Berlin with Kids: Zoo Aquarium Berlin

Berlin with Children: Jelly fish at Berlin Aquarium

Today Milo and I, completely ignoring the lovely weather (I had for some reason thought it would be raining when making my plans for the weekend!), headed past the queues for the Zoo, and instead made our way in to the darkness (but oh so lovely emptiness) of the Aquarium instead. Firstly, I need to point out that this is a review of the aquarium located near Zoologischer Garten train station, not the one near Alexanderplatz or at the East zoo. I don't want that to get muddled up. 

We were met pretty quickly with the standard, horrendous Berlin 'Customer service' with the woman at the 'Garderobe' (cloakroom), rather aggressively announcing that I had to lock up my buggy opposite, adjacent to the stairs, rather then give it in to her and then we made our way up to pay for our tickets. If you decided to take young babies, I must warn you that although there are lifts once you are in the main part of the building, there are steep stairs that you must first haul your pushchair up if you are keeping it with you so be warned. 

 Berlin with Children: Grrrrrrrrrr

The ground floor features the fish, jelly fish (oh sooooo many jelly fish), sharks and other weird and wonderful creatures. Whilst there is plenty to see, I think in comparison to many aquariums I've visited, this one's a little lacking in open tanks and more interactive exhibits. There is information on each of the fish (and later on creatures) in both English and German and there are a few facts here and there to find but that's about it which is a little disappointing. 

The first floor includes the cafeteria and creatures that love both land and water including, crocodiles, turtles and the likes and then the second floor is for the insects and creepy crawlies. Here there's a fantastically long assault course type set up for the ants through which you can see them in action, carrying their pieces of food all the way through and back to their home which is pretty impressive but much like the two floors below, there is little to do other then look & not many real learning aids for youngsters nor interactive elements.

In conclusion, whilst it may well be a good indoor activity for families on a rainy, at a hefty €13 per adult ticket, it's price is a tad steep for what is to be found beyond the front doors. I got to take some lovely pics though! 

Here's a few more photo's (taken both by me and a friend who accompanied), the rest can be found on my 'Workingberlinmum' Facebook fan page tomorrow morning so head on over then and take a look

Prices, how to get there & more details can be found under the photos...

Painted glass windows at Zoo Aquarium Berlin

Zoo Aquarium Berlin

Website: Zoo Aquarium Berlin  (link to English language version of site, also available in German)
Where: West Berlin
Baby Changing Facilities: Yes
Food & Drinks: Yes (there's a cafeteria inside but I didn't see the selection)
Nearest Transport:
Zoologisher Garten
S-Bahn:  S46, S5, S7, S75
U-Bahn: U2, U9
Buses: 100, 109, 110, 200, 204, 245, 249, N1, N10, N2, N26, N9, M45, M46, M49, X10, X34, X9

Probably other transport options but these are the ones I know

Prices:
Adults: €13 (combination tickets for Zoo & Aquarium €20)
Children under 5: Free
Children 5-15: €6.50 (combi ticket with Zoo €10)
Students: €10 (combi ticket with Zoo €15)
Small Family Card: 1 Adult and children up to 15  €22 (combi ticket with Zoo €33
2 adults & children up to 15 €35 (combi ticket €50)
ALG II Recipients (benefits): €6.50 (combi ticket €10)

Yearly tickets are also available to buy at knockdown prices, check the website for more details

Opening Times:
Mon - Sun 9am-6pm all year round

If you live in Berlin or are thinking about visiting this wonderful City, head on over to my new Facebook page 'Berlin with Kids' to share & discover even more family related activities and classes going on in and around Berlin.

I love to read your comments so please feel free to let me know what you think...