Toddlers & rainy days

Hi!!

Just moved to Munich with hubby and a 21 month old toddler last week. Haven't had a great start - hubby's company haven't been very organised to say the least. We are now living in a 1 bed apartment in Perlach and we had to kickstart the permanent home search ourselves after unfulfilled promised that we will have a list of places to view on arrival.

My poor little boy has been living out of a suitcase since we left Tokyo at the end of July. Move to Munich was only finalised 2 weeks ago. Anyway, that's enough moaning... I was hoping to get some feedback on where I can bring an extremely active toddler when playgrounds are out of picture. When we were in the UK we went to indoor playgrounds with slides. ball pools etc... are there anything like that here?? Somewhere we can get to via public transport as hubby has the car for work.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated... I can't watch the Wiggles or Play School one more time...HELP!!!

The zoo is always a good one. Easily reached by U-Bahn.

Maybe try this place, Cocoloco. I haven't been there myself but I know some other parents who use it.

Thanks!! Is that good for rainy days too?

hi I cant think of anything straight off but I will look into it for you there is a magazine in munich dedicated to childs play which is a very interesting read , you can pick it up at most news agents
Kirsty x

Was that directed at me or the previous poster? Cocoloco is indoors so yes its good for rainy days. The Zoo isn't so good for rainy days...

It is good in the snow sometimes though! Although its bloody cold so wrap up well!

There is a place just to the south of Munich (in Grünwald) called Poco Loco that has a big indoor area for kid's to go crazy- maybe someone can help me with the link?

Read what I posted above kitty-kat...Its called Cocoloco and I posted the link to the website.

Oppss I was replying to the zoo suggestion. But I just checked out Cocoloco - looks good - a place I think I will be visiting..

I would suggest www.lollihop.de ... which is on the s-bahn Aubing station. Cocoloco is not easy to get to if you dont have your own transport. The Hofbrau Keller at Max-Weber-Platz has an indoor play area for the kids. Other then that try indoor swimming pools..

My two cents about Cocoloco. .. for a 5-7 year old it is great. .. but for toddler it is a nightmare. Too loud, too many big kids jumping all over the place and too many little tunnels that they can crawl into but then for whatever reason, can't seem to get out of without your help. (Picture a huge indoor MacDonalds playground).

My favorite rainy day destination with a toddler is the Westbad or the Michealbad. They have great baby pools and they let in a lot of natural light, so you feel like you have been outside! Also, FABI http://www.fabi-muenchen.de/ is a "Parent Support" sort of organization which offers all kinds of playgroups etc. around the city, some of which are just "drop in". A great way to improve one's German and usual very creative and fun for the 2-3 year old set.

I was going to say the pools as well...really for a toddler there isnt much else except finger painting the walls of your new flat

Welcome to TT. I asked for similiar advice when my sister and her mini came to town. Useful info on the following threads:

Child Friendly Shops & Restaurants
Child Friendly Sightseeing in and around Munich

Oh and when you do get settled into a more permanent living situations here's some tips on Toddler Proofing Your Flat

Cheers,
j-i get bored on rainy days too-ml

I've got several plastic bags from my dry cleaning you're welcome too. I hear they make fantastic toys.

oops! we must've been posting about the same time! sorry for the double info about pocoloco!

Actually yesterday Savannah was having a great time playing in the kiddie area in the restaurant of Hertie (4th floor). It's also free!

**I have to admit that we have brought her to Segmüller just to let her run around the babyland area & playing on all of the bunk beds. Ikea is also good for this, although a bit more busy. But hey- it's also free!!

The shopping malls for a walk and ice or whatever, some McD's and Burger K's have indoor play areas, pools as mentioned, maybe find other nearby families through TT and organise your own group. Just a few ideas having been in the same situation myself, although I admit, I did have a car. Maybe get husband to take public transport sometimes? Cinema for kids? Local "Volkshochschule" probably has activities for kids if you look at the programme. Children's libraries also organise activities.

Thank you everybody for all the suggestions. At the very least, I know I am not alone out here.

I actually went out to Cocoloco this afternoon/ early evening. Dragged hubby out there. Jamie loved it although Jenpw is quite right - the main area is more for older toddlers. I don't think it bothers the little ones that much - just doesn't make for a relaxing time for the adults. There was an area on the mezzaine floor for the under 3's which was perfect for having a cuppa whilst the little tearaway ran wild.

I look forward to exploring Munich with my little man. ...Hmmmm just have to find a place to live and the face the big question: the surburbs or the city...

Munich is not a "big city" and the suburbs are less than perhaps what you are use too. I posted on another site a nice house for sale in a very child friendly neighborhood. Friemann, Andreas Eissenstedt Immobilien. Check it out.

in regards to cocoloco. yes it's in Grunwald (i live/work here as an au pair) no it's not central Munich, BUT you can get here just hop on the 25tram and then it's a few minutes walk. so it's not central Munich or central Grunwald, but dont worry it's doable- and go not at peaktimes (ie- not weekend or right after school is out/early evening) and you'll do fine.
good luck!
if you ever want ot meet up there let me know! i can bring my children (eek i didn't mean MY i meant the kids i'm stuck with day in and day out!)

One tip: the last hour from four to five at the Deutsche Museum is free. (Nearest S-Bahn is Isartor; tramstop outside the door on the 18 line.) It's the science museum and there are lots of things to look at: cars, planes, rockets etc. It's even fun for small kids and so huge that will always be something new to look at.

I also wanted to add that Seebauer (Ramersdorf) has a gorgeous atrium-like restaurant upstairs (an outdoor area too when the weather's nice) and there is a cool kids area with small tables, coloring, rocking horses, etc. In general a pretty and peaceful place with the added bonus of a kiddie area.