According to a study published in 2022 by Mayors of Europe, Frankfurt has the most immigrants in Germany with 29% of its population being foreigners. I knew Frankfurt felt like an international city as I often hear multiple languages being spoken when simply walking down the street. However, seeing this number really puts it into perspective for me.

Moving to an international city like Frankfurt has made my transition to Germany and becoming a first-time parent living abroad a lot easier. I get the best of both worlds: 1) I get to live abroad in Germany and have a real expat experience and 2) I get to do it in a city that is also very international and filled with opportunities, groups, and activities to easily integrate into life abroad.

Evidently, when I found out I was pregnant, I knew that Frankfurt was the city I wanted to raise my child in. It has many international schools, diverse communities, free and low-cost activities, and expat family support groups. Frankfurt has allowed my husband and I to raise our child in an environment that is welcoming to foreigners and allows our daughter to be exposed to people from all over. Diversity is one of our core values as a family as we raise a conscious multicultural and multilingual child.

Raising my daughter in a city as international as Frankfurt with many resources available for foreign families, has made my parenting journey abroad much easier. But first, it is important to know what those resources are, how you can access them, and how they can help you. Here is a quick list of my top favorite Frankfurt-based resources (all which I have personally used) that have helped me navigate my first few months as a new parent abroad:

• “Expat Babies Frankfurt” Facebook Group: Great for connecting and building your parenthood community abroad. I often go to this group to ask any pressing questions on all things raising children abroad in Germany or simply to help answer questions from new parents in the group or those looking to relocate to Germany with children.
• “Expecting Expats” Podcast: Hosted by Kari & CJ, this podcast has been a useful tool for me to learn from and hear stories of other expat parents in Germany. They have a new episode every Friday, covering a broad range of topics pertaining to being a new parent abroad in Germany. They have insightful discussions for example, raising multicultural children, finding your new identity as a first-time parent, and experience with giving birth abroad. I was recently featured on their podcast discussing my work with The Eltern Hub – check it out here.
• Mehrgenerationenhaus Frankfurt (Gallus area): This is one of my favorite local family centers in Frankfurt. They offer support and programming for families including free workout classes, parent meet-up groups, and playgroups for children of all ages. When my daughter was a newborn, we went here often for baby and parent meet-ups. Great way to meet other families and keep your child engaged!
• Familienzentrum Monikahaus (Gallus area): Another Frankfurt local favorite for my family. Similar to other family centers, the Familienzentrum Monikahaus offers weekly programming and activities for child and families (all free). In the past, we have enjoyed attending their gymnastics group for children and MoniKaffee for parents meet-ups and kids playgroups. They also host an annual children’s festival filled with free activities for kids (usually takes place in the summer).
• FamilienGesundheitsZentrum (North End area): This family center located in North End was pivotal for my husband and I’s pre-labor prep. Here, we took a newborn course or der Säuglingspflege Kurs (where we learned how to properly change a diaper!) and a birth preparation course or die Geburtsvorbereitungskurs (where we learned breathing techniques and movements to help me get through contractions). The courses range between 100 – 200 euros each.
• Internationale Familienzentrum Frankfurt (Niederrad area): My husband and I visited this family upon me arriving to Germany. While we did not yet have children at that time, we knew this was a place we wanted to stay connected to as it offers resources for international families and children. We attended a consultation session where I got more information on things pertaining to work and study opportunities in Germany and visas. They also host family events such as the international book fair, where families can purchase books in different languages.

Any other Frankfurt-based resources that have helped you along your parenting journey abroad? Share them with us here. I continue to find new hidden gems and resources for families around Frankfurt – there are just so many! Another reason why I find Frankfurt the best city to raise diverse and multicultural children in. I encourage you to save and share this list with new expecting parents living abroad in Frankfurt that you believe would benefit from this resource.

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