Woyzeck

I will be in Berlin for a week in June with my wife and young daughter (she's 3). We've traveled to Berlin several times before we had a child and are familiar with the typical sights and know our way around pretty well.

Because we will be with our daughter, this trip obviously will be quite different. I'm looking for suggestions as to things to see and do that might appeal to our daughter. Because my wife and I have been to Berlin before, we do not mind centering our visit to some extent around what she would like. It seems like there should be plenty to do together that we all will enjoy.

I had thought about a visit to the palace gardens in Potsdam, the Zoo, and a coffee and cake visit to the top of the Fernsehturm (which I've never done before). I think she would probably be impressed with the Pergamon museum. What else am I missing? Has anyone done a trip to Berlin with young children?

Thanks for your thoughts.

yk

I think she'd also enjoy a visit to the Reichstag Dome, with the spiral ramp and the great view?

Woyzeck

That sounds great.

I am also trying to think of ways to get her excited about the trip. Books or pictures I could show her so that she can anticipate the trip and look forward to it. So that she can feel excited when she gets there in person - any ideas?

quokka

She might also enjoy riding the rattling underground trains, especially those lines that do not run underground all the way but elevated on bridges and dams.

A boat cruise on the Havel to Pfaueninsel with the artificial castle ruin in a beautiful park with peacocks running around.

Awww that sounds like a great idea - browsing through a book with photos together with Mum or Dad was one of my preferred pastimes when I was little. Get a coffee-table book with photos of Berlin.

Berlin is the city of the bear, it is the crest and symbol. Bear figures are everywhere. Does she have a teddy bear? Let her take him to the city of bears.

Woyzeck

Thank you quokka. The Pfaueninsel really strikes me as something she would enjoy.

She has a teddy bear, too. It's a great idea to bring it along.

Thank you for the suggestions.

quokka

I can't resist... I have a furry travel companion, too (although I am a bit older than 3, LOL). Maybe you and perhaps also your little girl will enjoy the trip report and photos of a real Australian plush wombat in Berlin. Meet Russell: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/109541/12626/
We travelled in mid-winter in lousy weather and only for one day, though.

quokka

... and if you like this kind of weirdness, there is a travel agency in Berlin who do guided tours of the city for plush animals (seriously!); the photo galleries on their website might also serve as inspiration. Here they are: http://www.teddy-tour-berlin.de/8.html?&L=1

Woyzeck

Thank you for sharing your travel companion, quokka.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions regarding restaurants. We will have an apartment with a kitchen, but were hoping to eat out a little.

I figure we'll probably get most food during the day from bakeries, food stands, and markets, but a couple of decent restaurant suggestions where we could eat a little earlier (say 6PM) and a 3-year old wouldn't be unwelcome would be most appreciated.