Vienna with Kids: A Family Guide to Exploring the City
Exploring Vienna with kids might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Austria’s capital. With its grand architecture, imperial palaces, and classical music, it’s often seen as a destination for adults. But Vienna is also an incredibly fun and surprisingly kid-friendly city to explore as a family.
It quickly became one of our favourites, with the perfect mix of cultural sights for grown-ups and interactive, engaging experiences for kids. And it’s not just amusement parks and playgrounds (though there are plenty of those too). Vienna knows how to make history and learning fun, with hands-on museums, palaces, and unique spots like an aquarium built into a WWII tower. Add in cafés, green spaces, and one of the most efficient public transport systems in Europe, and it’s an easy city to enjoy with kids of all ages.
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Why Vienna Is a Great Place for Families
Vienna might be a big city, but it’s surprisingly easy to explore with kids. It’s clean, safe, and well laid out, with plenty of green spaces and fun stops built into the day. Whether you’re walking between sights or hopping on the tram, getting around is simple—even with a stroller.
Public transport is fast, reliable, and easy to use. We found it easy to get everywhere we needed, and actually didn’t use public transit much, but when we did, it was convenient and straightforward. The trams and subways are stroller-friendly, and kids ride free or get discounted fares depending on their age.
There are playgrounds everywhere. Some are tucked beside famous sights like Schönbrunn Palace and the Rathaus, and others just pop up when you least expect it. They’re a great way to take a break and let kids run off some energy between museums or tours.
It’s also an easy place to find snacks or meals that kids will actually eat, whether that’s schnitzel, sausages, or just a good piece of apple strudel. Cafés are laid-back, and many spots have high chairs or kids’ menus.
And the best part? Many of the top attractions are already designed to be engaging for kids. From interactive museums to palace mazes and even an aquarium inside a WWII tower, sightseeing just seems fun.
Top Things to Do in Vienna (That Kids Will Actually Enjoy)
Vienna might be known for its palaces, museums, and historic landmarks, but that doesn’t mean the kids are going to be bored. In fact, many of the top sights are surprisingly family-friendly. From interactive museums to aquariums and wide open gardens, there’s a lot here that kids will actually enjoy.
Schönbrunn Palace, Zoo, Children’s Museum & More
Schönbrunn is one of the most well-known places in Vienna, and it’s easy to spend the better part of a day here. The palace itself is impressive, but what makes this such a great spot for families is everything surrounding it. The gardens are massive, with wide paths, fountains, and plenty of space to run around or take a break on a bench.
The Children’s Museum inside the palace is a fun way to introduce younger kids to royal life. With dress-up clothes, hands-on displays, and playful storytelling, it’s designed with families in mind.
Just beyond the palace grounds is the Schönbrunn Zoo, one of the oldest operating zoos in the world. While we don’t usually seek out zoos when we travel, this one is known for its conservation efforts, and large, natural-style enclosures. If your kids enjoy seeing animals, it’s often recommended as one of the better examples of an ethical zoo experience.
And if your kids still have energy to spare, the maze and playground are worth a visit too. It’s a fun way to end the visit—and the view from the top isn’t bad either.
Prater Amusement Park & The Giant Ferris Wheel
Home to the iconic Riesenrad, Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel, the Prater is a fun mix of old-school amusement park and modern rides. Some parts feel like they’re straight out of a storybook, while others are full of flashing lights and rollercoasters. There’s something here for all ages, whether your kids want gentle rides or something more exciting.
We didn’t spend a full day here, but it was a great way to break up the more cultural parts of the trip. The rides are pay-as-you-go, so you can just pick a few and wander. It’s also home to Madame Tussauds Vienna, and there are a few playgrounds and cafés around if you need a break.
Haus des Meeres (Aqua Terra Zoo)
This was easily my kids’ favourite part of visiting Vienna. Set inside a massive concrete WWII flak tower, Haus des Meeres is an Aqua Terra Zoo, which basically means it’s part aquarium, part small zoo, spread across 11 floors. There are more than 10,000 animals here, from snakes and sharks to monkeys and tropical birds, and every level offers something totally different.
My boys love animals—especially the more unusual ones—so this place was a dream for them. They were beyond excited to see a Gila monster (which I honestly thought they made up, but nope, it’s an actual thing), and they couldn’t stop talking about how they actually got to see an inland taipan and a reticulated python. Meanwhile, I was just amazed by how much there was to see. Every level had a new surprise, from tropical fish and monkeys to crocodiles or birds flying right over our heads.
We ended up spending way more time here than I’d planned, and it never felt rushed. There’s also a rooftop terrace, plus a small café at the top where you can grab a snack and take a break before heading back down.
And if your kids collect pressed coin souvenirs, keep an eye out—there’s a machine on one of the top floors. We didn’t decide to get it until we were almost done, so yes… we went all the way back up to get it. Totally worth it, of course.
You can buy tickets online ahead of time, or at the door. The day we visited, there was a school group just ahead of us, and I wished I’d thought to buy tickets ahead of time.
Haus der Musik
Vienna is famous for its musical heritage, but most kids probably won’t sit through a classical concert—and that’s where Haus der Musik comes in. This interactive museum gives kids a fun, hands-on way to experience sound and music in a way that’s perfect for them.
Inside, you’ll find sound experiments, games, and creative exhibits that let kids explore how music is made. One of the highlights is a virtual conductor game where they can lead the Vienna Philharmonic (and find out what happens if they’re offbeat). There’s even a staircase that plays piano notes as you walk on it.
It’s also really central—just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral—so it makes an easy stop between sights, especially if you’re looking for something indoors on a chilly or rainy day.
Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien)
The Natural History Museum is another great museum for kids. When you first walk in, it looks more like a palace than a museum. But there’s plenty to catch their attention, especially the giant dinosaur skeletons.
There’s a huge range of exhibits, from meteorites and insects, to fossils and animals from around the world. Whether your kids are into rocks, bugs, or big prehistoric creatures, there’s something new to discover in every room.
It feels like a classic European museum, but the wide halls make it spacious, stroller-friendly, and easy to explore.
It’s also a great spot to keep in mind if the weather isn’t the greatest. Cold, rainy, or too hot outside? This is one of the best indoor options for families in central Vienna. Oh, and it’s free for kids under 18!
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
ZOOM Kindermuseum
This hands-on museum in the MuseumsQuartier was a huge hit with my kids. There are different areas for different ages — a soft play and sensory zone designed for toddlers and preschoolers, an art studio where kids can get creative, and interactive exhibitions geared toward older kids.
The exhibits change each year, but they always include science, art, and everyday life in a way that’s easy for kids to understand. The boys loved it and spent nearly an hour in one section alone. It’s right up there with NEMO in Amsterdam as one of the best kids museums we’ve been to.
Hofburg Palace & the Imperial Apartments
The Hofburg Palace is right in the centre of Vienna and hard to miss. It’s massive, impressive, and full of history—definitely one of the city’s top sights. But while it’s an important stop for understanding Vienna’s past, it’s not the most kid-friendly experience.
Inside, the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum offer a detailed look at royal life and the story of Empress Elisabeth. It’s beautifully done and interesting from a historical point of view, but there are other museums in Vienna that are much more interactive and fun for kids.
We’re including it here because it’s such a significant part of Vienna’s history, but if you’re visiting with younger kids, it might be one to just admire from the outside.
That said, it’s still worth walking by, especially since there are usually horse-drawn carriages out front. And just behind the palace, Burggarten is a great place to stretch the legs before heading to your next stop.
Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)
Right next to the Burggarten, the Butterfly House is a fun little escape. The tropical greenhouse is filled with butterflies flying freely through the air. Even on cold days, it feels like walking through a tiny jungle in the middle of the city.
It won’t take long to visit, but it’s warm, bright, and a nice change of pace from the bigger museums. If you’re already at Hofburg or the Burggarten, it’s an easy add-on the kids will love.
Belvedere Palace
Even if palaces aren’t usually your thing, Belvedere is worth a visit. We stopped by because of the Christmas markets, and enjoyed walking through the gardens. But I wish I’d known about the Family Art Tour ahead of time – it looked like so much fun. The tour includes an activity book, skip-the-line entry, and a guide who makes the art more engaging with hands-on activities, like drawing, using stickers, and making it fun for kids.
Even without the tour, it’s an easy place to wander through at your own pace. The artwork includes big names like Klimt’s The Kiss, and there’s a huge garden outside where kids can take a break from sightseeing.
Bonus: Spanish Riding School
Vienna’s Spanish Riding School is world-famous, and if you have older kids who love horses or are really into equestrian shows, it could be a fantastic experience. You can book tickets to a full performance or watch the morning training sessions, which are shorter, less formal, and a bit more budget-friendly.
That said, kids under 4 aren’t permitted, and even the shorter sessions may be a bit much for younger kids. My aunt, who loves horses, first mentioned it to me—and while I thought it was interesting to see in person, my kids weren’t all that impressed and their attention didn’t last long. If you’ve got horse lovers in the family, it might be worth a try, but it’s not a must-do for everyone.
A Few More Things to See in Vienna (Even If the Kids Aren’t Totally Into Them)
While I know this is a post about visiting Vienna with kids, let’s be honest—there are a few things that parents will want to see too. These landmarks and museums are some of the top things to see in Vienna, and while they’re not too exciting for kids, they’re still worth checking out—even if it’s just to walk by or pop in for a quick visit.
- Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper): One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this is worth seeing, even if you don’t go inside. Plus, it’s on our Vienna scavenger hunt, so kids will be able to check it off.
- Albertina: This beautiful art museum is known for its impressive interior and collection of famous works, from Monet to Klimt. While it’s primarily a gallery, they occasionally host family events or workshops, so it’s worth checking the schedule ahead of time. You can also walk up to the rooftop terrace for a great view over the city, and there’s no fee for that.
- Hundertwasserhaus: This colourful, quirky apartment building isn’t in the city centre, but it’s a fun detour if you’re nearby. The kids got a kick out of the strange shapes and bright colours. They thought it looked more like a storybook house than an actual apartment block.
- Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum): A fantastic space for art lovers, though it can be a bit much for younger kids. If you want to visit, go early in the day and pair it with something fun afterwards. There’s a wide square in front of the building with some fun sculptural seats that are perfect for a mid-museum break. You can buy tickets online ahead of time or at the door.
- Rathausplatz & Burgtheater: The Rathaus is one of the most impressive buildings in the city, and the Burgtheater right across from it is just as striking. These might not be interesting for kids on their own, but they’re still worth seeing. Rathausplatz is home to the main Christmas market and a fun skating trail in winter. And there’s a playground right beside the Rathaus, so it’s easy to turn a sightseeing moment into a family stop.
- Graben: A popular shopping street in the heart of the Innere Stadt, with historic architecture and plenty of patios (even in the winter). Even if you’re not looking to do any shopping, it’s still fun to duck into the shops. My kids loved going into the H&M, which is housed in a grand, historic building. It was pretty neat to see instead of a traditional department store.
Parks and Playgrounds in Central Vienna
One of the things I loved most about Vienna was how many parks and playgrounds we came across. Whether we were walking between sights or just looking to take a break, there was always somewhere nearby for the kids to burn off some energy.
Burggarten and Volksgarten are two beautiful green spaces right in the city centre, and both are great for a picnic or quick stop. Burggarten is right behind the Hofburg and Butterfly House, with wide paths and a statue of Mozart. Volksgarten is just across the Ringstrasse and full of roses in the warmer months. It’s more of a walk-through stop, but still worth seeing.
Stadtpark was definitely one of the best playgrounds we visited in Vienna, and a real highlight for my kids. It’s a large park with wide lawns and walking paths, and an excellent playground. It wasn’t too busy, and had lots of opportunities to climb and explore. I appreciated the mobile coffee cart there, which meant I could sip a hot coffee while my kids happily played. The golden statue of Johann Strauss is also nearby, and a fun little landmark to check out while you’re there.
Jesuitenwiese, near the Prater, is another fantastic playground, including an epic slide. And not far from there is Max Winter Park, which has splash tunnels and fountains in the summer. We didn’t get to enjoy that, but it would be a great way to cool off in the summer.
Another warm weather favourite is Danube Island (Donauinsel). It’s full of wading pools, sand play, and includes a model lock system, and even a pontoon ferry. It’s free to access and sounds like the perfect summer afternoon spot if you’re visiting in warmer weather. We visited in December, so we didn’t make it there ourselves, but I’ve heard is fantastic for kids when it’s warm out.
Where to Eat in Vienna with Kids
You won’t have trouble finding something to eat in Vienna—especially with kids. The food is hearty, simple, and familiar enough that even picky eaters will likely find something they like.
Schnitzel and sausages are easy go-tos. You’ll find schnitzel on most menus (pork or chicken are common), and Würstelstands—Vienna’s classic sausage stands—are great for a quick, filling snack. My kids loved having the sausages served in hollowed-out baguettes with ketchup and mustard squeezed inside.
And of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without visiting at least one traditional café.
Cafés are a big part of Viennese culture—so much so that they’re even recognized by UNESCO as part of Austria’s cultural heritage. And there are plenty to choose from. While some of the more traditional places, like Café Central and Café Sacher, might feel a bit grand for younger kids, they’re still worth trying.
Café Sacher was very busy when we visited, but they had take-away options which worked well for us. And Café Central actually had gluten-free pastries, so I was able to try a few treats too.
Other cafés that were recommended to us included Café Schwarzenberg, known for its great coffee and apple strudel, and Café Hawelka, which also serves up excellent strudel in a cozy, traditional setting.
Where to Stay in Vienna with Kids
There are a few different neighbourhoods in Vienna that work well for families, depending on what kind of experience you’re after.
Innere Stadt (the historic city centre) is ideal if you want to walk to most of the main sights. You’ll be close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and several museums, and public transport is everywhere if you need it. It’s a bit more expensive, but super convenient if you want to maximize your time.
We stayed at KH Opera Apartments and loved having the extra space and kitchen for breakfasts and easy meals. It was just a short walk from the Opera and felt really central. If you prefer a hotel, Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien is another great option right on Kärntner Strasse.
Leopoldstadt, just across the river, is a great option too, especially if you want to be near the Prater or have more green space around. Hotels and apartments in this area tend to be more spacious and a little quieter, but public transit makes it easy to get around.
Two options to consider are the SO/ Vienna, a stylish, high-rise option with incredible views, and Novotel Wien City is a family-friendly hotel close to both the Prater and the Danube Canal path.
Staying near the MuseumsQuartier is another good option. It’s within walking distance of most attractions, with easy access to museums, shops, and restaurants. Plus, it’s often more affordable than staying right in the Innere Stadt.
One to check out is the 25hours Hotel, a quirky, colourful spot with fun décor, family-friendly rooms, and a great rooftop bar (even if you just pop up for the view).
Want more options? I’ve put together a full post on where to stay in Vienna with our top picks and tips for choosing the best location for families.
Travel Tips for Visiting Vienna with Kids
Bring layers, even in summer. The weather can change quickly, especially in spring or fall, so having an extra hoodie or light jacket in your day bag is never a bad idea.
Mix big sights with outdoor breaks. Vienna has a lot to offer, but even fun museums can be tiring for kids if you try to pack too much into one day. Plan time for parks, playgrounds, or snack stops between the bigger attractions.
Take advantage of public transport. The subway and trams are easy to use and stroller-friendly. Kids under 6 ride for free, and older kids get discounted fares on weekends and holidays. If you’re staying more than a day or two, a 48- or 72-hour pass is worth it.
Stop at the supermarkets and bakeries. Whether you’re grabbing snacks before heading out for the day or picking up an easy dinner, having a grocery store nearby makes everything easier. Look for Billa, Spar, or Hofer—and don’t skip the bakeries for fresh rolls or pastries.
Most attractions are stroller accessible. But if you’re travelling with younger kids, a lightweight stroller that handles cobblestones is your best bet. Just keep in mind that, like many places in Europe, peak tourist seasons, especially summer and December, can be busy, and manoeuvring a stroller through the Innere Stadt or crowded markets might take a bit of patience.
It’s okay to skip the “must-sees.” Some of the most memorable moments came from letting the kids lead, like spending extra time wandering through Belvedere Palace and Stadtpark. Or walking through the Burggarten and stopping at the Mozart statue, which sparked a little chat about Vienna’s music scene. The boys ended up sitting on a nearby bench while I took a photo, and they started laughing so hard at something—I still have no idea what, but it’s one of my favourite memories from the trip.
We didn’t end up making it to the Museum of Illusions or the Chocolate Museum, which were on my original list, but honestly, the trip didn’t feel like it was missing anything. You don’t need to see everything for it to be a great trip.
Our Take on Visiting Vienna with Kids
Vienna has this impressive reputation—grand buildings, imperial history, classical music. It feels like the kind of place you visit after your kids are older. But honestly, it turned out to be one of the easiest and most enjoyable cities we’ve explored together as a family.
It’s not just the big sights—it’s the mix. Beautiful museums and palaces balanced by hands-on exhibits, epic playgrounds, and enough flexibility to let the kids lead sometimes. Vienna felt safe, walkable, and such a fun city to explore as a family.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding it to a longer Europe itinerary, Vienna is absolutely worth it with kids, and we’d go back in a second.
Looking for more tips on visiting Vienna?
Our 4-day Vienna itinerary has suggestions for what to do each day, with a mix of sightseeing and downtime. If you’re visiting in winter, check out our Vienna in December post for tips on what to expect, from festive markets to weather and what to pack. You can also easily add on nearby cities — we’ve got guides for how to get from Vienna to Prague and Vienna to Bratislava, whether you’re planning a day trip or continuing your adventure.
