New to Frankfurt · September 24, 2026
Moving to Frankfurt with Children: Childcare, School and Settling In
Separate the move into three practical questions: who will care for your child, which school should you contact, and what will help your family feel at home outside school hours?
Find childcare through Frankfurt’s official route
The city’s childcare page links to Kindernet Frankfurt for searching and registering interest in childcare places. It also explains how the Infobörse Kindertagesbetreuung can help with the portal and childcare questions. Start there rather than treating an online listing as a confirmed place.
Before contacting a provider, write down the care hours you need, your proposed start date and the journey you could manage alongside work. Ask how settling-in visits work and what happens after you register interest. Keep a short record of replies so both parents or carers know the current position.
Identify the responsible primary school
Frankfurt’s primary-school district tool uses your street and house number to show the responsible school district. Use the address where your child will live, then contact the school or Stadtschulamt about the next steps for your situation.
For a move during the school year or from another country, explain the child’s age, current class and language experience. Ask which records to bring and who can answer placement questions. Avoid assuming that a school search result itself completes enrolment.
Find activities close to your new home
The city’s directory of open children’s and youth work can be filtered by neighbourhood, age group and type of facility. It includes different kinds of youth spaces and activities; read the individual listing to find an age-appropriate option.
Give your child a choice between two realistic activities. Ask whether they would prefer something active, creative or quieter. A first visit can simply be a chance to see the place together and ask what a normal afternoon looks like.
A manageable first fortnight for the whole family
Children and adults may settle at different speeds. Keep the first weeks simple enough that everyone has room to adjust. A familiar bedtime, one dependable meal together or a regular walk can help create continuity while other arrangements are changing.
- Keep school and childcare contact details in one shared place.
- Practise the route at the time you will normally travel.
- Check the return journey and who handles collection.
- Choose one nearby activity instead of filling every afternoon.
- Ask each child what feels confusing and what already feels familiar.
A Sunday where parents can also find community
Parents need friendships too. River Church Frankfurt welcomes families to its English and German Sunday service, with River Kids as part of church life. The River Kids page explains the children’s programme; the visit page covers arrival.
Before coming, talk with your child about meeting unfamiliar people and encourage them to ask questions. You can contact the church with specific practical questions rather than assuming every arrangement will be the same as at a previous church.
River Church Frankfurt
A church community as you settle into Frankfurt.
River Church Frankfurt welcomes you to its English and German Sunday service. Find arrival details and what to expect before your first visit.
Plan your visit