Best Things to Do in Cologne Germany with kids
Wondering what to do in Cologne with kids? Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding it to a longer Germany itinerary, Cologne is a city that’s easy to explore and full of surprises.
We first visited for the markets, but quickly realized Cologne had way more to offer, especially for kids. Between colourful locks on the bridge, playground breaks, and snack stops by the river, it struck the right balance of sightseeing and downtime for my boys.
This guide shares the best things to do in Cologne with kids, from big-name sights to relaxed kid-friendly finds that make the city enjoyable for everyone.
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Top Things to Do in Cologne with Kids
Cologne is known for its towering cathedral — and while you won’t want to miss it, there’s a lot more here to explore with kids. From riverside parks and chocolate tasting to scenic rides and colourful bridges, here are the best things to do in Cologne as a family.
1. See Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Cologne’s impressive cathedral is one of the city’s top sights, and honestly, you can’t miss it.
The first time we visited, we stepped out of the train station and there it was, rising up right in front of us. It was one of those unexpected wow moments that sticks with you.
Even if your kids don’t care much about architecture, the sheer size of it will catch their attention. You can admire it from the square out front, head inside to see the stained glass windows, or climb the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city. There are over 500 steps, so might be better for older kids, but the views at the top are worth it!
2. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge
This pedestrian bridge over the Rhine ended up being one of my kids’ favourite parts of Cologne. We stayed on the other side of the river, so we crossed it every day — and somehow, we never walked straight across. They loved stopping to spot different lock shapes, read names and dates, and find the oldest or quirkiest ones.
In some spots, the locks were so thick they climbed up the railings and were layered several rows deep. It’s estimated there are over 400,000 locks on the bridge now — and honestly, I believe it. I’ve seen love lock bridges in other cities, but nothing like this.
Tip: Even if you’re not staying across the river, you’ll still cross the bridge to get from the cathedral and old town over to Rheinpark — so it’s a fun part of the walk either way.
3. Play at the Rheinpark
Rheinpark is one of the best spots in Cologne for kids to just be kids. It’s a huge green space along the east side of the Rhine, with shady trees, walking paths, fountains — and one of the best playgrounds we’ve ever come across.
We originally planned for a quick stop but ended up staying over an hour. My boys actually declared it the best playground they’ve ever been to — and we had to come back the next day too. It’s got a huge climbing structure, slides, and plenty of room to explore. If you’re visiting with kids, this park is a must.
There’s also a small park train that runs in warmer months and a cable car that crosses the river, but unfortunately we couldn’t use it, as the cable car is closed in winter. Instead, we just followed the river path to get there instead.
4. Check out the Views at Cologne Triangle (KölnTriangle)
If climbing 500+ cathedral steps isn’t in the cards, the Cologne Triangle is a much easier way to get a great view over the city. You can take the elevator to the top and step out onto a spacious observation deck with full glass panels — perfect for kids, since they can actually see the view without being lifted up.
From the top, you’ll get a sweeping look at the cathedral, the Rhine, the bridge, and the old town, and all from a different angle than you’d get at ground level. It’s a short stop, but definitely worth it if your kids like seeing cities from above.
5. Visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
This is one of the top sights in Cologne, and one that’s super fun for kids. The museum covers everything from the history of cocoa to how chocolate is made, with real machines showing the production process (which is oddly fascinating to watch, even as an adult).
There’s a working chocolate fountain where you can try a sample, and kids can even create their own custom chocolate bar. It’s right along the river, with big windows looking out over the water, and the museum layout is easy to navigate with kids.
6. Ride the Ferris Wheel
Right next to the Chocolate Museum, this large Ferris wheel offers a short but fun ride with great views of the cathedral, the Rhine, and the surrounding area. It’s not a long ride, but it’s one of those quick, memorable experiences that kids love, and the location couldn’t be better.
We ended up going on it because it was the one thing my kids really wanted to do at Cologne’s Christmas markets. And while it was a bit nerve-wracking for me (it’s higher than it looks!), the market below turned out to be our favourite — not as crowded, great food options, and a beautiful setting right by the water.
7. Wander Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt)
Cologne’s Altstadt is fun to explore, even with kids. It’s full of cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and little details that make wandering worth it. You don’t need a set plan — just follow your curiosity and see what you find.
My boys enjoyed spotting fountains, checking out souvenir shops, and just taking their time along the river near the Fischmarkt — one of the prettiest corners of the old town. There are also a few quirky statues tucked into the area that we somehow missed, including one called the Kallendresser that I know would’ve had my kids in stitches. Next time!
8. Snack on Pretzels
Pretzels have become a staple for us every time we’re in Germany — ever since my kids tried their first one years ago, they’ve been hooked. Cologne was no exception. We picked one up almost every day to snack on while exploring.
They’re soft, salty, and easy to find — bakeries, corner stands, market stalls — and unlike waffles, pretzels travel well. We’d often grab one in the morning and save it for later in the day, whether we were walking along the river or taking a break in a park.
9. Ride the Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn)
This short ride across the Rhine is one of those simple things that kids love — and it’s a fun way to see the city from above. The cable car connects the area near the zoo to Rheinpark, gliding over the river with great views of the skyline and cathedral.
We didn’t get a chance to ride it because it doesn’t run in the winter, but it’s high on my list for next time. Between the views, the novelty of floating across the river, and the easy connection to parks and green space, it’s exactly the kind of low-key adventure that works well with kids.
Tip: The cable car usually operates from spring through fall, so check the seasonal schedule if you’re visiting outside summer months.
10. Cruise the Rhine River
A river cruise is a fun and low-effort way to see Cologne from a different perspective. Most cruises are around an hour long, and pass by many of the city’s main sights, including the cathedral, old town, and colourful riverfront buildings.
We didn’t do one this time, mostly because it was cold and we were short on time. But we’ve done similar boat cruises in Prague and a canal tour in Amsterdam, and they’ve always been a hit with my kids — relaxing, easy, and a great way to take in the city from a different angle.
Tip: You can book a short, family-friendly cruise on the Rhine through GetYourGuide. Many depart near the Chocolate Museum and offer combo tickets with other attractions.
If You Have More Time in Cologne…
Cologne Zoo + Aquarium
One of the oldest zoos in Germany, the Cologne Zoo is home to over 10,000 animals and is often listed as one of the top family attractions in the city. We haven’t visited ourselves (zoos aren’t really our thing for ethical reasons) but I know many families enjoy them while travelling, so I wanted to include it here. The zoo is fairly central, easy to get to, and right next to both the cable car and Rheinpark, so it’s easy to combine if you’re looking for a full day out.
Phantasialand
We didn’t make it to Phantasialand this trip, but for families who love theme parks, it’s one of the most popular ones in Germany. It’s about 45 minutes from Cologne and has a good mix of rides for different ages, plus detailed themed areas that some families return to again and again.
Roman-Germanic Museum (or Outdoor Ruins)
We skipped this one because we were just heading to explore the Roman ruins in Trier, and to be honest, we didn’t know much about the Cologne museum at the time. But I’d definitely look into it for a future visit. Even if you don’t go inside, there are visible Roman ruins right outside the cathedral, including a large mosaic and stonework that you can see from the street.
Practical Tips for Visiting Cologne with Kids
Getting Around
Cologne is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most sights are walkable from the cathedral or old town, and public transit (trams and trains) is simple to use. Most metro stations are accessible and stroller-friendly, although we did hear from other families that at some stops they had to walk a bit to find an elevator.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning to walk to most sights, staying near the old town or cathedral area is the most convenient. That said, we stayed across the river in Deutz and still found it easy to get around and it was quieter in the evenings.
Family-friendly picks:
- Dorint An der Messe Köln – Spacious rooms, quiet location, and just a short walk across the Love Lock Bridge to reach the cathedral and old town.
- Maritim Hotel Köln – Right in the heart of the city, close to the river and Christmas markets. A great option if you want to stay in the middle of everything.
➡️ Want more hotel options? Check out my full guide to where to stay in Cologne with kids.
When to Visit
Cologne is great any time of year. Summer is peak season, and there’s plenty to do outdoors, like exploring Rheinpark, taking a river cruise, or riding the cable car. December is also a busy time, as Cologne is known for having one of the best Christmas markets in Germany.
Some activities are closed in the winter months, but you’ll still find plenty to do, and be able to enjoy the city without the crowds of the summer months.
Our Take on Cologne with Kids
Cologne was one of those cities that surprised us — and we’ve actually been twice now. We first visited for the Christmas markets, but quickly realized it had way more to offer, especially for families. The second time around, we still found new things to do and left wanting to come back again.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding it to a longer Germany itinerary, there’s a great mix of big sights, kid-friendly fun, and everyday moments that make the city feel relaxed and welcoming. We’ll definitely be back — maybe next time in warmer weather, with a river cruise and cable car ride finally checked off our list.
Looking for more tips on visiting Cologne?
If you’re wondering whether Cologne is worth adding to your itinerary, we’ve got a post that breaks it down — from sights to kid-friendly moments and how it compares to other German cities. You can also check out our guide to where to stay in Cologne with kids, whether you’re looking for something near the cathedral or across the river in Deutz. And if you’re travelling through the region, we’ve also covered nearby spots like things to do in Düsseldorf with kids and best places to visit in Germany with kids for more inspiration.
