From opulent rococo architecture to socio-political youth theater, Vienna has something to offer for the entire family. Here’s a look at where to have fun with the kids.
One could be inclined to think that a city known for its historic coffee houses and Art Nouveau buildings are not that exciting for children. But Vienna has much more to offer than grand architecture and sachertorte. Vienna with the kids is great fun! Here are some ideas that perfect for the whole family.
1. The Albertina
An art museum with the kids? Absolutely. The Albertina Museum is anything but boring. The palace that houses the museum makes a lasting impression. Once the official residence of the Habsburgs, the Albertina is particularly known for its graphic art collection, which is one of the world’s most important. Modern art lovers will also get their money’s worth: The permanent exhibition ‘Monet to Picasso’ features some of the most important Modernist works in art history.
2. Zoom Children’s Museum
If your kids are a bit too young or impatient for a ‘grown-up museum’, the children’s museum is an excellent alternative. This ‘hands-on museum’ calls for action and participation. Workshops, studios, and even a multimedia lab invite you to experiment, touching the objects is most certainly allowed. You should book tickets in advance, as the number of participants is limited for most activities.
3. Naschmarkt
You can, of course, grab a bite to eat at the legendary Viennese Naschmarkt. From local specialties to delicacies from the Far East, this market has it all! During the weekends DJs spin the latest tunes, and you shouldn’t miss the famous flea market on Saturday. It’s iconic. It’s particularly nice in the warm weather when you can sit outside and watch the hustle and bustle.
4. Schönbrunn Palace
No trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. This imposing castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rightly one of the most visited attractions in Austria. The rooms are hard to beat in terms of splendor and extravagance. Kids will also have a dandy time here. In the children’s museum, they can learn about the everyday life of imperial children and play with historic toys. The younguns can even slip into prince and princess costumes to feel like they’re living in a fairy tale. Another highlight is Schönbrunn Palace Park and its impressive maze.
5. Schönbrunn Zoo
The Palace Park has much to discover including the oldest zoo in the world! Schönbrunn Zoo, which has been voted the best zoo in Europe, attracts millions of visitors every year. It served as a menagerie during the Baroque period, but is now known for its commitment to animal conservation as well as for its cute pandas! Definitely sign up for a tour or to watch a feeding if you can.
6. Prater
After all that art and culture, top off your trip to Vienna at Prater, a gigantic park that’s home to Wurstelprater. This 2200-year-old amusement park is one of the world’s most famous. With a haunted house, bumper cars, carousels or roller coaster, kids are guaranteed to have a blast. And you have to see the legendary Ferris wheel, which is equally fun for adults and children alike.