Hannover with kids – top family-friendly attractions

My daughter and I spent a fantastic weekend in Hannover! This city has so much to offer—culture, art, nature, and attractions specifically for children. The vibe is great, it’s clean and green, and we were pleasantly surprised by the bike-friendly infrastructure. Next time, we’ll definitely be exploring on bikes!

Getting to Hannover

We traveled to Hannover by train. From Berlin, it takes just under two hours, making for a quick and comfortable trip. It’s worth booking tickets in advance for better prices.

Hannover with kids – attractions

We spent two full days in Hannover and trust me – there was no time to get bored! There are enough attractions here for several visits, and we had a blast exploring:

Erlebnis ZOO Hannover – I have to say, this is one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to. Located right next to a large forest complex, it gives you the feeling of being in nature. The animals have spacious enclosures, the zoo is filled with exotic plants, it’s very clean, and there’s a wide variety of attractions. There are numerous playgrounds and themed sections, and you can see that the zoo is continually expanding and modernizing. There’s also a pavilion with a fantastic photography exhibition. The ticket price includes a boat ride, and I highly recommend it; it’s so relaxing to see the animals from a new perspective. The zoo has plenty of food stands, so whether you’re after a snack or a full meal, you’re covered. Of course, ice cream is also available! We spent hours here and could have easily stayed longer, but we wanted to see more of the city.

A great way to explore Hannover is by following the “red thread”—a red line painted on the ground that guides you to the city’s main attractions in the center. The entire route is 4,200 meters long. It’s a fun way to discover the city, especially for kids, who enjoy following the line.

Be sure to take the elevator up to the dome of the Neues Rathaus. The elevator is unique as it goes up in an arc – a fascinating experience. The views from the observation tower are breathtaking.

A visit to Hannover isn’t complete without a trip to Herrenhäuser Garten and Berggarten. Herrenhäuser Garten is a beautiful baroque garden complex with a stunning palace. Spend some time here enjoying the fountains, maze, themed gardens, and more. Berggarten, a botanical garden, has greenhouses and a vast area for a pleasant stroll. It’s home to Europe’s largest collection of orchids and impressive cacti. Both gardens are must-sees in Hannover.

For kids, Zinnober is a fun visit. It’s not a traditional museum but more like an interactive space for play and learning, much like some spots in Berlin. Kids can explore and learn through play with support from educators. We enjoyed the current exhibition on logic games.

Hannover is well connected and bike-friendly, making bike rental a good idea. We also saw many cyclists and cautious drivers, which added to the city’s bike-friendly feel. Another great option is the drop-on, drop-off tourist bus, which covers the city’s main sights. With an audio guide included, you’ll learn all the interesting facts along the way. Tickets are available from the driver or the tourist information center.

Hannover has art around every corner, from beautiful murals to street sculptures. Grab an informational leaflet to guide your art tour. Don’t miss the surfers on the Leine River – it’s such fun to watch. This spot is near the Nanas sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle, which you can also reach by following the “red thread.”

Dining in Hannover

We had breakfast at our hotel, lunch at the Hofladen in the zoo, and another meal at the highly recommended Francesca & Fratelli pizzeria. We can vouch for the recommendation – the pizza was delicious, and the staff was so friendly. The restaurant is centrally located, making it very convenient. For a coffee treat, check out Gottfried’s Feinkiosk in Leibnizhaus—the espresso tonic was the best.

Where to stay in Hannover

We stayed at the Mercure Hotel Hannover City. It was clean, had tasty breakfasts, and the staff was friendly. What really stands out about this place is the location—it’s across from a park, close to museums, and just a three-minute walk to the Neues Rathaus. Although it’s in the city, the area feels calm and peaceful.

Hannover with kids – conclusion

Hannover with kids is a fantastic idea – you definitely won’t be bored, and kids will find plenty to enjoy. A weekend in Hannover is a perfect family city break, and I truly hope we get to return, as we didn’t have time to see everything I had in mind.

Warm regards!

This post was created in collaboration with and at the invitation of Hannover’s tourism organization. All opinions expressed here are independent and my own.