Cologne with Kids: The Best Sights & Family Attractions

Cologne is always worth a visit!

You are visiting the cathedral city with your children - perhaps for just one day, a weekend or even an entire week. We have put together a selection of tips for you, ranging from the classic sights and our own favourites from the KÄNGURU editorial team to useful insider recommendations. We highlight great places for summer and winter alike, and include ideas for rainy days too.

One place where you will always find something exciting is our events calendar for children and families in Cologne.
Boredom? Not a chance!

Discover Cologne's best-known sights with children

Cologne Cathedral: a hands-on UNESCO World Heritage Site

Equestrian statue and Cologne Cathedral in the evening light  © Daniel/AdobeStock

No trip to Cologne is complete without a visit to the city's landmark, Cologne Cathedral. Its twin spires appear at the end of streets all over the city. The most impressive first view, however, comes when you arrive by train, leave the main station through the front entrance and look across the recently renovated open staircase.

Well informed:

The foundation stone of today's High Gothic cathedral was laid in August 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. When the cathedral was finally completed in 1880, its two towers, each more than 157 metres high, made it the tallest structure in the world. Cologne Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Outside service times, you and your children can explore the cathedral's interior. Parents may be especially interested in its relics and artistic and cultural treasures - such as the Jewelled Madonna, the relics of the Three Kings and Gerhard Richter's stained-glass window - while children are sure to be impressed by the cathedral's sheer size and silence. Their spirit of discovery will certainly be awakened by the climb up the south tower: 533 steps lead upwards via a stone spiral staircase, with an airy metal staircase for the final stretch. The climb is demanding, but the breathtaking views make it worthwhile - although you should have a good head for heights. Apart from a small number of public holidays, the tower can be climbed every day for a fee. Children aged 13 and under receive a free ticket.

KÄNGURU tips:

Make the visit even more exciting by booking a children's tour of the cathedral or treasury. Tours begin at the Domforum opposite the cathedral and are designed for curious young explorers aged 6 to 12.

For older visitors, there are tours of the bells to mark the 100th anniversary of the 'Decken Pitter', as well as tours of the cathedral treasury and roof structure. The cathedral works department also offers special tours across the roofs and up to the belfry for visitors aged 16 and over who have a good head for heights.

Hohenzollern Bridge and its love locks

Magnificent railway arches © Pascal/AdobeStock

The Rhine is just behind the cathedral. Hohenzollern Bridge crosses the river to the right bank, known locally as the 'Schäl Sick'. You can easily walk from the cathedral square across the Rhine to the Rheinboulevard in the district of Deutz.

Well informed:

Hohenzollern Bridge is one of eight bridges that cross the Rhine within Cologne. It is used exclusively by rail traffic and has pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides. The impressive structure, with its three adjoining steel-truss arches, was built between 1907 and 1911. It is one of the most important hubs in the German and European rail networks. The six-track Hohenzollern Bridge has been a listed monument since August 1997.

The bridge was not destroyed by bombs during the Second World War. Instead, the Wehrmacht blew it up on 6 March 1945 in an attempt to make it more difficult for Allied forces to cross the Rhine. After the war, it was rebuilt in three phases: 1946-1948, 1956-1959 and 1986-1987.

Love locks as far as the eye can see  © Björn Wylezich/AdobeStock

Today, Hohenzollern Bridge is one of Cologne's landmarks not only because of its beautiful arches, but also because of its countless padlocks: love lock after love lock - tens of thousands of them. Couples write their names and a date on these small padlocks and attach them to the bridge railings as a promise of eternal love and loyalty. They then throw the key into the Rhine together. Finding a free space has become quite a challenge!

The Rheinboulevard, with views towards the Kranhäuser in Rheinauhafen © Sue Herrmann

Once you reach the 'Schäl Sick', the Rheinboulevard - a riverside promenade with a 500-metre-long flight of steps - offers some of the best views of the Rhine, the Old Town skyline and the cathedral. It is a perfect photo spot.
Insider tip: Free Wi-Fi is available on the steps.

KÄNGURU tip:

Climbing on a historic monument © Sue Herrmann

From March to October, the Cologne Alpine Club operates a free climbing facility on Hohenzollern Bridge. It is the only freely accessible climbing facility on a historic listed structure in Germany. The conditions of use can be found on the Alpine Club's website at dav-koeln.de.

Highlights of Cologne's Old Town

Colourful gabled houses at Fischmarkt in Cologne's Old Town
- before the two houses on the left were demolished © ErnstPieber/AdobeStock

Cologne's Old Town is an absolute must for visitors - even though locals often avoid it because of the crowds of tourists. But when guests come to town, Cologne residents proudly show them the charming lanes, squares, historic houses and Rhine promenade. Only the best for guests!

Well informed:

Much of Cologne's Old Town was destroyed during the Second World War and painstakingly rebuilt afterwards. Although only a small number of original buildings remain, the Old Town has lost none of its charm. Its most popular sights include the Rhine promenade, Great St Martin Church, the Stapelhäuser and the Old Town Hall with its impressive Renaissance loggia. Heumarkt and Alter Markt are also particularly worth seeing. There is hardly any traffic here, but there are numerous breweries and restaurants, inviting outdoor terraces in summer and the popular Heinzel Christmas market with its ice rink in winter.

A stroll through the Old Town, past small squares such as Fischmarkt, Buttermarkt and Eisenmarkt, leads to the Rhine and brings the city's rich medieval and Roman history to life. Hidden courtyards, fountains and long-established shops give the district its unique character. Art lovers can admire masterpieces ranging from the Middle Ages to modern art at Museum Ludwig and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum will close from 3 August 2026 for a comprehensive refurbishment and the construction of an extension. It is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2028.

KÄNGURU tips:

Younger children love the water feature around the Paolozzi sculpture in Rheingarten on Frankenwerft. While parents take a short break on the stone blocks, children can climb on the sculpture or paddle through the water on hot summer days.

The bronze figures of Tünnes and Schäl outside Great St Martin Church in Lintgasse are also very popular. These two quintessential Cologne characters are the subject of countless jokes. Their noses have been polished to a shine because touching them is said to bring good luck - a magical little moment for children.

Heinzelmännchen Fountain © Wosch/AdobeStock

The Heinzelmännchen Fountain beside the Früh am Dom brewery is another highlight. It tells the legend of the friendly Heinzelmännchen, the little house gnomes who once secretly completed the people of Cologne's work at night, until a curious tailor's wife drove them away for ever.

Older children and adults will enjoy a visit to the long-established Hänneschen Theatre or TimeRide.

For centuries, the traditional Hänneschen stick-puppet theatre on Eisenmarkt has delighted audiences with performances op Kölsch - in the local Cologne dialect. Whether you are young or old, the lovingly crafted puppets and humorous stories make every visit an experience. There are also special children's performances that fit easily into a tour of the Old Town. But please note that there are no translations available, either in English or in Standard German.
Insider tip: Tickets for the children's puppet show during Carnival always sell out very quickly, so anyone hoping to go needs to be flöck - quick!

At TimeRide on Alter Markt, visitors can travel back into the past. Virtual-reality technology recreates what it felt like to ride a tram through Cologne in 1926, complete with street sounds and the breeze of the journey. The lovingly designed rooms, detailed stories and meticulously recreated virtual scenes make the city's history in the 1920s feel remarkably immediate.
Insider tip: TIMERIDE GO! makes the experience even more immersive with mobile virtual-reality headsets. On the 'Cologne Cathedral 360' walking tour, for example, you can delve into the cathedral's construction history and experience the different eras of this World Heritage Site.

Pure Rhineland joie de vivre

A visit to one of the traditional breweries for which Cologne's Old Town is famous should not be missed. Whether you choose Malzmühle, Früh am Dom, Peters Brauhaus, Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass, Gaffel am Dom, Sion, Gilden im Zims or Sünner im Walfisch, freshly tapped Kölsch beer is served throughout. Even the traditionally gruff waiters - known as Köbes - make an exception for children and bring them lemonade without complaint. Alongside the easy-drinking Kölsch, you can sample classic brewery cuisine: apple or bacon pancakes; Himmel un Ääd (fried blood sausage with mashed potato and apple compote); 'ne Halve Hahn (a rye roll with medium-mature Gouda cheese); Rievkoche (potato pancakes traditionally served with apple sauce, dark rye bread and sugar-beet syrup); Rhineland Sauerbraten (traditionally made with horse or beef and served with raisins in a dark sauce); pork knuckle; or Hämmchen (boiled pork knuckle) with sauerkraut.
Insider tip: If you do not have time for a leisurely brewery visit, pick up a portion of Rievkoche from the Rievkochebud stall in Salzgasse.

Family adventures in Cologne

A boat trip on the Rhine

MS Willi Ostermann © R&R/AdobeStock

A visit to Cologne is only half as enjoyable without a boat trip on the Rhine. The view from the water of the city skyline, Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town and the modern buildings of Rheinauhafen is simply beautiful. During the warm summer months, the ships' sun decks are perfect for enjoying the scenery with an ice cream or a drink. In cooler or rainy weather, enclosed decks with large panoramic windows provide a good alternative.

Well informed:

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) offers a wide range of cruises. Its classic option is the panoramic cruise, a one-hour trip past the city's most important sights. Many ships depart from Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer near the Old Town, travel as far as Rheinauhafen and then return.

KD's fleet currently comprises 16 ships. Two new vessels, MS Jules Verne and MS Willi Ostermann, entered service in 2025.

If you have more time, you can book a longer day trip with stops in Zons or Monheim, or enjoy the picturesque Rhine landscape on the way to Königswinter or Bonn. Discounted combination tickets for Königswinter are also available with the nostalgic Drachenfels Railway. Special evening cruises with lounge music and a DJ, when the cathedral city glows in a sea of lights, are another highlight.

Köln Tourist Personenschiffahrt am Dom GmbH also offers sightseeing cruises of up to 90 minutes, travelling from Rodenkirchen in the south of Cologne to Zoobrücke in the north. Combination tickets for the Chocolate Museum and the German Sport & Olympics Museum are available too. Alternatively, book the grand harbour tour. This three-hour 'educational journey' explores parts of Cologne that are normally closed to the public. The Grand Cologne Harbour Tour takes you from the modern Rheinauhafen through the harbours of Deutz and Mülheim to the container port in Niehl.

KÄNGURU tip:

During the summer months, KD runs special adventure cruises for children. On its pirate adventures on the Rhine, young sailors embark on a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. A stage programme, craft activities and games make the trip a particularly enjoyable family experience on board.
Insider tip: A cruise during Kölner Lichter on 1 August 2026 or the Rhein in Flammen event in Bonn on 12 September 2026 is unforgettable - but booking well in advance is essential.

Cologne Zoo & Flora Botanical Garden

Hippos at Cologne Zoo © Nancy/AdobeStock

A visit to Cologne Zoo is a highlight for the whole family, whether you are an animal lover, an amateur photographer or an explorer. One of Germany's oldest and most beautiful zoos, it offers a fascinating variety of wildlife, exciting experiences and special insights into nature across more than 20 hectares.

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Cologne Zoo has continued to evolve since it was founded in 1860. Today it is home to around 12,000 animals representing approximately 800 species. Particularly impressive are the elephant park, one of the largest in Europe at around two hectares, and the modern Hippodom, which recreates an African tropical river landscape in meticulous detail and provides a home for hippos and Nile crocodiles. The recently reopened and completely renovated giraffe enclosure, home to the tallest land animals on Earth, is now almost twice its former size.

At Clemenshof, a traditional farmstead from the Bergisches Land region, younger visitors will find a petting area where they can stroke goats, sheep, rabbits and other animals. Hennes IX, the mascot of 1. FC Köln, can also be seen here.

Cologne Zoo also holds regular public feeding sessions, allowing you to watch the animals compete for the tastiest morsels. The baboon feeding and the sea-lion feeding, during which the animals entertain the audience with their tricks, are especially popular.

After an eventful day at the zoo, it is well worth visiting the neighbouring Flora and Cologne Botanical Garden. Its 11.5 hectares contain a magnificent world of plants, from Mediterranean gardens and tropical display greenhouses to fountains, mature trees and colourful flower beds. The Flora is a wonderfully peaceful place to recharge your batteries. The garden restaurant in the Flora, open from 11.30 am in summer, also invites you to enjoy a relaxed picnic in the greenery on the Dank Augusta terrace.

KÄNGURU tips:

From April to September, an evening discovery safari for families takes place every Friday. Find out which animals go to sleep early and which only become truly active in the evening. During the winter season, from October to March, you can join a Friday evening expedition to meet the residents of the aquarium, terrarium and insectarium. Only torches are used for lighting during the evening tour of the aquarium, which is located directly beside the zoo's main entrance. Do fish actually sleep at night? Come and find out! Tickets for both events unfortunately sell out very quickly, so it is worth planning ahead.

For extra fun, travel to the zoo by sightseeing road train rather than by car or tram line 18. From 9.30 am, the Zoo Express departs from Cathedral/Burgmauer every 30 minutes; Monday to Friday it runs every 60 minutes.

Insider tips:

To help younger children enjoy the entire zoo visit without becoming exhausted, you can hire a handcart at the main or secondary entrance for a fee of 5 euros.

To celebrate its 165th anniversary, Cologne Zoo is hosting the Dinoworld exhibition until autumn 2026. Here, prehistoric giants - detailed, life-size XXL sculptures of Argentinosaurus, Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex - keep the living animals company.

The China Lights festival regularly illuminates Cologne Zoo and its wildlife in winter. Hundreds of glowing animal and fantasy figures in an Asian style light up the zoo and its enclosures in December and January. Tickets for this event often sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

A vibrant district: Rheinauhafen

Rheinauhafen with the Malakoff Tower (right), Chocolate Museum (centre) and three Kranhäuser (left) © tichr/AdobeStock

Rheinauhafen is a highlight of modern architecture and urban life in the heart of Cologne. Where warehouses, harbour cranes, shipyards and industrial facilities once stood, a vibrant district combining homes, workplaces, art and leisure has emerged over the past two decades. Located directly beside the Rhine and just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town, it offers an exciting mix of history and the present day.

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You enter the harbour area across a swing bridge dating from 1896 - Cologne's oldest bridge over the Rhine. Rheinauhafen's most striking landmarks are the three Kranhäuser, whose shape recalls historic harbour cranes. Their spectacular architecture defines the cityscape, and they are among Cologne's most photographed buildings. The area also contains numerous listed brick buildings and the former harbour master's office, all carefully restored and now home to galleries, offices and restaurants. At the far end of Rheinauhafen stands the 'Dicke Herkules', one of six surviving harbour cranes. Built in 1897, it is now a protected monument. The entire Rhine promenade is ideal for a leisurely walk, a bike ride or simply enjoying the view of the river.

KÄNGURU tips:

The Chocolate Museum, located at the tip of Rheinauhafen just behind the Malakoff Tower, is particularly exciting for families. Everything here revolves around the sweet temptation, from the cocoa bean and the production process to the finished chocolate. Children especially love the chocolate fountain and the chance to make their own bars during a chocolate workshop. One of the world's largest mobile Ferris wheels also stands directly outside the museum, offering fantastic views of the cathedral, the Rhine and the Kranhäuser. Anyone who would rather avoid the walk to Rheinauhafen can take the Chocolate Express. This sightseeing road train travels daily from the cathedral to the Chocolate Museum and back. In winter, the Christmas Market Express also connects all of Cologne's major Christmas markets, including the Harbour Christmas Market in front of the museum.
Insider tip: A partnership between the Hänneschen Theatre and the museum, supported by the Imhoff Foundation, creates a delightful blend of puppetry and live acting. 'Ne Draum us Schokolad' is something very special: a theatrical journey through the museum and its glass-walled chocolate factory that brings the world of chocolate to life op Kölsch - in Cologne dialect.

Right next door, shortly before Severinsbrücke, is the German Sport & Olympics Museum, where interactive exhibits take you on a journey through the world of sport from antiquity to the present day.

Fun and games on the roof terrace © DSOM

Insider tips:

The museum roof features spectacular sports courts where you can play football, streetball or tennis while looking out over the Rhine - a real highlight for active families. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned indoor play area offers table tennis, basketball, table football, Tipp-Kick, American-football target throwing and cornhole. A museum visit is also easy to combine with a boat trip, as a landing stage is located directly outside.

There is plenty to discover outdoors too. On hot days, fountains shoot up from the ground at Harry-Blum-Platz for a refreshing cool-down. From May to September, the square also hosts Cologne's largest open-air cinema, with a different programme each day and wonderful views across the Kranhäuser and marina towards Cologne Cathedral. The films do not begin until it is dark, between 8 and 10 pm, so this recommendation is better suited to families with older children.

Either way, it is worth walking upstream to Rhine kilometre 686. Just before Südbrücke, you will find the KAP686 skatepark. You can try it for yourself throughout the year or watch the skilful skaters perform their tricks. There are beach-volleyball courts and chips in the beer garden too.

Cologne from above – the best viewpoints

KölnTriangle Panorama

Panoramic view from KölnTriangle © pixeldeus/AdobeStock

Looking down from above instead of always gazing upwards offers a striking change of perspective. The whole city seems to lie at your feet, stretching as far as the eye can see. Viewing Cologne from above reveals new sightlines and angles, giving the city a very special appeal.

Well informed:

From the roof of the glass KölnTriangle in Deutz on the right bank - better known to many Cologne residents as the LVR Tower - you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view across the city. The 103-metre tower is mainly used as an office building, but its 29th floor contains a 400-square-metre viewing platform with spectacular views of the cathedral and the whole of Cologne. On a clear day, you can see as far as Düsseldorf, the Bergisches Land, the Siebengebirge hills and, to the west, the open-cast mines and lignite-fired power stations.

A lift reaches the platform in just a few seconds. Admission costs 5 euros per person, while children aged 12 and under enter free of charge. For safety reasons, the platform, which opened in 2006, remains closed during storms and thunderstorms.

KÄNGURU tip:

To make the wait for Christmas presents feel shorter for children, visit the panoramic deck between 11 am and 3 pm on 24 December. Unfortunately, the tower is closed to the public on New Year's Eve.

Insider tip:

The cult restaurant Lommerzheim is not far away. Anyone interested in Cologne pub culture should not miss Lommerzheim in Deutz. With its weathered façade and largely unchanged taproom, this traditional pub is known far beyond the city limits - yet the 'Lommi' remains firmly rooted in local Cologne life.

The restaurant is best known for its enormous pork chops with braised onions. The menu features other hearty classics such as Fleischwurst sausage with potato salad or bratwurst with chips - simple and delicious. Vegetarian options are rather scarce and usually limited to cheese or pickled gherkins. At least there is freshly tapped Päffgen Kölsch to enjoy.
If you cannot find a seat, try the beer garden next door, or walk through the narrow hallway to the cellar steps and see whether there is space in the cosy vaulted cellar. Cologne locals will rarely refuse a polite request to join their table.

Cable car over the Rhine

High above the river © Heiko/AdobeStock

A particularly fun experience is a ride on the Cologne cable car across the Rhine, from Deutz to the zoo and back. It is a fantastic family attraction with panoramic views.

Well informed:

Originally opened for the 1957 Federal Garden Show, the Cologne cable car has offered visitors the chance to admire the city skyline while floating above the Rhine for more than 60 years. Over 40 gondolas glide gently across the water, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the fascinating panorama.

See Cologne from the air © Sue Herrmann

You can begin the journey either on the right bank in Rheinpark or on the left bank at Cologne Zoo. The gondola takes around six minutes to travel from one side of the Rhine to the other. The cable car takes a winter break from November to April.

KÄNGURU tip:

On several scheduled evening trips, you can also glide across the Rhine after dark. The final night trip of the season takes place on 17 October 2026. Special Advent services are also scheduled from 28 November to 20 December 2026.
Insider tip: Keep your eyes open - with a little luck, you might even get the KÄNGURU gondola! :-)

Nature and relaxation in the heart of the city

Rheinpark: playground and miniature railway

Riverside landscape in Rheinpark © honorick/AdobeStock

A genuine insider tip in central Cologne, Rheinpark in Deutz combines nature, play and action in the adjoining youth park - perfect for families and visitors seeking a break from the bustle of the city. Covering around 40 hectares, the spacious park invites you to relax or stroll among large lawns, trees, flower beds, a playground, water features and benches, always accompanied by wonderful views of the cathedral and the Rhine.

Well informed:

Created on rubble left by the Second World War, Rheinpark opened for the 1957 Federal Garden Show and was even named 'Germany's Most Beautiful Park' in 2007. Much of its 1950s charm remains today: ornamental fountains, sculptures, open sightlines and, of course, the Park-Café. After standing empty for decades, the café was lovingly restored and once again welcomes visitors with a sun deck, glass pavilion and beer garden.

The Tanzbrunnen event venue, home to numerous open-air events, is located directly beside Rheinpark. It is joined by the Rheinterrassen beer garden and the fashionable km 689 Cologne Beach Club, with sand, sun loungers and a holiday atmosphere right beside the river.

Non-stop activity © Sue Herrmann

Families with children should make a point of visiting the large playground on the hilly landscape in the middle of the park, complete with a tube slide and climbing pyramid. In the youth park directly beneath Zoobrücke, explorers young and old will also find a bouldering wall, skate area, streetball courts, mini golf and miniature cars.

Fun and exercise in the youth park beneath Zoobrücke © Sue Herrmann

KÄNGURU tip:

A ride on the miniature railway is fun for all ages. The sightseeing train, which runs on a 600-millimetre-gauge track, completes its circuit along the two-kilometre route every day from mid-March to the end of October between 11 am and 6 pm, except in rainy weather. Two classic Western-style trains are normally used. On special occasions, a historic Diema locomotive or an original old Porsche locomotive takes over. Passengers can get on and off at three stations, and round-trip tickets allow you to break your journey.
Insider tip: Wednesday is family day, when adults and children alike pay only 3 euros for the round trip.

Then head down to the Rhine and try skimming stones. Whose stone will bounce the farthest? Look for a stone that is as flat and broad as possible, ideally with a smooth surface. Then let it fly: use a quick, powerful throw from the wrist, keeping the stone low and as parallel to the water as possible. Before you know it, the whole family will be absorbed in a friendly competition. As so often, practice makes perfect.

Even if the weather makes the river look tempting, cooling off or swimming in the Rhine is prohibited and may result in a fine. The currents and whirlpools are extremely dangerous, and fatal swimming accidents unfortunately occur every year.

A relaxed visit with deer and goats at Lindenthal Animal Park

Having a little chat with the goats © Irina Schmidt/AdobeStock

A trip to Lindenthal Animal Park is always an experience for families. In the heart of Cologne's Stadtwald, close to Kahnweiher pond, more than 250 animals await you, including fallow deer, goats, sheep, donkeys, Highland cattle and countless types of poultry. Particularly exciting is the fact that the fallow deer roam freely through the grounds and often come very close to visitors. Admission is free and the park is open all year round, making it ideal for a spontaneous outing.

Well informed:

Lindenthal Animal Park has a history stretching back more than 100 years. The grounds are accessible, although the toilets are not wheelchair-accessible. Visitors may feed the animals, but only with special food purchased from the vending machines on site, so remember to bring coins. Any food brought from home must first be handed to the animal keepers, who will decide whether it is suitable.

KÄNGURU tips:

Using the free Actionbound app, you can join 'Ecki the Squirrel' on a digital treasure hunt - a playful way to explore the park. A large playground and Stadtwaldweiher pond, where pedal boats can be hired, are also nearby and provide the perfect ending to your visit. The Friends and Supporters of Lindenthal Animal Park also organise regular events for children and families, including the LeseWelten summer of reading aloud and the service at the living nativity scene during Advent.

Insider tip:

Kitschburger Straße, which runs directly alongside the park, is closed to cars from 6 pm on Friday until 10 pm on Sunday. This creates a particularly relaxed and safe atmosphere for families at weekends, but remember that the car park cannot be reached during this time. Anyone visiting on Saturday should also stop at the popular weekly market at the corner of Kitschburger Straße and Friedrich-Schmidt-Straße. Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, flowers and regional specialities make it an ideal place to shop for a picnic after your visit to the animal park.

Mini golf, a white-water slide and kangaroos at the Groov in Zündorf

Zündorf marina © Sue Herrmann

In the south of Cologne, directly on the right bank of the Rhine, lies the Groov, an idyllic, completely traffic-free recreation area in the district of Porz-Zündorf. Families will find a perfect mixture of nature, sport and relaxation here. This large leisure island is a popular destination for walks and cycle rides, or simply for relaxing beneath old poplar trees on the sandy bank of the Rhine. Swimming in the river, however, is extremely dangerous and therefore prohibited.

Well informed:

An idyllic setting of mature trees and silted-up branches of the Rhine © Sue Herrmann

The Groov developed from an old branch of the Rhine that still shapes the landscape today. Once an important harbour and trading point, the island was converted into a recreational area in the 1970s. The name 'Groov' comes from Low German and is said to mean a grove or small wood. Other sources suggest a Gaulish origin meaning gravel or sandbank. Today, the island is known as a peaceful retreat where broad riverside meadows and mature trees form a beautiful balance.

KÄNGURU tips:

Fun and games at the Groov © Sue Herrmann

There is plenty for families to enjoy around the Groov: a mini-golf course, a large playground with a pirate ship and table-tennis tables, and Kombibad Zündorf, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool with an 80-metre white-water slide. The KroKoLino passenger ferry provides an adventurous crossing to Cologne-Weiß. Those in search of a quieter experience can nap beneath the poplars or explore the small cafés, restaurants and ice-cream parlours in the picturesque lanes around the market square. Rolf's petting zoo is also nearby. Although not every animal can be stroked, there are plenty to admire - including kangaroos.

Insider tip:

Climb aboard the crocodile and cross by ferry © Sue Herrmann

Take your bicycles on the boat and enjoy a relaxed ride around the Weißer Bogen. Bikes cost no more than one euro extra, and you should remember to bring cash. There are two attractive destinations: travel around 1.8 kilometres upstream to the boathouse in Sürth for a short break, or about 3 kilometres downstream to Rodenkirchen, where you can stop at Berger's campsite for chips, pizza and more.