Making the most of a day out with the whole family is easier than you might think in and around Berlin. From beautiful swimming spots to one of Brandenburg’s most famous castle complexes with numerous attractions, there’s plenty to discover. But what if you could combine several different experiences in a single location? That’s exactly what the Animal, Leisure, and Dinosaur Park in Germendorf—a district of Oranienburg north of Berlin—offers.
The entire area spans about 69 hectares and was built on the site of a former gravel pit. What makes it special is the mix of different activities on offer. Here, families can not only observe animals, but also stroll through a world full of dinosaurs, romp around on playgrounds, try out rides, go ponyback riding, have a picnic, and cool off at the swimming spots in the summer . This makes Germendorf the perfect destination for a full-day outing.
The park is home to both native and exotic animals. The operator currently reports more than 100 animal species, including zebras, eland antelopes, and alpacas. There’s also a walk-through area with goats where visitors can get up close to the animals. As a result, Germendorf feels less like a traditional zoo and more like a mix of an animal and wildlife park, a nature reserve, and an amusement park.
One of the most extraordinary highlights is the Dinosaur Park, which has been part of the grounds since 2009. There are now almost as many dinosaur figures there as there are animal species in the park—that is, nearly 100 figures. Visitors can discover well-known prehistoric giants such as the T-Rex, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus. However, the journey through the past doesn’t end with the dinosaurs. Mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant sloths, and so-called terror birds are also featured.
The size of some of the animals on display is impressive. A Brachiosaurus, for example, could grow to be between 23 and 27 meters long and up to 13 meters tall. The Tyrannosaurus Rex reached a length of about 13 meters. In addition to the animals and dinosaurs, there are also classic amusement park attractions. The offerings include, among other things, bumper cars, a carousel, and a fairy-tale train. However, not all rides are in operation at all times. Many open primarily on weekends, holidays, and during school breaks, and some are weather-dependent. Additional fees may apply for certain attractions.
The offerings are complemented by various play areas and a heated indoor play center. According to the operators, the playgrounds can even be used in winter. One feature that sets Germendorf apart from many other animal and amusement parks is its swimming spots. The grounds feature several former gravel pits and forest lakes, so a visit in the summer can be combined with a day of swimming.
