Discover the best theme parks in Germany, family-friendly attractions, and must-see destinations that military families stationed in Europe pass down year after year. From epic water slides to fairytale castles, these are the spots families keep coming back to and reminisce about long after the trip.
Table of Contents
- Why These Adventures Matter to U.S. Military Families in Germany
- Theme Parks in Germany
- Water Parks in Germany
- Best Zoos in Germany
- Lakes in Germany
- Military-Friendly Attractions
- Off the Beaten Path
- Bonus: Bavarian Castles Worth the Day Trip
- How to Get There
- Final Thoughts: Pass It On
Why These Adventures Matter to U.S. Military Families in Germany
When you’re stationed in Germany, your time is limited, but the adventures are endless. Every month, new American families arrive and others depart, sharing their favorite destinations like well-kept secrets.
Over the years, a trail of trusted weekend trips and unforgettable experiences has emerged. This blog highlights those go-to spots that military families recommend again and again.
Whether you’re based in Grafenwöhr, Ramstein, or anywhere in between, this list of attractions comes from shared stories, group chats, and spontaneous road trips.
If you’re new to Germany or need a reason to plan your next outing, this is a great place to start.
Theme Parks in Germany
Germany has some of the best theme parks in Europe, and they’re built with families in mind.
- Playmobil FunPark (Zirndorf) – Designed especially for younger kids, this interactive park is all about play, imagination, and hands-on fun with life-sized Playmobil sets.
- Europa Park (Rust, Germany) – The top pick for most military families. A mix of Disney magic and German efficiency.
- Phantasialand (Brühl, near Cologne) – Known for immersive themes and world-class roller coasters.
- Legoland Deutschland (Günzburg, Bavaria) – Perfect for younger kids and LEGO lovers of all ages.
- Holiday Park (Haßloch, Rhineland-Palatinate) – A smaller park, but packed with thrill rides and water attractions.
- Tripsdrill (Cleebronn, near Stuttgart) – Combines classic charm with modern rides, plus a wildlife park right next door.
- Serengeti Park (Hodenhagen, Germany) – Part safari, part amusement park, this unique destination lets families drive through animal reserves and then hop on roller coasters.
Bonus Theme Park in France: Just across the border, Disneyland Paris offers a magical escape that many military families add to their bucket list while stationed in Europe. Check out my tips and tricks video here to make the most of your visit.
Water Parks in Germany
Germany’s water parks are clean, family-friendly, and usually open all year thanks to heated indoor areas.
- AquaMagis (Plettenberg) – Known for its unique slide experiences like standing loops and water coasters, this park offers fun for all ages and is great for a weekend escape.
- Therme Erding – Just outside Munich, this is Europe’s largest spa and waterpark. Slides, wave pools, and plenty of places to relax.
- Badeparadies Schwarzwald – Tucked in the Black Forest and perfect for rainy-day fun.
- Rulantica – Europa Park’s Nordic-themed water park is quickly becoming a favorite.
Best Zoos in Germany
From safari-style experiences to beautifully designed city zoos, Germany has something for every animal lover.
- Wilhelma Zoo (Stuttgart) – A mix of zoo and botanical garden.
- Tiergarten Nürnberg – Set in a forest, this zoo feels more like a nature walk.
- Eifelpark – A smaller zoo combined with amusement rides. Great for a quick day trip.
- Hagenbeck Zoo (Hamburg) – Known for open enclosures and a strong conservation program.
Bonus Zoo in Belgium: If you’re stationed at Spangdahlem, consider a weekend trip to Pairi Daiza Zoo Resort in Belgium. Just a 3-hour drive away, this award-winning zoo and botanical garden features immersive animal habitats, overnight stays, and unique experiences that make it worth the journey.
Lakes in Germany
Germany’s lakes offer swimming, paddleboarding, and stunning views that are hard to beat.
- Steinberg am See & Holzkugel – Located near Grafenwöhr, Vilseck, and Hohenfels, this lake is a local favorite for camping and adrenaline-filled fun. Families love the Wild Wake Park for extreme water sports, and the iconic wooden sphere (Holzkugel) offers epic views. Watch my full video on Steinberg am See and Holzkugel here.
- Lake Constance (Bodensee) – One of Germany’s largest lakes, stretching across the borders of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Ideal for biking, boat rides, and family picnics.
- Lindau Island – Located on Lake Constance, this picturesque island town is perfect for exploring, shopping, and taking scenic boat rides to Austria and Switzerland. Watch my video for top things to do on Lindau Island.
- Eibsee – Near Garmisch and the Zugspitze, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Bavaria.
- Chiemsee – Take a boat to Herrenchiemsee Castle, built by King Ludwig II.
- Brombachsee – A great spot for family-friendly water sports.
- Walchensee – A peaceful mountain lake just over an hour from Munich.
Germany also has countless other lakes scattered throughout the country. No matter where you’re stationed, you’re likely close to one worth exploring. Make the most of the lake nearest to you or check out all my favorite lake spots here on Google Maps.
Military-Friendly Attractions
These destinations come up again and again in newcomers’ groups and PCS threads.
- Museum Speyer & Sinsheim – These sister museums are packed with military vehicles, classic cars, space exhibits, and even aircraft you can climb into. Great for history buffs and curious kids alike. Watch my full tour video here.
- Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial – A powerful and moving tribute in France, honoring the brave U.S. service members who fought in World War II. A meaningful trip that combines history, reflection, and remembrance.
- Edelweiss Lodge & Resort (Garmisch) – A popular getaway for U.S. military families nestled in the Bavarian Alps. From hiking and skiing to wellness and day trips to castles, this Armed Forces Recreation Center has it all. Read my full blog on what to do at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.
- Concentration Camp Memorials – These are not lighthearted outings, but they are essential to understanding Germany’s complex history. Whether you visit Dachau near Munich, Flossenbürg near Grafenwöhr, or the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, taking time for reflection is meaningful. Watch my video to learn more about Flossenbürg.
Off the Beaten Path
These hidden gems may not be in every travel guide, but they’re packed with fun, adventure, and photo-worthy moments. From mountain thrills to hidden beaches, here are a few worth adding to your list:
- Alpine Coasters – If you’re a thrill-seeking family, Germany’s alpine coasters offer adrenaline with a view. Ride the Alpine Coaster in Oberammergau for breathtaking alpine scenery, or head to the Sommerrodelbahn Monte Kaolino in Hirschau, a unique coaster built on a sand dune where you can also swim or hike. Explore even more alpine coasters on my Google Map here.
- TOPPELS – Verdrehte Welt – The upside-down house that will flip your perspective (and your photos). A quirky roadside attraction near Wertheim that kids and adults both find hilarious.
- Rügen Island – Located on Germany’s Baltic coast, this island is known for its hidden white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and seaside charm. It’s one of Germany’s best-kept summer secrets. Read my full blog on Rügen Island.
Bonus: Bavarian Castles Worth the Day Trip
No stay in Germany is complete without a few royal road trips.
- Neuschwanstein Castle – A must-see fairytale castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps. It’s one of the most iconic castles in the world and inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Watch my Neuschwanstein video here.
- Hohenzollern Castle – One of the most picture-perfect castles in the south.
- Linderhof Palace – Smaller than Neuschwanstein, but filled with fountains, gold, and quirky King Ludwig vibes.
- Burghausen Castle – The longest castle in the world, with sweeping views and fewer crowds.
Stationed near Grafenwöhr or Vilseck? I’ve also put together a list of the top Bavarian castles within an hour’s drive from these bases. Highlights include castles in Kemnath, Leuchtenberg, and Falkenberg. Click here to read my full guide on Bavarian Castles.
How to Get There
You’ve got options when it comes to transportation. Many of these places are easy to drive to, especially if you’re based near a major autobahn. But don’t forget, Germany’s train system is also incredibly efficient and scenic. Check out my beginner’s guide to train travel in Germany to help you plan your next adventure without the stress.
If you’re heading to destinations outside of Germany like Disneyland Paris or Salzburg, booking a flight is another great option. I recommend using ABC Travel Service — they offer up to 25% off flights for military members. Click here to search for discounted flights with ABC Travel.
Final Thoughts: Pass It On
Stay organized and don’t miss a single adventure. Click here to explore all these recommendations (plus even more) on my custom ‘Family Vacations in Germany’ Google Map.
You can also find more vacation ideas by joining local Facebook groups where military families share their favorite spots and hidden gems. If you found this helpful, be sure to share it with other military families who are looking for fun ways to explore Europe.
Written by Daniel Taylor, a content creator and military community advocate living in Germany. Learn more about PCS prep, travel, and local resources at DTV Daniel Television.
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