Parks, Gardens & The Zoo in Berlin

Fun for Kids -- Children love the Berlin Zoo-Aquarium. Its most famous residents, the giant pandas, are perennial favorites. The zoo also has playgrounds and a children's section, where the animals welcome a cuddle. Another place to take the kids is Grips-Theater, Altonaerstrasse 22 (tel. 030/39747477; www.grips-theater.de; U-Bahn: Hansaplatz), known for its bright, breezy productions. Children are sure to enjoy the music and dancing (if not the simple German-language dialogue). Tickets cost 6€ to 18€. Call for current productions. Most performances begin at 7:30pm, although there are some matinees as well, depending on the production. The theater is closed from late June to mid-August.