Summer in Berlin has a way of slowing time down just enough to feel like you’re catching the city in its most generous mood. This year, we embraced it fully: long mornings, late evenings, and as little agenda as possible.

Weekends were for wandering the street fairs that pop up all over the city. The kids loved the odd combination of handmade crafts, spinning rides, and endless snack options — from currywurst to the ever-present crepe that somehow ended up as a pile of nutella on someone’s lap. We meandered from stall to stall, sampling everything and pretending we weren’t just there to let the kids chase pigeons and run off excess energy.

Berlin’s parks have become our second home. Shady paths, open lawns, playgrounds tucked behind clumps of trees — the perfect setup for letting three small humans burn off energy while we try to keep an eye on them without looking like we care too much. Bike rides through these leafy streets have become almost meditative: the rhythm of pedals, the occasional “Wait for me!” shout, and the sun glinting off cobblestones.

We’ve perfected the art of stopping only for ice cream or spontaneous wading in fountains. By mid-afternoon, everyone is sticky, sunburned in just the right places, and oddly content.

The highlight of our lazy summer came when friends from our old Brooklyn daycare made the trek across the Atlantic. Seeing our kids reconnect with familiar faces — running, shouting, and rediscovering their friendship — reminded us how small and big the world can feel at the same time. Even for adults, afternoons turned into long park picnics, catching up over cold beers while the kids sprawled on blankets covered in sand, snacks, and laughter.

There was no grand plan, no sightseeing checklist, no rushed agenda. Just sun, bikes, parks, and the occasional chaos of three kids arguing over Haribo flavors.

Berlin’s long evenings, green spaces, and lively streets reminded us that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you almost don’t plan — the ones that let you linger, watch, and let life happen at a slightly slower pace.