Am keen to visit Berlin in Oct 2010 with 7 and 5 yr old and hubby. Guardian newspaper recommended it, not just for the bears on every street corner ...!! but for various kids activities. Can you recommend a self catering property to stay in at a reasonable price?

Don't know what "reasonable" it is for you, but we stayed here last Fall: http://www.privat-apartment-berlin.de/

We stayed at Apt 1, but you'd probably need Apt 3 for 4 of you. It's not right in the middle of the city... about a 10-min ride on the subway to get to Alexanderplatz; but the rates is very good for us (budget travelers).

Thank you so much for your suggestion. How do you travel from Tegal airport to the accommodation? By taxi (and was it expensive?) or bus (direct bus route?)? Exactly how close are the apartments to the public transport - 1 min walk or 5 min walk?
Is there a travel pass you can buy to cover all means of transport eg tram, tube and bus?

click on my username and go to my trip report section - you'd find my Berlin/Dresden trip report with all the details there. The apt review is in the first few replies.

You'll want to invest in the Berlin Welcome Card, which will cover your public transit and give you discounts on museums and other sights. There is one pass that covers an adult and up to three children. You could get one for your hubby and a group one for you and the kids. The 5 day pass is only 30 Euros, but you can do 48 and 72 hour passes as well.

Here's the link:

http://www.visitberlin.de/welcomecard/index.php?lang=en

Have fun! I'll be there in June with a 3 1/2 year old, so if I find anything kid friendly, I'll post it for you.

Thank you both so much for your info and links.
I just have to cross fingers re:the weather. Kids won't mind if it rains and rains, but I will....

Luckily there is plenty in Berlin to do indoors. Have fun, good luck, and check in to let us know how it is doing.