Dresden is a dynamic destination for a family vacation. The capital city of the German state of Saxony offers eclectic experiences for all ages. Whether you want to explore a historic fortress or have a blast at a dinosaur-themed amusement park, there is a worthwhile attraction here for you.
Kids will enjoy other exciting places where they can have animal encounters, play outside or enjoy hands-on museum exhibitions. When planning your next trip, you’ll want to take note of these 10 best family things to do in Dresden.
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Königstein Fortress
Take in panoramic views at this 800-year-old fortification
- Families
Königstein Fortress is one of the largest fortifications in Europe, and kids will have a blast walking through it. Located about 45 minutes southeast of Dresden in Saxon Switzerland, the striking hilltop fortress stands 240 meters tall and overlooks the River Elbe and surrounding villages. You’ll want to head to the top to take in the sweeping views.
Explore Königstein Fortress on your own or take one of the fascinating guided tours. You’ll see different neighborhoods, from the well house to the commander’s home and garden, as well as the new and old armouries. For a more in-depth look, visit the exhibition Lapide Regis (On the King’s Stone), which showcases 800 years of life at the fortress.
Location: 01824 Königstein, Germany
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +49 35021 64607
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Saurierpark
Plan a fun-filled day at this dinosaur-themed amusement park
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- Families
Saurierpark attracts kids of all ages with exciting rides and experiences at this dinosaur-themed family destination. A little over a 50-minute drive northeast of Dresden in Bautzen, the theme park features over 200 life-size models of prehistoric creatures, from the Tyrannosaurus rex to the Barosaurus and everything in between.
Thrilling times are in store at Saurierpark. One of the latest attractions is Primordial Soup, where visitors will learn about volcanoes, see fossil imprints and walk through a petrified forest. Another highlight is the Climbing Forest that features nets, obstacles and an up-close view of a Brachiosaurus. Other exciting neighborhoods to explore include the Galactic Nebula splash park and Underwater World.
Location: Saurierpark 1, 02625 Bautzen, Germany
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +49 35935 3036
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Zoo Dresden
Explore the amazing wildlife of the world’s continents
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Zoo Dresden, opened in 1861, is the ultimate destination for animal lovers. The fourth-oldest zoo in Germany is on the southern edge of the large city centre park Großer Garten, a nice place to spend time with the family. Here you can explore a captivating world with more than 1,400 animals representing 243 species, as well as other enriching experiences.
Within Zoo Dresden, there are various points where you can observe feedings and learn more about the wildlife from the animal keepers. From elephants to snow leopards, orangutans and more, there are plenty of creatures to keep everyone’s interest. Other highlights across the 13-hectare park include the flamingo aviary, the giraffe enclosure and lemur island.
Location: Tiergartenstraße 1, 01219 Dresden, Germany
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
Phone: +49 351 478060
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Sonnenlandpark Lichtenau
Play indoors and out at this fun amusement park
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Sonnenlandpark Lichtenau delights families with fun rides and attractions for all ages. A 50-minute drive west of Dresden, the amusement park in Lichtenau offers excitement through an array of attractions as well as a park and lake area to unwind and take in the scenery.
Along with a zoo area and botanical park landscape, Sonnenlandpark Lichtenau features IN-Sola, an indoor playground with bouncy castles, ball pools and electric automobiles for little ones. When it comes to rides, little ones will enjoy the toddler carousel, water mud paradise and park train Anton. Bigger kids and adults will enjoy taking in the views of the Ore Mountains from the Ferris wheel and going down the Big Tube Slide, among other attractions.
Location: Zum Sonnenlandpark 1, 09244 Lichtenau, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +49 37208 883978
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German Hygiene Museum
See, hear, smell, touch and feel at this museum
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The German Hygiene Museum is a medical museum that will captivate curious minds. Located at the Lingnerplatz in Dresden, this museum, founded more than 100 years ago, bills itself as a forum for science, culture and society. Visitors will find a variety of exhibitions to discover, including a permanent show highlighting human adventure with interactive stations on the body and health.
Founded in 1912, the German Hygiene Museum features 7 themed rooms, including Live and Die, To Eat and Beverage, and The Vitreous Human, among others. There’s also a special children’s museum called World of Senses featuring fun experiment stations and games, a hall of mirrors and a touch tunnel.
Location: Lingnerpl. 1, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +49 351 48460
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Oskarshausen
Action and adventure rule at this whimsical amusement park
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- Families
Oskarshausen is a kid-focused amusement park that's the ultimate place for family activities. A 20-minute drive southwest of Dresden, this attraction in Freital features indoor and outdoor play neighborhoods and plenty to keep everyone busy. Outside, you can ride ponies at Pistolero Ranch, climb the Observation Tower to see the sights, go fast on the motocross track or head to the Spill and Splash Corner water playground.
Indoors at Oskarshausen is equally entertaining and stirs the imagination. Try your hand at pottery at Ceramics Corner, or head to the Wood Workshop for building fun. You’ll also find an indoor E-kart track and movie theater, as well as the trippy Oskar’s World of Illusions featuring 50 spots to take fun photos.
Location: Burgker Straße 39 bei Dresden, 01705 Freital, Germany
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +49 351 79992770
Mapphoto by Oskarshausen (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Dresden Suspension Railroad
Take in panoramic views from this unique aerial cableway system
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- Families
The Dresden Suspension Railroad offers an unforgettable experience for kids where they get to ride up in the sky and take in the surrounding views. Established in 1901, the historic suspension railroad connects the Loschwitz district to the higher stop of Oberloschwitz.
From the Dresden Suspension Railroad, you can see the Dresden Elbe Valley from a unique vantage point. Along with the scenic ride, you can also check out a small exhibition in the machine house that explores the history and technology of the suspension railroad system. Other possibilities for exploration near the mountain station include a cultural tour of Oberloschwitz and a geocaching tour from the suspension railroad to the neighboring funicular.
Location: Pillnitzer Landstraße 5, 01326 Dresden, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +49 351 8571011
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Elbamare Erlebnisbad
Enjoy some pool time with the entire family
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- Families
Elbamare Erlebnisbad offers a relaxing spot for a little water recreation. Located on Wölfnitzer Ring near Gorbitzer Park, this inviting water park features indoor and outdoor neighborhoods perfect for a family outing. Whether you want to swim, chill or spend time in the sauna, you have several options for leisure.
At Elbamare Erlebnisbad, the adventure pool is the main attraction for the kids. You’ll find water cannons, a whirlpool and other fun features in this area. Another highlight is the designated children’s pool, complete with a dolphin slide and a seating area for parents. Adventurous types can go down the 80-metre giant slide and make a splash.
Location: Wölfnitzer Ring 65, 01169 Dresden, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +49 351 410090
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Technische Sammlungen Dresden
Discover innovation in photography and cinematography
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Technische Sammlungen Dresden is a great place for kids and grown-ups to explore photography, movie and innovation. Located in the historic Ernemann Tower, where leading companies in the photo and movie industry worked, this cultural organization boasts hands-on exhibits of 150 years of technology, photography and cinematography.
Step inside the former production rooms at Technische Sammlungen Dresden to discover original works and special exhibitions. Recent exhibitions have included Fairy Tales from the German Institute for Animated Movie and Cool X, which delves into nano and microelectronics.
Location: Junghansstraße 1-3, 01277 Dresden, Germany
Open: Saturday–Monday from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +49 351 4887272
Mapphoto by Dr. Bernd Gross (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Elbe-Freizeitland
Entertainment and fun rule at this amusement park
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- Families
Elbe-Freizeitland offers an outstanding opportunity for an active adventure in the scenic town of Königstein. The attraction, known for its falconer shows, provides fun for the whole family in Saxon Switzerland, about a 45-minute drive southeast of Dresden. The designated family area features activities for all levels, whether it’s going through the jungle loop, soaring to new heights on the climbing mountain or finding your way through the adventure labyrinth.
More adventurous types will want to head to the action zone at Elbe-Freizeitland. Here you can experience the Flying Fox zipper line experience or the Sky Striker and Pirate Web. Other possibilities include go-karts, mini-golf and the elevated Sky-Rail.
Location: Am Alten Sägewerk 3a, 01824 Königstein, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +49 35021 9908103
Mapphoto by Frank Lehmann (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified