Kids and Oktoberfest

Most people assume that Oktoberfest is just for adults.

Don't get me wrong the beer tents are awesome. I certainly suggest trying some beer while you are there.

Our daughter willow celebrated her 8th birthday at Oktoberfest 2013.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest funfair held every in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 16-day festival running from late September to the first weekend in October with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the event every year. To the local Bavarians, it is  simply called the "Wiesn", after the  name of the fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) where it is held. The history of the festival dates back to the early 1800's when it was first held to celebrate a royal Bavarian wedding.

Oktoberfest is also one of the biggest carnivals in the world. You will find everything from giant Ferris wheels , haunted houses, carousels, giant slides, fun houses to extreme roller coasters. Food is another highlight. You will find gaint sausages, fruit skewers dipped in chocolate, gaint bread pretzels and your normal carnival fair like fairy floss.We had lunch at the Paulaner beer tent on the outside seats Pork knuckle, chicken, potato salad and giant pretzles. It was also a chance for me sneak in a lite stein of beer as one does at Oktoberfest Spetzi is a soft drink that is a mix of cola and orange lemonade the kids loved it. Its made by the Paulaner brewery of Munich and only available in Germany mostly. Brand new carnival rides are debuted at oktobetfest every year. Its very family friendly and kids are most welcome. Kids are even welcome in the beer tents.

Our children Willow and Marley had an absolute ball at Oktoberfest the carnival takes up 75% of the whole area that Oktoberfest is held at. Personally daylight hours are the time to take the kids. In the night hours you may encounter many people who have been drinking all day since the beer tents open before lunch, and the atmosphere may not be as family friendly. There is a large police presence at festival to keep all in check and we never witnessed anything that would have detered us from taking the children.

Like all shows, carnivals and fairs things don't come cheap as a family we spent around €200 on rides and food. There is no admission fee so even if your budget does not stretch far its still a must if your in Munich. It filled in five hours of our day. My daughter Willow still tells everyone with the biggest smile on her face how she spent her 8th birthday at Oktoberfest and it was "the best day ever". Willow had previously been to Oktoberfest as a ten month old in 2006  and happily tells everyone she has been to Oktoberfest twice, something alot of people will never do.

The Birthday girl.