Zoologischer Garten

On Hardenbergplatz, right behind the station

Hardly any destination in the city is easier to reach than Zoologischer Garten Berlin, as the zoo is officially called: the main entrance with the elephant gate stands at Hardenbergplatz 8, immediately behind Zoologischer Garten station, where suburban trains, the U2 and U9, regional services and a good dozen bus lines all stop. The Memorial Church, Breitscheidplatz and Kurfuerstendamm are a few minutes away on foot, the Tiergarten adjoins to the north and the Aquarium to the west. The garden opened in 1844, which makes it the oldest zoo in Germany, and the mature trees and historic animal houses turn the grounds into a walk for grown-ups too. For a party with toddlers the location is practical, because guests arrive from every direction without changing and the way from the platform to the gate stays short. Parking around Hardenbergplatz is tight, so coming by train is the more comfortable solution. The Aquarium on Budapester Strasse can be added with a combined ticket if there is energy left after the party.

A guided round of its own for five and six year olds

The zoo does not rent out a party room; instead it offers guided birthdays, and one version is made expressly for the little ones aged five and six. For ninety minutes an experienced guide leads the group to the crowd favourites, to lions, elephants and penguins, with animal facts, riddles and games along the way and, where it suits animal and human alike, a look behind the scenes. The group holds at most twelve people including the adults, the majority are meant to be children, and at least one adult companion is required. The guided round costs a flat 75 euros, admission for the birthday child is free and everybody else needs a ticket of their own. For older sibling parties aged seven to fifteen the same format costs 85 euros and adds themes on species conservation and hunting. Booking is online and at the latest two weeks ahead, and cancelling free of charge works up to the same deadline. Feeding or stroking the animals is not possible, supervision stays with the accompanying adults, and the round goes ahead in any weather. Invitation cards with an elephant or a bonobo come as a printable extra.