Rhineland-Palatinate is a state in western Germany defined by the Rhine, Moselle, and Nahe rivers, rolling vineyard hills, and dense forests. It is home to the Rhine Gorge and the legendary Loreley rock, Germany's oldest city Trier with its Roman Porta Nigra, the romantic hilltop castle Burg Eltz, and the Romanesque Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The state is also Germany's wine heartland, crossed by the historic Deutsche Weinstrasse (German Wine Route) through the Palatinate Forest.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Technik Museum Speyer
A vast hands-on technology museum where children climb into a real Boeing 747 on its roof, walk through a U-boat, and explore fire engines, locomotives, and a space shuttle replica - a guaranteed family highlight in any weather
Duration: Half to full day
Burg Eltz Castle Tour
One of Germany's best-preserved medieval castles, rising fairy-tale-like from its own forested valley near the Moselle; the guided tour through armour-filled halls and a treasury captures children's imaginations
Duration: 2-3 hours
Rhine or Moselle River Cruise
A KD or local operator boat trip past the Loreley rock and Rhine Gorge castles, or along the terraced Moselle vineyards, gives children an easy, scenic way to see the region without a long car ride
Duration: 1-3 hours
Holiday Park (Hassloch)
The Palatinate's major theme park, with roller coasters, water rides, and gentler attractions for younger children, plus a resident dolphin and sea lion show
Duration: Full day
Trier Roman Sites (Porta Nigra & Amphitheatre)
Germany's oldest city lets children climb the massive Roman city gate Porta Nigra and stand in the ancient amphitheatre where gladiators once fought, bringing Roman history to life outdoors
Duration: Half day
Nurburgring Ring°Werk & Driving Simulators
The legendary Nurburgring race circuit's visitor center lets families try racing simulators, watch real cars on the Nordschleife, and explore motorsport history - a hit with car-mad kids and teens
Duration: Half day
Deutsches Eck & Koblenz Cable Car
A cable car ride across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress offers sweeping views over the Rhine-Moselle confluence, with fortress grounds to explore and a return ride children always want to repeat
Duration: Half day
Cochem Reichsburg Castle & Riverside Promenade
A fairy-tale hilltop castle above the Moselle, reached by a short walk or shuttle bus, paired with an easy riverside promenade and gelato stops that suit younger children
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Landhotel & Gasthof zur Mühle (Moselle Valley)
Family-run countryside hotel along the Moselle with garden space, home-cooked regional meals, and easy access to river-cruise docks and vineyard walks
Family features: Family rooms, garden play space, bike rental, home-style cooking, quiet village setting
Favorite Parkhotel Mainz
Riverside hotel overlooking the Rhine near Mainz's old town, with a pool and spacious rooms within walking distance of the cathedral and Rhine promenade
Family features: Family rooms, indoor pool, central riverside location, restaurant, connecting rooms
Ferienwohnungen (holiday apartments) in Rhine Gorge villages
Self-catering apartments in Boppard, St. Goar, or Bacharach give families kitchen facilities and flexible schedules, ideal for a longer castle-route stay
Family features: Kitchen facilities, flexible check-in, often riverside or castle views, good value for longer stays
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
German restaurants generally welcome children, and most offer a Kinderteller (children's plate) for €6-9
Flammkuchen (a thin, pizza-like tart) and Brotchen are inexpensive, familiar options children usually enjoy
Weinstuben (wine taverns) are relaxed and family-friendly at lunch, though evenings can be quieter and more adult-focused
Eiscafes (ice cream parlours) line the promenades of Mainz, Koblenz, and Cochem and are perfect for keeping children happy between sights
Bakeries (Backerei) open early and sell cheap, filling breakfast pastries and sandwiches, useful for early castle-route starts
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.