1. Museum of Illusions Hamburg
In our interactive museum, you can explore the world of illusions together with your children. Experience how the grandchildren in one room are suddenly taller than you or hang from the ceiling in another. You can solve puzzles and riddles together and put your senses to the test. This experience is sure to produce some fun souvenir photos. And both the children and grandma and grandpa can learn something new here.

Age: suitable from 5 years
Activity level: The exhibition is interactive, but the paths are not long. Accessibility and seating are provided.
Duration: 1 hour
How to get there: The museum is only a 5-minute walk from Hamburg Central Station. You can therefore travel comfortably by bus or train.

2. Wildpark Schwarzeberge
There is nothing better, especially in good weather, than strolling through nature with the family, discovering animals and showing the grandchildren something about the animal kingdom. In the wildlife park, you also have the opportunity to have a picnic or watch the children romp around on one of the playgrounds from the comfort of a bench. Action and fun are guaranteed here.

Age: suitable from 3 years
Activity level: The park is outside, you will be walking a lot. Benches and the restaurants offer you opportunities for a break in between.
Duration: approx. 2 to 3 hours
Arrival: The park has its own car park, so you can also arrive by car. Travelling by underground or bus is also very easy.

3. Chocoversum
We all love chocolate, don't we? At the Chocoversum, grandchildren as well as grandma and grandpa will definitely enjoy this sweet delicacy. On a guided tour, you can learn about the creation of chocolate from the bean to the finished bar with all your senses. The Chocoversum also has a large shop where you are sure to find a gift or two for the grandchildren.

Age: from 6 years
Activity level: During the guided tour, there will be opportunities to sit down in between, but you will also have to stand a lot.
Duration: 1 hour
How to get there: The Chocoversum is about a 10-minute walk from Hamburg Central Station. This means you can also get there easily by bus or train, but you will have to walk a bit.

4. Planetarium
The planetarium offers an impressive 360-degree experience for the senses. This activity is particularly suitable in bad weather or if you are looking for an activity with a little less movement. Take a seat together in a cinema hall of a special kind and enjoy the show above your heads. The planetarium also offers a varied programme. Here you can choose the show that suits the age and interests of your grandchildren.

A little tip: explore the viewing platform together after the show. From here you have a great view of the city and the harbour.

Age: Children's performances from 3 years
Activity level: You can sit comfortably during the performance.
Duration: Performance duration for children's performances approx. 40 minutes
Arrival: Car parks, underground and bus stations are within walking distance.

5. Harbour cruise
A harbour cruise is a must in Hamburg. You can use one of Hamburg's ferries to travel to Övelgönne on the banks of the Elbe. Or you can book tickets for a real harbour cruise. Here you can sail through the Speicherstadt warehouse district, marvel at the Elbe from the water and then sail past the huge container ships. During the trip, you have the opportunity to ask your experienced captain all your questions about shipping and the Port of Hamburg.

Age: Any age, provided you don't get seasick
Activity level: You can sit and enjoy the view during the trip.
Duration: 1 hour
Journey: The best way to get to the Landungsbrücken is by public transport. The ships depart directly from here.

Your day trip: this is what your day together could look like

10:00 a.m. - You pick up your grandchildren from their parents or meet at a location and then drive together to your first programme point. Allow enough time for the journey.

12:00 - Time for a walk and lunch. You can either enjoy nature on the Elbe beach in Övelgönne and have a picnic or stroll along the Landungsbrücken together and fortify yourselves with a fish sandwich or a portion of chips.

13:00 - Off to the Museum of Illusions! After lunch, the children are sure to want to try out and discover something new. So take the nearest S-Bahn or U-Bahn to the main station and head to the Museum of Illusions. Here you can have fun together on a visit, trick your senses and have a good laugh. You also have the option of buying the children a small gift in the museum shop. This way they have a souvenir and can enjoy their new game later on the journey back or at home.

14:30 - You've done a lot of walking now. That's why your next stop is the planetarium.
The little ones enjoy the show to the full and you can relax. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?

16:00 - A day full of action and great memories is coming to an end. You can see if you can find somewhere nearby for dinner or head home.

How much does a day trip to Hamburg with children cost?

Depending on the activities, the trip can be either expensive or cheap for you. We have a few tips for you on how you can save some money:

● Use public transport. The ferry is also a cheap alternative to the harbour tour.

● Have a picnic and bring something tasty with you.

● Take breaks at public playgrounds. The children will have fun and action here and you can relax on a park bench.

● You should expect to pay between €7.50 and €20 per child for the activities. So decide on an activity that you can do if you don't have that much of a budget. Or check whether combined tickets for attractions are on offer. At the Museum of Illusions, for example, you can book discounted tickets for a harbour tour.

● Enquire about discounts for senior citizens and children. You can often save a few euros here.

Holidays with grandchildren: Tips and ideas

Plan your holiday together with your grandchildren. They will be happy to be able to contribute their ideas. Show the children different options and let them help decide.

Organise your day so that you have enough time to take a breather, for example with a picnic in the park or a stop at a playground. Here the children can let off steam and you have a moment of peace and quiet.

Remember to keep a close eye on the children. After all, you have a responsibility and obligation to ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy. Especially in Hamburg, there is a danger of losing sight of the little ones. Discuss with the children what they should do in an emergency. If the grandchildren already have a smartphone, they can call you if they have lost you, for example. For younger children, an emergency phone number can also be given on a key ring or written on the child's arm with a pen.

Very important: Make your trip an unforgettable experience! Take photos, videos and record your memories. Your grandchildren will be very grateful for these moments later on.

The role of grandma and grandpa: How grandparents can support their grandchildren

Don't forget that children look up to you. So be a role model for them. You have the opportunity to convey your values to the children on your outing and encourage them in their development. Encourage the children to try new things. Be a good listener and give them advice.

For example, if you visit the Museum of Illusions together, you can explore the illusions and deceptions together. Let the grandchildren try out the exhibits and try to understand together how the illusions work. You can certainly learn a lot from the young people. So be open to their new ideas and perspectives.

Sometimes it just takes a little longer with children. So be patient and understanding. Your grandchildren will certainly appreciate the love and support and be grateful to you for it.

Activities for at home or in everyday life

You haven't planned a trip to Hamburg right away and would rather spend some time together at home or are looking for an activity that you can integrate into your everyday life?

Here are a few ideas for you:

● From grandma's kitchen: Bake or cook together. This gives you the opportunity to pass on an old family recipe to the next generation.

● Out into nature: If the weather is good, you can go for a walk or a short hike together. Do you know a lot about wildlife or botany? Explain to your grandchildren what exciting things there are to discover along the way.

● Tell stories: Get out the family album and show your little ones pictures from the past. Perhaps there is a funny story or things from your life? Tell them to your grandchildren and laugh together about the funny pranks you used to play as children.

Enjoy your time together!

Laughing, experiencing and enjoying time together is very important for grandparents and grandchildren. Therefore, make sure that you regularly arrange a grandma and grandpa day and go on outings together. Even if the children will soon be grown up, the memories will last forever!