Make Hermann the Highlight of Your Family’s Summer
Make Hermann the Highlight of Your Family’s Summer
Every parent knows the countdown to summer break is on, and if you’re already hearing choruses of “I’m bored,” you’re not alone. Before the long days of summer fill up with screen time, take the opportunity to plan something simple, fun, and memorable. Just a short drive or Amtrak Missouri River Runner ride away, Hermann is an easy escape for the whole family where kids can explore, play, and burn off energy, and the adults can enjoy a day that feels like a break, too. Whether it’s a quick day trip or an overnight stay, it just might become the highlight of your family’s summer!
Kid-Friendly Museums in Hermann: Learning Made Fun
School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop, it just looks a little different.
Hermann has several kid-approved museums that are fun and adventurous, like the City of Hermann Caboose Museum, where you can climb aboard and explore interactive displays about the westward expansion of the railway and learn how it helped Missouri grow into a bustling hub for business. The Historic Hermann Museum has a “Kinder Room” designed especially for younger visitors, making history feel approachable and fun.
Do your kids love fire trucks? Then, Ye Olde Fire Company at Antiques Unlimited I is a great place to visit. See firefighter memorabilia, firefighter-related toys, and more. Just across the street is the Hermann Fire Co. Museum, full of historical firefighting equipment to learn about. Tours of the Fire Co. Museum can be set up in advance.
If you’re looking for a fun way to visit Hermann, the Amtrak Missouri River Runner is a great, kid-approved way to make the journey just as fun as the destination. Trains stop in Hermann twice daily from both the east and west, making a day trip super easy to plan. Check out an example itinerary here!
Kid-Focused Things to Do In Hermann (Rainy Days & Indoor Fun)
Whether it’s raining or too hot to do much outside, Hermann still has many ways to keep kids entertained.
If toys are what the kids need, Hermann has got you covered! Chapter 3 Toys, Books, and Gifts is packed with books, toys, stuffies, games, puzzles, craft kits, sidewalk chalk, Harry Potter collectibles, paint kits, and lots more for kids and adults alike! Want an afternoon coffee pick-me-up and a place for the kids to learn and play? Espresso Laine has tons of toys and books for little learners.
Blank Canvas Gallery and Studio – Book your painting party for groups of up to 6 or 12 people or inquire about à la carte creative activities.
If your child is into sewing or quilting, Quilting Bee Fabrics offers classes and workshops. Or perhaps they would like to get involved with the youth theater camps at the Half Act Theater Company and productions at the Showboat Theatre.
Pint-sized shopaholics will discover fabulous finds at Miss Jessica’s Jewels, where everything is $5! For a trip down memory lane or to show your kids what cool stuff you did when you were their age, visit Hermann’s Attic Antique Mall – there’s even pinball machines for them to play! You can also check out numerous boutiques and shops offering clothing and merchandise for babies, toddlers, and older kids.
Head to the Scenic Regional Library to let kids explore their creative side at the drawing stations or let their imaginations run wild while building something new with the giant erector set. The library also features a variety of STEM kits for hands-on discovery. And the adults will love the Gallery at the Library, featuring multiple exhibits of regional artists from all genres.
Show the kids you still know how to have fun with a stop in at Kugelblitz Gaming. From old-school video games and board games to sports cards and collectibles, it’s a spot the whole family can enjoy. (Bonus: it’s also a fun birthday party destination!)
Rain isn’t the only reason to stay indoors during mid-summer in Missouri. When the temperatures rise, grab the kids and head to the Hermann City Pool for fun in the sun! Open Memorial Weekend through mid-August, the City Pool also offers kids and families a place to cool off.
Kid-Approved Sweets and Treats in Hermann
Sometimes the smallest moments – like sharing a treat – end up being the most memorable. Reward the kids (and yourself) with a few delicious stops along the way:
- The Downtown Deli and Custard Shoppe serves up hearty soups and sandwiches—and you’ll definitely want to save room for their hand-dipped ice cream or an ice cream cone!
- Ricky’s Chocolate Box is a chocolate lover’s dream. Sink your teeth into hand-made chocolates and candies.
- 4th Street Pizza offers New York-style pizza that is hand-tossed when you order – make sure the kids are up front to watch!
- Be sure to stop by Sugar Momma’s for fun and unique, nostalgic candies, treats, cookies, cheescake, Ted Drewe’s Frozen custard, and fried pies.
- Fun drinks and cool treats for kids are always a hit. Try the iced coffee and dirty sodas at Bloom Botanical Coffee Bar.
- If you want something unique, bring the kids to Nana’s Bananas General Store for chocolate-covered bananas, drinks, desserts and even treats for dogs too!
With everyone happily fueled, you’ll be ready to get back out and explore more of what Hermann has to offer.
Hermann Trails – Room to Roam
Sometimes the best way to experience Hermann is to take a drive or stroll.
There are plenty of trails in and around town, including the Riverfront Walking Trail, where benches along the way invite you to rest, relax, and watch the boats drift by while enjoying the cool river breeze.
Take a walk across the Christopher “Kit” Bond Bridge for fantastic photo opportunities of the river and the town of Hermann. The Katy Trail State Park also has an access point just north of the bridge, offering a scenic path perfect for walking or biking.
If you prefer a leisurely pace over the more demanding hikes, take a stroll through town to discover the many outdoor Historic Murals by Wine Country Walldogs. These murals are tributes to local businesses or yesteryear.
Best Parks and Playgrounds in Hermann
Not every activity needs a plan—sometimes the best days are built around simple stops and letting kids lead the way.
Some kids enjoy simple pleasures – like swimming at the Hermann City Pool or enjoying a picnic in the park. Bring the whole family to experience all of these kid-friendly activities right here in Hermann, with easy access to many more things to see and do! If your family enjoys RV or Tent Camping, the Hermann City RV Park offers 51 full hook-ups. Tent camping is offered at the lower City Park in any green space.
Take some pictures by the Paddle Wheel at the Riverfront Park or learn about Lewis & Clark at the display on the east end of the park, then stop in at the Downtown Deli & Custard Shoppe or Hermann Wurst Haus to grab some delicious sandwiches. From there, head to Lower City Park or George Johnson Park to enjoy a picnic with scenic views and plenty of space for the kids to run and play. Kids can even go fishing along the banks of the Missouri River or Hermann Pond.
At the foot of the Missouri River bridge is the Gerald Engemann Park & River Memorial, where kids can let their imaginations set sail! The paddle wheel monument fuels curiosity about riverboats and life along the Missouri River. Kids will get a kick out of the antique ship components, including the stacks and mock whistle on display.
Little ones will love climbing around on the playground equipment at the 9th & Mozart Park and digging for ‘dinosaur bones’ at Owen’s Dinosauria Park.
Make Hermann Your Family’s Summer Tradition
This summer, Visit Hermann for go-to family fun. It’s a place where kids can explore, play, and discover at their own pace—and where parents can enjoy the moments right alongside them. From outdoor adventures to interactive attractions, it’s proof that a simple day trip—or a quick overnight stay—can turn into something your family will remember long after summer ends.
