Start your tour of Dresden with children with a visit to the Zwinger complex - one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Built in the 18th century at the behest of King Augustus the Strong, this monumental building originally served as a venue for royal festivities and celebrations. Today, it houses several fascinating museums that can interest even the youngest visitors. A special attraction for families is Erlibsinland Mathematik (Mathematical Adventure Land), where children can enjoy more than 100 interactive stations, learning math and physics through play. The Zwinger's spacious courtyards with fountains and gardens are the perfect place for children to run around and relax between visits to the exhibitions.

Not far from the Zwinger is the Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe), a Saxon treasury located in the Residence Castle. It's a place that will delight older children with its sparkling jewels and unusual pieces of jewelry art. Among the exhibits is the famous 'Delhi Court on the Birthday of the Great Mogul'. - a miniature scene made of more than 5,000 diamonds, rubies, emeralds and pearls. Children may also find the mechanical toys and clocks that are part of the collection fascinating. A visit to the Green Vault is an excellent opportunity to tell children about the history of Saxony and its rulers in a way that will spark their imagination.

A real paradise for little explorers is the Deutsches Hygiene Museum (Hygiene Museum). Contrary to its name, this is not a place dedicated solely to hygiene, but a fascinating journey through the mysteries of the human body and senses. The museum is famous for its interactive exhibitions that engage all the senses. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 will be delighted by the Children's Museum designed especially for them, where they can explore a sensory tunnel, a room of mirrors or a dark room where objects are recognized only by touch. This is a place where science mixes with fun, and children can literally touch the exhibits and experiment.

A slightly less well-known, but equally fascinating attraction is the Dresden Transportation Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Dresden). A real treat awaits the little ones here - a specially designed top floor of the museum, where children can drive Bobby Car cars on miniature roads with working traffic lights and road signs. They can also try on reflective vests and visit an office that issues 'driver's licenses,' creating a great space for role-playing. Older children are sure to be interested in the displays devoted to various modes of transportation, including quirky flying machines and the ins and outs of engine technology. The museum is housed in the historic building of the former royal stables, which adds to its charm.

Großer Garten (Great Garden) is the green heart of Dresden and the perfect place for kids to spend time outdoors. This sprawling city park offers not only scenic walking paths and picnic areas, but also several playgrounds where the little ones can give vent to their energy. A real highlight of the park is the miniature park railroad (Parkeisenbahn), which travels a 1.7-kilometer route through the park. Interestingly, it is operated by volunteer children, who act as conductors and station staff under adult supervision. The railroad has five stops, making it easy to visit different parts of the park. A ride on this charming train is not only fun for children, but also a sentimental journey for adults, reminding them of the railroad traditions in Saxony, dating back to the 19th century.

In the immediate vicinity of the Großer Garten is the Dresden Zoological Garden, one of the oldest zoos in Germany, founded in 1861. It houses an impressive collection of animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, buffalo and orangutans in a relatively small area. A special attraction are the koalas, which are rare in European zoos. The zoo offers as many as six playgrounds, including the popular African Lodge and Kangaroo Stop, where parents can relax on terraces with food and drink while the children play. Dresden Zoo stands out for its affordable prices - a family ticket costs about the same as a single adult ticket at a Dutch zoo, making it an attractive option for families traveling on a tight budget.

One of Dresden's most unusual attractions is the Dresden Panometer, a giant 360° panorama housed in a former gas tank. It's a place that combines art and history in a way that is fascinating for both children and adults. Here, artist Yadegar Asisi has created monumental panoramas depicting Dresden in various historical periods. Thanks to light and sound effects, visitors have the impression of being transported back in time. For children, this is an extraordinary history lesson that appeals to the imagination much more strongly than a traditional museum. The panoramas change from time to time, so it's worth checking to see what exhibition is currently on display.

Pillnitz Castle (Pillnitz Castle) is another gem on the map of Dresden's family attractions. Located on the Elbe River, about 15 km from the city center, this palace complex is a 69-hectare estate that includes three palaces, several gardens, a temple, a church and two museums. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when a fortress existed here, but the current buildings - the Riverside Palace and the Mountain Palace - were built between 1720 and 1724. A special attraction for families is the Palm House, which features exotic flora from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. In spring, an additional attraction is the Japanese camellia, which blooms with intense pink and red flowers, spreading a pleasant fragrance all around. The castle's expansive gardens are the perfect place for a family stroll, and children can play hide-and-seek among the exotic plants and historic buildings.

The Bundeswehr Military-Historical Museum is a place that may surprise you as a proposition for families, but it offers a unique approach to the difficult topics of war and peace. The museum's building is fascinating in its own right - the historic arsenal structure is cut through with a modern, wedge-shaped architectural addition, symbolizing a turning point in German military history. The museum does not glorify war, but shows its impact on society and individuals. For older children and teenagers, this place can be a starting point for important conversations about history, conflict and its consequences. The museum offers special educational programs for different age groups that present complex issues in an accessible way.

Volkswagen's Gläserne Manufaktur (Glass Manufaktur) is a futuristic museum where electric cars are manufactured. Although not on our main list, it's worth mentioning as an alternative attraction, especially for families with children interested in technology and automobiles. The place offers free sections to explore and special family tours on weekends. There are racing games at the end of the tour, which is an added attraction for children. This is the place to see how modern cars are made, while learning more about sustainable transportation of the future.

Dresden's Church of the Virgin Mary (Frauenkirche) is not only a religious monument, but also a symbol of the city's rebirth after the devastation of World War II. The original church, built in the 18th century, was completely destroyed during the bombing of 1945. For decades, the ruins of the church remained as a war memorial, until the 1990s, when reconstruction began, completed in 2005. The story of the church's reconstruction, using the original trenched stones (visible as darker elements on the facade), can be a fascinating lesson in history and determination for older children. The dome's observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city that will delight the whole family.

The Neustadt district, while not a single attraction, deserves the attention of families visiting Dresden. This artsy part of the city offers the Spielplatz Louisengrün playground with a variety of equipment for children of all ages. There are also family-friendly restaurants in the area, such as Mutzelhaus with its children's menu and outdoor playground, and Lila Soße in the artistic Kunsthofpassage Dresden complex, where you can admire the unusual facades of the buildings, including the famous 'House of Rain' with its system of pipes and funnels that create a musical installation when it rains.

When comparing all these attractions in terms of suitability for families, there are several aspects worth noting. The Deutsches Hygiene Museum and the Transport Museum offer the most interactive experiences, ideal for families with children aged 5-12. The Großer Garten and Zoo are excellent options for days with good weather, allowing children to spend time outdoors. The Zwinger and Pillnitz Castle combine educational value with opportunities for active recreation in the beautiful gardens. The Dresden Panometer and the Military-Historical Museum are more suitable for families with older children interested in history. The Green Vault and the Church of the Virgin Mary are attractions that families interested in art, architecture and history will appreciate.

In terms of cost, the cheapest options are walking around the Großer Garten and the Neustadt district, and visiting the Church of the Virgin Mary (admission to the church itself is free, only the entrance to the observation deck is charged). The zoo and museums offer family tickets at affordable prices, making them attractive options for families on a tight budget. Visiting the Green Vault can be the most expensive, especially if you choose to visit both parts of the collection.

Regardless of the attractions chosen, Dresden offers families an unforgettable experience, combining education with entertainment, history with modernity, all in the beautiful setting of the city on the Elbe River, which is itself a living museum of architecture and art.