Munich Airport, Unexpected Palace of Family Fun

As you resume international travel, keep in mind that Munich Airport activities — and improved faciities at several German airports — are there to make travel fun again. Discover MUC in Munich, a palace of family fun with many surprising attractions and amenities.

The sleekly modern Munich Airport (MUC), voted the #1 in Europe in the World Airport Awards survey prior to the pandemic, is more than a European hub. Hundreds of foreign carriers and 45 million annual passengers have made it the second busiest in Germany after Frankfurt.

Call us crazy. MUC is such a traveler-friendly hub that, regardless of your destination, we insist you pause to admire what one of the world’s great airports has planned to entertain you.

Fun & Shopping Galore in Munich Airport Terminals at MUC

Visit the super smart terminals. There are counters where you can show documents to an electronic scanner that will make and store copies while printing out your documents.  Not sure of your gate? Hold up the boarding pass to this kiosk and it will display directions. Not sure of flight status? Visit the touchscreens throughout the terminal and find out fast.

Stretch your legs on a 20-minute family walking tour in English or German through the Schengen area. Among the newest Munich Airport activities, the audiobook is downloaded from QR codes posted throughout the terminals. Learn how the airport operates, about sustainable travel and operational processes on the apron and in the terminal.

Between the two terminals visitors will find the Munich Airport Center (MAC) and most services. In the MAC-Forum, look for seasonal events and pop-ups.

Have time to kill between flights? Head for the large outdoor Besucherzentrumre or Observation Deck, where pay-per-view binoculars provide an up close and very personal look at what’s going on in aircraft on the taxiway.

No Cost or Low Cost Family-friendly Munich Airport Activities

Whether or not you ate on the plane, those needing more sustenance can walk from their gate to the popular green market. Open in many seasons to transit and arriving passengers, pick out snacks from a range of fruits and products. Have a seat at the cool Airbräu in Terminal 1, said to be the world’s first airport brewery. Sample the special Aviator double bock lager.

Some of family areas, such as the play areas, are still closed due to public health restrictions. Soon you’ll be able to use the Kinderland, where the tiniest travelers can make crafts for the world’s best mom or dad while waiting for their flight. Supervisory staff are on hand to help with arts n’crafts, ball play, games and even a slide.

Change diapers at one of several Baby Changing Stations. There are free strollers for baby to use in Terminal 1 after you check yours in. At Terminal 2, families can take their own baby stroller or buggy as far ar the aircraft door.

Need a workout while the baby’s napping? In summer, the airport’s outer courtyard is home to a beach volleyball court, wave pool for surfing, and regularly scheduled outdoor competitions. In winter, that’s where you’ll find the skating rink and Christmas market.

Half-Day Layovers at Munich Airport

Stop-overs under three hours allow you to register the children (for a nominal fee) in the supervised  KinderKare which we hope reopens soon.

Exercise between flights at Visitors Park — located a few minutes away by bus or train at the “Besucherpark” stop — to stroll, stretch or play mini-golf. Watch the Airbus A380 coming in for a landing from Visitors Hill. Visit the new adventure playground or the interactive exhibits for family fun. The Visitors Park is open year round and is accessible free of charge all day long.

With four hours to spare, for example, families can head over to the on-site Hilton Fit & Fly Health Club for a workout, swim in the 17-meter-long pool and a shower. No need to rush out though; travelers can spend the night there or at other nearby hotels.

Have four hours and eager to see Germany? Learn a bit more about this country’s fascinating history. Sightsee at nearby Freising, an ancient town with the world’s oldest brewery and a classic cathedral. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palaces and the aviation history museum in Oberschleissheim.

Seasonal Festivities & Non-Stop Travel Parties

At Christmas (mid-November to late December), the airport comes alive with one of the city’s most beautiful Weihnachtsmarkt. The more than 40 stalls and musicians set up between Terminals 1 and 2 are such an attraction that the locals come out to the airport to play.  Find wonderful handmade crafts and one of a kind artworks. Buy some local treats such as Lebkuchen packaged to fly, Dampfnudeln, Flammkuchen and marzipan shaped into all sorts of animals and characters.

Ice skaters love the 625-square-meter rink, where a DJ spins it into a disco on Thursday nights. Each Wednesday is a Kids’ Day with extra hands-on activities, and on Dec. 6 St. Nicholas will be making his appearance.

More in Munich to See

Have you decided to spend more time in Munich? You can check out some of Munich’s other Christmas Markets, and those in neighboring towns.

The really active should take advantage of surfing on the Esau River, a year-round sport done on the whitewater “waves” that course through town; wetsuits available for rent.

Drive over to BMW World, the museum, factory tour, and temple to all things BMW. Schedule tours and join one if there’s space available.

For more information about your layover, visit the Munich Airport site; for information on the great city of Munich, visit Munich Tourism Office.