Rust is a small Rhine-plain village that exists for Europa-Park and the Rulantica water world, both open well beyond the summer. Two park days plus a water day fill most trips; add a Black Forest or Freiburg day between them so children are not on rides every day.
Parent tip: Europa-Park closes in February and on 24-25 December; Rulantica is open all year.
Germany's largest theme park, laid out as themed European countries, with toddler rides and gentle boat rides alongside big coasters; most families need two days.
Europa-Park's Nordic-themed indoor water world with toddler areas, wave pool and slides, plus outdoor pools and beaches in summer.
Small nature centre in Rust village that explains the Rhine floodplain and the Taubergießen reserve, with craft and nature ideas for children.
Rhine floodplain reserve beside Rust with signed walking and cycling loops through wetlands and old river arms.
Freiburg's 38-hectare animal park of farm and domestic breeds from around the world, deliberately low-key, with a farm restaurant and playground.
Climb the Gothic minster tower past the medieval bell frame to a platform with views over Freiburg and the Black Forest.
Freiburg planetarium with a separate family and children's programme under the dome, a good bad-weather option.
Open-air museum of historic Black Forest farmhouses with farm animals, craft demonstrations and holiday programmes for children.
Black Forest family park combining a large wildlife park with rides and a long suspension bridge across the valley.
Long gondola from the edge of Freiburg up to the Schauinsland summit, where walking paths and viewpoints look over the Black Forest.