Touring Austria’s capital with kids is truly a wonderful experience. Why? Because Vienna loves children and has put considerable effort into making most of its museums, palaces, historical sites, green areas, hotels, restaurants and cafes as appealing and welcoming for the most important travelers – the kids, as possible. From meeting celebs and famous historical figures at Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, to taking a ride on the city’s most popular Ferris wheel – the 19th century Riesenrad, to enjoying kid-friendly events at the ZOOM Kindermuseum, you will have a successful family vacation full of great moments.
MuseumsQuartier
For an amazing large city like Vienna, it is natural that there are many attractions both natural and man-made; however, the best starting point for touring Vienna with kids is the MuseumsQuartier, the new museum district, which numbers among the 10 largest cultural parks in the world. Housing over 50 facilities for modern and contemporary art and culture, as well as a huge interior courtyard, and a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, the MuseumsQuartier truly deserves to be called an oasis of culture and recreation.
Schönbrunn Palace
Part of the World Cultural Heritage and Austria’s most visited attraction, the spectacularly beautiful Schönbrunn Palace is a real treat for people of all ages, as there is so much to see and do in this amazing palace that a day or two won’t cover them all. Made up of a palace and gardens, Schönbrunn is also home to a separate children’s museum, called ‘Kindermuseum,’ where kids can experience royal life, learning about the life of Hapsburg’s Imperial children. Kids here can play with imperial toys, set the table for a banquet and dress up as princes and princesses, all by the help of Poldi – the palace ghost.
A real insider tip is also the legendary quadrille dancing, during which your kids wear various costumes and with the help of a professional dance instructor learn how to dance quadrille. This lasts for almost an hour.
Located on the palace grounds one can find Austria’s finest and oldest zoo, which has been updated since the imperial days and comes with some truly not-to-be-missed exhibits. To feed and get an up close and personal view of your kid’s beloved animal, make sure to check the feeding times.
Not to be missed is also the multiple award winning Marionette Theatre for adults and kids, where your family can enjoy such favorites as Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus”(The Bat) .
Vienna Prater
Vienna’s oldest and largest amusement park, the legendary Prater, with its three thousand acres of bike paths, BMX and skate parks, riding stables with ponies for hire and more, has all the ingredients for a memorable and fun family day out. Rides here include everything from frightening to the easy bumper cars of yesteryear. Perfect for the entire family. Do not miss out to reserve a candlelit dinner while riding on the Giant Ferris Wheel, as the lights of Vienna are magical from above.
Opera for Children
The life and music of Wolfgang Mozart appeals not only adults but also many children. The Mozart house in Vienna therefore is a must for any families visiting the city. This is where audio guided family tours are available in 11 language, through which you will learn about the world-famous musician, where he lived, composed and conducted his music, along with listening to some of Mozart’s most important and famous works and learning more about them.
Schmetterling Haus
Found between the Albertina and the Burg Garten, the amazing Schmetterling Haus represents a small conservatory that even the littlest in your group will enjoy. As you walk through be ready for butterflies of all colors to land on you and come along for a ride. You can even see them hatching out of their cocoons. After the walk you can sit and enjoy a short film on a variety of butterflies and moths.
Tip: While visiting Vienna with kids, do not forget to bring their school IDs, since many Vienna attractions allow children to enter for free or at a discounted rate.
