Hanovre with Kids

Family travel guide for parents planning with children

Hanover (Hanovre), the capital of Lower Saxony, surprises families with its abundance of green spaces, excellent attractions, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of Germany's most livable cities for family visits. The famous Herrenhausen Gardens rank among Europe's finest baroque landscapes, the Adventure Zoo innovates with immersive themed worlds, and the city's extensive network of parks, lakes, and cycling paths keeps active families entertained. Hanover's central location in Germany and excellent rail connections make it an ideal base for exploring northern Germany, while the city itself offers enough to fill several rewarding days.

Top Family Activities

The best things to do with kids in Hanovre.

Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover (Adventure Zoo)

One of Germany's best zoos, organized into themed worlds—an African savanna with a boat ride, an Indian temple with tigers, an Arctic ice world with polar bears, and an Australian outback with kangaroos.

All ages Moderate-High 4-6 hours

The Sambesi boat ride through the African section is the highlight. Feeding times create the most excitement. Plan for a full day—the zoo is extensive and immersive.

Herrenhausen Gardens

One of Europe's most important baroque garden complexes with geometric parterres, fountains, a hedge maze, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Berggarten (Mountain Garden) filled with orchids and tropical plants.

All ages Moderate 2-4 hours

The hedge maze (Irrgarten) keeps children occupied for ages. The Great Fountain shoots 80 meters high. SEA LIFE Aquarium in the garden grounds is separately ticketed but excellent for families.

Maschsee Lake

A large artificial lake in the city center with paddleboat, kayak, and sailing boat rentals, lakeside playgrounds, cycling paths, and waterfront cafés.

All ages Free (park) / Low-Moderate (boat rental) 2-4 hours

Rent paddleboats or kayaks for on-water fun. The annual Maschseefest (summer lake festival) features food, music, and fireworks. The cycling path around the lake is flat and family-friendly.

SEA LIFE Hannover

An aquarium within the Herrenhausen Gardens complex featuring touch pools, tunnel aquariums, and tropical fish displays. The combination of gardens and marine life makes for a full day.

All ages Moderate 1.5-2 hours

Book online for discounted tickets. The touch pool with starfish and crabs is a highlight for younger children. Combine with the Herrenhausen Gardens visit.

Sprengel Museum

A world-well-known modern art museum with a strong collection of 20th-century art including works by Picasso, Klee, and Niki de Saint Phalle, whose colorful Nana sculptures children find captivating.

6+ Low-Moderate 1.5-2 hours

Niki de Saint Phalle's colorful, whimsical sculptures are displayed throughout and naturally appeal to children. Family workshops are regularly offered on weekends.

Red Thread Walking Tour

A unique self-guided walking tour following a red line painted on the sidewalk through the city center, connecting 36 landmarks. Children love the treasure-hunt feel of following the line.

5+ Free 2-3 hours

Download the free audio guide app for commentary at each stop. The painted line makes navigation fun and game-like for children. Complete the whole route or just follow sections.

Steinhuder Meer Day Trip

Germany's largest lake in northwest Germany, a 30-minute drive from Hanover, with a fortress island reached by boat, sandy swimming beaches, and a promenade with fish restaurants.

All ages Low Half-full day

Take the boat to Festung Wilhelmstein—the tiny fortress island fascinates children. Rent bikes to cycle around the lake. Smoked eel is the local specialty for adventurous eaters.

Best Areas for Families

Where to base yourselves for the smoothest family trip.

City Center (Mitte)

The central area rebuilt after WWII with modern shopping, the Red Thread walking route, and the reconstructed Old Town quarter with traditional half-timbered buildings.

Highlights: ['Red Thread walking tour start', 'Kröpcke central square', 'Reconstructed Old Town']

Hotels ranging from budget to business class

Herrenhausen

The western district home to the famous gardens, with a quiet residential atmosphere and green surroundings.

Highlights: ['Herrenhausen Gardens', 'SEA LIFE Aquarium', 'Quiet residential feel']

Hotels and vacation apartments

Südstadt / Maschsee Area

The southern neighborhood surrounding the lake with waterfront promenades, parks, cafés, and a lively but family-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights: ['Maschsee Lake activities', 'Waterfront dining', 'Sprengel Museum']

Boutique hotels and apartments

Family Dining

Where and how to eat with children.

Hanover has a mix of traditional Lower Saxon cuisine (hearty stews, sausages, and potato dishes) alongside a cosmopolitan restaurant scene reflecting the city's trade fair international character.

Dining Tips for Families

Hannoversche Wurst (local sausage) with Senf (mustard) is a classic street food kids enjoy
The Markthalle (indoor market) offers diverse food stalls for picky and adventurous eaters alike
Lake-side restaurants at Maschsee are pleasant for family dinners
German bakeries offer excellent Brötchen (rolls) and pastries for affordable breakfasts

Traditional Lower Saxon

Restaurants serving Grünkohl (kale stew with sausage), Schnitzel, and hearty soups in cozy, wood-paneled settings.

Mid-range

Markthalle Food Stalls

An indoor market with diverse vendors offering everything from currywurst to Asian cuisine to artisan cheese and baked goods.

Budget to mid-range

Maschsee Waterfront

Lakeside restaurants and cafés serving German and international cuisine with pleasant terrace dining overlooking the lake.

Mid-range

Tips by Age Group

Tailored advice for every stage of childhood.

Toddlers (0-4)

Hanover's parks, playgrounds, and the Adventure Zoo provide excellent entertainment for toddlers, and the city's stroller-friendly infrastructure makes navigation easy.

The zoo's Meyers Hof farmyard section is designed for very young children
Trams are stroller-accessible with low floors
The Georgengarten (part of Herrenhausen) has excellent playgrounds

School Age (5-12)

School-age children love the immersive Adventure Zoo, the hedge maze, and the treasure-hunt feel of following the Red Thread through the city.

Learning: Hanover's history as a royal capital connected to the British crown (House of Hanover), its WWII destruction and reconstruction, and the Leibniz legacy offer engaging historical threads.

The Red Thread turns city exploration into a game
The zoo's themed worlds make geography come alive
Steinhuder Meer's fortress island combines history with boat adventure

Teenagers (13-17)

Teens appreciate Hanover's modern art scene, lake activities, and the freedom to explore the compact, safe city center independently.

The city's modern architecture versus reconstructed Old Town sparks discussion about authenticity
Maschsee water sports are accessible for beginners
Hanover is very safe for teen independent exploration

Practical Logistics

The nuts and bolts of family travel.

Getting Around

Hanover's üstra transit system (trams, buses) covers the city well. Buy a GVH family day ticket for unlimited travel. The city center is compact and walkable. Cycling is popular with extensive bike paths.

Healthcare

Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) is a major teaching hospital with pediatric specialists. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are abundant. EU citizens can use the EHIC card.

Accommodation

Stay in the city center or near Maschsee for the best location. During major trade fairs (CeBIT, Hannover Messe), prices spike dramatically—check the fair calendar before booking. Vacation apartments near Herrenhausen suit families wanting space.

View Accommodation Guide →

Packing Essentials

Rain gear (northern Germany gets frequent showers)
Layers for variable weather
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear for Maschsee and Steinhuder Meer
Cycling gear if planning to rent bikes

Budget Tips

Family day tickets on public transport are excellent value
Children under 6 ride free on all public transport
Herrenhausen Gardens Berggarten (botanical garden) is cheaper than the full garden ticket
The Red Thread tour is completely free
Supermarket picnics in the parks save significantly on meals

Family Safety

Keeping your family safe and healthy.

Hanover is a safe, well-organized German city with low crime rates in all central areas—families can explore freely.
Cycle paths are heavily used—keep children out of marked bike lanes as cyclists expect clear passage.
Maschsee Lake is deep in sections—supervise children near the water and follow posted swimming area guidelines.
Weather changes quickly in northern Germany—check forecasts and carry rain protection, for outdoor days.
During trade fair periods, the city becomes much busier—book accommodation and restaurants in advance.
The Hauptbahnhof (main station) area can be less pleasant after dark—stay in the well-lit central areas.