Things to Do in Vienna with Kids: Your Travel Guide to Exploring Austria's Capital City

kids in carriage — Hosted by a Context Expert, discover the charms of Vienna

Vienna is a place of wonder – not just for adults but kids too. The enchanting blend of old and new, the elegant buildings and architecture around every turn, it’s a gorgeous place full of history and intrigue. If you’re thinking about visiting the City of Dreams, there are a wealth of great activities, kid-friendly tours and guides, and family-friendly attractions in Vienna.

Let’s explore the possibilities for young travelers in this one-of-a-kind destination.

Vienna's Family-Friendly Attractions

Part of Vienna’s magic comes from its rich cultural history. Some of the most famous composers and artists came from Vienna, and it’s no wonder when you see how inspiring and captivating the city can be. Your kids can experience that inspiration firsthand by visiting some of Vienna’s renowned cultural and historical institutions.

Key Vienna Museums and Exhibits

No matter your family’s interests (or ages), there are great museums and exhibits for kids in Vienna.

Vienna Natural History Museum

Dinosaur bones, life-size dinosaur models, fossils, and so much more – what more could kids ask for? The museum is the perfect place to explore and learn. Some of the most famous exhibits at the Vienna Natural History Museum include the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistoric figurine dating back to around 28,000 BC, and the meteorite collection, which contains specimens from Mars and the Moon. The museum also has an extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including a Diplodocus and a Stegosaurus. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Vienna Natural History Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on various natural history topics.

Haus der Musik

If the thought of bringing busy kids into a museum makes you slightly nervous – take a trip to the Haus der Musik where music and noise are encouraged. Dedicated to the art and science of music, this museum features interactive exhibits, sound experiments, and so much more.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Virtual Conductor, where your kids can conduct their own symphony. Many exhibits were designed with kids in mind, so they can make noise to their heart’s content.

Vienna Zoo

This is not just a trip to any zoo, but to the world’s oldest zoo. The Vienna Zoo has more than 700 species of animals, including giraffes, tigers, koalas, and everything else kids can’t wait to see. The giant pandas are often considered the star of the show, as very few zoos are lucky enough to have these amazing animals.

You can also take kids on the Schönbrunn Panorama Train, which takes nine stops including the Gloriette. This easily accessible activity is excellent for small children and people with wheelchairs.

Outdoor Activities for Kids in Vienna

There’s nothing like fresh air to refresh and recharge on a big vacation. Check out these fantastic and unique spots to get outside with the kids.

Prater Amusement Park

The Prater Amusement Park is home to a variety of rides and attractions. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, dating back to the late 19th century.

The park includes a mix of modern rides and traditional attractions. Some of the most popular rides at the Prater Amusement Park include the Wiener Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Praterturm, a tower that drops riders from a height of 117 meters. In addition to its thrilling rides, the park also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a large green space where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Vienna City Beach

What kid wouldn’t love a day at the beach? Even though Vienna is landlocked, you can still enjoy a day on the sand. This unique urban beach on the banks of the Danube River offers visitors a relaxing place to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy various recreational activities.

The beach features sand volleyball courts, a beach bar, and a variety of lounging areas where visitors can soak up the sun. There is also a swimming pool with a sandy beach area perfect for families with children. In addition to its recreational offerings, Vienna City Beach hosts events throughout the summer, including concerts, movie screenings, and sports tournaments.

Donauinsel Recreational Area

One of the most popular outdoor activities for families is the Donauinsel Recreational Area, a long, narrow island in the middle of the Danube River. The Donauinsel offers visitors a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, swimming, and boating. There are numerous walking and cycling paths that run the length of the island and several beaches where visitors can swim and sunbathe.

The island also features a variety of sports facilities, including soccer fields, basketball courts, and beach volleyball courts. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas.

Historic Landmarks

Many experts say traveling is the best form of education for kids – so take some time to visit historic landmarks suitable for children in Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace

Your kids will not forget a trip to the opulent Schönbrunn Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors built in the 18th century.

The palace also features beautiful gardens, considered some of the finest in the world. The lush gardens feature a variety of architectural landmarks, including the Gloriette, a beautiful structure that offers panoramic views of the city. Our Schönbrunn Palace tour is perfect for families and children since our small-group tours are customized to that day’s guide and group.

Hofburg Palace

Continue your exploration of the Hapsburg family’s power with a trip to Hofburg Palace, a historic palace in Vienna's center. It was the primary residence of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the center of the Habsburg Empire for over 600 years. The palace features a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque, and contains over 2,600 rooms.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is a historic complex of two Baroque palaces in Vienna, Austria. The palaces were built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a famous military commander.

The palaces are surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures, and offer visitors stunning views of the city. The Upper Belvedere Palace is home to one of the world's largest collections of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Some of the most famous works in the collection include Klimt's "The Kiss" and "Judith."

Tips for Touring Vienna with Kids

Visiting Vienna with kids doesn’t have to feel intimidating – it’s a beautiful, family-friendly city with so much to offer travelers of all ages. Here are some insider tips and tricks to help you create a memorable and fun-filled trip.

Prioritize attractions – don’t try to see everything in one day. Depending on your kids’ ages, pick one or two things to do in a day and build in time for some rest and playtime.
Time your tours – although nap times can be unpredictable (or nonexistent) on vacation, consider nap timing when booking tours. Also, try to take tours or visit landmarks outside peak hours to avoid crowds.
Take kid-friendly tours – tours are a fantastic way to keep younger travelers engaged and entertained. Check out family-friendly guided tours in Vienna and book some tours that interest your family.
Book accommodations with kids in mind – Vienna has many options for family-friendly accommodations. Whether you prefer a hotel's amenities or a vacation rental's privacy, you can find options for every budget.

Kid-Friendly Food and Drink Options

Finding food kids will eat can be a concern when traveling, but there is plenty of Austrian cuisine for kids. One of Austria’s most famous dishes, wiener schnitzel, is a thin, breaded, pan-fried chicken or veal cutlet and is an easy option for kids.

Dig into some delicious kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake, usually served alongside a fruit compote or jam for dipping. Spätzle is also a good choice for kids; it’s an egg noodle, similar to Italian pasta, often served with cheese or meat. When all else fails, it’s not hard to find a delicious pretzel!

We didn’t forget dessert – here are some of the best places to find Vienna’s famous pastries. Vienna is known for some of its delectable sweet treats, like apfelstrudel (a sweet and flaky pastry filled with thinly sliced apples, raisins, and cinnamon), linzer tortes (a buttery shortbread crust filled with raspberry jam and topped with a lattice crust of almond pastry), and more.

Stop by some of these spots (and explore others!) to try some of Vienna’s best pastries:

Café Leopold Hawelka – a legendary café in Vienna's old town that has been serving traditional pastries since 1945. It is known for its Buchteln, a type of sweet yeast bun filled with jam.
Demel – This traditional bakery and pastry shop has been serving up confectionaries since 1786, and it is located on Kohlmarkt, one of Vienna's most famous shopping streets. It is known for its beautiful displays of cakes, pastries, and chocolates.
Café Central – this historic café in the heart of Vienna is famous for its Viennese coffee and delicious pastries, including the classic Sacher Torte.

You can also consider taking our Vienna Food Tour, as sometimes a guided tour will inspire kids to branch out and be more adventurous with new cuisines.

Safety Tips for Touring Vienna with Kids

Vienna is a big and bustling city, so talking to kids about public transportation safety and other precautions is important. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Stay at least five steps away from curbs when walking.
Stick close to family when using public transportation.
Always look both ways when exiting public transportation.

With so much technology available today, you can leverage tech tools to keep your kids safe.

Put an Airtag or other tracking device on your kids when going to crowded, busy areas.
If your kids have a cell phone, make sure they have a translator app in case they get lost and need to communicate with someone.
Create information cards (hard copy or digital – or both) that include:
- Important phone numbers
- Names
- Where you’re staying
- Other relevant/important information

Talk to your kids about stranger danger precautions, including:

Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of who is around you.
Keep your wallet and phone in a secure place, and be cautious of pickpockets and theft in crowded areas.
Avoid sharing personal information with strangers (like kids' names or where you’re staying), especially if they seem suspicious or ask too many questions.
If a situation or person feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

You hope you won’t have to deal with an emergency while traveling, but it’s better to be prepared. Here are some tips for handling emergencies while traveling with kids:

Pack a first-aid kit – bring a first-aid kit with essentials such as bandages, antiseptic, and medications for common ailments.
Have important documents on hand – keep important documents, such as medical insurance cards and emergency contact information, on hand in case of an emergency.
Know where to go for medical help – research hospitals or clinics in the area you are visiting ahead of time.
Keep snacks and water on hand – make sure to have snacks and water readily available for your kids in case of a medical emergency or delay.
Have a plan for lost kids – discuss a plan with your kids in case they become lost or separated from you, such as staying in one spot or finding a security guard.
Use technology – consider using technology such as GPS trackers or emergency apps to keep track of your kids and be prepared for emergencies.
Translate key phrases before you go – if you have allergies or other medical conditions, translate key questions or words so you can be prepared when you arrive.

Plan a Visit to Vienna with Kids

From stunning museums to relaxing outdoor recreation areas, traveling to Vienna with kids is not just possible – it’s incredible. By planning out your itinerary, booking some Context guided tours, and designing a trip with your family’s interests in mind, you can give your kids the experience of a lifetime.