Bad Weather in the Bavarian Forest with Kids

You have planned your family holiday in the Bavarian Forest, and then this: rain. Thick clouds hang over the hills, the hiking trails are muddy, and the children look at you questioningly. Now what?

Honestly: some of the best holiday memories happen on days like these. Because when everything is grey outside, there is even more laughter, crafting and splashing inside. We will show you how to make rainy days in the Bavarian Forest with kids really good.

At the hotel: pool, kids' club and plenty of action

The best thing about a rainy day? You don't need to go anywhere. At the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmuenchen there is more than enough to fill an entire day.

Into the water

Our heated indoor pool (10x4 metres) is the absolute hotspot on rainy days. While the drops tap on the window outside, the kids splash through the warm water. The whirlpool next door is perfect for parents who want to take a moment to breathe.

From 3 pm the Finnish sauna and the steam bath are also at your disposal. Tip: plan the pool visit in the morning when it is still quieter. That way you have time for the sauna in the afternoon while the children are at the kids' club.

Sonnenwolfi kids' club: the highlight in any weather

The Sonnenwolfi kids' club is a real paradise for children aged 3 to 12. There is a pirate ship to board, a climbing wall to scale and lots of craft material. On rainy days the team often goes the extra mile: cinema afternoon with popcorn, kids' disco in the evening or craft workshops where the little ones proudly present their creations.

For the very smallest from 0 to 3 there is the Baby Lounge. A protected area where crawling babies can play in peace, while you sit next to them and just relax.

The nice thing: all of this is included in your All Inclusive package. No extra costs, no stress.

Excursions in the rain: indoor adventures in the region

If you fancy an outing despite the rain, the Bavarian Forest offers some really good indoor destinations. More ideas for the whole region can be found in our Bavarian Forest Guide.

Experience glass: workshops in Bodenmais and Zwiesel

The Bavarian Forest is famous glassmaking country, and you can experience this up close with your kids. In Bodenmais (about 60 km) and Zwiesel (about 70 km) there are glassworks where families are allowed to blow glass globes or shape glass beads themselves.

Children from about 6 years can produce their own glass artwork under guidance. Depending on the workshop, this takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Afterwards there is usually a small museum showing the entire history of glassmaking in the Bavarian Forest. For kids that is surprisingly exciting, because molten glass at over 1000 degrees Celsius is simply fascinating.

Pullman City: Wild West even in the rain

Pullman City (about 80 km), the Western adventure park, is of course at its best in sunshine. But it is worth a visit in the rain too. Many areas are covered: the saloons, the museum, the indoor shows. And honestly, a rainy Western day has a certain cinematic charm.

Plan about an hour for the journey. Best to check the website beforehand, because opening hours vary by season.

Museums for curious minds

Over the years, the Bavarian Forest has built up a great museum landscape. Particularly good for families:

• Forest museums in the region present the nature of the Bavarian Forest interactively. Touching is often allowed and even encouraged.
• Local history museums in the smaller towns tell stories from the region, often with hands-on stations for children.
• Technology museums delight older kids who want to know how things work.

Feel free to ask at reception for current recommendations. The team knows the region and which exhibitions are particularly good for families right now.

Practical tips: how to be ready for rain

The Bavarian Forest is low mountain range. That means the weather changes quickly. Rain in the morning, sun in the afternoon happens here all the time. With the right preparation, that doesn't bother you at all.

Packing list for rainy days

• Rain jackets and waterproof trousers for the kids. Even in rain a short walk through the forest can be an experience. Jumping in puddles is, after all, kids' sport number one.
• Wellies belong in the luggage on a Bavarian Forest holiday. No matter what the weather app says.
• Swimwear don't forget. The pool is gold on rainy days.
• A pack of cards or a board game for cosy hours in the hotel room or in the lobby.
• Spare clothing for the little ones. Anyone who has played outside in the rain needs something dry afterwards.

Flexible day planning

The best tip for rainy days: don't plan too much. An outing in the morning, pool and kids' club in the afternoon, a relaxed dinner. That is plenty. Children don't need rigid programmes on rainy days. They need a few good options and the freedom to choose for themselves.

Particularly handy with All Inclusive: you can shape your day completely flexibly. Breakfast until 10 am, lunch, afternoon cake, dinner. Everything there, everything included. No rushing from restaurant to restaurant, no calculations. Just enjoy.

Rain is part of it, and that is a good thing

Let's be honest: a family holiday with only sunshine is rare. And it doesn't have to be one. Rainy days slow you down. They bring families together. While the children craft at the kids' club, you can enjoy a coffee in peace. While you all stomp through puddles together, you create exactly the moments you will laugh about years later.

The Bavarian Forest with its dense forests, glassworks and family-friendly hotels is made for families who don't let a few raindrops spoil their mood.

Read more

• Glass Road
• Sonnenwolfi kids' club
• Pool & wellness

Looking forward to a family holiday in the Bavarian Forest?

Whether sun or rain: at the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmuenchen a worry-free All Inclusive experience awaits the whole family. Pool, kids' club, delicious food and lots of room to romp.

Have a look at the current offers and secure your preferred dates: Book now