10 Best Family Things to Do in Düsseldorf
What to Do for Fun in Düsseldorf with Your Kids?
Exploring the best family things to do in Düsseldorf is a delightful adventure, creating family memories that will last a lifetime. From thrilling amusement parks and picturesque parks to stunning views and scenic waterfront strolls, the city offers something for everyone. Within an hour’s reach, you can visit numerous theme parks featuring roller coasters, water slides, games, and live entertainment. Alternatively, your family can savor a peaceful walk along a waterfront promenade lined with charming shops and cafes.
Düsseldorf also boasts unique and intriguing museum exhibits that will captivate young minds. Dive into some of the best family-friendly activities in Düsseldorf and make your vacation truly unforgettable.
1. Phantasialand
Adrenaline-packed adventures in vibrant themed worlds
Good for: Adventure, Families, Food
Phantasialand, one of Germany’s premier theme parks, offers a captivating blend of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions, just an hour’s drive south of Düsseldorf. The park features fast roller coasters and adrenaline-packed adventures, set within immersive themed worlds like the sun-soaked landscapes of Mexico and the mystical realm of Klugheim. From heart-racing roller coasters to magical live shows and carnival-style food, there’s something to delight every family member.
One of Phantasialand’s highlights is its exceptional food options, offering a delightful array of flavors, from simple yet delicious dishes to healthy and affordable meals. Don’t miss the Magic Symphony grand closing show, complete with nightly fireworks at Kaiserplatz.
Location: Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl, Germany
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +49 (0)223 236600
Phantasialand
2. Movie Park Germany
Hollywood-inspired thrills and cinematic adventures
Good for: Families, Adventure
Movie Park Germany, just an hour’s drive north of Düsseldorf, is the ultimate destination for families and film buffs seeking Hollywood-inspired thrills. The park blends exhilarating rides, captivating shows, and interactive experiences that bring the magic of movies to life. With themed areas that transport visitors from Hollywood to New York, you can embark on an immersive cinematic adventure across seven distinct zones.
Movie Park Germany is also famed for its spectacular shows, including one of Europe’s largest Halloween events, complete with actors, decorations, and horror rides that enhance the spooky experience. To maximize your visit, consider purchasing the Speedy Pass to bypass regular queues, allowing more time for Hollywood action-packed fun.
Location: Warner-Allee 1, 46244 Bottrop, Germany
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +49 (0)204 5899899
Movie Park Germany
3. Toverland
Magical indoor and outdoor adventures
Good for: Families, Adventure
Toverland, located in the Netherlands, offers a magical escape just about an hour northwest of Düsseldorf. This enchanting theme park is ideal for families, boasting a delightful mix of indoor and outdoor attractions that promise fun in any weather.
Known for its whimsical themed areas, Toverland features adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, splash-filled water rides, and interactive experiences for the little ones, all spread across 6 magical worlds with over 40 attractions. Discover the indoor wonders of Land van Toos, soar through mystical Avalon on the Fēnix winged coaster, and embark on sensational adventures in ancient Greece at Ithaka. Don’t miss Ithaka’s wooden roller coaster Troy, the fastest, longest, and highest in the Benelux, reaching speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h).
Location: Toverlaan 2, 5975 MR Sevenum, Netherlands
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +31 (0)77 467 7050
Toverland
4. Irrland
Family fun for children up to age 12
Good for: Families, Adventure
Just a one-hour drive from Düsseldorf, Irrland is a unique farm adventure park offering all-weather fun for families. This charming park features a blend of indoor and outdoor adventures, with over 90 attractions designed mostly for children up to the age of 12. Known for its interactive play areas and agricultural-themed activities, Irrland includes climbing courses, giant slides, and more than 13 exciting water attractions, including water slides, splashing fountains, and water battle zones.
With its laid-back atmosphere and rural setting, Irrland is an ideal spot for families to spend a fun day out. Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s scenic spots, or grab a slice of pizza from one of the four on-site kiosks.
Location: Am Scheidweg 1, 47624 Kevelaer, Germany
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +49 (0)283 2988980
Irrland
5. Rheinturm
Panoramic city and Rhine river views
Good for: Families, Photo, Food
The Rheinturm, or Rhine Tower, is Düsseldorf’s iconic TV tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the winding Rhine River. Towering majestically in the heart of the city, this architectural marvel is one of the tallest landmarks in the city and a must-visit on any Düsseldorf itinerary.
The tower rises to 789 ft (240.5 meters), and the observation deck awaits at 550 to 565 ft (168 to 172 meters), complete with a bar and a revolving restaurant. The restaurant’s rotating mechanism completes a full circle every 72 minutes, providing an unparalleled 360-degree view of the city while you savor a delicious meal. Capture stunning family photos against this scenic backdrop, and visit at sunset to witness the city bathed in golden light.
Location: Stromstraße 20, 40221 Düsseldorf, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +49 (0)211 8632000
Rheinturm
6. Neanderthal Museum
A journey through human history with hands-on fun
Good for: Families, History, Unusual
The Neanderthal Museum provides a captivating journey into the history of humankind, posing thought-provoking questions like “Where did we come from?”, “Who are we?”, and “Where are we going?”. This engaging museum covers seven million years of human evolution with interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that vividly bring the distant past to life. Amazingly lifelike figures and dynamic presentations ensure an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.
Uniquely designed to engage children, the museum offers hands-on activities, like the Stone Age Action Pack, which invites kids to crack nuts, try out ancient drills, and craft their own Neanderthal necklace. Outside, enjoy the playground, nature trails, and picnic areas, ensuring a full day of adventure and fun.
Location: Talstraße 300, 40822 Mettmann, Germany
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +49 (0)210 497970
Neanderthal Museum
7. Rheinuferpromenade
Scenic waterfront strolls with Rhine views
Good for: Families, Photo, Shoppers
The Rheinuferpromenade is a vibrant waterfront walkway in Düsseldorf, offering stunning views of the Rhine River and the city’s skyline. This lively urban park, nestled in the heart of the city center, is excellent for relaxing strolls and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Large green areas provide safe spaces for children to run and play, while the flat, well-maintained paths ensure easy access with strollers.
The promenade frequently hosts family-friendly events, such as the Rhine Funfair in July, one of Germany’s largest and most traditional funfairs, and the enchanting Christmas Markets in winter, with festive stalls and holiday lights. Plan your visit during these times to experience the vibrant festivities and create lasting memories with your family.
Location: Marktpl. 2, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Rheinuferpromenade
8. Freizeitbad Düsselstrand
Family-friendly aquatic fun
Good for: Families, Adventure
Located just 15 minutes from the city center, Freizeitbad Düsselstrand is a family-friendly aquatic oasis offering endless water-based excitement. The park features a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, thrilling slides, and lazy rivers, ensuring a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
The children’s area boasts a shallow pool with whimsical water-spitting animal statues, a mini slide, and splash toys. Older children and adults can dive into the 82-ft (25-m) sports pool, while kids and teenagers will love the 229-ft (70-m) Black-Hole slide for its fast, exhilarating ride, and the white water slide that you can race down with a giant tire. After a refreshing dip in the cold pool, unwind in one of the three inviting hot tubs.
Location: Kettwiger Str. 50, 40233 Düsseldorf, Germany
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm
Phone: +49 (0)211 95745555
Freizeitbad Düsselstrand
9. Nordpark
Tranquil gardens and open spaces for family relaxation
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Nordpark is a lush green haven in Düsseldorf, great for a leisurely family day out. Easily accessible via the Metro to Nordpark/Aquazoo, visitors arrive directly at the entrance of this expansive park.
With its symmetrical flowerbeds, mesmerizing fountains, and captivating sculptures, Nordpark offers a picturesque setting for strolls and photography. Children can burn energy at two engaging play areas featuring swings, slides, and seesaws, while adults unwind on numerous benches. Keep an eye out for pop-up food trucks offering tasty treats to savor. Be sure to explore the highlight of the park, the Japanese Gardens in the northwestern corner, providing a serene escape with traditional design and a tranquil koi pond.
Location: Kaiserswerther Str. 365, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)211 433634
Nordpark
10. Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth
Historic palace ruins with scenic river views
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth invites visitors to delve into the captivating ruins of a 12th-century imperial palace rich in history. Once a vital stronghold, these remnants provide a fascinating window into medieval architecture and heritage. Nestled along the scenic banks of the Rhine River, the site offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere, wonderful for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
As you wander through the ancient stone structures, you can imagine the palace’s grandeur in its prime. Kids will love exploring the towers and hidden nooks, sparking their imaginations with tales of the past. To get to Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth, take a tram from Düsseldorf main station.
Location: Burgallee, 40489 Düsseldorf, Germany
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +49 (0)211 22973077
Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.