacts in the Treasury fascinate kids who like shiny things. The palace is stroller-friendly on main floors, and 130 heated rooms mean you'll never run out of things to explore on a cold day.
Best for ages: 6-14 | Indoor
The Real Deal
Do Treasury First: Kids have limited patience. Start with the Treasury (smaller, more "wow" factor), then see how much energy remains for the main Residenz rooms.
Audio Guide: The family audio guide has content designed for children. Ask at the ticket counter—it makes the visit much more engaging for young visitors.