Last updated on 09/10/2026
Yulia Veksler
For this list, one thing was especially important to me: that parents can relax and enjoy themselves while the children play within sight. That's why I looked for places where a playground or a romping area is part of the deal, indoors as well as out. That way the coffee stays hot, and no one has to miss out on a lovely afternoon.
Locanda 12 Apostoli is located in a historic hunting lodge directly on Grunewald Lake, which Emperor Wilhelm I inaugurated in 1871. The property includes a summer garden, a large beer garden, and a forest playground that parents can keep an eye on from their tables.
The Schleusenkrug has been around for more than six decades, set among trees right by the Tiergarten lock on the Landwehr Canal. An old boat on the grounds serves as a climbing frame, so children stay busy while the adults keep their seats.
The beer garden of Châlet Suisse is shaded by tall trees in Grunewald. Grilled chicken and Neuland sausages come from the covered outdoor kitchen. The wooden tables are arranged so that the on-site playground can be overlooked from the seating area.
RUDIMARIE at Weichselplatz in Neukölln leases its own area under trees with about 30 seats, and it's directly adjacent to the play area. The menu features breakfast, soups, and cakes, while the children remain in sight.
Wunderland on Düsseldorfer Straße is a café with an attached indoor play area, and the play area is the main attraction. It features climbing structures, slides, and a dedicated section for the little ones across multiple levels.
Café Kiezkind at Helmholtzplatz has a heated indoor sandpit, making a visit possible even in November. Additionally, there's a large selection of toys and a book corner indoors.
The Café am Neuen See is located directly on the shore in the Tiergarten, with hundreds of seats under old trees. In front are rowing boats that can be rented by the hour, and for many children, half an hour on the water is the main attraction.
Katerschmaus is located on the Holzmarkt grounds directly on the Spree, the terrace extends right to the water, and excursion boats pass by. The surrounding area is one of the few spots in Friedrichshain where children can simply run free.
Biergarten Jockel on Ratiborstraße features long tables under trees with space for running, and a sandbox is an integral part. The kitchen offers burgers, tarte flambée, and changing daily specials, along with draught beer and lemonades.
The Alte Pumpe (Old Pump) was once a pumping station; the restored piston pump now stands in the restaurant area and sparks questions at the breakfast table. On Sundays from 10 AM, there's a breakfast buffet, and the playground is right next door.
