Leipzig with Kids: Your Guide to a Family-Friendly City Break in Germany (2025)
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.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
Is Leipzig Family Friendly?
Leipzig is a great family destination and a fantastic 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
Leipzig is located in the eastern part of Germany, Western Europe, and is one of the country’s most important economic, cultural, and scientific centers.
It is the largest city in the German state of Saxony, about 215 km southwest of Berlin. Leipzig is situated on a plateau about 160 m above sea level and covers an area of 415 square kilometers (161.3 sq mi). It can be a great addition if you are visiting Berlin with kids.
When is the Best Time to Visit Leipzig?
Leipzig is a city that can be enjoyed 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 77°F), while winters are mild and relatively dry (with temperatures of 32°F or below).
The average temperature in winter is around 28°F, while in summer, it is around 68°F.
Leipzig in June
The annual Bach Festival, which takes place in May and June, 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.
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 is perfect for families. The zoo has more than 800 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. The park has six different theme worlds where kids can enjoy themselves.
Explore the Old Town Hall
For something different, head to the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), home to the Museum of Fine Arts (Museum der Bildenden Künste), which has a collection that spans 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
The Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) is one of the oldest museums in Europe and is home to the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton: a Brachiosaurus.
Kids can also learn about Leipzig’s history, see fossils, explore all kinds of animals from around the world, and spend quality time together.
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 many playgrounds, cafés, and picnic areas where you can enjoy the stunning views while you have lunch or dinner. Leipzig with kids in Wildpark will be unforgettable.
The Main Square
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.
Belantis Amusement Park
Belantis Amusement Park offers more than 30 rides for all ages (including some for children up to 3 years old!). During the high season (July-August), the Park presents animal shows throughout the day and live music in the evening.
This park looks beautiful at any time of the year. It has well-equipped picnic spots and beautiful recreational areas with benches.
Play in Clara-Zetkin-Park (City center)
This park is right in the city center next to the main train station in Leipzig. It’s full of trees, flowers, and grassy areas where children can play safely.
The Church of St. Thomas
Thomaskirche, one of the most beautiful buildings in Leipzig, was built around 1250. It 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.
The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum on Augustusplatz is also worth checking out when you’re in town. It’s one of Europe’s largest play areas for children and an art museum with over 500 exhibits on themes like “the world of animals” or “the world of music.”
There are also regular workshops where kids can make things like puppets or masks with their parents or friends.
Marktplatz
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!
Leipzig Botanical Garden
Leipzig also has gardens and parks where you can take a walk with your family or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or biking along paths in the woods.
The Botanischer Garten is located on University Hill in the center of town and features over 10,000 plant species from all over the world, including tropical plants like palm trees and cacti and native plants like oak and beech trees.
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 to entertain your family.
The best areas to stay in Leipzig with Kids are:
The Old Town (Altstadt) is the oldest part of Leipzig. Here, you’ll find most of Leipzig’s attractions, as well as most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Several squares are interspersed between the old buildings, perfect for playing games or relaxing with a drink.
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 an 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 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 city center, 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). Get 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 for traveling 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 center is pedestrian-friendly, with wide, tree-lined streets. However, walking can be a trek sometimes, so plenty of other options are available if you’re not up for it.
Cycling in Leipzig
The best way to get around Leipzig is by bike. Many streets have designated bike lanes, and the city has an extensive network of paths for cyclists. Bikes can be rented from several locations in the city center 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 color-coded, making them easier to identify 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, 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 numbers, so there’s no need to call a taxi company directly; dial the number corresponding to 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 >>
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, called “Alte Liebgarde,” in the city’s south. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists but 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 Thomaskirche and St Nicholas Church. It also has several museums, including the Museum für Gegenwartskunst, which has an extensive collection of contemporary art.
The city has two universities: Leipzig University and Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Leipzig (University of Applied Sciences).
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.