Events for Families this Long-Weekend, June 6th - 9th

Is it only me, or are there more long weekends since I have started this blog?

Today - 20th Anniversary of the Children Adventure Playgrounds

There are several dozen specially supervised playgrounds in Berlin, called, Abenteuerspielplätze, where staff offers children activities, sometimes also operates a small children club or a kiddie farm. One of the associations of such places, AKIB, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the Tempelhofer Feld with activities for kids.
Place: Temperlhofer Feld (U Platz der Luftbrücke, Paradenstr etc)
When : Friday, 3-6 pm
Further details: free, AKIB's website


Today/Tomorrow: Last Chance to See the Terracotta Army

Who knew? Few artefacts from the Terracotta Army were brought to the Gesundbrunnen Shopping Centre, and are on display there, for free, until Saturday.

Friday - Monday: Carnival of Cultures

The main events of the Carnival of Cultures (Karneval-der-Kulturen-der-Welt) are divided into three:

First, there is a big street party (Friday-Monday) on Blücherplatz in Kreuzberg, which includes lots of music and dance acts from different cultural heritages, food stands and even a few rides.

The second main event is a Children Procession (Saturday) from Mariannenplatz in Kreuzberg to Görlitzer Park, followed by a special children event in the park.

The third event is the largest, a huge carnival procession (Sunday), from Hermannplatz to Yorckstraße.

If you have never been to the carnival, I recommend. However, please note - this might be the most crowded event in Berlin. Lots of people come to see the procession, and seriously - mind your belongings (wallet, mobile phone etc) and your kids (not in that order), both will easily get lost or trumped by the crowds.

Friday-Monday: Street party in Blücherplatz in Kreuzberg  (U Mehringdamm or U Hallesches Tor), all day long, for free
Saturday: Children Procession, begins in Mariannenplatz at 1:30 pm (U Kotbusser Tor or S Ostbahnhof), continues to an event in Görlitzer Park from 3 till 6 pm.
Sunday : The Main Carnival Procession, a big parade from U Hermannplatz through to Yorckstrasse, including the whole street between. Parade begins at 12:30, but it is so huge, last trucks will probably arrive to the Yorckstrasse station by 6 or 7.

Further Fairs and Street Events

There are several other fairs and street events in Berlin this weekend.

Steglitzer Festwoche 

This fair will close on Monday, with fireworks on Saturday. Open every day, for free.

Where: Krahmerstraße 12207, Berlin (S Lichterfelde Ost or bus M85 to Krahmerstr./Stockweg )

Steglitzer Festwoche

The Happy Helle Mitte 

Open Fri - Mon, all day, for free.

Where: Alice-Solomon-Platz (near S/U Hellersdorf)

Hellersdorf Celebrates

German Russian Festival

This festival has all kinds of music and folklore acts, as well as food , On Fri-Sun, for free.

Where:: Pferdesportpark Karlshorst, Treskowallee 129 10318 Berlin (S Karlshorst)

Pankow Jazz Festival

Mostly Jazz acts, on Sat - Mon, admission fee  is EUR 5 for adults

Where: Bürgerpark Pankow  (M1 till Bürgerpark Pankow).


Malzwiese

Crafts activities, shows in an old malt factory, just behind Ikea Tempelhof, for free - on Saturday only

Where: Malzfabrik, Bessemerstr. 2-14 12103 Berlin (S Südkreuz)

Tinti Pool Party

A heat wave is expected and perhaps the pool is the best place to be on such a day. The Tinti bath products company will run its pool party for kids in the Humboldthain Summer Pool (admission fee: to the pool)

Where: Humboldthain Summer Pool (S Humboldthain)

Monday: Open Mill Day

Have you always been curious, to see how meal and other milled products are being made? The Open Mill Day enables you to visit the Marzahn Mill, the Britz Mill and other traditional mills, e.g. in the Technical Museum.


Further Activities and Events

In Oranienburg and in Potsdam, you will find two medieval fairs (both with admission fees).

You can also see the events suggested by the wonderful Berlin For All The Family Blog, which has a slightly different selection than mine. Next week, if I may already reveal, they are running a family picnic in Friedrichshain...

Events for Kids and Families in Berlin, May 9-11th 2014

This weekend is full of interesting events, so take a deep breath and...

Friday: Kabalat Shabbat for Families 

As usual, there are two Kabalot Shabbath - one in Bambinim (Fürstenwalder Str, at 4 pm) and one in Rykestr. (at 6 pm). 

Homemade Challah @ Bambinim 

Also on Friday, a street party in Treptower Park to commemorate the "Soviet" V-Europe Day, and "Israel Day" in Wittenbergplatz with some sort of an entertainment programme organised by the Deutsch-Israelische Gesellschaft. 

Saturday/Sunday 

Lots of street parties and fairs will take place at the weekend. In the "Fest der Nationen" in Prager Platz, you can enjoy some regional and ethnic specialities and also see the big firework show on Saturday at 10:30 PM (U9 Günzelstr., Fr. from 2 pm; Sat-Sun all day). 

Fest der Nationen (credit: Berliner Woche)

The spring fair in Hasenheide continues this week as well, with rides and food stands and other fair elements. Fireworks on Saturday at 10 pm (Neuköllner Maientagen, Hasenheide, U7 Südstern or U7/U8 Hermannplatz, admission free, rides for a fee). 

Neuköllner Maientagen

Another party is first and foremost for kids: In Washingtonplatz, organised by Radio Teddy, again both for Sunday and Saturday. The Hits4Kids party will include Maya the Bee and Vickie the Viking (Hauptbahnhof, admission free). 

 

Korea, Roma/Sinti and also the Fire Brigade on Saturday (and many other activities) 

There are also some recommended events on Saturday only. There are, apparently, two religious holidays in this multicultural city. The first one is the Korean Lotus Lantern Festival (연등회 연등축제 in Korean, Lotuslaternenfest in German). The Gardens of the World celebrate it with traditional music, shows and much more, on Saturday from 6pm. The actual parade will be at 9:30 pm. (Sa from 6 pm, Gärten der Welt , Eisenacher Straße 99, 12685 Berlin; Bus 195 from Bahnhof Marzahn or 194/195 from S Mahlsdorf; Admission fee: €6/2.5)

Lotuslaternenfest

Not only the Koreans celebrate this weekend. The Roma and Sinti of Berlin celebrate Herdelezi (St. George's Day). The street party will take place in Boddinstraße near Rathaus Neukölln on Saturday from 2 pm (free admission). 

But for some toddlers, real excitement is neither Korean culture nor Roma festivals - it is the fire brigade! The Berlin Fire Brigade will have its annual run up the stairs of the mighty Park Inn Hotel in Alexanderplatz, all 41 floors of it. The actual race starts at 11:00, but there will be engines and gear in the square long before that. 

The Fire Brigade Run (source: Morgenpost)

Comics fans can also rejoice on Saturday, the "Free Comics Day". Participant stores will give away copies of comics and some will also hold events. Further Details

The Spandau Citadel will hold its Children Museum Day: Free admission and all kinds of cool activities for kids aged 4 and up. Cool pictures from previous years

Further events on Saturday

Re-Opening party of the Prib Art School in Mitte (U Bernauer Str), including craft activities, etc. 

Plants, music and more in the Regenbogenfabrik on Saturday afternoon. 

The Kaffeeklatsch in Markthalle IX will dedicate itself to Mother's Day

Sunday: Mother's Day 

Mother's Day is a bit of an invented holiday, mostly for those who sell chocolate and flowers, but who cares. 

And the archetypical mom, so says Hollywood, is the Jewish Mother. The Jewish Museum has an especially nice offer for this Mother's Day : A family-oriented tour through the exhibition about the Creation of the World, followed by buffet breakfast and creative activity. Registeration: g.struve@jmberlin.de , Further Details, EUR 25 for adults, under 18 for free. 

If you (or your children) understand Hebrew, there is a Hebrew-language children theatre on Sunday, organised by Kumsitz. For children aged 2-9. Registration: yeladim.berlin@gmail.com , Child: EUR 10, Adults: EUR 4. 

On Sunday evening, you can also join a Yom Haatzmaút party on a boat on the Spree. Barak Balistic will provide beats and all seems quite awesome. 

But there are also other cool events on Sunday, for example the Spielfest in Mauerpark (in addition to the regular events that take place in Mauerpark on Sundays), or an open day at the Konzerthaus in Gendarmenmarkt. I think I have warned before: busy weekend ahead! 

Next Week: Lag BaOmer 

Next week will be Lag BaOmer. I know already of three events for kids (a parade by Chabad, an event at Rykestr and one in Bambinim), news will follow. In the meanwhile, enjoy your weekend! 

This Weekend in Berlin: Passover and Much More

Friday: Kabbalat Shabbath

Like every week, there are family-oriented Saturday-Eve activities at the Rykestrasse Synagogue and in the Bambinim Centre on Fürstenwalder Straße.

Passover

Seder night is officially on Monday (14th), but until then, you can enjoy Bambinim's children Seder on Sunday. More Seders in Berlin

Saturday: Opening of the Sandmännchen Shop and other Shopping "Experiences"

Not a huge fan of shopping myself and even less so when my kids tag along, but there are so many shopping "events" this weekend, some may of interest.

If your kids are fans of the Sandmännchen show, the RBB TV are opening a special shop only for Sandmännchen merchandise at their HQ in Charlottenburg, and for the grand opening on Saturday you can take your picture with the Sandmännchen taken.

Sat, 10:00-16:00
Where: Kaiserdamm 80, 14057 Berlin-Charlottenburg
Getting There: U Theodor-Heuß-Platz

Another shop is opening only on this Saturday: The International  Popup Store @ Driss am Wunderland

Also on Saturday, Naschmarkt will organise a "Kaffeeklatsch" market for Easter, with special stuff (not kosher for Passover, I guess... :-) 

Naschmatkt in Markthalle IX 

Sunday: Bratwurst Championship

The Domäne Dahlem runs on Sunday the "12th Berlin Championship in Bratwurst-Making". Not a place for vegans...

Es geht um die Wurst!

Where: Domäne Dahlem Königin-Luise-Straße 49 14195 Berlin
Getting There: U Dahlem Dorf
Entrance fees apply


Sunday: Cherry Blossom Festival in the Gardens of the World

Trees are blooming all over the place, and the Gardens of the World in Marzahn will organise an Asian themed cherry blossom festival.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Marzahn

Where: Gardens of the World, Eisenacher Straße 99 12685 Berlin
Getting There: Bus 195 from Marzahn or Mahlsdorf
Entrance fees apply



Fr/Sa/Su: Spring Fairs

Three major fairs this week : the Zentraler Festplatz and in Britz have been mentioned last week; on Friday (11th) you can enjoy the fair in Alexanderplatz (till the 27th)

Easter Fair in Alexanderplatz, till the 27th

The Spring Fair in the Zentraler Festplatz continues (until April 21st) and includes rides, food stalls, and general fair fares. Free entrance; Wednesday is family day (with half price on the rides). 

Where Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 207, 13405 Berlin
Getting There  U7 to Jakob-Kaiser-Platz and then X21, M21 or N21



Another spring fair will take place in Britz, not far from the beautiful Britzer Gardens. The fair is on the  Fulhamer Allee and Parchimer Allee and includes "non-stop entertainment", rides and more. Also, a 8.5m high Easter Bunny will be there. 

The mighty Easter Bunny in Britz

Britzer Baumblüte (until April 21st),, Fulhamer/Parchimer Allee (Getting there: U7 Parchimer Allee) 

More Events 

Also on Saturday, an Easter Market at the Museumsdorf Düppel 

Address  Clauertstraße 11 14163 Berlin

Getting There bus 118 from Mexikoplatz or bus  115 from Zehlendorf

Sat/Sun: Block Party in Rheinstr/Walther Schreiber Platz

Sat/Sun: Potsdam Port Party, near Bahnhof Potsdam 

Sat/Sun: LegoFriends Weekend at Lego Discovery Centre 

Events for the Weekend, 21 - 23 March 2014

Spring Fair

This lovely weekend marks the beginning of the street fairs and outdoor events in Berlin, and brace yourself for non-stop events till the end of September.

The first such event is the "Frühlings-Spar-Volksfest" (Saver's Spring Fair). The fair will have rides and stands. The "Saver's" part refers to the fact that the rides will cost only EUR 1, and that admission itself is free.
Where: The fairground near the Spandau Citadel (U7 Zitadelle)
When:  March 21st - 30th , Mon-Fri 3 - 10 , Sat. 2 - 11 , Sun 12 am - 10 pm

Springtime for Germany (can't avoid a cheap pun when I see it)

Music Festival in the Sony Centre

The Sony Centre will host the Herzgrün Festival, another spring-themed event. The artists and concerts come from a variety of styles and genres, including a special children concert. The event is for free, but it is advised to reserve tickets in advance.

Main children event is "Herzlichen Glückwunsch kleines Huhn", on Sunday, at 3:30 pm.

Fri/Sat/Sun - all day.


Spring in the Forests

Berlin's natural education centres, the Waldschulen, offer all kinds of activities to celebrate the spring.

In the Waldschule Bucher Forst, you can take a guided tour to see the awakening forest on Sunday (in German, for a fee and advanced registration required, further details).

The Ökowerk in Grunewald will offer an array of activities, including a "paper chase"/"treasure hunt" game where the children can learn the basics of Geocoaching. Here, too, advanced registration is required. You can also try your luck in Plänterwald, in another scavenger hunt. 


Model Weekend at the FEZ

If building tiny models of airplanes, cars or trains is your children's hobby (or - let's face it - your adult hobby), the FEZ is full of events for you this weekend.

model aeroplane in FEZ

Also On...

On Saturday, 2 - 5, a flea market for children stuff at the Heilige Maria Magdalena Kita, on Weiskopffstr. 12-13, 12459 Berlin .

Seed and plants exchange on Saturday (from 3 pm) at the Leila shop (which was by the way featured on the Guardian this week).


Upcoming - Easter Holiday: Music Day Camp in English (w/ HE and DE)

In just a month, schools will take their Easter holiday (this year between April 12th and 27th).

You can, of course, take the school's own Hort offering. However, there are a few interesting offers , for  private courses and camps.

The first that landed on my desk (who has a desk nowadays, not to mention things that land on it? Well, nevermind) - is a musical day-camp, "Music Theatre Workshop" for kids aged 6 to 9, in Friedrichshain. By the end of the camp, the kids will perform a musical. Further details.

Events for the Weekend: March 14th - 16th

Lots of events this weekend, also thanks to Purim, which is celebrated in many venues all over. You can read a full review of Purim in Berlin in the following link.

The weekend opens with two events, one at the family room of the Rykestrasse synagogue, the other at Bambinim East (Fürstenwalder Str). At the latter, Hamantaschen will be baked!.

Nom Nom Nom... Purim at Bambinim (Source: Wikipedia) 

Bambinim will also celebrate on Sunday (10:00 @ Brandenburgischer Str; 3 pm @ Fürstenwalder) and if you're a Hebrew speaker, there are several additional events, by Kumsitz (on Saturday) and the Rykestrasse Synagogue (on Sunday):

Kumsitz



Rykestrasse

St Patrick's Day

It's that time of the year, when having an Irish friend should be your first priority. On Sunday, the Berlin St. Patrick's Day Parade will start at 1:45 pm from the Plänterwald Station, all the way to Arena Treptow. Parade is sort of for free, but the event at the Arena has admission fee.

S Bahn Exercise

Also on Sunday: Firstly organise S Bahn exercise session, from 1 pm a Gesundbrunnen.

Facebook Event

Don't need a gym, got the S Bahn

Also on Sunday: Birthday Party for a Cat

The Georg Büchner Bookstore in Prenzlauer Berg will celebrate the 30th birthday of Petterson and Findus, the naughty cat and his old owner. They ask for registration in advance:
undercover.buechnerbuchladen@googlemail.com, telefonisch unter: 030/4421301  

Musical Events

This is the second week of the Klangwelten Music Festival, in which kids can try on different instruments (Sat / Sun @ FEZ).

The Philharmonie will host a "Peter and the Wolf" concert on Saturday (2 pm) and two children concerts on Sunday (at 10 and 11).

Another musical event on Suday is the Familienfest at M.I.K.Z at Rigaer Str. 99 (the RAW area, but closer to Modersohnstr). Sunday, from 12:00, electronic beats for young and old.

Purim 2014 in Berlin - Events for Families, Kids and Adults

Megillah Readings

It is customary to read the Book of Esther in Purim and you will find joyous Megillah Readings in all of the synagogues in Berlin (all readings are in Hebrew/German):

On Saturday, March 15th

6 pm - Rykestr.

6:30 pm  - Fraenkelufer

7 pm - Pestalozzistr Congregation (at Fasanenstr. Community Building); Chabad House West, Chabad House East (for Israelis); the Sephardi Synagogue on Passauer Str

7:30 pm - The Central Orthodox Synagogue on Joachimstaler Str., The Herbartstr. Synagogue (formerly Hüttenweg Congregation), Oranienburger Str


On Sunday, March 16th

8 am - Sephardi Synagogue

9 am - Chabad Houses (East and West)

10 am - Rykestr., Oranienburger Str. and Fraenkelufer

11 am - Chabad Houses (East and West)

1 pm - Chabad Houses (East and West)

4 pm -  The Central Orthodox Synagogue on Joachimstaler Str.

***

Events for Children and Families

Bambinim presents a plethora of Purim events this year .

Tomorrow (Friday, March 7th) at 4 pm, there will be craft activities followed by the Purim story at the Fürstenwalder Str Bambinim .

On Sunday (March 9th), you can enjoy a Purim-themed brunch at the  Brandenburger Str. Bambinim (from 10:30) (Further Info)

On Friday, March 14th, the Fürstenwalder Str Bambinim will have a second event, baking Hamantaschen (at 4 pm).

All of this is only in preparation to the big parties, on Sunday the 16th, with one party in the West (10 am) and one in the East (3 pm). On Monday, the 17th, the very last event will take place: a Hebrew-language party for the kids who take their Hebrew courses in the Brandenburgischer Str branch.

If you can understand Hebrew. you can also join Kumsitz and Todanke's party on Saturday, the 15th, at 11:00

I also found through Googling this event, can't tell you more than what's written, it's in the "Studio am Hochhaus" in Hohenschönhausen

Dienstag 11.03.2014 11.00 Uhr

Das Purim-Spiel - die Geschichte der Esther "Ein musikalisch-literarisches Spiel mit Liedern und Tänzen zum Mitmachen für Kinder ab Klasse 3. | Musik: Konstantin Nazarov | Erzählerin: Brigitte Graf | Anmeldung, Telefon: 030-929 38 21 | Eintritt für Schulklassen pro Kind: 1 Euro, Erwachsene: 4, erm. 2 Euro

Parties for Older Crowed

Also here, parties begin a week before Purim, with a Meschugge Party on Friday (tomorrow!) in Kaffee Burger

On Saturday, the 15th, at 22:00, there will be a party in the Grand, sponsored by the Jewish Community. 22 minutes later, the BASE MENT in Kreuzeberg will open its doors to a Purim Party.

If you're into Chabad, you can also check out their event of a "Purim Festival"

But like in ski, there are also an après  party, at ACUD on the 22nd.

Events for Families in Berlin, 28 Feb - 2 March

Friday - Kabbalat Shabbat

The regular family-oriented Kabbalot Shabbat will take place, including the one organised by Bambinim in Fürstenwalder Str 25 and the one in Rykestraße.

Bambinim East, every Friday at 4 pm

Purim Puppet Theatre on Sunday

The Bubales are a Jewish-themed puppet theatre. On Sunday, you can join to see the "Persien sucht die Superkönigin" Purimspiel. Tickets for the show at 4 pm are already fully booked; but you can still get tickets for the 2:30 show, at Rykestrasse Synagogue. Purchase the tickets till Friday at  bubales@gmx.de 

Bubales at Rykestrasse

Many Opportunities to Put on a Costume 

Purim is just around the corner, at the same time as the German Fasching, the carnival.

The FEZ organises the "Robbers, Witches and Legendary Creatures" festival throughout the weekend, including many activities for kids: magicians, games, crafts and more. Both Sat. and Sun., further details.

Dreadful Pirates at the FEZ

The Zoo will also have a carnival this weekend, on Saturday, from 1 pm, at the Hippo House.

On Sunday (3 pm), at the Georg Büchner Bookstore in Prenzlauer Berg (Wörther Straße 16, 10405 Berlin), there will be a special "Medieval Fasching" for children aged 4 and up. Children should come dressed up, and pre-registration is recommended.

Another children carnival will take place in the Berlin Republik restaurant (Schiffbauerdamm 8 10117 Berlin) from 2:30 pm . Free entry

Flea Market for Pets in Tierheim Berlin

The Berlin Animal Shelter (Tierheim Berlin, Hausvaterweg 39 D-13057 Berlin) runs a flea market this weekend. All benefits go to support the shelter, which cares for pets and farm animals. Further Information

Flea Market for the Animals (source: dpa) 

A second flea market will be in Statthaus Böcklerpark in Kreuzberg and will include second-hand clothing and toys, alongside food.

Also in Kreuzberg, also on Sunday, you will find (from 12:00) the Naschmarkt, a Slow Food market for all kinds of sweet delicacies. At Markthalle IX.


Purim 2014 Preview

We already know about a few Purim events for Purim 2014 in Berlin. I have already mentioned the Purim-themed puppet theatre at Rykestrasse this Sunday, and I am sure many events will be published in the next few days.

Todanke and Kumsitz are organising a Purim party for kids on Saturday, March 15th. Entrance fee is EUR 10 and if to rely on previous years, it is going to be one of the family-oriented highlights of the Jewish year in Berlin. Registration: todanke.berlin@gmail.com or yeladim.berlin@gmail.com

For adults, on Saturday the 15th, there is going to be at least one party: Shake it like Ludwig @ Basement. But I am sure I will have more info next week.

Events for Families in Berlin, Feb 21st-23rd, 2014

Kabbalat Shabbat

Every Friday, there are Kabbalat Shabbat ceremonies in different parts of town, including for families.

Today, at 5 pm, there is a Kabbalat Shabbat in the family room at the Rykestrasse Synagogue. Bambinim will have their weekly family event for families at 4 pm in Fürstenwalder Str (details)


Clothes Iron Curling

While the Winter Olympics might be mostly notorious for controversies this year and Berlin itself enjoys the mildest winter in decades, winter sport can be still exciting! On Saturday, the skating rink in Lankwitz (Leonorenstraße 37, see map) will host the "Clothes Iron Curling Tournament". The name actually says it all: the athletes compete in sliding clothing iron over ice. The event is for charity, for HIV children in Jamaica.

Further details (G)

You forgot to add softener again! 

Cooking Course at Bambinim, Pies in Neukoelln

On Sunday Bambinim will start a cooking class for children (in German), from 6 years. Further details 

And if you prefer to eat British style savoury pies as baked by the masters, Pieoneers are organising a "Pie Sunday", at 4 pm, in the Gift Scottish Pub. Not specifically for kids or families, but sounds yummy nevertheless (Facebook details)


Winter Event at Ökowerk

The Ökowerk is located in the middle of the Grunewald forest. On Sunday, the centre will offer a variety of events about nature in the winter, including "GPS Treasure Hunt" and creating Native American crafts.


Reminder: Fasching and Purim

Next week we'll celebrate Fasching, the German equivalent of the carnival. It is not a big event in Berlin as it is in the Catholic areas of the Rhineland and in fact, this year, the official Carnival Parade was cancelled due lack of funds (I guess Secretary of Culture Andre Schmitz was too busy with his tax avoidance to finance this joyous children event).

However, if you're new to the city and/or the German culture, you might be stumped or worse - forget to get a fancy dress for your kids for their kita or school events. So here's a reminder, and since Purim is around the corner, you should get prepared in any case.

If you want to take photos with the costumes, consider GalitTi's special offer for Purim and Fasching : 30 professional pictures for EUR 39 (Hebrew, here).

Princess Bride by GalitTi