Europe · Best May–Sep, Dec
Germany packing list for families
Germany with kids is castles, trains, pretzels, and, in December, the coziest Christmas markets in Europe. Packing for long rail days and big temperature swings between summer and winter is what makes a multi-city trip here work.
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Germany
- Germany's fast ICE trains link the big cities in a few hours, but delays and platform changes happen. I reserve seats on long legs, keep snacks and a change of clothes in a daypack, and avoid tight connections with kids.
- Christmas market season runs from late November until just before Christmas, and it gets cold after dark. Pack real winter layers, waterproof boots, and mittens, because you will be standing outside sipping kinderpunsch longer than you think.
- With kids, I pick two or three bases rather than five. Munich for Bavaria and the castles, Berlin for history, and a Rhine town in between is plenty for a week to ten days.
Best timeMay–Sep, Dec
PlugsType F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Where to go
Where to go in Germany
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
EuropeMunich & Bavaria
Fairy-tale castles, beer-garden playgrounds, and Alpine lakes.
EuropeBerlin
The Wall, world-class museums, and summer days on the lakes.
Cruises & ExpeditionsRhine River Cruise
Castles, vineyards, and old towns from Switzerland to Amsterdam.
Cruises & ExpeditionsDanube River Cruise
Vienna, Budapest, and Wachau Valley vineyards by riverboat.
Your packing edit
Germany
This time of year
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Carry-on21
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Kids' carry-on rollerEasier on long station platforms between trains.
Coin purse for euro coinsStation restrooms often charge, market mugs carry a deposit, and some spots take cash only.
Foldable reusable toteStores charge for bags, and it holds market finds.
Clothing12
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Waterproof bootsCobblestones and castle paths get wet and slushy.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Cold weather1
Kids' winter coat and mittensKristina's pickChristmas market evenings are often near freezing.
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Germany weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F 4°C | Cold and gray, with snow in the south and the mountains | |
| February | 43°F 6°C | Cold and gray, with snow in the south and the mountains | |
| March | 51°F 11°C | Cool and changeable, spring blossoms by April | |
| April | 60°F 16°C | Cool and changeable, spring blossoms by April | Spring festivals and blossoms along the Rhine |
| May | 68°F 20°C | Warm and long-lit, occasional thunderstorms, peak season | Spring festivals and blossoms along the Rhine |
| June | 73°F 23°C | Warm and long-lit, occasional thunderstorms, peak season | Beer gardens, lake swims, and long summer evenings |
| July | 78°F 26°C | Warm and long-lit, occasional thunderstorms, peak season | Beer gardens, lake swims, and long summer evenings |
| August | 77°F 25°C | Warm and long-lit, occasional thunderstorms, peak season | Beer gardens, lake swims, and long summer evenings |
| September | 68°F 20°C | Mild September, crisp October with fall color | Oktoberfest in Munich, from late September into early October Wine festivals and harvest in the Rhine and Mosel valleys |
| October | 58°F 14°C | Mild September, crisp October with fall color | Oktoberfest in Munich, from late September into early October Wine festivals and harvest in the Rhine and Mosel valleys |
| November | 47°F 8°C | Cold and damp, cheered by Christmas markets | Christmas markets from late November to just before Christmas |
| December | 41°F 5°C | Cold and damp, cheered by Christmas markets | Christmas markets from late November to just before Christmas |
Questions families ask
Germany with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Germany with kids?
The best time is May–Sep, Dec. Warm and long-lit, occasional thunderstorms, peak season
What's the weather like in Germany?
Typical daytime highs range from about 40°F (4°C) in January to about 78°F (26°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Germany?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Germany?
Type F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Germany with kids?
Germany's fast ICE trains link the big cities in a few hours, but delays and platform changes happen. I reserve seats on long legs, keep snacks and a change of clothes in a daypack, and avoid tight connections with kids.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.