Dresden with kids: family-friendly attractions

November 13, 2024 / 0 Comments

Dresden with Kids: Fun and Family-Friendly Attractions

This was our third visit to Dresden, and, just like the previous ones, it was a success. We enjoyed the city, its stunning old town, and had a wonderful time exploring together.

Getting to Dresden

We traveled from Berlin, so here’s a quick travel guide:

Originally, we booked tickets on the ICE express train, which takes about 2 hours. However, due to strikes, all express trains were canceled, so we had to change our plans. Instead, we took a regional train to Elsterwerda and then another regional train to Dresden. The whole trip took us about 3 hours, and thanks to our Deutschlandsticket, the journey was free.

Family friendly accommodation in Dresden

We stayed at the Meininger Hotel, which I highly recommend. The location is unbeatable – right across from the main train station, making everything super convenient. The hotel offers family rooms, a kid’s corner with games, and even a guest kitchen, which is such a relief when traveling with kids. There’s also a huge supermarket right below, where you can find everything you need. They also offer a breakfast buffet, and the communal spaces are cozy and welcoming. This family-friendly, affordable, and centrally located hotel with a kitchen made our stay so easy. I’ll definitely be looking at Meininger hotels in other cities for future trips.

Kid-friendly things to do in Dresden

We packed our schedule with some kid-friendly places:
City Walks: Of course, we couldn’t miss strolling around the Old Town Square and the new part of Dresden. Playground on the photo is in the city center, you will find it under: Spielplatz Wallstraße

Großer Garten: Take a walk here, and don’t miss the nearby Botanical Garden and greenhouses (entry is free).

Kunsthofpassage – a unique and vibrant courtyard complex in the Neustadt district, known for its creative architecture and artistic flair. This passage features a series of interconnected courtyards, each with distinct themes and colorful murals, installations, and sculptures. One of its most famous attractions is the “Courtyard of Elements,” where whimsical drainpipes create a musical effect when it rains. The area is home to art studios, small boutiques, cafés, and galleries, making it a lively cultural spot and a must-visit for those interested in art, design, and Dresden’s alternative scene.

Kid-friendly museums in Dresden

This time, we visited three museums: Verkehrsmuseum, Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, and Alles Holz. The first two are definitely family-friendly with great exhibits. The Hygiene Museum even has a dedicated Children’s Museum section, where kids can explore a sensory-themed exhibit.

Alles Holz won’t be in Dresden much longer, as it’s moving to Chemnitz and then Leipzig, but it’s a fantastic exhibition about wood. It has a workshop where kids can use tools to build their own wooden toys, making it a fun, hands-on experience.

Saxon Switzerland National Park with kids

Lastly, while not in Dresden itself, it’s too good to miss when you’re here. Dresden is wonderfully located for nature lovers—just hop on the S-Bahn, and within 30 minutes, you’re in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It’s breathtaking. We suggest heading to Kurort Rathen, where you can cross the Elbe River by ferry and then hike to the Bastei rock formations for stunning views. From there, a scenic walk through the forest will take you to Stadt Wehlen along the famous Malerweg trail. You can cross the river here as well and catch the S-Bahn back to Dresden.