A Family Day Trip to Cologne | Local Guide by Annika

Meet Annika / @fasten_ur_seatbelts /, a mom of two girls and a dog, she lives in the countryside just outside Cologne, balancing family life with a passion for discovering beautiful places near and far.

With over 75,000 people following along on Instagram, Annika has built a community that values authenticity, inspiration, and the little joys of everyday life.

Cologne might be famous for its cathedral, but it also offers plenty of green spaces and adventures for families. Annika’s tips show the city through the eyes of a parent who looks for experiences that feel effortless, yet stay memorable.

A mother kneels beside her young daughter in front of the fountain and flowerbeds at Flora and Botanical Garden in Cologne.
"The best family days are the simple ones – a garden to wander, a picnic to share, a playground that sends the kids home happily tired."

– Annika

Day at The Flora & Botanical Garden in Cologne

"Our own day trip started at the Flora in Cologne, a historic park that sits right next to the Cologne Zoo - the perfect starting point for families looking for nature, adventure, and play."

  • Flora, Cologne’s oldest public park – Dating back to the 19th century, the Flora invites families to stroll through colourful flowerbeds, exotic plants, and winding paths that spark children’s curiosity.

  • Flora Restaurant & Garden Café – Just by the main entrance, families can either sit on the sunny terrace or take a picnic basket into the park. Annika suggests the picnic, a simple way to turn lunch into part of the adventure.

  • Greenhouse at the Botanical Garden – The greenhouses are always a highlight. From the desert house filled with cacti to the tropical house with orchids and towering palms, each space feels like stepping into a new world, keeping children engaged at every turn.

Two children in pink hats sit by the cascading water features at the Botanical Garden in Cologne.
A mother and daughter sit on a bench with snacks while a stroller stands nearby in the green surroundings of the Botanical Garden.
A father carries his young child on his shoulders during a family day at the Flora park in Cologne.
Two children holding hands walk toward the entrance of the greenhouse at the Botanical Garden in Cologne.

Playtime in Cologne-Nippes

Just ten minutes from the Botanical Garden lies the new playground in Cologne-Nippes. Recently opened and designed for different age groups, it features climbing structures, slides, and even water play areas.

"The children had endless fun exploring, climbing, and running around, while we parents could finally relax and watch them burn off the rest of their energy."
"For me, it has always been about more than just pictures – it’s about building a space where inspiration, authenticity, and a sense of belonging come together."

Inspiration from everyday parenting

Between city and countryside, motherhood and inspiration, Annika has found a rhythm that feels true. As a proud mom, she embraces family life as it comes – honest, joyful, and full of small discoveries. She has a way of turning even the most regular day into a memory worth keeping. This quiet authenticity fits perfectly into the Wigi-Family, and is a reminder that the everyday is all we truly have, and it is in our hands to turn it into something to cherish.

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