Oktoberfest with Family & Kids
Yes, Oktoberfest is family-friendly! Here's everything you need to know about visiting with children - from the best times to family-only deals.
Is Oktoberfest Suitable for Families?
Absolutely! While Oktoberfest is famous for its beer culture, it's also a massive folk festival with rides, attractions, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The key is timing - visit during the day on weekdays for the best family experience.
Familientag - Family Day Specials
Every Tuesday is Familientag at Oktoberfest. Ride prices are reduced (typically half price) until 18:00, making it the most budget-friendly day for families.
Reduced ride prices apply from opening until 18:00. After 18:00, regular prices resume and the atmosphere shifts more toward adults.
Best Times for Families
Weekday Mornings (10:00-14:00)
The calmest time at the festival. Rides have short queues, outdoor areas are relaxed, and you can explore at your own pace.
Tuesday (Familientag)
Half-price rides until 18:00. The most popular day for families with young children.
Avoid Weekday Evenings & Weekends
From about 17:00 onwards, the festival gets progressively more crowded and alcohol-fueled. Weekend afternoons can also be very busy.
First Weekend
The opening weekend tends to be extremely crowded. Better to visit during the second week.
Kid-Friendly Areas
Oide Wiesn (Traditional Festival)
The Oide Wiesn section is calmer, more traditional, and features vintage rides. A separate entrance fee applies (around €4 for adults, children free), but it's worth it for the relaxed atmosphere.
Straßen (Outdoor Areas)
The streets between tents are full of food stalls, game booths, and smaller rides. Children can enjoy cotton candy, gingerbread hearts, and watch the bustle without entering a tent.
Kinderkarussel Area
A dedicated area with children's carousels, mini rides, and age-appropriate attractions near the southern end of the festival grounds.
Rides for Kids
Kinderkarussells
2-8 yearsClassic children's carousels with horses, cars, and animals. Multiple options spread across the grounds.
Teufelsrad (Devil's Wheel)
All ages (watching)A spinning disc where volunteers try to stay on while operators try to knock them off. Hilarious to watch for all ages.
Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel)
All agesThe iconic Ferris wheel offers amazing views over the festival grounds and Munich. Suitable for all ages.
Toboggan Slide
4+ yearsA classic wooden slide where you ride down on burlap sacks. Fun for kids and adults alike.
Food for Kids
Brezen (Pretzels)
Giant soft pretzels are everywhere and kids love them. Around €5-6 each.
Hendl (Roast Chicken)
Half a roast chicken (halbes Hendl) is the classic Oktoberfest meal. Shareable for smaller kids.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Spezi (cola mixed with orange soda), Apfelschorle (apple spritzer), and hot chocolate are widely available.
Lebkuchenherzen
Gingerbread hearts are a must-buy souvenir. Kids can choose from hundreds of designs with funny messages.
Practical Tips
Strollers & Prams
Allowed on the grounds but not practical inside beer tents. The paths can get very crowded. Consider a baby carrier instead.
Lost Children
Go to the festival's official lost & found (Fundbüro) or any security point. Tip: write your phone number on your child's arm with a marker.
Changing Facilities
Limited dedicated changing areas. The best option is the baby care room near the Red Cross station.
Ear Protection
The festival is LOUD. Bring ear protection for babies and toddlers - essential for the ride area and near tents.
Budget Tips for Families
Visit on Familientag (Tuesday) for half-price rides
Bring snacks and water to reduce food costs
The Oide Wiesn has lower ride prices overall
Skip the souvenir shops at the festival - the same items are cheaper in Munich's city center
Budget about €50-80 per adult and €20-30 per child for a day visit
Insider Tip
Arrive early on a Tuesday (Familientag) when the gates open at 10:00. Head straight to the Oide Wiesn - it's the most relaxed area for families. Have lunch in the Festzelt Tradition (a smaller tent in the Oide Wiesn) where it's calmer and kids are welcome. Then enjoy the reduced-price rides until 18:00 and head home before the evening crowd arrives.
Family FAQ
What age is appropriate for Oktoberfest?
Any age! Babies and toddlers do fine during weekday mornings. Children aged 6-12 love the rides. Teenagers (14+) can enjoy most of the festival. Children under 6 enter all rides at reduced prices or free.
Can children enter the beer tents?
Yes, children are welcome in beer tents until 20:00. After 20:00, only guests aged 16 and older are allowed. During the day, many families eat lunch in the tents.
Is there a playground at Oktoberfest?
No dedicated playground, but the Kinderkarussel area and Oide Wiesn function as child-friendly zones with age-appropriate attractions.
How much does a family day at Oktoberfest cost?
For a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids), budget around €120-180 for a comfortable day including rides, food, and drinks. On Familientag (Tuesday), rides cost about half.
Are baby strollers allowed?
Yes, but they're impractical during peak hours. The grounds get very crowded from afternoon onwards. A baby carrier is recommended.