15 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart with Kids (From an Expert)
If you are looking for things to do in Stuttgart with kids, we have got you covered!
Stuttgart is like a second home for me. Having spent many wonderful summers there as a child, we visit as often as we can.
I even made sure to bring my own kids as soon as they were old enough to appreciate the experience.
This fabulous area has so many family-friendly attractions. From car museums to a world-class zoo, outdoor green spaces, palaces, and more, you are sure to find something to keep the kids entertained.
Want to learn more? Let’s dive right in!
Best Things to Do in Stuttgart Germany with Kids – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Stuttgart with kids:
- Wilhelma Zoo – Largest zoo and botanical garden in Germany
- Porsche Museum – An awesome museum with cars that would interest adults and kids alike
- Fernsehturm – Get the best views of Stuttgart from this iconic tower
- Schloßplatz & Königstraße – Shop, eat in awesome restaurants or just people-watch in the downtown area
- Höhenpark Killesberg – Amazing family-friendly park with petting zoo, train ride and playgrounds to keep the kids busy
Our Favourite Things to Do in Stuttgart with Kids
1. See the Monkeys at the Wilhelma Zoo
Originally built in the 19th century as a royal palace, The Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden is one of Germany’s largest and most popular zoos, with more than two million annual visitors.
Located in the Bad Cannstatt district to the north of the city, the zoo is home to over 10,000 animals and 6,000 plant species.
The Wilhelma is known for its state-of-the-art complex for African apes, which was added in 2013. There you can find chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans.
One of the cool things we loved about the Wilhelma, was all the play spaces scattered around the zoo.
The spaces were great for taking a break, having a snack, or just allowing the kids to burn off some energy!
And if you get hungry, make sure to visit the Marché International. Here, you will find fresh cuisine with regional and seasonal ingredients.
The Wilhelma can be reached both by public transportation and by car. If you are travelling by car, just follow the highway signs with a black elephant symbol indicating the Wilhelma.
2. Learn about Automotive History at the Mercedes-Benz Museum
The Mercedes Benz Museum is a multi-story complex that winds its way up, taking you through over 125 years of automotive history.
With nine levels, 160 vehicles, and over 1,500 exhibits to see, you can follow the history of the brand from the very first patented car in the world to the hydrogen vehicles of this millennium.
The Mercedes Museum offers a variety of guided tours, including private tours, and tours for children.
We chose the free audio tour, which worked out perfectly for our needs.
You work your way from the top of the museum, and the beginning of the audio tour, down nine floors until you reach the current day on the ground level.
We loved the fact that in between the exhibits, the walls were lined with history and world events in chronological order.
So the entire museum experience isn’t just about cars!
3. People Watch at Schloßplatz
One of my favourite places to visit is Schlossplatz, or Palace Square.
Located in the heart of Stuttgart, it sits along Königstrasse, and is just a few blocks from Hauptbahnhof, making it a perfect stop.
Surrounding the square, you can find some pretty great restaurants and shops, as well as many historical buildings like the Neues Schloss (New Palace).
Completed in 1807, the Baroque-style palace — once home to former kings — is now used by the state government.
In the center of the square, you will also find the Jubilee Column. Erected in 1841, it commemorates King William I’s 25 years of rule.
History and architecture aside, Schlossplatz is a great place to hang out with friends and relax!
On a hot sunny day, people can be seen lounging on the grassy areas or cooling off in one of the large (chlorinated) fountains. Families will bring full picnic baskets and blankets too!
We have spent many leisurely hours reading, playing, eating, or just splashing around in the fountains, with our kids.
4. Go Shopping on Königstraße
Königstrasse is the main street you see as you exit the Hauptbahnhof.
Known as the Shopping Mile, it is the longest pedestrianized shopping street in Germany.
And as the third most frequented shopping street in Germany, you can expect to find many of the popular chain stores (Zara, H&M, Pandora, Starbucks), as well as plenty of Biergarten, restaurants, and cafés to curb your hunger while you shop.
Not only have we found some unique souvenirs on Königstrasse (like our amazing Stuttgart Beer Stein), but we have also had some truly amazing food in the restaurants and smaller cafés.
You definitely don’t want to skip this area!
5. Find the Pferdle und Äffle Ampelmanchen
And while you are spending some time downtown, why not take the kids on a quick treasure hunt of sorts?
For those who haven’t spent a lot of time in Germany, Pferdle und Äffle is a popular cartoon and TV show for kids.
The story follows two friends, a horse (Pferdle) and a monkey (Äffle), and their funny adventures.
I grew up watching this show. I had books and even my own special plates and posters with Pferdle und Äffle on them.
What few people know, is that downtown Stuttgart has a hidden gem dedicated to these two iconic characters.
If you head down Königstraße towards the Hauptbahnhof, you will see them! But not as statues or other abstract art, but rather as Ampelmanchen!
If you look closely at the pedestrian walk/don’t walk signal as you are crossing to and from the Bahnhoff, there they are!
Berlin may have made the Ampelmanchen popular, but I love Stuttgart’s version much better!
6. Listen to the Engines Roar at the Porsche Museum
Located in Zuffenhausen, a little way up the road from Stuttgart, are the Porsche headquarters and museum.
This gorgeous museum is definitely something to see, even if you are not a huge automotive fan.
Opened on January 31, 2009, the 100 million euro Porsche Museum has more than 500 cars that are rotated from storage to museum and to events around the globe.
You can follow the development of Porsche from the early days of the brand, through their racing vehicles, to today’s vehicles and beyond, with the concept cars of tomorrow.
The museum typically has over 80 vehicles on display at any given time.
Free audio guides are provided with your museum admission. These contain audio material, further information on individual vehicles and much more.
The audio guides are available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian. Best of all, the museum also offers a children’s version for younger visitors!
The most popular part of the museum, even for those with little interest in automobiles and racing, is the interactive Porsche in the Mix sound installation.
This unique exhibit allows you to sample the sounds of engines, horns, and brakes from a variety of Porsche models.
You can then mix the sounds into an original music track. After creating your own Porsche musical composition, you can send it to yourself via email as a truly unique souvenir of your visit.
🏎️ Insider Tip – If you took public transportation to the Porsche Museum, be sure to show them your pass/ticket. You will receive a discount on your admission ticket.
7. See the City From Above at the Fernsehturm
Built in 1956, Stuttgart’s TV Tower was the first of its kind in the world.
The tower, which can even be seen from downtown Stuttgart, stands 217 meters high.
Growing up in Toronto, the Fernsehturm always reminded me of the CN Tower! In fact, the kids love to visit whenever we are in Stuttgart.
While the antenna is no longer active, the Fernsehturm Stuttgart has an impressive observation deck 150 meters above the ground.
The incredible 360-degree views, reach across the city and Neckar Valley, into the Swabian countryside.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the Black Forest and the Odenwald.
An admission ticket is required to access the elevator that will whisk you up to the observation deck.
There is also a café and a restaurant on the upper levels, both with amazing views.
The tower stays open until 11 pm in the summer. It is well worth the entry fee, and the absolute perfect spot to see the sunset and Stuttgart’s lights if you pick a clear day.
The Fernsehturm is easily reached by both car and public transportation.
8. Have Fun Riding the Zahnradbahn
Affectionately known as the “Zacke,” the Stuttgart Zahnradbahn is the only rack-and-pinion railway in Germany.
While the Zahnradbahn mainly serves daily commuter traffic, it is also a draw for tourists.
The line was opened on 23 August 1884. It connects the district of Stuttgart South (Marienplatz) to Degerloch (Albplatz).
Along its route, you will come across some pretty gorgeous views overlooking Stuttgart. This alone makes riding the Zacke a must!
The 2.2 km long route runs along the Alte Weinsteige, climbing from a height of 853ft to 1,526ft, with a steep incline of 17.5%.
Two cars are always in service and follow a regular transit schedule (connecting with the city’s U-Bahn system).
During our visits to Germany, the kids and I really enjoyed riding the Zahnradbahn.
Aside from the fact that it holds a lot of nostalgia for me (I rode it as a young child as well), the Zacke is a quick and less busy route to get from Degerloch (where we were staying) to Marienplatz.
9. Explore Höhenpark Killesberg
Germany is filled with a ton of green spaces to enjoy. And one of my favourites is Killesburg Park.
This huge 123-acre urban park is located just a 10-minute drive (or half-hour train ride) from the city centre.
Not only will you find paved walking and biking trails, but there is something for the kids at every turn.
From duck-filled ponds to playgrounds, water play stations, fountains, a petting zoo and a train that takes you around the park, you could spend an entire day there.
And if you still have some energy left, be sure to climb the Killesburg Tower for some jaw-dropping views of the city.
Hubby and I braved the 174 steps (40 metres) to the top on a windy day. But it was definitely worth it!
10. Visit a Secret Chinese Garden
The Chinese garden in Stuttgart is located near one of the oldest vineyards in the city. It is a very popular destination for locals, but not a lot of tourists know about it!
In 1993, the city of Stuttgart was the site of Weltgartenschau, an international Garden exhibition event.
The event is held annually in different cities worldwide and is meant to showcase how different countries design their traditional gardens.
The Chinese garden, filled with beautiful details and decorated with wood carvings, was built in Hohenpark Killesberg Park for the event. It ended up being a huge success.
At the end of the exhibition, the city showed great interest in maintaining this garden.
They thought that dismantling such a beautiful work of art would be a shame and a great waste.
The garden was then donated to the City of Stuttgart by the Chinese delegation and moved to its current location.
Today, you will find a beautiful entrance, the main hall, a gazebo, a waterfall, a bridge over its small artificial lagoon and an amazing view of the city at the Chinese Garden.
11. Try Some Local Delicacies in a Biergarten
Germany is definitely known for its beer. And what better way to enjoy a brew, than in a Biergarten (beer garden)?
Biergartens are wonderful places to enjoy the fresh air, have a cold drink on a hot day, and spend time socializing with friends.
Biergartens can be found hillside and among the vineyards, riverside, or in quaint city courtyards. Many even have playgrounds for children.
One thing is for sure, if you visit Stuttgart, you have to stop by at least one Biergarten!
During our last visit to Germany, we visited several Biergarten with our kids.
And while Hubby and I both enjoy German beer, there are many other options like wine, soda, or Apfelschorle (a local favourite) for you to enjoy.
And I would definitely be remiss if I didn’t mention all the delicious local foods to be had at a Biergarten!
In most places, you will find schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, potato salad, and sauerkraut! Yummy!
12. Go to the Christmas Markets
Stuttgart has one of the largest and oldest Christmas Markets in Germany.
So in November, the entire downtown area is transformed, complete with a miniature village, holiday rides, a huge tree, a building-sized Advent Calendar, and a skating rink.
In the last couple of years, Stuttgart has changed the ice skating rink to a roller skating rink in an effort to conserve electricity.
And while I would have much preferred the ice, the kids hit the rink every chance they got!
Visiting this Christmas Market was the highlight of our trip to Germany! The market seemed to go on forever, and the decorated stalls were amazing!
I truly believe that visiting a German Christmas market is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!
With over 250 stalls in total, you can expect the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, mulled wine, Lebkuchen, and fresh bread to fill the air.
We had a ton of fun sampling our way through the market!
You will also find a ton of handcrafted items like Christmas ornaments, housewares, and clothing.
In fact, I added quite a few new pieces to my collection of authentic German ornaments!
As if the markets were not awesome enough already, Stuttgart kicks it up another notch!
Each year, the Stuttgart Christmas market holds a competition to see who has the most decorated rooftop.
So while you are strolling through the Market, don’t forget to admire all the intricately designed rooftops!
13. Devour All the Pretzels
Pretzels, or ‘Brezeln’ in German, are a must-try snack in Germany.
They’re famous for their twisty shape and salty crust. Germany makes some of the best pretzels because they use time-honoured baking methods and high-quality ingredients.
In Stuttgart, you will have no problem finding pretzels ANYWHERE!
From high-end bakeries to convenience stores inside the train station (our favourites were from Yorma’s) you will have no problem getting your warm pretzel fix.
Quick tip: the ones with butter and chives are TO DIE FOR!
Visiting during a local festival? Grab a pretzel paired with a local beer for an authentic German treat.
What can I say, pretzels are a simple, delicious part of German food culture.
14. Take a Segway Tour
Have you ever tried out a Segway? This was definitely one of our most unique experiences in Stuttgart Germany!
Rather than taking a walking tour of Stuttgart, we decided this would be an awesome and fun way for us to see all the sights. And it really was pretty cool!
There are different companies around the city that offer guided Segway tours.
Depending on your budget, and timeframe, it won’t be hard to find one that suits your needs.
Unfortunately, if you have younger kids with you, they will not be able to take part.
Most companies have a minimum age of 14 to participate, making it great for families with teens.
The company we went with offered a “Classic” tour, with a choice of either an English or German-speaking guide.
At the start of the tour, you are given time to learn how to ride the Segways in the safety of a private courtyard.
Once everyone is comfortable, you head out to discover the city!
Our tour took us all over the city. We stopped often, giving the guide a chance to tell us about the history of the area, as well as time to take pictures.
The total time of the tour was 3 hours, with a cost of 85 Euros per person. Our guide was fantastic, and the experience was unforgettable!
You should definitely add this to your list of things to do in Stuttgart Germany!
15. Visit the Quirky Pig Museum
Also known as the Schweinemuseum, this quirky museum is definitely fun and one of the most unique things to do in Stuttgart if you have kids in tow.
The Pig Museum is located in the former administration building of the old slaughterhouse in the Bad Cannstatt district and is super easy to get to with public transportation.
This museum houses the world’s largest collection dedicated to pigs, featuring over 50,000 exhibits.
You can explore 29 themed rooms full of art, toys, and artifacts that celebrate pigs in every form.
It was definitely one of the oddest museums we have ever visited!
And if all those pigs suddenly have you craving schnitzel, there is an awesome on-site restaurant where you can also sample a variety of pork-themed dishes!
Where to Stay in Stuttgart
You will find a variety of accommodations in Stuttgart. So no matter what your budget, you should not have any trouble finding the perfect home base for your Stuttgart adventures.
Luxury
Le Méridien Stuttgart
Located across from the beautiful Schlossgarten Park, this hotel features stylish rooms, a luxurious spa, and proximity to the central train station.
Waldhotel Stuttgart
Nestled in a peaceful forest setting, this gorgeous hotel combines luxury with tranquillity. It offers a peaceful retreat with top-notch facilities like a spa and an onsite restaurant, yet it’s still close to the city center.
This was one of our favourite stays in Stuttgart. The rooms were heavenly!
Moderate
Park Inn by Radisson Stuttgart
Near Marienplatz, this hotel has modern rooms with great city views and excellent public transport connections.
We loved our stay here as it was right by the U-Bahn, the Zacke, and a grocery store with an awesome bakery inside.
Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport
Located right across the street from the airport, this hotel offers convenience and comfort, ideal for those looking for easy access to public transit for city excursions.
We have stayed at this hotel and eaten in the restaurant many times and would totally recommend it!
Budget
ibis Hotel Stuttgart City
Provides basic but comfortable accommodations in a quieter part of the city, with easy access via car or public transport.
Hotel Astoria am Urachplatz
Offers simple rooms a short distance from the city center, with good public transport links.
How Do You Get to Stuttgart Germany?
As the 6th largest city in Germany, Stuttgart is easy to get to by a variety of means:
By Air
Fly into Stuttgart Airport (STR), which serves many international and domestic flights. The airport is about 10 kilometres south of the city center.
However, if you are coming from overseas, you will need to fly into either Frankfurt International Airport or Munich International Airport.
From either airport, you can then take a connecting flight, or rent a car and drive to Stuttgart.
By Train
Stuttgart is well-connected by train with major German cities and other European capitals. The main train station, Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, is in the heart of the city.
By Car
Stuttgart is easily accessible by car, as it’s connected by several major highways.
From Munich, it takes about 2.5 hours via the A8. From Frankfurt, it’s about a 2-hour drive via the A5 and A8.
By Bus
Long-distance buses also run to Stuttgart from various cities across Germany and Europe. The main bus station is near the train station.
Getting Around Stuttgart Germany
Germany is home to an awesome public transportation system, and Stuttgart is no exception.
Public Transportation
As we mentioned above, Stuttgart has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams (Stadtbahn), and suburban trains (S-Bahn).
You can get a day ticket or a group ticket for unlimited travel in the area.
We purchased weekly passes right inside the Stuttgart Airport, and hopped on the train from there!
We definitely found the trains/busses extremely easy to navigate, as well as being very clean!
The S-Bahn system is easy to use and connects the city center to the airport and other attractions.
The U-Bahn is the train system used for travelling within the city. Not only are there many stops around the city, but they connect to a large bus network as well.
We have travelled to Stuttgart many times as a family, and have not needed to rent a car. Between the S-Bahn and U-Bahn systems, you can easily get anywhere in the city quickly.
Walking
Many parts of Stuttgart, especially the city center, are pedestrian-friendly. Walking can be a pleasant way to see the sights.
Cycling
Stuttgart offers bike rentals through several services. Cycling is a great way to explore more of the city at your own pace.
Car Rental
Renting a car can be useful if you plan to visit areas outside the city or prefer private transport.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in Stuttgart, offering convenient options for quick trips around town.
Fun Things to Do in Stuttgart for Kids – FAQs
Stuttgart is known for its automotive industry—home to both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. It’s also famous for its vineyards, rich history, and cultural events like the Stuttgart Beer Festival.
YES! Stuttgart is definitely worth visiting. As the capital of Baden Württemberg, with tons to see and do, Stuttgart makes a wonderful stop in any German itinerary.
Three days in Stuttgart are enough to see the main attractions and enjoy some local food and culture.
Swabian is the German dialect spoken in Stuttgart and much of Baden-Württemberg. You will also find that most people will also be able to speak some English if you happen to get stuck.
YES! Stuttgart has a beach! The beach is located in Bad Cannstatt along the Neckar River and actually belongs to a restaurant. Although it is not really a conventional beach right on the water (it’s actually manmade), it is NEAR the water has sand, and is made for relaxing and enjoying the views.
Final Thoughts
Our list of attractions in Stuttgart Germany, should at least get you started for planning an awesome and kid-friendly itinerary.
The city has so many wonderful things to offer for families, without the stress of being overcrowded.
If you have been to Stuttgart, we would love to hear about your experiences and favourite places!
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- Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting?
- 25+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Stuttgart Germany That You May Not Know
- 15 Best Things to Do in Stuttgart with Kids (From an Expert)
- Things to Do in Stuttgart in Winter
- Ultimate Guide to the Stuttgart Christmas Market
