How does a city actually work? What does a bank do, how does a newspaper operate, and who makes decisions on important issues?

Children and teens ages 10 to 14 will learn all this at Mini Wiesbaden during a week-long summer camp. 

From October 5 to 9, 2026, the Schelmengraben Community Center will become its own little city. About 150 children can try their hand at different jobs, work, and earn their own pay—the “Mini-Europäer.” They can then spend the money they’ve earned however they like.

Whether it’s a bank, employment office, newspaper, news broadcast, art gallery, or craft workshop—there are many different work areas to discover at Mini-Wiesbaden. Those who’d rather spend their money can shop at the beauty salon, department store, or newsstand, for example.

Democracy is also experienced in a very hands-on way at Mini-Wiesbaden: Over the course of the week, the children elect their own student council. In addition, each workday ends with a town hall meeting where the most important issues are discussed and the day’s results are presented.

Mini-Wiesbaden is a simulation game in which children and teens learn in a playful way how city life, government, politics, and culture work, as well as the relationship between work, money, and consumption. In the process, they can contribute their own ideas, take on responsibility, and make decisions together.

Mini Wiesbaden can be booked as part of the city’s summer vacation program.