Did you know that Berlin is one of the greenest metropolitan cities in Europe? With so many parks, lakes and forests, it’s easy for families to get out into nature and try their hand at gardening – even if they don’t have their own garden!
Learn about some great places for Berlin families to learn about gardening from Sophie Iremonger.
Sophie is a lifelong gardener who offers bespoke gardening solutions to busy expat families with small gardens & balconies. She helps families connect with nature at home and help their children learn about nature but find it hard to fit that into their lives.
Here are her favorite green places for families in Berlin:
I love going to Grunewald forest – the forest is a great garden, classroom and library.
I recommend going on an expedition with a small spade and exploring some tree roots. (Bauhaus sells a great range of mini (but very professional looking) tools just for kids)
2. There’s also a ‘Forest school’ (Waldschule) in Plänterwald where kids connect with nature.
Their main building is designed like a walk-in picture book, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and marvel. Inside, a forest diorama showcases lifelike, taxidermy animals that can be observed up close.
Outside, the interactive outdoor area offers hands-on experiences, such as playing music on a forest xylophone, testing jumping skills in the animal long jump pit, or walking barefoot on a sensory path.
A small exhibition provides information about the trees of Plänterwald and features creative activities like a tree ring puzzle, a tactile mystery box, and a word scramble, making learning about trees both fun and engaging.
3. Comenius Garten is one of the easiest gardens to visit as it is located centrally in Rixdorf. They also do garden tours for school children. The garden has lovely meadow areas and fruit trees. It is safe and accessible for push-chairs and small kids.
4. Britzer Garten provides opportunities for kids to connect with gardening and excels at providing hands-on activities through interactive outdoor exhibits.
It also has a big Wasserspie-platz for when everyone is sick of gardening (I have never been sick of gardening, sorry I have no idea how that might feel!)
If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, you can book a kid-focused gardening class with Sophie at your house. Kids join in free and Sophie can help you grow your own delicious organic veg in small spaces.
Thanks, Sophie!
