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Let’s face it, while Düsseldorf is a beautiful city, we certainly have our fair share of rainy days when Autumn, Winter, and Spring roll around. With that being said, there are so many awesome things for adults and kids to do when it rains, but I’ve constantly asked myself what about toddlers? This is an odd age, where they don’t want to watch movies at the theatre yet, but also aren’t old enough to enjoy some fun at an indoor arcade, or laser tag location.

So I started doing some research for my little one and came up with some awesome inspiration and fun for us all! It looks like we’re all set for a fun-filled winter indoors!

BUDGET FRIENDLY TIP: You can also check out all of Groupon’s awesome local deals for discounts of up to 60 or 70%. This is my go-to tip for families.

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Indoor Playgrounds (9)

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a room filled with foam blocks and barricades to know that you’re child’s safe and definitely going to be ready for bedtime by the time they finish up their fun at these indoor playgrounds.

Ginoland

Gino’s Kinderland is equipped with trampolines, mini scooters, ball pits, jumping castles, rock climbing walls, and more. They offer a number of different birthday party packages that you can choose from (price per child). Mondays are Mother’s Day which means all moms get free entrance and Wednesdays are Family Day, both mom and dad can play for free (always subject to change).

Where? Vogelsanger Weg 49 , 40470 Düsseldorf – Mörsenbroich

Bobbolino Kinderwelt

Bobbolino is a huge indoor playground with slides, climbing gyms, swings, trampolines, air hockey, and more. Of course, they host birthday parties, but they also offer Krabbelgruppe (crawling group) time slots where the entire playground is open for children from 6 months old to 4 years old. They offer an assortment of food and drinks, including cake, kids menus, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and ice cream.

Where? Bochumerstr. 89, 40472 Düsseldorf – Rath

HAPPY KIDS

You might previously know HAPPY KIDS as a small event space with mats, toys, and coffee for the parents, but they’ve since taken over the KIPKEN located and now have tons of toys, crawling mats, a huge jungle gym and table space for mama and papa to enjoy some snacks and warm drinks. HAPPY KIDS hosts birthday parties and also offers a number of different courses for babies and toddlers as well.

Where? Achenbachstraße 148, 40237 Düsseldorf – Düsseltal

BabyBee-Spielraum

BabyBee-Spielraum is a brand new kindercafé and indoor playground for children ages 0-5 located in Pempelfort. They promote their use of eco-friendly toys and offer a variety of bilingual courses. You have the option to bring your own food or purchase food and drink from their own café.

Where? Nord Carree 6, 40477 Düsseldorf – Pempelfort

Chiquito Düsseldorf

Chiquito is Benrath’s popular Eltern-Kind Café for children ages 0-5. Their space is also available for birthdays, christenings, family parties, and more.

Where? Börchemstraße 35, 40597 Düsseldorf

SUPERFLY – KIDS FLIGHT

We mentioned above that perhaps a wild activity like trampolining at SUPERFLY might not be in the plans for a toddler, but what you might not have known is that SUPERFLY actually closes off the trampoline park during certain periods of time (see below) and opens it up to kids ages 3 – 8 so that they can have a turn at jumping around in a safe and fun environment.

KIDS FLIGHT #kidsonly: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Where? Kappeler Str. 126, 40599 Düsseldorf

IKEA Småland

Why do we always forget that IKEA has one of the coolest indoor playgrounds? Småland is a completely free and fully supervised play area in IKEA. Of course, they do have a couple of rules, children do need to be fully potty trained and be at least 37″ tall (maximum 54″ tall) and it’s probably also worth mentioning, they expect you to use these facilities while you’re doing your shopping (not drop your kids off for the day while you leave – haha).

Where? Oerschbachstraße 75, 40589 Düsseldorf – Eller/Hassels area

Kiddieland @ Bilk Arcaden

While Kiddieland at Bilk Arcaden isn’t necessarily an indoor playground, it is a small space with a mini arcade, some toddler rides, and a couple of free play walls as well. It’s a great compromise between wanting to get your shopping done, but also giving your kiddie a chance to unleash some energy before heading home. Kiddieland used to be on the bottom floor (as featured in the image below) but has now been moved upstairs.

Where? Friedrichstraße 133, 40217 Düsseldorf – Bilk

McDonald’s

Some of you might roll your eyes that I’ve included McDonald’s in this list of indoor playgrounds, but since my toddler has learned how to walk and crawl, McDonald’s stops on long road trips have been our savior. Not all of them, but many of them have indoor playgrounds (and/or sometimes outdoor playgrounds). While I’ll admit they’re nothing spectacular, a little lunch date out and 30 minutes playing in the small indoor play area sounds great to me when it’s raining!

Where? There are many locations, but here are a few that I’m sure to have indoor play areas:

Am Wehrhahn 4, 40211 Düsseldorf – Flingern
Mercedesstraße 13, 40470 Düsseldorf – Mörsenbroich

Libraries & Book Stores (16)

I almost forgot how amazing libraries were when I was a child. There are almost always children’s corners at every library in the city, oftentimes at larger book stores as well!

International English Library

The International English Library is an incredible resource for all English speakers in Düsseldorf. If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, please do! Of course, there is a kiddie corner where the children can play and read books, but they also offer a number of free classes as well.

Tales for Tots – For children from 12-36 months (accompanied by an adult) where they read stories and sing songs
Preschool Storytime – For children ages 3-5 years (and younger siblings) where they read stories and chat
Plus a number of other events including adult yoga courses, book club, face painting, storytime, and handicraft courses with old books

Stadtbüchereien in Düsseldorf

All of the city libraries in Düsseldorf have kiddie corners filled with children’s books, games and reading nooks. Many of them also offer a “Lesegarten” where employees will spend time reading to the kids and the children can spend time interacting with one another (from ages 0-3).

Where? You can browse the city website and find all the addresses of the city libraries

Mayersche Book Store

The Mayersche Book Store is a child’s paradise, especially for ones who love to read. In the Königsallee location, they have a slide that takes the kids from the main level down to the kid’s section, which is called Teddy & Co. They even have “wish boxes” where the kids can put whatever they wish for their birthday in a box so that the parents can come back later to buy their kiddies something special.

Where? Königsallee 18, 40212 Düsseldorf – Stadtmitte

There are likely many other neat book stores in Düsseldorf that we haven’t mentioned, so please, if you have one you would recommend, let us know and we will add it to the list!

Toy Stores (6)

While I agree, this may not be the best option if you’re not planning on buying your toddlers something or dragging them out of the store by their legs, sometimes it is a great option when it just won’t stop raining and you’d do anything to keep them occupied for a little while. My mom always had a rule: you can pick one item today, as long as it’s under €5. Funny enough, we always respected the rule and spent the entire time running around finding as many toys as we could that would add up to €5. If it’s over 5 Euros… I typically just do an Amazon shop to avoid tantrums (here are our favourite Amazon products).

Kaiserswerth’chen

Kaiserswerth’chen is a small but sweet toy shop close to the Rhine River in Kaiserswerth. They also offer workshops and courses for babies and parents too.

PLAYMOBIL FunStore

The PLAYMOBIL FunStore isn’t the best place for super little ones as the PLAYMOBIL pieces can be quite tiny. However, if you’re kiddos love toys like these, they do have tables where the kids can test out some of the open models! The PLAYMOBIL shop is located in Bilk Arcaden, so you might actually be able to get some shopping done too.

Where? Friedrichstraße 133, 40217 Düsseldorf (Bilk Arcaden) – Bilk

Spielschiff

Spielschiff is a very cool toy store with, of course, a little ship for the kids to play in while you do some birthday or holiday shopping. The store (and the website, might I add) have been designed in such a delicate and superb way, it’s worth a visit just to check it out.

Where? Kaiserswerther Str. 6, 40477 Düsseldorf – Pempelfort

Klein aber Fein

I wouldn’t take the very rambunctious toddlers here, but this shop was definitely worth mentioning as they offer some sweet baby gifts and kids toys all with excellent quality and great taste.

Where? Ackerstraße 137, 40233 Düsseldorf – Flingern

EuroShop

This is the best place to be if you’re on a budget or would prefer purchasing a smaller item. The dollar stores, of course, also have other items in addition to small trinkets for kids, so you might actually get to find a couple of things for yourself as well.

Where? Multiple locations in Düsseldorf

Smyths Toys Superstore

What was once Toys”R”Us is now known as Smyths Toys. If you’re looking to keep your toddlers busy for quite an extended amount of time, this might be the right place to be.

Where? Rather Straße 23 FORUM, 40476 Düsseldorf – Derendorf

Theatres, Museums & Entertainment (5)

Some toddlers just love to be entertained! Sound like your little one? Düsseldorf isn’t just a great place for musical and theatrical performances for adults, there are so many opportunities for kids too!

Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum

If your toddlers are a fan of the underwater world, the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum will keep them busy for hours on a rainy day. They’re likely to enjoy pressing their faces up against the huge glass tanks… the shark tank there is the coolest!

Where? Kaiserswerther Str. 380, 40474 Düsseldorf – Stockum

Marionetten-Theater

Going to a marionette performance is never something I ever thought I’d consider until I had a child. Simply genius. At the Marionetten-Theater in Düsseldorf, there are just under 100 seats located in a little courtyard hidden amidst the streets of Carlstadt. They have queens and kings, humans and beasts, magicians and monsters, tons of marionettes to keep your toddlers glued to the performance. Make sure you check which performances are taking place though as there are also some intended for more mature audiences.

Where? Bilker Str. 7, 40213 Düsseldorf – Carlstadt

Puppentheater Helmholzstrasse

The puppet theatre on Helmholzstrasse is an awesome place to go while it’s raining, but make sure you reserve a spot in advance as spots can fill up fast. They share more information about their upcoming shows on their website, including what age audience the show is intended for.

Where? Helmholtzstraße 38, 40215 Düsseldorf – Friedrichstadt

Junges Schauspielhaus

At the Junges Schauspielhaus you’ll find live performances on stage geared to youth. You can buy tickets online for upcoming shows, check out photos and read more on what shows are coming up next. Not all of their shows are for really little ones (often 10+ years), but it’s worth checking out!

Where? Münsterstraße 446, 40470 Düsseldorf – Rath

Tonhalle – Sterntaler

You’ve all likely heard of the Tonhalle, but did you know they also have a Kleine Tonhalle created just for the little ones?! They host musical performances and stories for the little ones to sing along and interact with. Many of their interactive performances start at the age of 3.

Where? Ehrenhof 1, 40479 Düsseldorf – Pempelfort

Indoor Swimming (5)

Summer, fall, winter, or spring, indoor swimming is always a great idea! There are numerous swim courses, water slides and splash pools around Düsseldorf to keep your kiddies busy all year long – that is if dancing in the rain isn’t their thing.

Freizeitbad Düsselstrand

At Freizeitbad Düsselstrand there are courses for all ages starting at 4 months. For the 1-3-year-olds, they have a course called “Wasserspaß” which lets the toddlers have fun in the pool while also learning how to move underwater, helping them with their motor skills and cognitive learning. Of course, there are also open swim times too, and smaller kiddie pools with water slides. Be aware though, Düsselstrand is no secret for locals and expats in Düsseldorf – expect a full pool!

Where? Kettwiger Str. 50, 40233 Düsseldorf – Flingern

Rheinbad Hallenbad

Rheinbad is a popular pool for sport swimmers, which means a leisurely swim is likely not possible. However, if you’re little one has a birthday coming up, they do offer birthday party packages which include water toys, a table reservation, decorations, and more.

Where? Europaplatz 1, 40474 Düsseldorf – Stockum

Schwimm’ in Bilk

At Schwimm’ in Bilk, they offer swimming lessons for children 5 years and up. However, they also offer a “Wassergewöhnung” course on Sunday’s for 3 years and up. This course allows the children to get comfortable in the water, not yet learning how to swim, but practicing basic things like going underwater, peddling their feet, floating, etc. Leisurely swims are not possible here.

Where? Bachstraße 145, 40217 Düsseldorf – Bilk

Gartenhallenbad Unterrath

The swimming pool in Unterrath has pools for sport, relaxation, and kiddies. Here you’ll find two wading pools for small babies and toddlers, as well as a slide. If you’ve got older ones with you too, then they’ll love the “big kid” water slide they have there too. Birthday parties are their specialty too. Their package includes water toys, a table reservation, decorations, and more.

Where? Mettlacher Str. 55, 40468 Düsseldorf – Unterrath

Familienbad Niederheid

At the Familienbad in Niederheid, they have a pool for the big kids to play around in and a wading pool with a mini slide for the toddlers. They also offer birthday packages which include water toys, table reservations, decorations, and an option to order off the birthday menu (including a meal, drink, and dessert per child).

Where? Paul-Thomas-Straße 35, 40589 Düsseldorf – Holthausen

Meetups & Clubs (6)

Familiencafé am EVK

The Evangelisches Krankenhaus (EVK)/hospital also has a family café where parents and little ones below the age of 3 can meet up, get advice and socialize while their little ones crawl/run around. The café is run by the Deutsche Kinderschutzbund e.V. in cooperation with the hospital.

Monday: 9:30 – 11:30: Open café for parents and children below the age of 3
Tuesday: 9:30 – 11:30: Open café for parents and children below the age of 3
Wednesday: 9:30 – 11:30: Meetup for parents and children who are still crawling
Thursday: 15:00 – 17:00: Open café for parents and children below the age of 3

They also offer babysitting services on Thursdays and Fridays between 9:00 and 12:00 but you will need to sign up ahead of time.

Where? Kirchfeldstr. 48, 40217 Düsseldorf – Unterbilk

Familiencafé Sana

Similar to the Familencafé am EVK, the Deutsche Kinderschutzbund e.V. also runs Familencafé Sana where parents and little ones below the age of 3 can meet up, get advice and socialize while their little ones crawl/run around.

Monday: 9:30 – 12:00: Breakfast meetup for parents and children who are still crawling
Wednesday: 15:00 – 17:30: Open café for parents and children below the age of 3
Friday: 9:30 – 12:00: Open breakfast meetup
NEW: Singing meetups will begin in 2020

They also offer babysitting services on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s between 9:00 and 12:00 for children between the ages of 1-3, but you will need to sign up ahead of time.

Where? Heidewinkel 3a, 40625 Düsseldorf – Gerresheim

Familiencafé BLAUER ELEFANT

A third Familiencafé run by the Deutsche Kinderschutzbund e.V. is located in Lierenfeld and open for parents and children between the ages of 0-3. Here you can get advice, socialize and let your little ones crawl/run around.

Wednesday: 9:30 – 11:30: Open café for parents and children below the age of 3
Thursday: 15:00 – 17:00: Open café for parents and children below the age of 3

Where? Posener Straße 60, 40231 Düsseldorf-Lierenfeld

DRK Aktivtreff Pempelfort

The DRK Aktivtreff in Pempelfort is a place for parents and children to come together, play and learn. It is their hope that families in the neighborhood come together to support one another, to make friends and to grow together. Every Friday from 9:00 until 12:00 DRK Aktivtreff offers a family breakfast meetup which costs 3 Euros per family.

Where? Sternstrasse 31, 40479 Düsseldorf – Pempelfort

DRK Familientreff Friedrichstadt

The DRK Aktivtreff in Friedrichstadt is a place for parents and children to come together, play and learn. It is their hope that families in the neighborhood come together to support one another, to make friends and to grow together. Every Wednesday from 9:00 until 12:00 DRK Aktivtreff opens their doors for their official Familientreff.

Where? Jahnstrasse 47, 40215 Düsseldorf – Friedrichstadt

DRK Familientreff Gerresheim

The DRK Aktivtreff in Gerresheim is a place for parents and children to come together, play and learn. It is their hope that families in the neighborhood come together to support one another, to make friends and to grow together. Every Wednesday from 9:00 until 12:00 DRK Aktivtreff opens their doors for their official Familientreff.

Where? Lohbachweg 31-35, 40625 Düsseldorf – Gerresheim

Want to keep on exploring? Why not download our free printable guide including 100+ Things to do for FREE in Düsseldorf!