Oktoberfest with Kids? A Family Guide to Munich’s Biggest Festival

When we hear the word “Oktoberfest,” the next thing that comes to mind is “Beer, chaos, music.” Many doubt it for being a family-friendly festival. But to everyone’s surprise, the celebration is very much kid-friendly. Every tent has special menus for young Oktoberfest visitors. Tuesdays of the festival are reserved for families, with discounts and deals on food and carnival rides. All these attributes make the world’s largest folk fest all-age-inclusive. Here’s how to enjoy Oktoberfest with kids.

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How to do Oktoberfest with the Kids?

Kids learn new, valuable skills contributing to their growth and development when they attend folk festivals like Oktoberfest. The requisites are packing kids’ essentials and shortlisting the family-friendly options. 

Dressing Kids Up

The majority of children attend Oktoberfest in traditional Bavarian attire. Kids will love dressing up for the world’s largest folks fest. The traditional attire for the girls is the dirndl dress, and for the little guys, lederhosen men (leather shorts).

Bavarian Attire for Boys

The kids’ lederhosen are made of authentic leather for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Accessorize these leather shorts with;

• Suspenders
• Checkered shirts
• Knitted socks and shoes

Bavarian Dress for Girls

Girls wear beautiful dirndl dresses to be a part of the celebrations. These girl outfits come with a fitted bodice, a flowy skirt, and an apron worn with:

• Blouse
• Stockings
• Mary Jane or pumps

Dirndl Etiquette: The apron knot on the dirndl symbolizes the relationship status of the wearer. The young girls should tie their dirndl bows at the back. 

Getting to Oktoberfest as a Family

Munich’s public transport is the easiest way for a family to reach Oktoberfest. Commute on the U-Bahn (subway).  Theresienwiese is linked to U4 and U5. Goetheplatz and Poccistraße stations are linked to U3 and U6. The closest is Goetheplatz (300 meters away), the most viable option for families.

A group ticket costs about €18 and covers five adults (two children under the age of 9th grade are counted as one adult). To reach the Thereisewiese from the station, follow the spray-painted arrows.

Buses and trams also stop nearby. It is best not to drive to the festival with family. Parking spaces are far-flung, making it challenging for children to reach the fairground.

Timing is Everything with Kids

Oktoberfest is big on Beer. The folk fest has laid down rules to protect young children from intoxication. Children 16 years or under are only allowed on the fairground accompanied by their parents or guardians. Kids who are older than 6 years can enter the beer gardens after 8 PM. 

The best time to visit Oktoberfest with kids is on weekdays. Weekend mornings are more relaxed. Before deciding on the time and date of visit, it is wise to consider the Oktoberfest barometer. Weekends and German Unity Day are busiest.

Midday Oktoberfest- Ideal Time for Families 

Since 1998, the Oktoberfest organizers have encouraged people to visit the festival early by offering special Midday Oktoberfest (Mittagswiesn). From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., large marquees have meal deals. Families can grab the deals and enjoy amazing discounts as the prices of rides are lower on this day. 

Tuesdays are Family Days

The festival runs for two and a half weeks, starting in September and ending in the first week of October. Two Tuesdays during the celebration are marked for family fun, until 7 p.m. 

Perk of Family Days at Oktoberfest

Carnival rides have reduced pricing on family day. The Devil’s Wheel is especially popular, with free admission. Special meal deals are offered for kids. The following Oktoberfest tents offer the best family deals: 

• Augustiner-Festhalle – Spaghetti with tomato sauce, 200 ml fruit juice, and a wonder bag for €7.50.
• Bräurosl – Pork schnitzel with potato and cucumber salad for €16.80.
• Hacker-Festzelt – Pork schnitzel with fries for €11.50.

Explore the Familienplatzl

Familienplatzl is labeled on the map as “Wiesn Hits for Kids”. The place is perfect for families, parents, and kids to sit, relax, and enjoy the activities. Many first-time visitors to Oktoberfest with kids are unaware of this area. It is located on Street 3/East and a great place for families to enjoy many facilities. . The neon signboard “Familienplatzl” is the easiest way to spot it. 

Benches and tables accommodate big and small families. The facilities here for families include:

• A quiet location
• Mini beer garden
• Kid-friendly food 
• A stroller garage
• Microwave
• Diaper-changing tables
• Children’s toilet 

Familienplatzl is designed barrier-free and has wooden flooring. Kids can walk freely and play on the floor. The beer garden in the area has special, family-friendly snacks. This is the best place for a break with the kids.

Go to the Oide Wiesn

The  Oide Wiesn is a kid friendly spot for many reasons. This Oktoberfest within Oktoberfest has its own three large tents and historic rides. You do not need to buy a ticket for kids under 14. 

Munich Marionette Theater at the Oide Wiesn is also a free, family-friendly attraction that features one of four shows every hour between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Kids’ Special Bavarian Delights

Meals in any tent can be enjoyed using a voucher that covers a beer and a meal portion. Reduced-price tickets are available for little guests. The kid’s menu in most of the tents has sausages, chicken pieces, nuggets, and fries. Bavarian specialities are cheaper at the stall outside the tent.  

Doris and Stefan Grill’s almond stand should be on every family Oktoberfest list. Kids love their nutty treats. Toddlers also get free cotton candy until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. After hours, prices are reduced to 1 Euro.

Kid-friendly Carnival Rides

Beyond the Devil’s Wheel for only 1 Euro, kids enjoy the Toboggan, a slide with a moving belt to the top. Some Oktoberfest rides kids love most are the fairytale railway, a ride on the Ferris wheel, the classic children’s carousel, the Russian Wheel, the Flea Circus, and the chain flyer.

Games like ring toss or shooting galleries are fun and affordable, with small prizes like stuffed animals. Take advantage of the bonus cards and frequent ride discounts.

Family-friendly Experiences with Special Services

The Oktoberfest organizers strive to welcome families for a whole, all-age, inclusive experience. Special services are offered for families attending the festival. You can use all of these services on your visit. 

Parking for Strollers

Strollers are allowed inside the Oktoberfest fairground until 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Strollers are prohibited on Sundays. If you are already inside the tent and the clock has struck six, you can park it at the Marionette Theater on the Historic Oktoberfest, Entrance 2 to the Oide Wiesn, and at carnival rides and Oktoberfest tents. They can be left in luggage storage for 3 Euros at the fairground entry. 

Rest Areas

Fairground Oktoberfest rides, and the tents have designated rest areas for families to take a short break from the hustle and bustle. 

Breastfeeding & Diaper Changing Room 

The Theresienwiese Service Center has a room for breastfeeding and diaper changing. There are also changing tables at the tents and the carnival rides. It is behind the Schottenhamel tent.

Child Finder Bracelet

At the entrance, the steward gives a child a wristband. The parents’ or guardians’ phone number is printed on it for the child’s safety. The kids often enjoy the free wristbands as souvenirs. 

Oktoberfest Safety Tips for Kids

Oktoberfest can get crowded, so keep kids close. To stay comfortable, avoid peak hours (Friday evenings or weekend afternoons).

Bring ear protection for kids under 2 years, as tents and rides can be loud. Check ride height and age rules before standing in line. First aid stations are near Familienplatzl and major tents if you need help.

What to Pack for a Day at Oktoberfest?

A little prep makes the day easier. Here’s a checklist:

• Backpacks smaller than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx. 8 in x 6 in x 4 in).
• Noise-cancellation headphones for loud areas.
• Lightweight stroller (foldable for parking).
• Diapers, wipes, and a changing mat.
• Sunscreen and hats for sunny days.
• Cash (some stalls don’t take cards).
• Small toys or books for downtime.
• Snacks and water for long lines.
• Comfortable shoes for walking.
• Light jackets for cool evenings.

Enjoy Your Time at Oktoberfest with Kids

Many people think of Oktoberfest as an adult-only festival due to its association with beer. However, the world’s largest folk festival is a very family-friendly event. The organizers make special arrangements for adults to join in with kids.

Dedicated rest areas, child finder bracelets, familienplatzl, and Tuesday (family day at Oktoberfest) deals for families are efforts to make Oktoberfest kid-friendly. Even so, parents should join in on less crowded days and times and bring along essentials for a smooth experience. 

About the author: I’m Hannah Oscar, a passionate fashion enthusiast with a deep appreciation for cultural and heritage styles. As an experienced traveler, I’ve explored traditions across the globe – most memorably attending Oktoberfest three times. Each visit deepened my fascination with heritage fashion, local cuisine, and the rich cultural rituals around beer. I blend my love for travel and fashion to tell authentic, engaging stories rooted in culture.