SCHWEINFURT, Germany (Sept. 4, 2013) -- So, you and your family only have a few months left in Schweinfurt. You want to make the best out of your remaining family weekends in Germany. Look no further.
Playmobil Funpark and LEGOLAND Deutschland -- both within a few a hours' drive of Schweinfurt -- are great options for families with kids of all ages to enjoy as a day trip or weekend visit.
PLAYMOBIL FUNPARK
Located near Nürnberg and open year-round, this park has a diverse range of indoor and outdoor play areas. During the winter season, the outside park facilities are closed. However, the indoor area offers plenty of play and climbing space worth the visit to fill a day with fun.
There are more than 90,000 square meters of differently themed activities to stimulate kids between the ages of two to nine. This includes the Knight's Castle, Pirate Ship, Noah's Ark, Western Center, and Dino Area, among many more. My six-year old daughter is partial to the Pirate Ship rafts and the Farm Area horses and milking cows.
What makes this FunPark so unique is that it inspires kids to live out their childhood fantasies with the oversized pieces and toys of different themes. There are no lines here … and that's what my family and I enjoyed most. Just open play. So don't let the rain or snow stop your family from taking a break from the routine.
While there's not much for thrill seekers, you can find the Aktivpark next door, which is tailored to older youths and adults. The Aktivpark includes miniature golf and a large beer garden, as well as other activities.
A family of three can expect to pay to ,50 for the entire trip, which includes parking, food and tickets. During the winter, expect to pay as little as ,30 due to the off-season.
Park hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the winter.
If you're driving and have a GPS navigator, punch in the address at BrandstätterstraYe 2-10, Zirndorf, 90513. If you opt to take the train, first head to the Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof, or main train station. From there, take the S-Bahn S4 to VGN-Bus line 151.
For more information regarding activities, hours, pricing, and directions, visit www.playmobil-funpark.de.
LEGOLAND DEUTSCHLAND
Open April through November, LEGOLAND is arranged in sections, each one as diverse and creative as the next.
Experience the Miniland section where more than 25 million LEGO bricks were used to create a miniature world. Visit the LEGO X-Treme section if you are looking for rides to be a bit higher, faster and more action-packed.
The Knights section, Adventure Land and Land of the Pirates offers activities for kids and adults of all ages. My six-year-old enjoyed visiting Little Asia and LEGO City.
We were afraid that there would be long lines at our some of the attractions, so we decided to use the Express Pass system. We were glad we did. LEGOLAND's electronic Express Pass system helps avoid waiting and gives you the time to make your visit more enjoyable. If interested, the pass can be found at the entrance area of the Mini-Market.
Be aware there may be height restrictions on some of the attractions. No need to worry. There is plenty to keep the family going. LEGOLAND offers indoor activities and covered attractions for family adventures, even during inclement weather. Information for the park can be found at www.legoland.de.
Expect to pay upwards of ,200 for a family of three if you purchase tickets at the front entrance. This price includes parking, food and tickets. But you can save about ,15 if you purchase your family tickets in advance online.
The park hours are between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through November 2013.
LEGOLAND Deutschland is an easy two- to three-hour drive from Schweinfurt and is located at Legoland-Allee 2, Günzburg, 89312.
FAMILY THEME PARKS
Both parks provide a plentiful assortment of tasty treats to indulge in, from full-plated meals to light snacks on the go. Or, bring your own meal -- a common custom among European families.
We usually brown bag our lunch but purchase snacks and souvenirs. This will help you cut down on the price. Should you feel like staying the night instead of making the trip back home, Playmobil Funpark and LEGOLAND Deutschland have quality accommodations on sight and around the local area.
Oh, and before you leave either park, check out their souvenir shops to add to your collection or to pick up Christmas gifts, like their Advent calendars.
[Editor's note: The information on this page does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army of the information, products or services contained herein.]
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