Flughafen Tegel
About
This former airport has been transformed into one of Berlin's most exciting open spaces for families, offering vast grounds perfect for running, cycling, and exploring. The expansive park features modern playgrounds, sports facilities, and wide open areas where kids can play freely, all set against the unique backdrop of the old airport's iconic terminal building.
Highlights
- ✓Enormous open spaces perfect for kite flying, frisbee, and ball games
- ✓Well-equipped modern playgrounds designed for different age groups
- ✓Former runways ideal for cycling, skating, and learning to ride bikes
- ✓Sports fields and courts for football, basketball, and other activities
- ✓The historic terminal building as a unique backdrop and photo opportunity
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring bikes, scooters, or rollerblades as the flat, smooth runways and taxiways are perfect for wheeled activities with minimal traffic.
- 2.Pack a picnic and blanket since there are limited food vendors on site, and the open spaces are ideal for family picnics.
- 3.Visit the old terminal building for photo opportunities and to show kids the airport's fascinating history.
- 4.Download a translation app before arriving, as signage and any staff present may primarily speak German.
- 5.The park can be windy due to its open layout, so bring layers even on warm days.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons are quietest, especially outside German school holidays. Spring through early autumn (April to October) offers the best weather, though the park is accessible year-round. Weekends can be busy with local families and sports groups.
What to Know
Entry is completely free and the park is easily accessible by public transport via U-Bahn line U6 to Alt-Tegel station. There are limited restroom facilities, so plan accordingly, and bring your own snacks and drinks as food options are minimal.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round, but facilities and playgrounds are most enjoyable from April through October. Winter visits are possible but can be cold and windy due to the exposed location. Summer weekends may host special events and festivals.
Nearby Eats
Head to the nearby Alt-Tegel area (10-minute walk or short bus ride) where you'll find family-friendly restaurants including pizzerias and casual German eateries. For a quick bite, there are bakeries and cafes around the U-Bahn station.
More Activities Near Reinickendorf
Lake Tegel
Lake Tegel is Berlin's second-largest lake and a family paradise offering sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles, calm swimming areas ideal for children, and expansive green spaces for active play. With multiple playgrounds dotted around the shore, paddle boat rentals, and plenty of room to run, this lakeside retreat provides a refreshing escape from city sightseeing without leaving Berlin.
Military History Museum - airport Berlin-Gatow
Located at a historic airfield in Berlin, this aviation museum captivates young plane enthusiasts with an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, helicopters, and military vehicles they can see up close. The outdoor displays allow kids to get remarkably near to real aircraft, while interactive exhibits inside make military aviation history accessible and exciting for children.
Spandauer Forst
Spandauer Forst is a sprawling natural forest sanctuary in Berlin's Reinickendorf district, offering families a perfect escape into nature without leaving the city. With well-maintained hiking trails, scattered playgrounds, and diverse natural features to explore, this expansive woodland provides endless opportunities for kids to climb, discover wildlife, and burn off energy in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Tegel forest (southern part)
Tegel Forest's southern wetland area offers families a peaceful escape into nature right within Berlin, featuring easy walking paths perfect for little legs, wildlife observation platforms where kids can spot birds and aquatic animals, and educational opportunities about wetland ecosystems. This free, 24-hour nature preserve provides a wonderful outdoor adventure without the pressure of admission fees or strict opening hours, making it ideal for flexible family schedules.