The Black Forest is a natural playground for families. It has short walks that end at a waterfall, lakes with boats, mountain lifts, a treetop path and one of Europe's largest theme parks. The key to a good trip is to pick two or three activities, leave slack in the day and keep an indoor option for rain.
Easy nature outings
The Triberg waterfalls are a good first stop. The path has steps and handrails, so it is not suitable for pushchairs, but most children enjoy the seven cascades and the chance of seeing red squirrels. Allow an hour or two and finish with a slice of cherry cake. The Todtnau Waterfall is a single 97 metre drop with viewpoints that the tourism board says have been made wheelchair accessible, which also helps with pushchairs, though children need close supervision near the rails and wet rock. The Mummelsee, a small mountain lake on the Black Forest High Road, has a short shore path and a legend of water spirits that suits imaginative children.
Treetops and forest play
The Treetop Walk at Bad Wildbad has no steps and a gentle gradient, so it works for pushchairs and mixed ages. At the top, a lookout tower gives views, and a slide offers a fun way down, subject to its own hours and weather. An adventure forest next door has climbing and play areas. Dogs are not allowed, so plan accordingly, and check the opening hours, since the walk can close in rain, snow or strong wind.
Lakes and boats
Lake Titisee has a promenade, boat hire and cafes, and in summer, swimming areas nearby. Schluchsee is bigger and quieter, with beaches, lake cruises in season and a barrier-free shore trail. Both are easy to reach by train on the Höllentalbahn and the Dreiseenbahn, which children often enjoy. Always follow swimming signs, as the water is cold and deep.
Mountains without the hike
The Schauinsland cable car, close to Freiburg, takes about twenty minutes to the summit, where there are easy walks and a mountain restaurant. The Freiburg Schlossberg offers a railway, a tower and shaded paths in the heart of the city. Both have seasonal or maintenance closures, so check before you set out. Winter families can try sledging and gentle snowshoe walks on the Feldberg.
Big days out
Europa-Park in Rust is the headline attraction, with themed zones, gentle rides and big coasters. Check height rules for each ride and book tickets in advance. The park is seasonal, with a winter season that includes Christmas decorations, and queues are shortest on weekdays. Next door, Rulantica is a Nordic-themed water park with shallow pools, slides and a lazy river, ideal on a cold or wet day. Many families spend one day at each, ideally with an overnight in Rust.
Culture that children enjoy
The cuckoo clocks at the House of 1000 Clocks and the clock shops of Triberg fascinate many children, especially when the birds pop out on the hour. The Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum in the Gutach valley has animals, mills and farm buildings, and is a seasonal museum, so check opening dates. In Freiburg, the Bächle water channels in the old town are a free game of their own, and the tower climb at the Münster rewards older children.
Practical tips
Base yourself in Freiburg for the widest choice of day trips by train, or in Hinterzarten or Neustadt if you want lakes and hills on the doorstep. Pack waterproofs, spare clothes and snacks, as the weather changes quickly. Choose family rooms in advance, and ask about cots and parking. Mountain roads can be slow, so build in time for travel and rest stops. Rainy-day options include Rulantica, the Schwarzwald museum in Triberg, the Freiburg museums and a Baden-Baden bath day for older children, bearing in mind the age limits in some bath areas.
Getting around with children
Regional trains are comfortable, and many have space for pushchairs, so a day by rail from Freiburg to Titisee or Triberg is easier than it sounds. Buy day tickets that cover trains and buses, carry snacks and water, and plan for an early start so that you finish before tiredness sets in. Driving gives flexibility on the winding hill roads, but allow extra time and take breaks at lakes and viewpoints, which double as playgrounds.
