Our green journey through Potsdam begins with the most famous and impressive park complex - Sanssouci Park. This vast area of nearly 300 hectares is a true gem of garden art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in the 18th century at the behest of King Frederick II the Great of Prussia, the park is a fine example of Baroque garden style, which over the years has been enriched with Rococo and Classical elements.

The centerpiece of the park is Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick II, whose name in French means 'without cares.' It was here, amid lush greenery and artfully designed gardens, that the king sought respite from his daily duties. Walking through the park's alleys, one can't help but marvel at the multi-level vine terraces atop which the palace rises. This is the perfect place to tell children the fascinating story of a king who loved art and nature.

Sanssouci Park is not only the palace and gardens. On its territory there are many other attractions that are sure to interest the whole family. Worth noting:

1. the Chinese Tea Room - a charming oriental-style pavilion that will take you on an exotic journey.
2. the New Palace - an impressive building that contrasts with the intimate Sanssouci.
3. the Orangery - a place where exotic plants were grown.
4. The numerous fountains and sculptures scattered throughout the park, which make a great treasure hunt game for the little ones.

Admission to the park itself is free, making it an ideal place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll. However, it is worth remembering that visiting the interior of the palaces requires the purchase of a ticket. Ticket prices range from 8 to 14 euros for adults, with various discount options for children and families (as of 2023, we recommend checking the official website for current prices).

Sanssouci Park is a place where history comes alive at every turn. Walking through the carefully maintained alleys, we can imagine what life was like at the royal court centuries ago. This is a great opportunity to spark children's interest in history and the art of gardening. The park also offers many open spaces, ideal for outdoor games or a family picnic.

After visiting the majestic Sanssouci Park, it's time to move on to the slightly lesser-known but equally charming Babelsberg Park. Located on the banks of the Havel River, this expansive landscaped park offers a very different character from the baroque gardens of Sanssouci. Babelsberg Park, designed in the 19th century by famous landscape architects Peter Joseph Lenné and Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, is a fine example of the English garden style.

Babelsberg Park delights visitors with its natural, almost wild atmosphere. Vast meadows, picturesque hills and old trees create the perfect backdrop for romantic strolls and family picnics. The centerpiece of the park is the neo-Gothic Babelsberg Palace, which rises on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It's a great place to tell children about different architectural styles and show them how rulers' tastes have changed over the centuries.

One of the greatest attractions of Babelsberg Park is the opportunity for active recreation. The extensive green areas are ideal for outdoor games and activities. The park also offers numerous bicycle paths, making it a great place for a family bicycle tour. For history buffs, the remains of the Berlin Wall, which can be found in the northern part of the park, will be of interest - a great opportunity to talk with children about Germany's recent history.

Admission to Babelsberg Park is free, making it an attractive option for families looking for economical leisure activities.

Another place worth visiting is the New Garden (Neuer Garten). Founded in the late 18th century by King Friedrich Wilhelm II, this park offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of Lake Heiliger See. The New Garden is famous for its harmonious combination of English landscape garden elements and classicist architecture.

New Garden's main attraction is the Cecilienhof Palace, famous for the Potsdam Conference, which was held here after World War II. It's a great place to teach children about important historical events in an accessible way. The park also offers beautiful lakeside grounds, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.

The New Garden is also home to many interesting buildings, such as the Belvedere on Peacock Hill and the Marble Palace. These charming places provide the perfect backdrop for family photographs and inspire stories about the lives of past rulers.

Admission to the New Garden is free, but you'll have to pay to visit the palaces' interiors (ticket prices range from 6 to 8 euros for adults, with various discount options, as of 2023).

Both Babelsberg Park and the New Garden offer a quieter alternative to the often crowded Sanssouci Park. They're ideal places for families looking to get in touch with nature and want to explore the lesser-known but equally fascinating sides of Potsdam.

Our tour of Potsdam's green lungs wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Potsdam University Botanical Garden and the Potsdam Volkspark. These two places, while different in nature, offer unique educational and recreational experiences for the whole family.

The Potsdam University Botanical Garden is a true nature lover's paradise and the perfect place for a family lesson in botany. Founded in 1950, the garden covers an area of about 8.5 hectares and is home to more than 10,000 plant species from around the world. It's the perfect place to spark children's interest in the plant world and teach them to identify different species.

One of the biggest attractions of the botanical garden are the greenhouses, where we can admire exotic plants from different climate zones. This is a great opportunity to tell children about the diversity of the plant world and the importance of environmental protection. The garden also offers special educational paths and workshops for children, making it an ideal place for a family outing that combines learning with fun.

Admission to the outdoor part of the botanical garden is free, while a tour of the greenhouse costs about €2 (as of 2023). This is a relatively inexpensive and extremely valuable educational experience for the whole family.

On the other hand, Volkspark Potsdam, opened in 2001, is a modern city park that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. This vast area of 65 hectares was created for active recreation for residents and tourists. The park is divided into different thematic zones, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Volkspark's biggest attractions are:

1. extensive play areas, ideal for families with children.
2. bicycle and rollerblading paths, encouraging people to spend time actively.
3. Thematic gardens, including a sensory garden that stimulates all visitors' senses.
4. Natural playgrounds where children can play surrounded by nature.
5. Picnic and barbecue spaces, ideal for outdoor family gatherings.

Volkspark Potsdam is also a place where various cultural and sports events are regularly held, making a visit even more attractive. There is a fee to enter the park, but prices are affordable - a family ticket costs about 5 euros (as of 2023), making it an economical option for a day trip.

When comparing all the parks and gardens described, it is worth noting their diversity. Sanssouci Park offers the richest historical and cultural experience, but can be crowded in high season. Babelsberg Park and New Garden are excellent options for families looking for a quieter atmosphere and beautiful views. The Botanical Garden is the best educational option, ideal for families with children interested in nature. Volkspark Potsdam, on the other hand, offers the most activities and is the most affordable.

Whichever park you choose, each offers unique experiences and beautiful landscapes. Potsdam's green lungs are a true treasure to explore with the whole family, enjoying the natural beauty, rich history and variety of attractions this remarkable city has to offer.