Especially for Kids in Hamburg

Although Hamburg is known for its X-rated entertainment, the city is actually ideal for a family vacation. Carl Hagenbeck's Tierpark (tel. 040/5300330; www.hagenbeck.de) is one of Europe's great zoos , and many other parks in Hamburg have amusements for children -- for example, the Wallringpark has a roller-skating rink. Boat tours of the Alster and more lengthy tours of the Port of Hamburg will also delight kids. Willkomm-Höft and the Buddelschiff-Museum are also fun for children.

Language is often not a problem for children, so they may enjoy the children's theater, Theater für Kinder, Max-Brauer-Allee 76 (tel. 040/382538; www.theater-fuer-kinder.de; U-Bahn: Altona). All tickets cost 11€ to 20€; call for showtimes.