Düsseldorf-for-wanting-to-participate: the city's interactive attractions

Düsseldorf-for-wanting-to-participate: the city's interactive attractions

June 11, 2025

Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, is not only a center of business and fashion, but also a fascinating destination for families seeking interactive experiences. The city offers a range of attractions that engage both the mind and the senses, allowing visitors of all ages to actively participate in exploring culture, art and science. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through Düsseldorf's most interesting interactive attractions that will make your visit to this German city unforgettable and eventful. From fascinating museums to charming parks, Düsseldorf has a lot to offer for those who want to experience the city in an engaging and out-of-the-box way.

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Film and artistic adventures

Let's start our journey with the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf, which is a true paradise for movie lovers. This place offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the art of filmmaking in an interactive way. The museum, located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), impresses with its rich collection of exhibits related to the history of cinematography. Visitors can not only admire original film costumes and props, but also take part in workshops and interactive shows. We especially recommend the 'editing booth', where you can try your hand at film editing. Ticket prices are affordable, and admission is free on Sundays, making the museum attractive to families traveling on a budget. It's worth noting that the Filmmuseum also offers film screenings in the museum's original cinema, adding to the experience.

Not far from the Filmmuseum is another gem, the Museum Kunstpalast. This is a place where art becomes an interactive experience. The museum is famous for its impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and handicrafts, but what sets it apart is its modern approach to presenting art. Interactive installations and multimedia presentations ensure that even the youngest can get involved in exploring the world of art. Museum Kunstpalast offers special educational programs for children and families to creatively explore the exhibitions. Ticket prices are slightly higher than at the Filmmuseum, but the quality and variety of experiences fully compensate for this.

For those looking for the most avant-garde experience, NRW-Forum Düsseldorf is a must-see. It is a center for contemporary culture that regularly presents exhibitions at the intersection of art, design, photography and digital media. NRW-Forum is famous for its interactive installations that often require the active participation of visitors. It's an ideal place for families with teenagers, who will appreciate the modern approach to art and culture. Ticket prices are moderate, and there are often special events with free admission, making NRW-Forum accessible to a wide audience.

When comparing the three venues, it is worth noting their unique features. Filmmuseum Düsseldorf offers the most affordable prices and is ideal for film lovers of all ages. Museum Kunstpalast has the richest educational offerings for families with children, but is slightly more expensive. NRW-Forum, on the other hand, is the most modern and experimental, which may appeal most to older children and teenagers. All three places are easily accessible by public transportation and are located in the city center, making it easy to plan a trip.

Science and nature at your fingertips

Another fascinating place that combines science with entertainment is the Aquazoo. This is not just an aquarium, but a real educational center where you can learn about underwater and terrestrial life in an interactive way. The Aquazoo stands out from other Düsseldorf attractions with its unique combination of aquarium, terrarium and insectarium. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles and insects, and most importantly, many of the exhibits are interactive. Especially popular are the touch pools, where you can interact directly with some of the sea creatures. This is a great place for families with children of all ages, offering education through play.

The aquazoo regularly holds special animal feeding shows and educational workshops, which are an added attraction, especially for the little ones. Ticket prices are moderate, and favorable family tickets are available for families. It is worth noting that the Aquazoo has recently undergone extensive renovation, so it offers modern and comfortable visiting conditions. The Aquazoo's location in Nordpark makes it possible to combine a visit with a relaxing walk in the fresh air.

For those who want to relax in nature, but are also looking for an interactive experience, the Ständehauspark is ideal. Located in the heart of Düsseldorf, this charming city park offers not only beautiful green spaces, but also interesting art installations and playgrounds. Ständehauspark stands out for its modern design and is a great example of how an urban space can combine nature with art.

The park is home to K21, part of the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, where contemporary art exhibitions are regularly held. Art installations that encourage interaction can often be found here, making a stroll through the park a fascinating art adventure. For children, there are innovative playgrounds that not only entertain, but also teach and develop creativity.

Ständehauspark is completely free, making it an ideal option for families traveling on a budget. It's a great place to picnic and relax, but also to get active. The park is well connected to the rest of the city, making it easy to include in your sightseeing plan.

When comparing Aquazoo with Ständehauspark, there are several aspects worth noting. Aquazoo offers a more structured educational experience, with an emphasis on learning about aquatic and terrestrial life. It is an ideal place for a longer visit of several hours, especially if the weather is inclement. The Ständehauspark, on the other hand, is a great option for spending time outdoors, combining relaxation with elements of art and fun. It is a place you can return to repeatedly during your stay in Düsseldorf, discovering something new each time.

Both places are family-friendly, but differ in the nature of the experience. Aquazoo requires the purchase of tickets and offers a more organized tour, while Ständehauspark is a more casual and free option. The choice between the two may depend on your family's preferences, the age of your children, your budget, and the weather on the day of your visit.

Plan an interactive adventure in Düsseldorf

When planning an interactive adventure in Düsseldorf, there are a few practical considerations that will help you get the most out of your stay in the city. First and foremost, we recommend purchasing the Düsseldorf Card, which offers free public transportation and discounts to many attractions, including some of the museums mentioned earlier. This is a great option for families who plan to do a lot of sightseeing.

As for the order of the tour, we suggest starting with the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf, which is located in the city center and provides a great introduction to Düsseldorf's interactive attractions. You can then move on to the nearby Museum Kunstpalast to immerse yourself in the world of art. These two places can easily be visited in one day.

Start the next day with a visit to the Aquazoo, preferably in the morning when it is less crowded. In the afternoon, you can relax in the Ständehauspark, combining relaxation with exploring art installations. NRW-Forum Düsseldorf is best left for the last day or evening, as it often holds events until late.

It's worth remembering that all of these venues offer different forms of interaction, making them appealing to different age groups. The Filmmuseum and Aquazoo are ideal for younger children, while the NRW-Forum and Museum Kunstpalast may be of more interest to teens and adults. Ständehauspark is versatile and will appeal to everyone.

For families traveling on a budget, it's a good idea to combine paid attractions with free ones. For example, after a visit to the Museum Kunstpalast, you can relax in the free Ständehauspark. It's also worth checking out days with free admission to museums - often the first Sundays of the month.

Keep in mind that Düsseldorf is a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city. Many of the attractions listed are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to enjoy getting around and exploring the city. For those who prefer bicycles, the city operates a city bike rental system, which can be an interesting alternative to public transportation.

All in all, Düsseldorf offers incredible opportunities for families seeking interactive experiences. From fascinating museums to educational nature centers to inspiring parks, there is something for everyone. The city perfectly blends tradition and modernity, offering attractions that not only entertain, but also teach and inspire. Whether you're a lover of art, science, or simply looking for family entertainment, Düsseldorf will certainly not disappoint you. When planning your visit, remember to be flexible - sometimes the best experiences await where you least expect them. Düsseldorf is a city that invites you to actively explore and is sure to leave you with unforgettable impressions.

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