Kinderkarten

Kinderkarten is a term used in German-speaking contexts for card-based tickets or passes designed for children, granting reduced fares or free admission in transport, culture, and leisure. The exact conditions—such as eligible ages, validity periods, and proof of age—vary by issuer, region, and domain. The concept centers on making access easier and more affordable for families.

In public transportation, Kinderkarten typically allow children within a defined age range to travel at a discount or for free when accompanied by an adult. Common patterns include free travel for younger children (often up to about 5–6 years) and reduced fares for older children (often 6–14 years). Some transit networks require a separate child ticket or a child-specific card, and many offer digital versions stored in a transit app.

In culture and leisure, Kinderkarten or similar tickets are available for museums, theatres, zoos, theme parks, and other attractions. These may be single-entry tickets, day passes, or part of family or city cards that bundle discounted or free access to multiple institutions. The term is also used for family-centered city cards that provide reduced admission to a range of attractions.

Digital developments have led to electronic Kinderkarten and mobile equivalents, which may be linked to identity or family accounts and sometimes integrated with the main transport app. Regional and issuer-specific variations influence eligibility, pricing, and accessibility.