Best Museums in Vienna for Kids
You might not think there are many museums in Vienna for kids, but the city has plenty of fun, interactive options that work surprisingly well for families. From hands-on science spaces to creative art studios, Vienna makes it easy to add a bit of culture to your trip without losing your kids’ interest.
Vienna isn’t just about art and classical music – although there’s lots of that too. Many museums here go beyond display cases and velvet ropes, offering exhibits you can touch, try, or experience in a way that actually keeps kids curious.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teens, there’s something here to fit your day. Below are some of the best museums in Vienna for families, grouped by type so you can choose what works for your trip.
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Best Museums in Vienna Specifically for Kids
These museums are great for younger kids, with exhibits you can touch, try, or play your way through.
1. ZOOM Kindermuseum
This one is made just for kids. Located in the MuseumsQuartier, ZOOM is a hands-on museum designed to let kids explore through play. It’s split into different sections for different ages — including a soft play zone for toddlers, an animation studio for older kids, and workshops for school-aged kids to get creative.
It’s more like an indoor discovery space than a traditional museum, and especially good for ages 1 to 8. There are set time slots, so you’ll want to book in advance.
Highlights:
- Water play and sensory zones
- Science studio for tinkering
- Workshops focused on art, science, or storytelling
Good to know:
📍 MuseumsQuartier, 1070 Vienna
🕒 Closed Mondays; book timed slots online
💶 Free with the Vienna Pass
2. Haus der Musik (House of Music)
This interactive sound museum mixes music, science, and fun in creative ways. Kids can try conducting the Vienna Philharmonic on a virtual screen, play with giant instruments, or toss dice to create their own waltz.
It’s one of those places where you don’t need to be musical to enjoy it — it’s a fun mix of music and science, and honestly, kind of weird in the best way.
Highlights:
- Staircase that plays notes as you walk on it
- Virtual orchestra and sound experiments
- Mozart and Beethoven rooms
Good to know:
📍 Seilerstätte 30, 1010 Vienna
🕒 Open daily 10am–10pm
💶 Free for kids under 3; discounts for families
👉 Book tickets to Haus de Musik here
3. Kindermuseum Schönbrunn
This smaller museum is part of the Schönbrunn Palace complex and lets kids step into the world of the Habsburgs. They can dress up in imperial costumes, set a royal table, and learn about everything from court manners to the secret language of fans.
It’s interactive without being overwhelming — perfect for younger kids, and a fun add-on before or after visiting the palace, the gardens, or the zoo. Chances are, Schönbrunn is already on your itinerary (it’s one of Vienna’s top sights), and the Kindermuseum is an easy way to make the day more enjoyable for kids.
Highlights:
- Dress-up costumes and role play
- Explore how imperial kids lived, ate, and learned
- Dozens of hands-on stations throughout 12 rooms
Good to know:
📍 Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
🕒 Open daily
💶 Adults €9.50, Children €9.50 (under 3 free)
🎟 Included in the Vienna Pass
🧭 Plan for 30–45 minutes
Museums with Family-Friendly Exhibits
These ones are more your traditional museums — but with fun exhibits that keep kids interested. Think dinosaurs, mummies, and old machines. There’s plenty to see, but what really makes them work for families is that there’s always something to catch your kids’ attention.
4. Technical Museum Vienna (Technisches Museum)
This place is huge and packed with hands-on exhibits that cover everything from old steam engines to space tech. If your kids love figuring out how things work, they’ll be into this.
There’s a section designed just for younger kids (Mini Mobil), plus cool things like a mine shaft simulation, a working model railway, and interactive exhibits about electricity and sound.
Highlights:
- Interactive mine and transportation zones
- Buttons to press and machines to tinker with
- Dedicated kids’ section for ages 2–8
Good to know:
📍 Mariahilfer Str. 212, 1140 Vienna
🕒 Closed Mondays
💶 Kids under 19 free; family tickets available
🧭 Give yourself 2 hours if your kids like to explore
5. Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum)
This one’s a classic — and surprisingly fun for kids. The huge dinosaur skeletons grab their attention right away, and there’s a moving allosaurus that always gets a reaction. We stuck to a few key rooms and that was plenty.
Highlights:
- Life-size moving dinosaur
- Space and meteorite room
- Giant crystals and glowing rocks
Good to know:
📍 Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
🕒 Closed Tuesdays
💶 Kids under 19 are free; free with Vienna Pass
🧭 Plan for 1–1.5 hours
👉 Book your tickets to the Natural History Museum
Art & Culture that Works for Kids
Even if your kids aren’t into art yet, these museums make it more approachable — with sketch kits, themed exhibits, and creative spaces that encourage kids to look, imagine, and even make their own art.
6. Albertina Museum
The Albertina has an impressive collection of artwork, including famous names like Monet and Picasso, but it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. Kids can grab sketching kits with crayons and simple prompts to keep them engaged while exploring the galleries.
There are also themed workshops and family tours, plus a visit to the royal staterooms — a mix of art, history, and a bit of elegance that adds something extra to the experience.
Highlights:
- Famous works of art plus changing exhibits
- Staterooms to explore
- Sketch kits and creative activities for kids
Good to know:
📍 Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
🕒 Open daily
💶 Free for kids and teens under 19
🎟 Included in Vienna Pass
7. Kunsthistorisches Museum
This is Vienna’s biggest art and history museum, and it’s more than just paintings. It’s home to ancient Egyptian artifacts (including mummies!), Roman statues, and even a full armoury. If you’ve got kids who love cool old objects or stories from ancient times, there’s plenty here to explore.
They also offer a kids’ audio guide and themed tours on weekends, which makes it easier to explore with kids without getting overwhelmed.
Highlights:
- Egyptian hall with mummies and sarcophagi
- Royal treasures and artifacts
- Kids’ tours and audio guides
Good to know:
📍 Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
🕒 Closed Mondays
💶 Kids under 19 are free
🎟 Included in Vienna Pass
8. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere is one of Vienna’s most iconic palaces — but it’s also surprisingly family‑friendly when you go with kids. Kids can pick up an activity booklet that turns the galleries into a game or treasure hunt. There are also guided tours and workshops specifically designed for children (around 3–12 years old) that make art history fun and age-appropriate.
If you’re visiting with slightly older kids or teens, it’s a fun way to introduce them to famous works like Klimt’s The Kiss without it feeling like a long museum visit. And the gardens are a great place to let kids run around before or after you explore inside.
Highlights:
- Kids’ activity booklets and art scavenger hunts
- Family tours and creative workshops
- Beautiful palace and gardens to explore
Good to know:
📍 Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
🕒 Open daily
💶 Kids under 19 are free; family tickets available
🎟 Some tours need advance booking through Belvedere
Bonus Picks:
Leopold Museum: Another fun spot in the MuseumsQuartier, this museum has a cool program for kids called LEO Studio — a space where they can paint, draw, and play with modelling clay. You can check out the museum’s main collection first (it includes works by Egon Schiele), then swing by the studio for hands-on fun.
KunstHausWien: It’s fun to check out from the outside (and snap a few photos), but inside it’s mostly contemporary art and photography with little for kids. If you’re travelling with older kids or teens who enjoy art, it might be worth a quick visit — otherwise, it’s probably one to skip.
A Few Other Fun & Educational Spots Kids Will Love
If you’re looking for something different — or just want a break from paintings and artifacts — these family attractions are great picks. They’re not traditional museums, but they’re full of discovery, interaction, and hands-on fun. Definitely worth adding to your Vienna itinerary with kids.
10. Haus des Meeres
Part aquarium, part tropical jungle, part zoo — all inside a WWII flak tower. Haus des Meeres is one of those places that doesn’t sound like much on paper, but kids love it. Or at least my kids did – and said it was one of the best things in Vienna for kids.
You’ll find sharks, monkeys, birds, and reptiles across 10+ floors, with different exhibits on each level.
There’s also a rooftop terrace with views over Vienna — a great reward for climbing all those stairs (don’t worry, there’s an elevator too).
Highlights:
- Shark tank, tropical house, and crocodile hall
- Daily animal feedings
- Monkeys that roam freely in some areas
Good to know:
📍 Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1, 1060 Vienna
🕒 Open daily
💶 Tickets can be purchased online or at the door
🎟 Not included in Vienna Pass
🧭 Allow at least 1.5–2 hours
👉 Book your tickets to Haus des Meeres here
11. Museum of Illusions
This one’s all about playing with perspective. From shrinking rooms to anti-gravity setups, the Museum of Illusions is packed with optical tricks that make for a fun and slightly mind-bending visit. It’s not a long stop — maybe 30 to 45 minutes — but it’s a good one to squeeze in when you need something light and engaging.
And yes, you’ll probably end up with a bunch of silly photos.
Highlights:
- Optical illusions, holograms, and interactive puzzles
- Gravity-defying rooms and shrinking chairs
- Great photo ops for all ages
Good to know:
📍 Wallnerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna
🕒 Open daily
💶 Family tickets available; not included in Vienna Pass
🧭 Plan for 30–45 minutes
Museum of Illusions
⭐ 4.0 / 5 (1,200+ reviews)
A fun stop for families, especially if you’re looking for something quick, easy, and indoors. Tickets include full access to the interactive exhibits and plenty of great photo ops.
Practical Tips for Visiting Museums in Vienna with Kids
A few quick tips to help your museum visits go a little smoother:
- Start early: Most museums are quieter in the morning, which makes it easier to explore without crowds or long lines.
- Don’t try to see it all: Pick a few highlights instead of doing the whole museum — especially with younger kids. A short, fun visit usually works better than powering through.
- Check for family tickets or free entry: Many Vienna museums offer family discounts or free admission for kids under 19. Some even include activities at no extra cost.
- Pack snacks and take breaks: Most museums have a café or somewhere nearby to grab a bite. A quick snack break can help reset the energy.
- Use the Vienna Pass if you’re doing multiple attractions: It includes free entry to several of the museums listed above and can save you money if you plan to visit a few.
- Combine museums with nearby parks or playgrounds: Many are close to green spaces (like the MuseumsQuartier or Schönbrunn grounds), so it’s easy to mix learning with a bit of running around.
Final Thoughts
Vienna might be packed with museums, but they’re far from boring — especially for families. Whether your kids are into dinosaurs, illusions, music, or art, there’s something here that’ll catch their interest (and maybe even yours too).
These museums aren’t just something to do when the weather turns — they’re genuinely fun and full of personality. If you’re looking for ways to bring a bit of culture into your trip without it feeling like a chore, Vienna makes it easy. With so many interactive and kid-focused options, visiting museums here feels more like exploring than sightseeing — and yes, your kids might actually enjoy learning something along the way.
If you’re trying to narrow it down, my top picks would be Zoom for hands-on fun with younger kids, the Technical Museum for curious older ones, and Haus des Meeres if you just want something easy and entertaining for the whole family.
If you’re planning more time in the city, here are some of the best things to do in Vienna with kids and how to spend four days in Vienna. If you’re looking for places where your kids can burn off some energy between museum visits, I’ve rounded up the best playgrounds in Vienna, as well as the best places to stay in Vienna for families.
