The Leipzig Region is welcoming families with a series of new attractions for the 2026 summer holiday season, expanding its mix of theme parks, outdoor adventures and heritage experiences. New additions include Idefix’ Adventure Land at Belantis, a nature themed play park near Grimma, a soccer golf course at Lake Markkleeberg and a new animal habitat due to open later this year at Leipzig Zoo.
Located within around an hour of Leipzig, the attractions complement the region’s lakes, hiking and cycling trails, historic towns and family friendly destinations. The latest developments are designed to encourage longer stays while offering activities for children of different ages.
Belantis, the region’s largest theme park, has opened Idefix’ Adventure Land, inspired by the characters from the Asterix universe. The new area features four rides for children aged 3 and above, a large adventure playground and opportunities to meet Idefix, Asterix and Obelix throughout the day.
The attraction also marks the next stage in Belantis’ long term transformation following its acquisition by French leisure operator Compagnie des Alpes in 2025. The company plans to develop the park into what it describes as the first Parc Astérix outside France, with a full rebranding expected by 2030 or 2031.
Nature, Adventure and Family Activities
Families looking for outdoor play can head to ArkaZien, around 20 km east of Leipzig near Grimma. The woodland attraction now offers more than 20 themed play areas built into a natural landscape, including a new multi level marble run and a puppet making workshop where children can create their own felt dressed wooden figures.
The park also retains its existing attractions, including rope bridges, underground tunnels, climbing structures and gardens. Many of the play features have been built from black locust wood and locally sourced natural stone, creating an environment that blends recreation with nature.
Another new attraction opened on 3 July at Lake Markkleeberg, where visitors can now play on a 13 hole soccer golf course. The game combines football with golf style rules, challenging players to complete each hole in as few kicks as possible while navigating sand bunkers, boulders and wooden obstacles.
Suitable for children aged 4 and older, the course joins the lake’s existing activities, including whitewater rafting, surfing, climbing and adventure golf, strengthening the area as one of the region’s leading outdoor recreation destinations.
Further west, Karls Erlebnis-Dorf in Döbeln continues to attract families with free admission and optional paid attractions centred on farm experiences, seasonal activities and strawberry themed entertainment.
Historic Experiences and a New Zoo Habitat
Visitors interested in history can also experience the narrow gauge Döllnitzbahn “Wilder Robert”, which has operated since the 1880s. While diesel trains run daily between Oschatz and Mügeln, historic steam locomotives return on selected weekends throughout the season.
Another established attraction is Schloss Hartenfels in Torgau, one of Germany’s best preserved early Renaissance castles. Certified as a family friendly destination, it offers visitors a historic bear moat and panoramic views from the Hausmannsturm tower.
Looking ahead, Leipzig Zoo is preparing to open Feuerland later in 2026. The new South America themed habitat will feature penguins and sea lions, allowing visitors to observe the animals through an underwater tunnel.
The project forms part of the zoo’s 25 year “Zoo of the Future” masterplan, which has gradually redesigned exhibits around the animals’ natural habitats. Leipzig Zoo welcomed 1.66 million visitors in 2025 and remains one of Germany’s leading zoological attractions.
With new attractions opening alongside established landmarks, the Leipzig Region continues to broaden its appeal as a family destination. Visitors can combine theme park rides, nature based play, outdoor sports, historic railways, Renaissance architecture and wildlife experiences within easy reach of the city, making the region a varied summer holiday choice for families of all ages.
