Leipzig with kids: Your Guide to a Family Friendly City Break in Germany (2024)

(Last Updated On: November 24, 2023)

Are you dreaming of a city break in Leipzig, Germany, with kids? Let’s get started! This guide will take you through everything you need to know, including the best things to do in Leipzig with kids, amazing water parks and theme parks, the best places to stay in Leipzig and family-friendly day trips.

leipzig with kids

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Is Leipzig Family Friendly?

Leipzig is a great family destination and a great place to visit with kids. The city has many family-friendly activities, including parks and playgrounds, and it’s easy to find family-friendly accommodation options.


Leipzig Location

The city of Leipzig is located in the eastern part of Germany, Western Europe, and is one of the country’s most important economic, cultural and scientific centres.

 Leipzig is the largest city in the German state of Saxony, located about 215 km southwest of Berlin. Leipzig is situated on a plateau about 160ms above sea level and covers an area of 415 square kilometres (161.3 sq mi).


When is the Best Time to Visit Leipzig?

Leipzig is a city that can be enjoyed all year round. The best time to visit Leipzig is during spring or summer when the weather is generally pleasant and sunny. However, many festivals take place throughout the year, making the city an even more attractive destination at any time. 


Leipzig Weather

Leipzig has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are warm and humid (with temperatures of up to 25°C), while winters are mild and relatively dry (with temperatures of 0°C or below). 

The average temperature in winter is around -2°C, while in summer, it is around 20°C.


Leipzig in June

The annual Bach Festival takes place in May and June and features performances by some of the world’s leading orchestras and soloists. 

The festival also includes performances by local ensembles and choirs who perform works by Bach and other composers from his era, such as Händel and Handel.


Leipzig in April

In springtime, perfect for a family vacation during spring break, many festivals take place around Easter, including the Leipzig Easter Market, which attracts thousands of visitors yearly. 

In autumn, you can walk through one of Europe’s largest open-air markets, Viktualienmarkt, with over 100 stalls selling all kinds of goods.


Things to do in Leipzig, Germany: The Top Leipzig Attractions and Sights

Leipzig is a city of culture and history. There are many things to do in Leipzig with kids, from visiting the zoo or the wonderful zoo aquarium to seeing the ancient buildings and museums.

Here are the top attractions in Leipzig for families:


Visit Leipzig Zoo

leipzig zoo

Leipzig Zoo is perfect for families, with 3,000 animal species representing more than 600 species living in large enclosures that simulate their natural habitats as closely as possible. It’s also home to several endangered species, like Siberian tigers. Park has six different theme worlds where kids enjoy and have fun.


Explore the Old Town Hall

leipzig old town hall, leipzig with kids

For something different, head to the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), home to the Museum of Fine Arts (Museum der Bildenden Künste), with its art collections spanning over 500 years.

 You’ll also find plenty of shops selling toys here, making this an ideal destination if you’re looking for something fun for your kids to do while you explore this historic building.


The Natural History Museum

visiting leipzig germany with kids

The Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) is one of the oldest museums in Europe and home to the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton – a Brachiosaurus. Kids can also learn about the history of Leipzig, see fossils, explore all kinds of animals from around the world and spend quality time.


Wildpark Leipzig

Wildpark Leipzig

Wildpark Leipzig is an adventure park where kids can go on safari rides through Africa or play with lions and tigers! 

There are also lots of playgrounds, cafés, and picnic areas to enjoy the stunning views while you have lunch or dinner. Leipzig with Kids in Wildpark will be unforgettable.


Belantis Amusement Park

belantis amusement park, theme parks in germany

Belantis Amusement Park offers more than 30 rides for all ages (including some rides for children up to 3 years old!). Amusement Park presents animal shows throughout the day and live music in the evening during the high season (July-August). 

This park looks beautiful at any time of the year. It has equipped picnic spots and beautiful recreational areas with benches.


Play in Clara-Zetkin-Park (City centre)

This park is right in the city centre next to the main train station in Leipzig. It’s full of trees, flowers, and grassy areas where children can play safely while their parents relax on the grass or go for a walk around the lake in the centre of the park.


The Children’s Museum

the childrens museum leipzig

The Children’s Museum on Augustusplatz is also worth checking out when you’re in town. It’s been open since 1982; it’s one of Europe’s largest play areas for children and an art museum with over 500 exhibits with themes like “the world of animals” or “the world of music.” 

You can even make your own toy at the workshop! There are also regular workshops where kids can make things like puppets or masks with their parents or friends (€3 per child).


The Church of St. Thomas

churc of st thomas

Thomaskirche, one of the most beautiful buildings in Leipzig, built around 1250, has been destroyed twice but rebuilt each time. The building dates back to the 19th century when Friedrich Gotthard Langhans rebuilt it after the great fire in 1816.

 Inside, you can see an organ built by Gottfried Silbermann between 1737 and 1739 and restored in 1989 by Rieger Orgelbau GmbH & Co KG from Torgau/Saxony Anhalt.


Marktplatz

Marktplatz
Image Credit: Dan

Another interesting place to visit is Marktplatz, an English marketplace. It’s one of the largest squares in Europe and probably one of the most beautiful ones too! There are plenty of shops where you can buy anything from souvenirs to local handmade crafts and food products (e.g., sausages) or enjoy a coffee or beer while watching all the hustle and bustle around you!


The Main Square

leipzig with kids, city skyline

The main square in Leipzig is the Augustusplatz, which features a fountain, an ice rink, and a replica of the famous statue of King Augustus II on horseback. 


Leipzig Botanical Garden

Leipzig also has gardens and parks where you can go for a walk with your family or participate in outdoor activities like hiking or biking along paths in the woods.

The Botanischer Garten is located on University Hill in the centre of town and features over 10,000 plant species from all over the world, including tropical plants like palm trees and cacti, as well as native plants like oak trees and beech trees.


More Things to do in Leipzig


Best Places to Stay in Leipzig with Kids

Leipzig is a great city to visit with kids. It’s not too big, but not too small either. The city has many museums, parks, and other attractions that will keep your family entertained.

The best areas to stay in Leipzig with Kids are:

The Old Town (Altstadt). This is the oldest part of Leipzig, where you’ll find most of Leipzig’s attractions. It’s also where most hotels, restaurants, and shops are located.

Several squares are interspersed between the old buildings, perfect for playing games or just sitting back and relaxing with a drink or two.

Lurzer Strasse is one of these squares; it’s located in the heart of the Old Town and has plenty of cafes and restaurants if you fancy eating out after exploring the city all day.

Schlossstrasse is another popular square in Altstadt; it’s close to Marktplatz (Market Square) so if you want something more substantial than a coffee, head over here first!


How to Get to Leipzig East Germany

The easiest way to get to Leipzig from abroad is to fly. Leipzig has its own airport, but most flights will land at Frankfurt Airport or Berlin Tegel Airport. 

From there, you can take a train directly to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. It takes about 3 hours and costs around €45 (or €65 with a sleeping berth). Get Your Train Tickets Here >>>

If you’re arriving by car, it’s best to use the A9 motorway, which runs all the way from Munich through Nuremberg and into Saxony. The A14 also connects Berlin with Dresden and Prague. If you’re renting a car for your trip, you can compare prices here >>

Leipzig has two main train stations: Leipzig Hauptbahnhof and Leipzig-Halle airport station. The former is located in the heart of the city centre, while the latter serves only domestic flights and regional rail connections.

The best way to get to Leipzig with kids is by train. You can do this in several ways, but rail is the fastest and most convenient method. These trains run directly from Munich, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, and Prague to Leipzig Hbf (main train station). et Your Train Tickets Here >>>

The journey takes around 4 hours from Berlin or 2 hours from Prague. A rail ticket from Vienna or Zurich will cost between €40-50 one way, while a ticket from Prague will cost around €30 one way. This is a great option if you’re travelling to Leipzig from another European destination or on an Interrailing trip.


Getting Around Leipzig

The most popular way to get around Leipzig is on foot. The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, with wide, tree-lined streets. It can be a trek sometimes, so plenty of other options are available if you’re not up for walking.

Cycling in Leipzig

The best way to get around Leipzig is by bike. There are many streets with designated bike lanes, and the city has an extensive network of paths for cyclists. Bikes can be rented from several locations in the city centre for a small fee.

Public Transport

Public transport in Leipzig consists mostly of buses and trams that frequently run throughout the day. The bus lines are usually colour-coded, making it easier to identify them on the map. 

You can purchase tickets at ticket machines located at every tram stop or at any subway station in Leipzig. 

A single ticket costs €1, but discounts are often available if you buy them in bulk (10 tickets for €10).

The S-Bahn train system connects Leipzig to the rest of Germany, but if you’re only planning on staying for a short period of time, it’s better to rent a bike instead.

Taxis in Leipzig

There are also taxis available throughout the city that can be hailed on the street or called via phone or app. Taxis have their own numbers, so there’s no need to call a cab company directly; dial the number that corresponds with your location. If you want to guarantee your transfer (e.g. a transfer from the airport), you can also book a private transfer in advance. View prices and availability for your dates here >>


Plan Your Family City Break to Leipzig

Find Family Friendly Accommodation >>>

Get Your Train Tickets >>>

Book your private transfer >>>

Compare Hire Car Prices and Availability >>

Discover Tours and Activities >>>


Leipzig with Kids FAQ’s

Is Leipzig near Berlin?

Yes! Leipzig is about one hour from Berlin by train. If you visit both cities, you can take the ICE (Inter City Express) to Leipzig from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).

Does Leipzig have a beach?

Leipzig has a beach. It’s in the city’s south and is called “Alte Liebgarde.” It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists, but it’s only known in Leipzig.

Do people speak English in Leipzig?

Yes, and it’s not hard to find someone who speaks English. With the right attitude and some practice, you can get by in Leipzig with only English. If you’re planning to stay long-term, learn German before you arrive!

What is Leipzig Famous for?

The city is known as the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, who spent most of his life there. His Musical Offering is also named after Leipzig.

The city has several historic buildings, including St Thomas Church, Thomaskirche and St Nicholas Church. It also has several museums, including Museum für Gegenwartskunst, with its extensive collection of contemporary art.
The city is home to two universities: Leipzig University and Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Leipzig (University of Applied Sciences).


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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.