Museums for Children in Frankfurt: The Best Family Destinations

Frankfurt is a real museum city — and the lovely thing is: many of the houses are a great pleasure for children too. Instead of “please don’t touch”, the message here is often “trying out encouraged”. I’ve put together the best museums for children and families in Frankfurt, from dinosaurs through hands-on experiments to stories you can touch. That way you’ll quickly find the right destination for your family outing — in any weather.

Senckenberg Natural History Museum: dinosaurs to marvel at

If there’s one museum that tops children’s lists, it’s the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. In the great atrium stand mighty dinosaur skeletons, joined by taxidermied animals from around the world, fossils and exhibitions on the history of the Earth. For many children the sight of the giants is an unforgettable experience. Allow enough time, because the building is large — and with smaller children, happily build in some breaks.

Young Museum: history to join in with

The Young Museum (formerly the Children’s Museum) is part of the Historical Museum at the Saalhof and one of the oldest children’s museums in Germany. It shows interactive exhibitions especially for families with children from around the age of six — knowledge to touch, where children can experiment, research and come to understand the world. A big plus: children and young people under 18 get in free at the Historical Museum.

Experiminta: the hands-on science centre

At the Experiminta Science Center in Bockenheim, everything revolves around trying things out. At around 130 interactive stations children experience phenomena from physics, maths and technology — to touch, crank and marvel at. It’s ideal for curious children who would rather experiment themselves than just watch. A perfect destination for a rainy day when energy needs burning off.

Struwwelpeter Museum: the famous shock-headed boy

“Struwwelpeter” by Heinrich Hoffmann is one of the best-known children’s books in the world — and it comes from Frankfurt. The Struwwelpeter Museum, to be found in the New Old Town, is devoted to the author and his characters. It shows rare book editions, parodies and art around the picture book, and offers tours tailored to children. A charming, manageable museum that combines well with a stroll through the old town.

Museum of Communication: communication to touch

The Museum of Communication on the Museumsufer is another family favourite. Much of it may be tried out, and the lively children’s workshop invites hands-on making. Children learn playfully how communication changed from the mail coach to the smartphone. The famous group of sculptures in the atrium also provides a wow moment the moment you walk in.

More worthwhile destinations for families

Frankfurt has even more to offer when you’re out with children:

• Frankfurt Zoo: not a museum, but a classic for a family day with many animals and playgrounds.
• Palmengarten: a huge botanical garden with greenhouses, play areas and plenty of space to run around.
• The Museumsufer in general: many of the houses offer special family and children’s programmes — it’s worth a look at the current schedule.

Tips for a museum visit with children

• Plan breaks: children fill up on impressions quickly. Better to see less and stay relaxed.
• Use free entry: in many municipal museums, children and young people under 18 get in free — that eases the family budget.
• Look for hands-on offers: ask about children’s workshops, tours and family programmes, especially at the weekend and in the holidays.
• Rainy-day strategy: museums are ideal bad-weather destinations — the Senckenberg, Experiminta and the Museum of Communication above all.
• Come early: mornings are usually quieter, which is more relaxed with smaller children.
• Check the Museumsufer Ticket: if you want to visit several houses, you save with the Museumsufer Ticket or Museumsufer Card.

Which museum suits which child?

• For little explorers (nature fans): the Senckenberg with its dinosaurs.
• For tinkerers and the curious: Experiminta with its experiments.
• For history and craft lovers: the Young Museum in the Historical Museum.
• For bookworms: the Struwwelpeter Museum.
• For the technically minded: the Museum of Communication.

Conclusion

Frankfurt is a paradise for families who want to combine museums with fun. Whether dinosaurs, experiments or stories to touch — there’s something for every child, and many houses are designed so that adults enjoy themselves too. My advice: choose a destination according to your child’s interests, plan breaks and use the free entry for under-18s. That turns the museum visit into the highlight of your family day in Frankfurt — and definitely not a dull obligation.