Weekend in Stuttgart
This budget-friendly itinerary combines unique local events with classic Stuttgart family favorites, ensuring a weekend full of discovery and enjoyment for children aged 3-12. We've balanced free community fun with worthwhile paid experiences, keeping convenience and kids' energy levels in mind.
Friday Evening - Festive Family Fun
Friday, October 3Kids Family Festival
Kick off your weekend at the Kinderland Foundation's 20th-anniversary celebration – a large, free children's and family festival! Enjoy live music, magic shows, face painting, sports activities, and various craft stations.
Food and drinks are also provided for free.
This is a fantastic free event perfect for getting the kids' energy out. Suitable for all ages from toddlers to pre-teens. There will be plenty of space for children to run around and explore. Public restrooms should be available, and the park paths are generally stroller accessible. Expect a lively, joyful atmosphere. The event runs until 5 PM.
Limited street parking might be available, but public transport is recommended. The nearest U-Bahn stop is Bopser (U15), followed by a walk, or bus connections might be available closer to the specific park entrance.
Park Play & Picnic
Wind down your Friday evening with a relaxed picnic and playtime at Höhenpark Killesberg, a spacious urban park renowned for its beautiful landscapes and excellent playgrounds.
This extensive park is ideal for children aged 3-12, offering various playgrounds, open lawns for running, and a chance to enjoy the crisp autumn air. While there are animal enclosures and a miniature train, simply enjoying the playgrounds and a packed picnic dinner makes for a perfect budget-friendly evening. Public restrooms are readily available, and the park features wide, paved paths suitable for strollers. Great for allowing kids to burn off any remaining energy before bed.
Accessible via U-Bahn (U5 to Killesberg or U6/U7 to Maybachstraße) or by car with paid parking available onsite. The park is large, so plan your entry point. Many pathways are stroller-friendly.
Saturday - Pumpkin & Puppet Adventures
Saturday, October 4Thanksgiving Market
Start your Saturday at the 44th annual Erntedank-Wochenmarkt (Thanksgiving Farmers Market).
Explore stalls brimming with fresh regional produce, local delicacies, and enjoy the festive community atmosphere.
This special market offers a wonderful sensory experience for children, with colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and local crafts. There's a short church service at 10 AM, followed by the sale of charity bags benefiting bhz Stuttgart from 11 AM. It’s a great opportunity to grab some fresh snacks or ingredients for lunch. The market is flat and easily navigable with a stroller, with public restrooms nearby.
Located in the city center, easily accessible by U-Bahn (Rathaus or Stadtmitte stops) or S-Bahn (Stadtmitte). Several paid parking garages are available in the vicinity.
Puppet Show Fun
Enjoy an enchanting performance of 'The Little Caterpillar' at Nelly's Puppet Theater.
This interactive puppet show is designed to engage young children and adults alike.
Ideal for children from 2 years upwards, this show actively involves the audience with counting, singing, and even 'tasting' the caterpillar's delicacies. It's a charming and imaginative experience. The theater generally has good accessibility, and public restrooms are available. The show duration is approximately 60 minutes, perfect before or after a relaxed lunch. Consider packing a small lunch to eat before the show to save time.
Located near Charlottenplatz, it's easily reachable by public transport (U-Bahn stop Charlottenplatz). Public parking garages are available in the city center.
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Fest
Embark on an afternoon adventure to the world-famous Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Kürbisausstellung Ludwigsburg) at Blühendes Barock.
Marvel at over 400,000 pumpkins, including intricate sculptures themed 'Great Cinema' for 2025.
This festival is a visual spectacle and a true highlight for families. Kids will be amazed by the size and variety of pumpkins and the creative sculptures featuring famous movie characters. There are numerous food stalls offering delicious pumpkin-themed treats and savory dishes. Allow 3-4 hours to explore. The gardens are generally stroller-friendly, though some inclines exist. Public restrooms are available throughout the extensive grounds.
Take the S-Bahn (S4 or S5) from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Ludwigsburg station (approx. 15 minutes), then it's a pleasant 15-minute walk or short bus ride to Blühendes Barock. Paid parking is available at the palace gardens.
Early Family Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant back in Stuttgart, offering a variety of kid-approved meal options.
Choose a restaurant with a dedicated kids' menu or options that can be easily shared. Many establishments cater to families with high chairs and space for strollers. An early dinner allows for a calm end to a busy day and ensures little ones get to bed on time. Look for places with outdoor seating if the weather permits for a pleasant evening atmosphere. A classic Swabian restaurant can offer a taste of local cuisine, or a pizzeria is always a crowd-pleaser.
Dependent on the chosen restaurant's location, but the city center is well-served by public transport. Parking in city garages is generally available.
Sunday - Nature & Cosmos
Sunday, October 5Wilhelma Zoo & Garden
Spend your Sunday morning exploring Wilhelma, Stuttgart's unique zoological-botanical garden. Discover over 11,000 animals across 1,200 species and stunning botanical collections in a historic setting.
Wilhelma offers an engaging experience for the whole family. Kids will love the diverse animal exhibits, from African giraffes to Australian koalas, and the fantastic rainforest-themed playground. The botanical gardens provide beautiful spaces for leisurely strolls. The entire park is very stroller-friendly, with numerous public restrooms and baby changing facilities. Plan for at least 3-4 hours of exploration. Pack snacks or enjoy one of the many cafes and kiosks inside.
Easily accessible by U-Bahn (U14 or U13 to 'Wilhelma' stop). Paid parking is available onsite.
Planetarium Wonders
Embark on a captivating journey through space and time at the Carl Zeiss Planetarium.
Experience immersive, family-friendly shows that ignite curiosity about the cosmos and beyond.
The planetarium is an excellent indoor option, perfect for engaging older children (4+). Their advanced projection system displays a realistic starry firmament, complemented by engaging explanations of astronomy. Look for specific children's programs, and note that English simulcast is available for all shows. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has restrooms. Shows typically last 50-60 minutes.
Conveniently located within walking distance from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof and various U-Bahn stops (e.g., Staatsgalerie, Hauptbahnhof). Paid public parking garages are nearby.
Schlossgarten Relax
Conclude your memorable weekend with a relaxed stroll and some final playtime at the picturesque Schlossgarten, the extensive palace gardens in the heart of Stuttgart.
The Schlossgarten provides ample space for children to run and play on its various playgrounds, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk amidst beautiful greenery. It's a perfect, free way to let kids burn off any remaining energy before winding down for the school week. Grab an ice cream or a small treat from one of the park's kiosks for a final family moment. Public restrooms are available.
Easily accessible from the city center on foot, or via any U-Bahn/S-Bahn stop in Stuttgart Mitte (e.g., Schlossplatz, Hauptbahnhof).
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