I need help - I am here in Wiesbaden for 3 days and I am frankly disappointed with the city so far, it seems rather run-down and industrial. Can an insider please give me some insights to what is interesting in this supposedly "resort, spa town."

I have 2 young children, and so any ideas on how to keep them occupied would be really appreciated. I am willing to take the train for day-trips as well.

yup hop the train for Rudesheim and take them on a K-D boat trip down the Rhine (www.k-d.com)

Frankfurt and its zoo, museums of all kinds, etc. is a short train ride as well.

That's interesting, I had a completely opposite view of Wiesbaden - I thought it was wonderful, and loved walking through the parks. However, I did not have children with me, which makes a big difference.

Anyway, yes, take 1 day on the Rhine cruise, visiting any of the castles on the way (cruise from Rudesheim to St. Goar and back). You can take a quick train trip to Heidelburg and let the kids explore the castle. I assume there are numerous public pools in Wiesbaden if your kids like to swim. Sorry I can't be of more help, I have never had the "pleasure" of taking my kids to Europe.

They have a beautiful and classic casino.

GWT

Yes, indeed, apsay, what ABOUT those lovely parks and spa, for the kids, not to mention the casino? (I could understand not being interested in the casino with young children). I too liked Wiesbaden very much, stayed very close to the park/spa area-perhaps it's the area you are staying in.

However I would second the suggestion to go hop the train for the Frankfurt Zoo-I happen to love Frankfurt-it's a true art center, great art museums, places to eat, an outdoor pedestrian shopping mall area (the Zeil) where you could take the kids, do some shopping and eating at the outdoor cafes that line the middle of the Zeil (great department store restaurant on the top floor of the Kaufhof there). It has a lovely promenade along the Main river, there are lots of nice wooden toy shops as you make your way from the Zeil down to the riverfront (you can go on a boat ride there as well)-lots and lots to do there.

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thanks for the suggestions - I am planning to do go into Frankfurt. We have exhausted all the children-friendly things in the area (Fasanerie, Funicure up the hill). Unfortunately, the parks in Wiesbaden are a little trashy - trash found along the parks and in the sand). Additionally, the children's play areas have not been well-kept. Compared to the other cities we have visited on this trip (Heidelberg, Grenoble, Strasbourg, Paris), Wiesbaden has fallen far short of these other towns-cities.

The parks here in Wiesbaden, especiallz up near Neroberg are beautiful, but alas, not for children. And we are too early to enjoz the Opalbad.