Dresden is a dynamic destination for a family holiday. 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.

  • 1

    Königstein Fortress

    Take in panoramic views at this 800-year-old fortification

    Königstein Fortress
    • 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 metres 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 areas, 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

    Map
  • 2

    Saurierpark

    Plan a fun-filled day at this dinosaur-themed amusement park

    Saurierpark
    • Adventure
    • 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 areas 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

    Map
  • 3

    Zoo Dresden

    Explore the amazing wildlife of the world’s continents

    Zoo Dresden
    • Adventure
    • Families

    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

    Map
  • 4

    Sonnenlandpark Lichtenau

    Play indoors and out at this fun amusement park

    Sonnenlandpark Lichtenau
    • Adventure
    • Families

    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 cars 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

    Map
  • 5

    German Hygiene Museum

    See, hear, smell, touch and feel at this museum

    German Hygiene Museum
    • Families

    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 Drink, 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

    Map
  • 6

    Oskarshausen

    Action and adventure rule at this whimsical amusement park

    Oskarshausen
    • Adventure
    • 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 areas 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 cinema, 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

    Map

    photo by Oskarshausen (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 7

    Dresden Suspension Railway

    Take in panoramic views from this unique cable car system

    Dresden Suspension Railway
    • Adventure
    • Families

    The Dresden Suspension Railway 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 railway connects the Loschwitz district to the higher stop of Oberloschwitz.

    From the Dresden Suspension Railway, 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 railway system. Other possibilities for exploration near the mountain station include a cultural tour of Oberloschwitz and a geocaching tour from the suspension railway to the neighbouring funicular.

    Location: Pillnitzer Landstraße 5, 01326 Dresden, Germany

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +49 351 8571011

    Map
  • 8

    Elbamare Erlebnisbad

    Enjoy some pool time with the entire family

    Elbamare Erlebnisbad
    • Adventure
    • 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 areas 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

    Map
  • 9

    Technische Sammlungen Dresden

    Discover innovation in photography and cinematography

    Technische Sammlungen Dresden
    • Families

    Technische Sammlungen Dresden is a great place for kids and grown-ups to explore photography, film and innovation. Located in the historic Ernemann Tower, where leading companies in the photo and film industry worked, this cultural organisation 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 Film 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

    Map

    photo by Dr. Bernd Gross (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 10

    Elbe-Freizeitland

    Entertainment and fun rule at this amusement park

    Elbe-Freizeitland
    • Adventure
    • 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 zip 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

    Map

    photo by Frank Lehmann (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified