Some destinations do not scream for attention; they simply wait to be discovered.
One of them is Oberhausen, in Germany.
Located opposite the biggest shopping mall in Europe, Westfield Centro, with many shops, cafes and restaurants, Lego Discovery is a place full of fun and learning, all around the theme of LEGO.
There are different themed areas and experiences, including a small guided tour explaining how LEGO bricks are made, a laser game, a 4D theatre, and even parent–child workshops facilitated by the staff of the Discovery Center.
There are areas for both younger and older children, as well as a nice, cosy cafe with snacks and drinks. The visit will delight young and old.
You can learn more by visiting Legoland Discovery Centre’s website here.
Next to the LEGO Discovery Centre, within walking distance, there is also Sea Life Oberhausen, an aquarium that children will love! Parents can get combination tickets for Legoland and the aquarium at a reduced price.
Sea Life Oberhausen participates in many conservation programmes for marine life, and children and parents can learn a lot about sea life and marine biology while visiting the aquarium.
Useful link: Sea Life Oberhausen
With a 640-metre slope, a ski school, all-inclusive packages, the highest beer garden in Germany, and the possibility to stay overnight, it is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do when visiting Oberhausen with children.
Full details are available here.
Movie Park Germany is a theme park not far from Oberhausen and very family-friendly, especially for groups with younger children.
With over 40 attractions, entertaining shows, and a range of restaurants and shops themed around Hollywood, it offers a full day out.
Personally, my favourite time at the park is during the Christmas period, when the lights shine brightly and the Christmas parade is magical!
Useful link: Movie Park Germany
For lovers of water and swimming, there are plenty of water parks and indoor and outdoor swimming pools in and around Oberhausen, such as Aquapark Oberhausen and Atlantis Dorsten (closer to Movie Park Germany).
The well-known German magicians the Ehrlich Brothers have created the House of Magic in Oberhausen.
Visitors can enjoy illusions, interactive games, quizzes, and of course, magic, with more than 100 experiences inside. It is also within walking distance of the LEGO Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Oberhausen.
Learn more about the House of Magic here.
During the winter months, Oberhausen hosts one of the biggest exhibitions of ice sculptures.
The exhibition features sculptures of different themes and sizes, and there is even an ice slide for children to enjoy.
You can learn more about Ice World Oberhausen here.
In the vicinity of Oberhausen, families can also discover Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, a wildlife park with immersive themed zones.
Another nearby option is Tierpark + Fossilium Bochum, which combines an animal park with fossil exhibitions and educational displays.
Oberhausen also has numerous points of interest, such as the Gasometer, a decommissioned gas tank with city views that now hosts exhibits, events, and art installations.
The observation tower at Olga Park Aussichtsturm
The Tetraeder, a steel pyramid sculpture standing 60 metres high with a 387-step internal staircase offering great views.
The Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site is not far either.
So next time you are looking for a destination that is not too far from Luxembourg and provides the opportunity for nice experiences, think Oberhausen.
