Moving to Germany with kids

The German education system puts great emphasis onto self-reliance and creativity, which some parents who come from more guidance-oriented systems see as a lack of instruction. But in fact it creates independent and confident personalities, who go on to become the thinkers and engineers Germany is famous for.
All local schooling is free of charge and of good quality. Since kids can (and should) adapt and learn a language quickly, there is no reason to send them to (expensive, because private) foreign system schools.
For younger kids, there are child care and kindergarten option, but especially Western German cities have a lack of spaces and long waiting lists - so register as early as possible (a year or two in advance is often needed!).
Kids are expected to spend quite a lot of time in free play, e.g. around the neighbourhood (almost all places are safe enough for this!), explore on their own and make friends with other kids they meet. There are also many publicly run playgrounds and other places for activities ranging from arts & crafts to sports to whole farms or cities (with their own currency, shops, radio station, etc.) for kids to learn in a free and fun way with minimal intervention from adults.