one month in Germany with 3 year old

You might want to look around for one of the smaller towns near Frankfurt, perhaps Bad Homburg, Kronberg, or Königstein. All located in the Taunus Mountains, which are beautiful, but only a 20-30 min. ride on the S-bahn into Frankfurt. In Frankfurt itself, you will find a large, professional, international community, good transport hub, lots of things for your wife and your son to enjoy, as well as many Asian markets for food ingredients. If you pick one of the neighborhoods to stay in, you will have the advantages of a big city close by, as well as life in a residential area. There are a lot of international schools here, as well as the Goethe University. Darmstadt, which is just south of Frankfurt has the Technical university where they do a lot of work with virtual reality type things, if that is interesting for you. There are plenty of museums, galleries, concerts, and culture available in Frankfurt, enough to keep both you, your wife and your child busy and interested. No need to rent a car really.

When we took our son to France, we were told by a German that the French eat children. Now I'm really confused. I'm sure people are getting sick of me saying this on here, but I just love farmhouse stays in Germany. Once you narrow down the town where you'll be, I'd look into that. A website we've used is www.bauernhofurlaub.de. They're just a little slice of heaven. Most rent out apartments and have tons of stuff for kids -- animals, pedal carts, playgrounds, riding on the tractor, things like that. We stayed at one in Austria when our son was 3, and it was fantastic. We're staying at one in Bavaria this summer, in a pretty small town, but only 45 euro/night for a 2 bedroom apartment.

Have you not heard of the Pied Piper of Hameln?

John, a joke is not the same as a rude remark. James was making a joke - but he also answered the poster's question, which is more than you did.

And don't forget about Hansel and Gretel! It was touch and go for them for a while, but Gretel foiled the witches plot!

When i read the question, my immediate thought was that I would be tempted to stay in one of the little walled towns that JO in Frankfurt is always recommending. Wouldnt it be great to spend ta month in the center of such a town, taking your son with you so he can buy bread and milk (in German) from the local shops. But you also must find some experience for him to mix and play with the local kids. Are there local kjndergarten type programs? And of course train rides to Nurmnurg for the toy museum. Sorry- not very helpful, but you got e dreaming

Hello James, John, Jo, Maureen, Nigel, Nancy, Barry, Brian, Thank you for all the responses. I have a lot to think about and have moved into a direction. Maureen, I think the farm stays would be nice for a future trip. Jo mentioned the Frankfurt area and Brian's point about a local kindergarten is well taken. I think staying around Frankfurt would be easier at this point. Not renting a car is good advice as contact on public trans is good. So I will look at the towns with the hopes of finding a place to stay and a nursery school where my boy will not be eaten. That would fill the bill very well. Thank you all again for taking the time – best to keep it simple and central at least for this time. Any more information would be welcome about Frankfurt area towns, lodging with 2 bedrooms - kitchen, and nursery school.
David

Comment about the kindergartens. They work the same way in the states in many respects, such as registration, etc. In February-March there was registration for next year's kindergarten. Mostly they are only for the kids who live in that town, depending on the size of the town. July will be the last few weeks of the German school year. August begins the summer holiday through mid-September. It's doubtful you'd be able to technically 'enroll' your child in a local kindergarten at that time. My suggestion is when you get to the town you're staying in, head over to the local kindergarten (with your child-they'll want to personally meet him) and ask if he can sit in a few days here and there. Make note he already speaks Deutsch. Of course you'd have to pay them, but it's remarkably cheaper than the states. Some kindergartens are more friendly to non-locals than others, so try a couple kindies.

Will start out with some apt. and B&B choices. This website lists many, but I picked out the ones that were in neighborhoods that would suit your family the best. http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=102000&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=124405&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=128039&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=110053&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=109989&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=124734&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=123513&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=101653&lang=en&rid=17 http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/inn.php?id=126945&lang=en&rid=17 There are many play groups in Frankfurt, and since there is probably no way you will get into a kindergarten or even a day care, this would be a better option. Just by going to a play ground every day at the same time, you will run into the same kids and parents. For play groups, and more info on Frankfurt, try this website: http://www.toytowngermany.com/forum/index.php?showforum=88

Jo and Kathy thank you. Interested in Bad Homburg and looking at lodging options - either house or apartment. Spas look great. Seems like the right sized town -

Bad Homburg will be great for you. Very international, professional community, where you will find some play groups for your son. Beautiful scenery, as it is set in the Taunus Mountains, and it is only a short S-bahn trip away from Frankfurt and its' museums and cultural activities.

The only reservation I have is that too many people will speak English in Bad Homburg as opposed to a smaller town - something I want to avoid. But I think my wife will like the spas there! And there is no shortage of restaurants! Thanks everyone once again!
David

Oh, there are plenty of Germans in Bad Homburg. If you want to speak German, they will speak German with you. I don't think that will be a problem. Will your wife want to speak German too, or does she want to speak English while she is here? If you want more details about the area, send me a PM. I am fairly familiar with the town and the surrounding area and towns.