Bonn is a lovely city to explore with kids, it’s easy to navigate and is very self contained. Here are our top ten things to do in Bonn with kids following our family trip to Cologne and Bonn. A mix of culture and fun (and check out our Rainy day activities labelled below too).
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The best things to do in Bonn with kids
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1. A sweet treat with Haribo
Haribo was founded in 1920 in Bonn by Johannes “Hans” Riegel and the name comes from the first two initials of each of the words – Hans {HA} Riegel {RI}, Bonn {BO}.
You can visit the Haribo factory outlet store just outside of the city. Or there’s a smaller shop in the city centre which is still fun.
It’s the perfect place to pick up a bag of sweets and spend some time looking at all the other Haribo novelties.
Rainy day activity
2. Take a boat trip down the Rhine
The Rhine is a beautiful river that runs through Bonn.
To see it properly you need to get up close and a boat trip down it is the perfect activity and a great activity to enjoy in Bonn with children.
Many of the boats offer both indoor and outdoor seating so even on colder or wet days you can enjoy the experience (although most run from Easter to October and not through the winter months).
Get your skip-the-line boat tickets here.
3. An inspiring trip to Beethoven’s House and one of the great things to do in Bonn with kids
Beethoven’s House is in the centre of Bonn and is a great way to introduce children to this amazing composer.
See the home where he was born and lived with his family and either take a tour or use an audio guide to find out more about his life.
There are no guides specifically for children but it’s nonetheless an interesting place for kids to explore up winding staircases and across creaking floorboards.
Find out more about Beethoven’s House here.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here
Rainy day activity
4. A great playground in Bonn, Freizeitpark Rheinaue
Freizeitpark Rheinaue is a gorgeous park on the outskirts of the city but easily accessed by the underground.
There’s a lovely lake and two playgrounds.
This is where Bonn families hang out, taking in the fresh air, biking, scootering and playing ball games.
There are ice cream vans a-plenty and even when we visited in the winter we found it a welcoming space to spend time.
5. Go wild in the Wildpark Venusberg
Wildpark Venusberg is a great place to visit when you’re looking for things to do in Bonn with kids.
There’s a great playground and some beautiful walking trails around. I
t’s the perfect place to get children outdoors and interested in the animals and wildlife. Stop and buy some food and have a chance to feed the animals too.
6. Jump on the hop-on hop-off bus
We love the hop-on hop-off buses that exist around the world.
The Bonn version is no exception. It’s perfect for using to get around the city and finding out about the places you are seeing.
Adults and kids will love to take it all over.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
7. Eat pretzels and other bakery treats for one of the fun things to do in Bonn with kids
Germany is big on its pastries and Bonn has some fantastic bakeries.
While in the country you should definitely stop and pick up some pretzels which come plain, with salt or in various other guises. We loved the ones covered in sweet, sugary almonds.
8. Theme park time at Phantasialand
Around 30 miles outside of Bonn Phantasialand makes the perfect day trip out when you’re visiting the area with kids (although not in winter when it’s closed).
Set across different lands including Berlin, Deep in Africa and Mystery there are activities, rides and even themed restaurants and snacks.
You can stay at Phantasialand at one of the themed hotels to really make an event of your time.
Find out more about Phantasialand here.
9. Natural history in abundance at the Museum Koenig
This is a really well-price Natural History Museum with a difference.
Huge displays recreating different habitats around the world. Children will love exploring the different floors and although the English descriptions may be a little lacking the exhibits more than make up for it.
A great activity and one of our top things to do in Bonn with kids.
Find out more about Museum Koenig here.
Rainy day activity
10. A castle with secrets – Schloss Drachenburg Castle
Schloss Drachenburg Castle is a fantastic castle to explore. It’s full of secrets and nothing is as it seems with hidden doors and even the whole building purporting to be from different eras than it was actually built in.
Children will love the stories here and there are some gorgeous grounds to run around.
Find out more about Schloss Drachenburg Castle here.
Rainy day activity
We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions, do let us know if they come in useful for you or if you have anywhere else to suggest we should be visiting. Read our trip report of our winter trip to Cologne and Bonn with kids here and read our bumper guide to Bonn with kids for lots more suggestions of things to do, places to visit and restaurants to enjoy.
