Düsseldorf

Family-Friendly City 2026: Düsseldorf

Family-Friendliness as a Priority for All Stages of Life

Text last updated: 2026-11-03

Strong Networks for Strong Families

Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, has a population of approximately 650,000. Family-friendliness takes many forms here and has been a priority for the municipal administration for many years.

Well supported from the very beginning

Düsseldorf views prevention as a lifelong endeavor. With the further development of the municipal prevention strategy, support services for all age groups have been more closely integrated. Interdepartmental collaboration plays a particularly important role in this effort. It brings these services together and continues to develop them in line with the needs of families. 

A particular focus is placed on early intervention and the municipal prevention chain. Even before birth, families receive support through a close-knit network of professionals in the fields of health, education, and youth welfare. The citywide guidance service in maternity hospitals, the early intervention networks, and the parent visitation service provide low-threshold access to counseling and support. Under the motto “Welcome to Düsseldorf,” parents receive important information about services for families in the city during a visit following the birth of their first child.

State Award for Family-Friendly Communities 2026

The jury particularly commended the consistent expansion of the municipal prevention network and the holistic approach to families at all stages of life. By linking social, youth, educational, and health services, Düsseldorf is creating a strong network for families. Special emphasis is placed on combating child and family poverty, as well as promoting participation and equal opportunities. For this strategic and sustainably anchored approach, the state capital of Düsseldorf was honored as a family-friendly municipality for 2026.

Family-Friendly Activities in Düsseldorf

  1. Düsseldorf Asks: Let's Dare to Be More Involved

    Families themselves know best what kind of support they need: This is the approach taken by the project “Düsseldorf Asks—Daring to Do More.” In collaboration with researchers and practitioners, new ways were tested to actively involve families experiencing poverty in local decision-making. The insights gained help to further develop family and social policy programs in a way that is precisely tailored to their needs.

  2. Participation Resource Center

    Through the Participation Service Center and the “Jugend checkt Düsseldorf” project, children and teens can share their ideas for their neighborhood. Young people can explore their neighborhood, identify areas for improvement, and develop their own ideas for play, sports, and recreational spaces. This brings their perspectives to light and directly contributes to the ongoing development of a family- and child-friendly city.

  3. Family-Friendliness in Everyday Life

    Düsseldorf offers families a wide range of opportunities for counseling, social interaction, and community involvement. Neighborhood meeting places, family education centers, community centers, and family centers provide local services tailored to different life situations. These are supplemented by free counseling services in all city districts. With the digital family card, the Family Navigator, and the Family Portal, the city also provides information and discounts in a simple and clear manner.

The Other Award-Winning Municipalities for 2026

The cities of Bochum, Detmold, Dortmund, and Krefeld, as well as the Ennepe-Ruhr district, were also recognized either for their comprehensive family policy plans or for an innovative individual project.

“A Home. For Families.”: Under this motto, the Ministry of Family Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia announced the 2026 “Family-Friendly Municipality” state award. Municipalities were invited to apply for the award by submitting their comprehensive family policy plan or an innovative individual project.