A roof-mounted "candy bomber" (the plane used in the 1948 Berlin Airlift) is merely the overture to the enormous and hugely engaging shrine to technology, Deutsches Technikmuseum (technikmuseum.berlin; adult/child €17/free). Fantastic for kids, the giant museum includes the world’s first computer and exhibits on aerospace and navigation in a modern annex. Rail fans will want to explore sheds filled with vintage locomotives and trains, including Kaiser Wilhelm’s parlor car. Outdoors, don’t miss the charming windmill park featuring reconstructed historic mills.
At the adjacent Science Center Spectrum, entered on the same ticket, kids can participate in hands-on experiments. Why is the sky blue? Can you see heat? Any why does a plane stay up in the sky? Find the answers to these and other timeless questions on four floors filled with over 150 hands-on experiments divided into eight themes, including Electricity & Magnetism, Music & Sound and Light & Vision. Entry is included with your museum ticket.
It's easy to spend a full day here, especially if you also explore the vast museum park with its wind- and watermills, brewery and smithy. Check the schedule for demonstrations and workshops. Three cafes provide sustenance and you're also free to bring your own picnic (tables provided). For a more in-depth experience, download the Deutsches Technikmuseum app, which includes the audio tour "Technical Revolutions" (available in English) as well as a children's audio tour.
