Begin your trip by visiting the heart of Munich, Marienplatz. The public square is surrounded by historic buildings and famous landmarks like New Town Hall and Old Town Hall. Kids would enjoy the Glockenspiel, a clock with animated display which happens at specific times. After watching the show, head to Odeonsplatz, a few minutes walk away. It's a beautiful square with a fountain and surrounded by some of the city's iconic buildings.
Escape the city and take a ride to Nymphenburg Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. Explore the palace's Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain, where you can learn about the history of porcelain production, or visit the park, where kids can run around and play. If the weather is good, you can rent a boat and enjoy the day on the lake. For lunch or a snack, visit one of the many cozy restaurants or cafes near the palace.
For a fun family day out, head to Munich Zoo. The zoo is home to over 400 species of animals, including elephants, tigers, and penguins. It's not only a fun place, but also an educational one, with information available about the various species and their habitats. The zoo often has events and shows scheduled, so make sure to check ahead and plan accordingly. After visiting the zoo, walk over to Hellabrunn Tierpark, a nature reserve and recreational park, where you can enjoy Bavarian beer and food while overlooking the Tierpark.
End your trip with a visit to one of the world's largest urban public parks, the Englischer Garten. Kids will especially love the park's Japanese tea house and the beautiful Eisbach river, where locals surf all year round. You can also rent a paddle boat or take a horse carriage ride. Don't leave without visiting one of the park's beer gardens for a traditional Bavarian lunch or dinner.
If you have extra time, you can also visit Bavaria Filmstadt, a film studio complex, and shop at Viktualienmarkt, an outdoor market in the city center. If you have less time, you can skip Nymphenburg Palace or Munich Zoo, and add a visit to Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich football team. Make sure to check the opening hours and availability of each place before visiting. After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to some Bavarian cuisine, including pretzels, sausages, and beer.