We will be traveling to Europe and have a brief day and a half layover in Berlin July 9-10. We arrive at about 5pm and want to make the most of our first evening there as we have never been to Germany. Preliminary research seems like most museums close at 6p and the Reichstag Iooks to be closed that weekend :( Hoping for some recommendations as to what we could do or see during the evening with our 12 & 15 year old children. We thought of Computerspielemuseum until 8p and are planning some walking tours the next day. Doesn't seem as there are any evening tours. Appreciate any recommendations!
Try the DDR Museum. There are lots of hands on exhibits about everyday life in the former DDR. I thought it was quite interesting. It is open until 10 pm on Saturday, 8pm the rest of the week.
http://www.ddr-museum.de/en
Alternatively, take your own walking tour with the Rick Steves book.
Bookings for the Reichstag can only be done 3 months in advance. Your dates are just not bookable, yet, but should come up in a bit. We did a tour with our kids and it was one of their favourite moments in Berlin.
I would second the suggestion of the DDR Museum, if you are looking for a museum. Very much an interactive museum.
Your hotel location could be a deciding factor.
Going to the Brandenburg Gate might be an idea. It is the "selfie" capital of Germany.
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a short walk from there. It is very thought provoking.