Family Days in Dresden: Zoo, Trains, Museums
Traveling with children in Dresden is straightforward, because the city’s family attractions are spread across a few well-connected spots and several have child discounts. The sections below are organised by what each place is best at. Prices are in euros and may be updated, so look at the official site before you leave.
For a ride: the Parkeisenbahn
The park railway in the Großer Garten has a 15-inch gauge and a 5.6 km route with five stops, including Palaisteich, Zoo and Straßburger Platz. Children and teenage volunteers do much of the work on the trains. The operator is the state palaces agency, Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen. The season starts in spring and ends on 31 October in 2026; Monday and Tuesday are rest days during the season. Adult fares are about 5 EUR for the first three stops and about 8 EUR for the longer ride, and reduced fares are about 3 EUR and 5 EUR. Check parkeisenbahn-dresden.de for the next season.
For a rainy day: the Hygiene-Museum
At Lingnerplatz 1, the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum charges 12 EUR for adults and 6 EUR for reduced tickets. Anyone under 17 enters free. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Monday. The Kinder-Museum is the section about the senses.
For animals: Zoo Dresden
The zoo at Tiergartenstraße 1 dates from 1861. Tickets cost 19 EUR for adults and 10 EUR for children. The Orang-Utan-Haus has been open since 2024, and red pandas live here, although giant pandas do not. Opening hours shift with the seasons, so read the current times on the zoo’s website before heading out.
For vehicles: the Verkehrsmuseum
Located in the Johanneum at Augustusstraße 1, the transport museum opens Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00. Use the rear entrance while the foyer is being renovated. Expect an adult price of about 12 EUR.
For something big: the Panometer
A panorama of the Great Barrier Reef fills the former gasometer in Reick. Entry is about 16 EUR for adults and about 8 EUR for children aged 6 to 16. Weekday hours end at 17:00 and weekend hours at 18:00.
Ticket rules that save money
Pre-school children are free at the SKD museums (the Zwinger, the Residenzschloss and the Albertinum). Pupils up to age 19 pay 2 EUR per visit. Free entry for under-17s applies only at the Hygiene-Museum. The SKD also advertises Sunday afternoons with one free museum from 15:00; ask or look at skd.museum for which museum is free.
On public transport, the family day ticket costs 14.40 EUR and covers 2 adults and up to 4 school children. A reduced single ticket is 2.20 EUR.
Practical points for parents
- The Frauenkirche dome climb has stairs and a ramp but no lift, so leave strollers at home.
- A seasonal winter show, “3 Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel”, runs at Schloss Moritzburg with online tickets only.
- If you want a guided family outing, check GetYourGuide .
- More ideas: Dresden activities .