Europe: Top things to do with kids in Vienna

Located in the Burggarten, the Butterfly House is a tropical paradise where children can walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies. The glasshouse is filled with exotic plants and waterfalls, creating a magical atmosphere for young visitors. Kids will be fascinated by the butterflies flying around them and landing on flowers. It’s a small but enchanting experience, providing a peaceful escape for families in the heart of Vienna. A perfect stop after exploring nearby attractions.

Family Fun Indoor Playground is the perfect spot for kids to burn off energy on a rainy day. The facility offers climbing structures, ball pits, trampolines, and slides, providing endless entertainment for young children. There are also separate areas for toddlers, ensuring a safe and fun experience for all ages. The indoor playground is clean, well-maintained, and offers a cafe where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children.

Böhmischer Prater is a smaller, more relaxed version of Vienna’s Prater amusement park, perfect for families with young children. The park features gentle rides like carousels, small roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel. It’s less crowded and more laid-back than its larger counterpart, making it ideal for younger children who want to enjoy fun rides in a quieter setting. Families can also enjoy the park’s green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo and a top destination for families. Kids can see animals from all over the world, including pandas, elephants, and polar bears. The zoo is well-organized with informative exhibits and plenty of shaded areas for hot summer days. It’s a great place for children to learn about wildlife and conservation while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Schönbrunn’s gardens.

Lainzer Tiergarten is a large nature reserve in the outskirts of Vienna, offering beautiful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. Children will love seeing wild boar and deer as they explore the trails. There’s also a large playground for kids to enjoy. The reserve’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place for a family hike or a picnic in nature. It’s a perfect spot for families seeking fresh air, wildlife, and outdoor exploration just a short drive from the city.

Stadtpark is a large public park in the center of Vienna, perfect for families to relax and play. The park features beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues, including the famous gold statue of composer Johann Strauss. Children can enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces, and there are plenty of spots for a family picnic. Stadtpark is an oasis of greenery in the city, offering a peaceful place for families to unwind while taking in Vienna’s charm.

Prater Amusement Park is a fun-filled destination with rides and attractions for all ages, including the famous Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), which offers stunning views of Vienna. Kids will love the carousels, bumper cars, and small roller coasters. The park also features open green spaces and walking paths, making it a great spot to relax and have fun. Whether you’re enjoying thrilling rides or a peaceful stroll, Prater is a perfect day out for families.

Vienna’s Natural History Museum is home to a vast collection of exhibits that captivate young minds. Kids will love the dinosaur skeletons, gemstones, and fossils on display. The museum also offers interactive exhibits, allowing children to explore the wonders of the natural world. The museum is both educational and entertaining, providing a great opportunity for families to learn about science and history together in an awe-inspiring setting.

Wienerwald is a vast forest area near Vienna that offers a perfect escape into nature for families. Children can enjoy hiking, running around in the open spaces, or discovering wildlife in the forest. There are plenty of family-friendly walking paths and picnic spots throughout the woods. Wienerwald is also home to several playgrounds and parks, making it a great destination for outdoor-loving families looking for an adventurous day in nature.

The House of Music is an interactive museum that introduces children to the world of sound and music. Kids can conduct their own virtual orchestra, experiment with sounds, and learn about famous composers. The museum’s interactive exhibits engage young minds and make learning about music fun and creative. It’s an ideal indoor attraction for families, offering a blend of education and entertainment that will spark curiosity in music-loving children.

Augarten is a peaceful park in Vienna’s 2nd district, offering open green spaces, playgrounds, and a historic palace. The park is perfect for a leisurely family stroll, and kids will enjoy playing in the large playgrounds. The park is also home to the famous Augarten porcelain factory, where families can take guided tours. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic, and the combination of nature, history, and play areas makes it a great family-friendly destination.

Vienna’s Technical Museum is full of interactive exhibits that make learning about science and technology fun for children. The museum showcases a wide range of topics, from early inventions to modern technology, and there are plenty of hands-on activities for kids. Young visitors can try out experiments, play with machines, and even learn about renewable energy. It’s an educational and engaging destination, making science exciting and accessible for young minds.

Haus des Meeres is an aquarium and zoo housed in a former WWII flak tower, offering a fascinating indoor experience for families. Kids will love seeing sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish, as well as the monkeys and reptiles in the tropical house. The building’s rooftop also offers panoramic views of Vienna. It’s a fantastic destination for animal-loving children, with plenty of interactive exhibits and educational displays to engage young minds.

Das Heizhaus, Vienna’s Railway Museum, is a dream for young train enthusiasts. The museum showcases a wide collection of historical locomotives, train cars, and railway artifacts. Children can climb aboard old trains and learn about the history of rail travel. There are also interactive exhibits that allow kids to experience how trains work. It’s a fun and educational experience, offering a unique insight into the world of trains and transportation.

Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see in Vienna, and its extensive gardens and zoo make it perfect for families. Kids can explore the maze, play in the children’s museum, or visit Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest zoo, home to pandas, tigers, and penguins. The palace offers a blend of history and adventure, allowing children to learn while having fun. Families can also enjoy the large playgrounds, and there are plenty of spots for a family picnic in the gardens.

Zoom Children’s Museum is designed specifically for young children, offering hands-on exhibits and activities. From creating art in the studio to experimenting with science in the lab, Zoom provides a variety of interactive spaces where kids can explore and play. The museum also offers workshops and creative programs throughout the year. It’s a fantastic place for children to learn through play, with exhibits that stimulate creativity and curiosity in a fun, friendly environment.

Donaupark is a large, family-friendly park in Vienna offering green spaces, playgrounds, and walking paths. The highlight for children is the Donauturm (Danube Tower), where families can take an elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. Kids will also enjoy the park’s small train that circles the grounds and the variety of outdoor activities available. It’s a peaceful place for a family day out, combining scenic beauty with fun attractions.

Belvedere Palace offers stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens where children can run and play. While the art museum inside may appeal more to adults, the vast gardens provide plenty of outdoor space for family fun. The reflecting ponds, fountains, and sculptures make it a scenic spot for a relaxing family stroll. The combination of art, history, and nature makes it a great place to explore, and children will enjoy discovering the palace’s outdoor wonders.

Danube Island is a long island in the middle of the Danube River, offering a variety of outdoor activities for families. Kids can play on the sandy beaches, splash in the shallow waters, or explore the many playgrounds. The island also has cycling and walking paths, making it a great spot for family bike rides. There are plenty of picnic areas and places to relax by the river, offering a peaceful retreat from the city while providing fun activities for young children.

The Schönbrunner Labyrinth, located in the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, is a fun and challenging maze for children and families. Kids will love navigating the twisting paths and discovering the hidden playgrounds and viewing platforms along the way. The labyrinth is a great outdoor activity that encourages problem-solving and exploration, providing hours of entertainment for younger visitors. It’s a fun addition to any visit to Schönbrunn Palace.