5 Super Fun Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaways Near Düsseldorf

Are you looking for the perfect weekend escape with your little ones just a short drive or train ride from Düsseldorf? Look no further! We’ve rounded up our top five destinations that were a blast for our kids (and us – as adults) and that we know you’ll love too! These getaways have everything from castles and nature parks to historic towns and adventure playgrounds.

Every one of these locations also features a stay at a comfortable and family-friendly Jugendherberge (DJH) to make your trip hassle-free, affordable, and enjoyable.

TIP: Anyone with a permanent residence in Germany can become a member of the DJH. A child’s membership (until the age of 26) costs 7€/year and 27+ or a family membership costs 22.50€/year. If you are not a permanent resident of Germany, you can purchase their International Guest Card for 3.50€ per visit.

Nideggen, Germany

Located in the heart of the picturesque Eifel region that we all know and love, Nideggen is a charming town that effortlessly blends history with adventure. Nideggen is known for its majestic medieval castle and its breathtaking views of the Rur Valley. Conveniently, they also have tons of outdoor activities that are perfect for families.

• By Train: Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes. Take the train (RE1) from Düsseldorf HBF to Düren, then a bus (221) to Nideggen (the 49€ ticket is valid for this journey)
• By Car: Approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes via A1 and B477 (you can also just rent a car for a day or two)

 

Accommodation – Jugendherberge Nideggen

The Jugendherberge in Nideggen might be a youth hostel, but did you know that it is open to everyone? They offer family rooms and private bathrooms too. The best part is that, unlike many hotels in Germany, their amenities are designed to cater to both kids and adults, making sure it is an enjoyable experience for all.

 

Their facilities are equipped with a family playroom, an outdoor picnic area, a football and basketball court, and a huge dining hall where breakfast is included and you can also book an optional half-board or full-board package for lunch and dinner too. If you’d like to book in advance, you may even be able to book one of their family rock climbing programs too!

The selling point for us though was definitely their stunning aerial view of the Rur Valley and Nideggen Castle!

 

Here are some amazing things to do around Nideggen ⬇️

 

1️⃣ Explore the Nideggen Castle and the Burgenmuseum

For 7€ our whole family had the opportunity to explore Nideggen Castle and the medieval museum which you will find located inside the castle. Not only was the museum extremely kid-friendly, but they also host some pretty cool and interactive birthday parties for kids there too!

 

2️⃣ Hike around the Eifel National Park (and visit the Wilder Kermeter Adventure Centre – free entrance)

Hiking with children isn’t always easy to do, but when you find a hiking trail that is also stroller-friendly and includes a number of interactive activities for the kids, then you know you’ve found a winning trail!

 

3️⃣ Take a boat ride on the Rursee

You can actually rent your own boat to explore the Rursee yourself, but with children, I figured a round-trip boat tour departing from Schwammenauel – Heimbach would be the best option (there’s tons of parking there and an outdoor playground and restaurants while you wait). The round trip was 1 hour and 45 minutes long and you’ll find washroom and a small restaurant on board.

 

4️⃣ Visit Bubenheimer Spieleland

No trip to the Eifel is complete without a stop at Bubenheimer Spieleland. Entrance tickets on weekends and holidays cost 13€ per person and are worth every penny (we actually agreed that even at 20€/ticket it’d be well worth it). Expect to spend the entire day here when you come, as they have both indoor and outdoor spaces for children of all ages. They have their own cafés and restaurants but also provide tons of picnic space for you to bring your own food and drinks. Here you’ll find tons of amazing adventure playgrounds (indoor and outdoor), mini golf, water fun, an all-weather sports area and SO much more.

 

Local Eats 

Breakfast is included in your stay at the DJH, so we enjoyed easy and kid-friendly breakfasts every morning. For lunch, we chose to stop by local food trucks or even had a great lunch on board the Rursee Schifffahrt.

 

Many recommended Ratskeller Nideggen for traditional German cuisine for dinner, but we decided to head to their local campground to have dinner by the river at Restaurant Gaststätte Hetzinger Stüffgen.

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Blankenheim

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Eifel region is another fantastic kid-friendly town worth visiting. Welcome to Blankenheim – a charming town steeped in history and natural beauty, which similarly also offers families a perfect blend of medieval charm and outdoor adventures.

• By Train: Approx. 2 hours. Train from Düsseldorf to Blankenheim (Wald), with one transfer.
• By Car: Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes via A1 (you can also just rent a car for a day or two)

NOTE: We will be visiting later this summer and will be updating this post with more amazing things to do and inspiring photos!

 

Here are some amazing things to do around Blankenheim ⬇️

1️⃣ Visit the historic Blankenheim Castle(which is also where we will be sleeping 😉)

2️⃣ Explore the Ahrquelle, the source of the Ahr River

3️⃣ Family-friendly hiking trails in the Eifel region (tips coming soon)

 

Accommodation – Jugendherberge Blankenheim

Equipped with family rooms, outdoor activities, and a playground.

 

Local Eats

• Schloss-Café Blankenheim: Offers a variety of meals and desserts.
• Zur Quelle: Traditional German food in a rustic setting.

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Xanten

Although I highly recommend Xanten as a day trip, spending a night or two here with the kids is also definitely recommended! Xanten is a quaint cobbled stoned town with a mix of ancient ruins and modern life. However, I suggest spending a night or two because Xanten is more than just an old town, and Archaeological Park!

• By Train: Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes. Train from Düsseldorf to Xanten with one transfer.
• By Car: Approx. 1 hour via A57 (you can also just rent a car for a day or two)

NOTE: We will be visiting later this summer and will be updating this post with more amazing things to do and inspiring photos!

 

Here are some amazing things to do around Xanten ⬇️

1️⃣ Archaeological Park Xanten: Open-air museum with Roman history.

2️⃣ Adventure playground in Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve.

3️⃣ Boat tours on the Xanten North Sea (Xantener Nordsee).

 

Accommodation – Jugendherberge Xanten

Modern amenities, family rooms, and activities for kids.

 

Local Eats

• Neumaier’s Restaurant & Cafe: German cuisine with a kid-friendly menu.
• Hafen Restaurant Plaza del Mar: International cuisine with a kid-friendly menu.

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Neuss

Heard of a staycation before? It’s a vacation in your own city/town! Whether the reason is for a travel-free vacation, budget-conscious trip, or lack of time, I’m all about staycations! While we have tons of amazing hotels to staycation at in Düsseldorf, if you’re looking for a little relaxation along the Rhein that’s both affordable and kid-friendly, then look no further than the  Jugendherberge Neuss-Udesheim.

Located just across the Rhein from Düsseldorf, Neuss-Uedesheim is a charming and historical town that’s also close to all the modern amenities of Neuss City. But what makes it extra kid-friendly is its proximity to the beach!

• By Train: Approx. 15 minutes. Direct train from Düsseldorf to Neuss.
• By Car: Approx. 20 minutes via A52.

NOTE: We will be visiting later this summer and will be updating this post with more amazing things to do and inspiring photos!

 

Here are some amazing things to do around Neuss ⬇️

• Visit the Quirinus-Münster Basilica.
• Explore the Neuss Skihalle, an indoor skiing and snowboarding park.
• Visit the Neuss Botanical Garden.

 

Accommodation: Jugendherberge Neuss-Uedesheim

Family-friendly facilities, games room, and outdoor play area.

 

Local Eats

• Im Dom: A traditional “Brauhaus” restaurant with a variety of dishes and a children’s menu.
• Café de Luna: For some of the best coffee and brunch around town.

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Panarbora

Nestled in the serene landscape of Waldbröl, Panarbora is an enchanting nature park that offers families a unique blend of adventure and education, featuring tree-top walks, interactive exhibits, and eco-friendly accommodations.

• By Train: Approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes. Train from Düsseldorf to Waldbröl with transfers.
• By Car: Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes via A4 and B256 (you can also just rent a car for a day or two)

NOTE: We will be visiting later this summer and will be updating this post with more amazing things to do and inspiring photos!

 

Here are some amazing things to do at Panarbora ⬇️

There are also some amazing things to do around Waldbröl, but since you can spend a weekend in Panarbora alone, we’ll focus on staying on the park grounds.

 

1️⃣ Experience the tree-top walk and nature discovery park.

2️⃣ Adventure playgrounds and labyrinths.

3️⃣ Educational programs and workshops for kids.

 

Accommodation: Jugendherberge Waldbröl “Panarbora”

Treehouse-style accommodations, family rooms, and numerous activities.

 

Local Eats 

• Panarbora Park Restaurant: Offers meals and snacks suitable for all ages.
• Nearby local restaurants in Waldbröl for more dining options.

 

These five destinations are all within NRW, all great fun for the entire family and all offer educational activities for the children, which is exactly why we mentioned them in our top list of kid-friendly weekend getaways! 🤩

With easy access from Düsseldorf, comfortable accommodations at Jugendherberge hostels, and plenty of family-friendly dining options, I think your next family adventure is going to be a great one. Pack your bags, gather the kids, get out there, and have fun!