Spring had arrived, and with the warmer days had come a wonderful opportunity to spend more time outdoors with the KulturKids. The city had come to life, parks and squares had filled up, and there had been countless chances to explore Berlin’s cultural diversity together. Especially exciting had been the many flea markets that had taken place under the open sky, providing an inspiring environment for playful learning, discovery, and experimentation.
Flea Market, Junk Market, Antique Market, Book Market
Flea markets had had a long tradition in Berlin and had been closely linked to the city's eventful history. As early as the 19th century, junk markets had existed, where second-hand goods had been sold—often by people who had made a living from trading used items. After World War II, these markets had thrived, as many Berliners had relied on them to acquire much-needed everyday items and furniture. In the 1970s and 1980s, they had evolved into cultural meeting places, offering not just second-hand goods but also antiques, books, and art. By today, these markets had become not only places for sustainable consumption but also living testimonies of Berlin’s history, spanning from East and West Berlin to the modern, multicultural metropolis it had become.
KidsKultur had used the atmosphere of these markets to introduce children to history, progress, art, and craftsmanship in a playful way. As they had observed old objects, the KulturKids had learned how materials, designs, and techniques had changed over time and what traces past generations had left behind. By discovering historical books, furniture, or artworks, they had gained an understanding of how past eras had continued to influence the present. Sustainability also had become a tangible concept at these markets: The children had realized that used objects had had a story, could be passed on, and didn’t need to be discarded immediately. This had helped them understand that reuse was not only resource-friendly but also culturally valuable.
A flea market visit with KidsKultur had therefore been much more than just a shopping trip—it had been a journey through time, allowing the KulturKids to touch history, understand progress, and consciously experience sustainability.
Mind, Body & Soul
Mind: In the Mind area, children had learned to assess the value of money, compare prices, and make thoughtful decisions. At the same time, they had expanded their knowledge of history and culture as they had explored old books, artworks, or objects from past times.
Body: In the Body area, a flea market visit had meant movement—the children had navigated through crowds, had become aware of their surroundings, and had developed a sense of orientation and coordination. Learning to move confidently and safely in a busy environment had been essential. Here, they had practiced focusing on their surroundings, being mindful, and moving independently in public spaces.
Soul: The Soul aspect had come to life through social interactions: The KulturKids had engaged with vendors, had learned to negotiate with confidence, and had experienced the joy of discovering a special find. At the same time, they had developed an appreciation for sustainability and the cycle of reuse, deepening their awareness and respect for resources.
A flea market visit had been far more than just wandering between stalls—it had been a cultural experience that had fostered growth on multiple levels. Spring had marked the beginning of a season full of discoveries, and the KulturKids had been right at the heart of it!
As always, we had captured our impressions by creating our own artworks in our sketchbooks—and, of course, there had been surprises along the way!