Phew, we made it through the holidays! Now that the glitter has settled, we need some proper Berlin action for the kids. Forget the usual zoo trip; this weekend (Jan 03-04) is all about shaking off the winter slump. We’re hitting the FEZ 'Einfach spielen' to let the kids burn off that holiday sugar, and definitely checking out the Family Sunday MuseumXpeditions at Hamburger Bahnhof for some surprisingly chill modern art fun.
Quick Picks
BAUBAU – Ein Spielort für Kinder
BAUBAU (within KW Institute for Contemporary Art)
A wonderfully weird, free-play installation where pretty much everything is allowed.
Einfach spielen
FEZ-Berlin
Massive indoor free-play zones in Wuhlheide for burning off that end-of-holiday energy.
young explo: Shadow Stories: The Bat in the Feather Tree
exploratorium berlin
A sweet, small shadow puppet workshop perfect for the littlest ones.
Einfach spielen
The FEZ is finally reopening after the holiday break with its famous 'Einfach spielen' event. Think massive, supervised indoor areas for building, creating, and running around—a perfect energy burner for a cold January day. You get three hours in one of two available slots, so book your time slot online!
Why we picked it: It’s the ultimate post-holiday, indoor play blowout, finally back open for the year.
Schwimmhalle re-opens
If the kids prefer splashing to running, the FEZ's swimming hall reopens this Saturday! It’s a great spot for all ages to get some movement in even when the weather outside is proper *Schmuddelwetter*. Tickets are sold on-site only, so plan to arrive a bit early.
Why we picked it: It's the annual reopening of a massive, kid-friendly swimming pool complex.
Ice Skating (Various Rinks)
The winter magic isn't completely over yet, and the outdoor ice rinks are still going strong this weekend. It’s the best way to get moving and feel that crisp winter air without needing a sled. Check local listings for the specific rink nearest you!
Why we picked it: A great seasonal activity that capitalizes on the lingering winter weather.
Blacklight Snowball Fight or Skate Workshop (Check for availability)
Berlin.de mentioned 'Schwarzlicht-Schneeballschlacht, Skate-Workshop oder Indoorsandkasten' as general things to do around this weekend. These are exactly the kind of quirky, one-off events we love—you'll need to search event calendars for specific confirmation and booking for this weekend!
Why we picked it: It represents the type of spontaneous, non-standard activity often popping up in Berlin listings.
Open House / MuseumXpeditions: Workshop (Potential)
If you didn't make it Sunday, Saturday is also a possibility for the MuseumXpeditions (though Sunday is explicitly listed). This is your chance to try on 'object-thing costumes' or explore soundscapes—much cooler than staring at paintings!
Why we picked it: The Saturday session of the ongoing museum program offers another chance for art exploration.
Kinder-Programm at Jugendfarm Sebastianstr. (Check Weekend Schedule)
These urban farms often have great, low-key weekend activities for kids to interact with animals or do simple crafts in a non-touristy setting. Since it’s the first weekend back, their official program might be tentative, so a quick call or check of their site is worth it!
Why we picked it: Represents a typical, authentic local Berlin family activity outside the main tourist path.
ANOHA - Die Kinderwelt des Jüdischen Museums
While it's not 'new,' ANOHA is consistently one of the best spots for kids in Berlin. It’s an incredibly interactive space focusing on Jewish culture and history in a playful way. Book tickets well in advance, as it's always popular!
Why we picked it: It's a consistently excellent, non-generic museum experience that warrants a specific mention.
Einfach spielen
The FEZ is finally reopening after the holiday break with its famous 'Einfach spielen' event. Think massive, supervised indoor areas for building, creating, and running around—a perfect energy burner for a cold January day. You get three hours in one of two available slots, so book your time slot online!
Why we picked it: It’s the ultimate post-holiday, indoor play blowout, finally back open for the year.
BAUBAU – Ein Spielort für Kinder
This is an art installation that’s actually a playground—seriously. It’s a colorful, interactive space by an artist where 'more is allowed than forbidden.' Perfect for a quick, quirky, and completely free drop-in on Sunday afternoon.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, creative, and slightly subversive indoor play space in a major gallery.
Family Sunday - MuseumXpeditions: Museum Building & Off Score
The Hamburger Bahnhof does their Family Sunday program, focusing on current exhibitions through workshops. This time, it’s about designing your own 'Museum Building' space and exploring soundscapes in the 'Off Score' exhibit. It’s contemporary art that actually lets you *do* something.
Why we picked it: A fantastic, interactive way to engage older kids with Berlin's contemporary art scene on a specific Sunday.
Roncalli Weihnachtscircus (Last Chance!)
This is your absolute final chance to catch the magical Roncalli Christmas Circus before it packs up for the year. It’s the quintessential Berlin winter family spectacle—expect clowns, glitter, and that unique circus charm. Don't wait; this one closes Sunday!
Why we picked it: It's the very last day for one of Berlin's most beloved seasonal family traditions.
Indoor Play at a Kinderbauernhof (Check Local Farm)
Many *Kinderbauernhöfe* (children's farms) have small indoor areas or petting zoos that are perfect for toddlers when the weather is too cold for the park. It’s a low-stress Sunday outing where they can see animals up close. Check your local farm's opening hours!
Why we picked it: A reliable, low-fuss option for younger kids during the colder months.
Filmmuseum Berlin (Check for Kids' Matinee)
The Kinemathek often runs specific children's film matinees on Sundays that go beyond the standard cinema fare. It’s a quieter, more thoughtful indoor activity for film-loving families.
Why we picked it: A cultured indoor option that often features better, more interesting film choices than multiplexes.
young explo: Shadow Stories: The Bat in the Feather Tree
Okay, this one is actually next weekend (Jan 11th), but the exploratorium has great workshops and this shadow story one sounds magical and perfect for the little ones. Keep an eye on their calendar for similar small-scale, artsy events this coming weekend too!
Why we picked it: Shows a niche, high-quality arts venue with age-appropriate programming often happening on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Berlin this weekend (Jan 03-04)?
The best genuinely free option is the BAUBAU – Ein Spielort für Kinder at KW Institute for Contemporary Art on Sunday. It’s a playful, indoor art space where you don't need a ticket.
Where can we go if the weather is terrible on Saturday?
If it's pouring, head to the FEZ-Berlin for their 'Einfach spielen' event, which runs across multiple large indoor halls (book your time slot!). Alternatively, the Hamburger Bahnhof Family Sunday workshops on Sunday are a great indoor bet.
What's the best low-key outing for toddlers (under 5s)?
For the little ones, a visit to a local Kinderbauernhof (children's farm) for quiet animal interaction is usually a winner. Failing that, check the FEZ-Berlin for their specific programming for the 1-5 age group on the following weekends, or look for specialized small puppet shows like the one at exploratorium berlin.