Hi, I’m Laura, Tea’s Sr. Design Manager. Those who know me know that I’m a super proud auntie and as part of my Tea employee benefits, I’m able to use the Tea Travel Allowance to visit my family in Berlin. This year I was there during cold and gloomy January. We made the most of our time together, as the city offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that captivate both children and adults.Â
Here’s a list of what we did and what we recommend you do, too:
Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt (Colorful ChocoWorld)
The Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt is a paradise for chocolate enthusiasts. The highlight for the kids was the opportunity to create their own chocolate bars. They selected their favorite ingredients and, with guidance, crafted personalized treats. This hands-on experience not only satisfied their sweet tooth but also sparked their creativity. You can stock up on all your favorite Ritter Sport bars here, too. They sell a huge selection of chocolate bars, including special and seasonal flavors.Â
Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)
We visited the Berliner Dom, an architectural marvel. Climbing to the top of the dome was an adventure in itself, and the panoramic views of Berlin from above left all of us in awe. The sense of accomplishment after ascending the steps, combined with the breathtaking scenery, made it a memorable experience.
At the Neues Museum, the kids were fascinated by the Egyptian artifacts, especially the iconic bust of Nefertiti. The museum’s exhibits are presented in an engaging manner, capturing the imaginations of young visitors. Notably, admission is free for children and young people under the age of 18, making it both an educational and economical choice for families.
Museum für Naturkunde (Museum of Natural History)
The Museum für Naturkunde mesmerized the kids with towering dinosaur skeletons like the Brachiosaurus and engaging, family-friendly programs. Its Ichthyological Collection, featuring 133,490 fish specimens and historic finds from global expeditions, adds to the museum’s rich scientific appeal. The mix of life-sized exhibits and hands-on activities made science an exciting adventure.
During our Berlin adventure, we also visited the Horst-Dohm-Eisstadion in Wilmersdorf, renowned as the city’s largest outdoor ice rink, boasting an impressive 6,170 square meters of ice surface. Located at Fritz-Wildung-Straße 9, the outdoor stadium features an Olympic-sized 400-meter speed skating track and a separate figure skating rink, providing ample space for skaters of all levels. The whole family enjoyed gliding across the expansive ice, and the freedom and thrill it offered.
In Germany, the tradition of enjoying cake and coffee in the afternoon is called “Kaffee und Kuchen” (literally “coffee and cake”). When in Germany, this is always a part of my routine. I usually look for German-style cheesecake, known as Käsekuchen. It stands out from its American counterpart due to its lighter texture and distinct use of quark, a soft, tangy dairy product. Unlike the dense, cream cheese-based New York cheesecake, Käsekuchen has a more delicate, airy consistency. The crust is typically a shortcrust pastry rather than a graham cracker base, giving it a firmer, slightly buttery bite. It’s perfect alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Es ist sehr lecker (as they say in Germany)!Â