In a nutshell
- Vienna is, in our opinion, one of the best travel destinations for families with children — and we’ve got 22 tried-and-tested activities to prove it.
- There are so many highlights for kids of all ages here — from giant ferris wheels and dinosaur museums to free beaches right in the city.
- Our top picks for things to do in Vienna with kids: the Prater, the Donauinsel, and the Donauturm slide.
- Our family hotel recommendation: the seriously cool Superbude Wien Prater — great location right at the Prater and kids absolutely love it.
Classic Sights in Vienna That Kids Will Love Too
You don’t have to make compromises when sightseeing with kids in Vienna. Many attractions in Vienna have something to offer that kids and parents alike will genuinely enjoy.
A Day at the Prater with the Giant Ferris Wheel and Roller Coaster
- Perfect for: kids of all ages
- How much time to plan: the whole day
- Cost: Prater entry free, Giant Ferris Wheel: €15, children €6.50, under 3 free
- Online ticket: Giant Ferris Wheel & Madame Tussauds
What do you need to know? The Prater is a six-square-kilometer recreation and nature park in Vienna’s 2nd district, complete with an amusement park, playgrounds, restaurants, and plenty of green space. The most famous attraction is the historic Giant Ferris Wheel, which has been turning since 1897.
Is it worth it? Absolutely — this is our top pick for families in Vienna! The Prater has great rides for young and old, the Liliput miniature railway is a hit with little ones, Madame Tussauds appeals to older kids, and a rickshaw ride through the park is fun for everyone.
Our tips: Book your Giant Ferris Wheel tickets online in advance to skip the lines. For food, we love Restaurant Kolarik in the Prater — it has both an indoor and outdoor playground. And don’t miss our under-the-radar pick: the Hochschaubahn, a charming roller coaster tucked away from the crowds that the whole family will love.
Get your online ticket for the Giant Ferris Wheel
Our detailed tips for the Prater can be found here:
Visiting the Schönbrunn Zoo at Schönbrunn Palace
- Perfect for: kids ages 3 and up
- How much time to plan: the whole day
- Zoo cost: €27, children €15.50, under 5 free
- Online ticket: Schönbrunn Zoo & Panorama Train
What do you need to know? Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s top attraction, and there’s so much to see. The palace gardens alone cover the equivalent of 220 soccer fields. The complex also includes several other highlights: the Palm House, the Desert House, the Maze, the Gloriette viewpoint, and the Schönbrunn Zoo — especially popular with kids.
Is it worth it? At Schönbrunn you can easily keep everyone happy. A bit of palace history for the parents, the Maze or the Zoo for the kids. In summer, you can even cool off at the Schönbrunn outdoor pool!
Our tip: Kids not keen on walking? No problem — the Panorama Train takes you comfortably to all the sights at Schönbrunn, including all the way up to the Gloriette. Round-trip tickets cost €16 (children: €8), and the train is included in the Vienna Pass.
Get your ticket for Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
Get your ticket for the Schönbrunn Zoo
Get your ticket for the Schönbrunn Panorama Train
Climbing the North or South Tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Perfect for: kids who enjoy climbing stairs
- How much time to plan: 1 hour
- Cost: from €7, children from €3, under 6 free
- Tickets: on-site only (no card payment!)
What do you need to know? From St. Stephen’s Cathedral you get a fantastic view over Vienna’s historic district. You can reach the 68-meter North Tower comfortably by elevator, while the 136-meter South Tower involves climbing 343 steps of a narrow spiral staircase.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The view from the taller South Tower is great, and many kids love the challenge of those narrow stairs. The North Tower is just as good though — the panorama over Vienna is lovely, and you can take the elevator without any fuss. You really can’t go wrong with either.
Our tip: If your kids are a bit older, consider going up in the evening — it’s less crowded and the atmosphere in the late sun is wonderful.
Riding Europe's Highest Slide at the Donauturm
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: €18, children €5–14.50, under 3 free, slide: €5
- Online ticket: Donauturm
What do you need to know? At 252 meters, the Donauturm is the city’s highest vantage point, and with its spectacular slide at 165 meters it’s a seriously fun activity in Vienna for older kids. Inside the tower you’ll also find a café and restaurant with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
Is it worth it? The view from the observation deck is sensational, and the slide at that dizzying height is a real test of nerves! Younger kids will be fascinated by the elevator ride — the glass ceiling gives you a clear view straight up the shaft.
Our tip: Around the tower you’ll find plenty of family activities in the Donaupark: the Donauparkbahn miniature train and playgrounds for little ones, a skate park and mini golf for older kids, and the lovely Strandbad Alte Donau beach for everyone.
Note: Children must be at least 6 years old and 110 cm tall to use the slide. Strollers can’t be taken up the tower, but you can leave yours at the coat check downstairs.
Get your ticket for the Donauturm
Running Wild in the MuseumsQuartier and Visiting the Zoom Children's Museum
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 3 hours
- Cost: MuseumsQuartier: free, Zoom Museum: €6–8.50
- Online ticket: Zoom Children’s Museum
What do you need to know? The MuseumsQuartier is an arts complex in the 7th district near the Hofburg. Surrounding a large courtyard, you’ll find some of Vienna’s best museums. One of them is the Zoom Children’s Museum, where kids paint, build, craft, and experience the world with all their senses.
Is it worth it? Dragging kids through a museum doesn’t have to be a thing — and at the MuseumsQuartier, you won’t have to! The enormous courtyard alone, with its many cool seating options, is the perfect spot to take a breather from sightseeing.
Our tip: The wienXtra Kinderinfo is your go-to resource for cultural activities for kids in Vienna. There’s also a small indoor play area there, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
A Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour Around Vienna
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 2–3 hours
- Cost: from €39, children from €25, under 6 free
- Online ticket: Hop-on/Hop-off Bus in Vienna
What do you need to know? With a hop-on/hop-off bus you cruise past many of Vienna’s highlights at a relaxed pace, jumping on and off at the stops whenever you like. The buses also stop at the city’s top family attractions, including Schönbrunn Palace, the MuseumsQuartier, the Prater, and the Donauinsel.
Is it worth it? If you’re visiting Vienna with kids, the hop-on/hop-off city tour is a seriously relaxed way to see a lot in a short amount of time — and your kids will definitely thank you for not making them walk for hours.
Our tip: We’ve done a hop-on/hop-off bus tour in Vienna with kids and recommend Vienna Sightseeing Tours as the operator. The audio guide designed specifically for kids was a real hit with us.
Get your ticket for the Vienna Sightseeing hop-on/hop-off bus
Read our detailed comparison for hop-on/hop-off in Vienna:
Cruising Along the Danube Canal by Boat
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 1.5 hours
- Cost: from €29.50, children from €14, under 9 free
- Online ticket: Danube Canal Boat Tour
What do you need to know? On the City Cruise you travel along the Danube Canal on an excursion boat for about 75 minutes. You won’t see a ton of major sights along the way, but that’s totally fine — the kids won’t mind at all.
Is it worth it? You really can’t go wrong with a canal boat ride on a city trip with kids. It’s a great chance to take a break from sightseeing. Plus, kids under 9 ride free — we love that.
Our tip: We recommend the shorter City Cruise (1.25 hours) when traveling with kids, since a longer boat tour can get boring pretty quickly. You also have the option to add lunch on board.
Get your ticket for the Danube Canal boat tour
Read our tips on Danube cruises in Vienna:
Museums for Kids in Vienna
Experimenting at the Technical Museum
- Perfect for: kids ages 2 and up
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: €18, children under 19 free
- Online ticket: Technical Museum
What do you need to know? The Technical Museum is one of Vienna’s best family-friendly museums. Kids can explore old locomotives or develop their technical understanding through hands-on play and experiments.
Is it worth it? Totally! The Technical Museum is perfect if your kids love being active and getting excited about how things work.
Our tip: Right across from the museum is the idyllic Auer-Welsbach-Park with great playgrounds, and Schönbrunn Palace is just a few minutes’ walk away — a great combination if you’re already in the area.
Marveling at Historic Trams at the Remise Transport Museum
- Perfect for: kids ages 2 and up
- How much time to plan: 1 hour
- Cost: €10, children under 15 free
- Online ticket: Remise Transport Museum
What do you need to know? The Remise takes you on a little journey through the history of Vienna’s public transit — from historic tram cars to a modern subway simulator, it’s all here.
Is it worth it? The Remise is perfect for kids who are into trains, trams, and anything else that rolls down the street.
Our tip: This is a real local favorite among Vienna’s children’s museums. It’s noticeably less crowded here than at the Technical Museum or the Haus des Meeres.
Finding Nemo at the Haus des Meeres
- Perfect for: kids ages 2 and up
- How much time to plan: 2-3 hours
- Cost: €22.90, children €6.50–10, under 3 free
- Online ticket: Haus des Meeres
What do you need to know? The Haus des Meeres is a marine aquarium featuring snakes, sea turtles, clownfish, and even sharks. Kids get to learn about animals they’d never encounter in the wild.
Is it worth it? We’re not the biggest fans of zoos or aquariums, but kids absolutely love them. And who really wants to run into a shark in the open ocean? Better to meet one safely at the Haus des Meeres.
Our tip: For parents, the rooftop terrace with views over Vienna is a real standout. There’s also a restaurant up there.
Exploring and Discovering at the Natural History Museum
- Perfect for: kids ages 4 and up
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: €18, children under 19 free
- Online ticket: Natural History Museum
What do you need to know? The Natural History Museum is one of the most important museums of its kind in the world. You can browse an astonishing 30 million collection items here, including fossils, minerals, animals, plants, and — what will probably excite kids the most — dinosaur skeletons.
Is it worth it? In our experience, kids and dinosaurs are always a winning combination. The dinosaur hall with the remains of these beloved prehistoric giants is one of our top recommendations!
Marveling at Dinos at Immersium:Wien
- Perfect for: kids ages 3 and up
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: from €17.50, children from €14, under 4 free
- Online ticket: Immersium:Wien
What do you need to know? Immersium:Wien is more of an interactive experience than a traditional museum. Through various stations you dive into the world of dinosaurs and feel a little bit like the Brachiosaurus and company are coming back to life.
Is it worth it? Oh yes! Digging up dinosaur skeletons, solving puzzles, and coming face to face with life-size dinos — what more could kids want?
Our tip: Buy your tickets in advance if you can. Tickets at the door are more expensive than online.
Get your ticket for Immersium Wien + Jurassic Exhibition
Indulging at the Chocolate Museum
- Perfect for: kids who are allowed to eat chocolate
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: €12, children €10, under 5 free
- Online ticket: Chocolate Museum
What do you need to know? The Chocolate Museum is all about the sweetest temptation of all: chocolate. You’ll learn how cocoa becomes chocolate — and of course you get to taste some too.
Is it worth it? A museum where eating chocolate is basically the whole point? Count us in.
Our tip: At a chocolate workshop you can create your own sweet masterpieces to take home. Kids should be at least 5 years old to participate.
Get your ticket for the Chocolate Museum incl. chocolate workshop
Hidden Gems for Families in Vienna
Swimming, Playing, and Relaxing on the Donauinsel
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: the whole day
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? The Donauinsel is a 21-kilometer-long artificial island and a beloved recreational paradise with great swimming spots, playgrounds, and plenty of activities for the whole family.
Is it worth it? Pure nature, no cars, and genuinely beautiful swimming spots — all right in the middle of the city. The Donauinsel is our favorite place to be when we’re exploring Vienna with kids.
Our tip: The water playground on the Donauinsel is our pick for the best playground in Vienna.
Read our tips for the Danube Island in Vienna:
Riding the Carousel at the Böhmischer Prater
- Perfect for: toddlers and young children
- How much time to plan: 1–3 hours
- Cost: free entry, tickets for rides purchased on site
What do you need to know? The Böhmischer Prater, located outside the city center in the 10th district, is a small amusement park with historic rides and carousels, some of which are already 100 years old.
Is it worth it? The Böhmischer Prater is perfect for families with younger children. The historic carousels have their own charm, and things move at a much more relaxed pace here than at the main Prater.
Our tip: The rides at the Böhmischer Prater are also a bit cheaper than at the main Prater.
Hiking up the Kahlenberg and Enjoying the View
- Perfect for: kids who love walking and climbing
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? The 484-meter Kahlenberg is Vienna’s local mountain and a popular day-trip destination with a spectacular view of the city. We especially recommend the Leopoldsberg observation terrace, which has a fantastic vista over the Danube and the Donauinsel.
Is it worth it? If you have a few extra days for your family vacation in Vienna, the Kahlenberg is a genuine recommendation. A little variety from classic sightseeing never hurts.
Our tip: The Waldseilpark Kahlenberg is a great option for families — you can climb through the trees at heights of up to 20 meters. The minimum height to climb is 110 cm.
Getting there: You can reach the Leopoldsberg viewpoint by public transit. Take the U4 to Heiligenstadt, then bus 38A onward via Cobenzl to Leopoldsberg.
Hike: You can also reach Leopoldsberg via a short hiking trail called the Nasenweg. The Nasenweg trailhead is in Kahlenbergerdorf. After 1.5 kilometers of uphill hiking (about 30–45 minutes), you’ll be rewarded with a great view. Totally doable for kids ages four to five and up — as long as they enjoy walking.
Gänsehäufel: Beach Vacation in the Middle of the City
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: at least 3 hours
- Beach entry cost: from €7, children from €2.50, under 5 free
What do you need to know? Gänsehäufel is a small island on the Alte Donau with a beach and plenty of family activities like a climbing park, mini golf, boating, and playgrounds.
Is it worth it? In summer, Gänsehäufel is a true Vienna insider tip for families. It feels like a beach vacation right in the middle of the city — nature, sandy beaches, and far from the urban bustle. Tourists rarely find their way here.
Our tip: The best way to reach Gänsehäufel is by public transit or bike. There are very few parking spots and driving there can be a real hassle.
The Best Parks and Playgrounds in Vienna
Relaxing in the Wiener Stadtpark
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? The Wiener Stadtpark is the largest park in Vienna’s city center. There are several playgrounds, plenty of open space, lots of trees, enough shade, and park benches to sit on.
Is it worth it? The Stadtpark is worth a visit if you’re already exploring the old quarter and want to give the kids — and yourselves — a break from sightseeing. It’s only a 15-minute walk from Stephansplatz.
Splashing Around at the Wasserturm Water Playground
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 2 hours
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? At the Wasserturm in the 10th district (in Favoriten) you’ll find a lovely, large water playground with a rope ferry, water basins, a sandy beach, and a small stream. There are also restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
Is it worth it? On hot days this is the perfect place to cool off. The water tends to be pretty cold, so it’s best saved for warmer days.
Our tip: The playground at the Wasserturm is just a few steps from the Hotel Campanile Vienna South. If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Vienna, this one offers great value for money.
Climbing at the Motorik-Park
- Perfect for: kids ages 3 and up
- How much time to plan: 1–2 hours
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? In Helmut-Zilk-Park in the 10th district, right near Vienna’s main train station, kids can let loose on various climbing routes in the Motorik-Park.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The climbing playground is free and really thoughtfully designed. We’d happily come back.
Our tip: If you can’t get enough of climbing, there’s also a bouldering gym just a few minutes from the Motorik-Park.
Running Wild at the Playground in Steinhofgründe
- Perfect for: all ages
- How much time to plan: 3 hours
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? The Steinhofgründe is a recreational area on the outskirts of the city, with hiking trails, meadows, a lovely playground, and plenty of greenery all around.
Is it worth it? The playground alone probably isn’t worth the trip out here, but if you’re looking to take the family on an outing away from the city center, the Steinhofgründe is a wonderful destination.
Our tip: At Otto am Berg in the southern part of the park you’ll find top-notch burgers and sandwiches.
Family Outing to the Roter Berg Viewpoint
- Perfect for: kids ages 3 and up
- How much time to plan: 3 hours
- Cost: free
What do you need to know? Roter Berg is a small park in the western part of the city, and from the playground you get a really lovely view over Vienna.
Is it worth it? If you’re spending more than a weekend in Vienna, it’s worth a visit when you want a break from sightseeing.
Family Hotels in Vienna: Staying with Kids in Vienna
Staying with kids in Vienna doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the Vienna hotels we’d especially recommend for families.
Our Hotel Pick for Families in Vienna: Superbude Wien Prater
The Superbude Wien Prater wins us over as the complete package for families: the price, location, and amenities are all excellent — and it’s really cool on top of that.
There are various room types, and each room is decorated around a different theme. You can book family rooms with a double bed and bunk bed, or for larger families, a room with up to five single beds.
This family-friendly hotel sits right at the Prater, with views of the Giant Ferris Wheel and more. You’ll be in the 2nd district — not right in the thick of the old town’s tourist activity, but just 20 minutes from Stephansplatz by subway.
Here’s why the Superbude wins us over as a family hotel in Vienna:
- Baby cribs free up to age 3
- Children under 10 stay free in the parents’ room
- Family rooms with up to 5 beds
- Prater location perfect for families
- Children under 10 eat breakfast for free
- Good public transit connections
Go to Hotel Superbude Wien Prater
More Recommended Family Hotels in Vienna
Budget Family Hotel: Meininger Hotel Downtown Franz
An affordable family hotel with a shared kitchen and play area in the 2nd district, just 1.5 kilometers from the old town. Family rooms with up to six beds — ideal for larger families.
Go to Meininger Hotel Wien Downtown Franz
Stylish Family Hotel: Henriette Stadthotel Vienna
A charming family hotel in the 2nd district, ten minutes’ walk from the Prater. It has spacious family rooms and you’ll feel completely at home here as a family.
Go to Henriette Stadthotel Vienna
Classic Family Hotel: Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof
A reliable family hotel in a great location at the main train station, with excellent access to the old town. Family rooms available with a sofa bed for up to two children.
Go to Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof
Apartment Hotel for Families: Citadines Danube Vienna
Spacious, modern apartments with a kitchenette, connecting doors, and sofa beds in the 22nd district, just 15 minutes from the center by subway.
Go to Apartment Hotel Citadines Danube Vienna
More hotel tips for Vienna can be found here:
General Tips for a Relaxed Family Vacation in Vienna
Here are a few more pointers to help make your family vacation in Vienna a real success.
#1 Avoid Driving
If you can, skip the car in Vienna. It simply isn’t necessary — you can get around easily by public transit.
Many sights in the old town are even within walking distance.
Public transit tickets in Vienna aren’t expensive, and the network runs reliably.
Children don’t need a transit ticket until age 6, and on weekends and public holidays, children under 15 even ride for free.
#2 Rent City Bikes
A great alternative to buses and trains in Vienna is the Wiener Linien bike-share program, available all over the city at low cost. A 30-minute ride costs about €0.75, and a 24-hour pass costs a maximum of €19.
Vienna’s bike lane network is now well developed, with many physically separated lanes and traffic-calmed streets.
The best part: In Vienna, almost every rental station also has bikes with a child seat. We think that’s really great — it’s something we’ve only seen in Vienna so far.
We already had a kids’ helmet on our packing list for kids, and on our Vienna city trips we’ve managed to get almost everywhere by rental bike.
In the Nextbike app you can filter for bikes with a child seat. If you don’t have a kids’ helmet with you, you can rent one at a local bike rental shop.
You’ll find especially scenic cycling routes along the Danube, the Danube Canal, and the Donauinsel.
#3 Buy Tickets Online in Advance
For certain attractions, you should get your tickets online before you go. That way you can skip the lines and make the most of your time doing things in Vienna with kids.
For these spots, we’d strongly recommend booking in advance:
We’d also recommend making restaurant reservations in advance. Spontaneously finding a free table for dinner in the city center doesn’t always work out.
#4 Vienna City Card if You’re Spending 3 Days in Vienna
Spending three days in Vienna with older kids? Then the Vienna City Card is worth it — it includes discounts on Vienna’s attractions and sights, plus a 72-hour public transit pass.
That said, the Vienna City Card only makes sense if your kids are at least 6 years old. Children under 6 rarely pay admission anywhere in Vienna.
Get the Vienna City Card 72 hours
Read our detailed Vienna pass comparison for more tips:
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vienna with Kids
Is Vienna easily accessible with a stroller or buggy?
Yes! In Vienna we’ve had great experiences using a stroller or travel stroller.
The paths are mostly in good condition and manageable with a stroller, and you can easily take it on public transportation too.
At some attractions, strollers are not allowed — for example in certain museums, the Donauturm, or the Giant Ferris Wheel.
What tickets do children need for local transit in Vienna?
Children under 6 years old ride public transportation in Vienna for free at all times.
Children up to 15 years old can ride for free on Sundays and during Vienna school holidays.
For regular fares, children between 6 and 15 years old pay half the regular price for a single ticket. Multi-day tickets for children are not available.
With the Vienna City Card, children under 15 ride for free. If you’re traveling with older children between 6 and 15 years old, this can be a smart choice.
Where can you eat well with kids in Vienna?
Our experience dining out with kids in Vienna has been consistently positive.
You can go pretty much anywhere — most restaurants are very family-friendly, even if not every place has special amenities for children.
We got high chairs at every restaurant we visited, and there was always room for the stroller too.
If you’re looking for a dedicated kids’ café in Vienna, the Kindercafé Lauserpause in the 2nd district, with its indoor playground, is a fantastic option.
What can you do for free in Vienna with kids?
There are several activities in Vienna that you can enjoy with kids completely free of charge.
The Prater is one of the few major attractions in Vienna that charges no admission. You do need tickets for the rides, but you can also head to one of the many playgrounds in the sprawling park — that won’t cost you a thing.
Our absolute free tip for families in Vienna: the Donauinsel! No entry fee, great playgrounds, swimming spots, and plenty to keep the kids entertained all day.
Many museums in Vienna are also free for children — though parents do pay admission. These include the Natural History Museum, Mumok, Albertina, the Technical Museum, and the Belvedere.
If you’re visiting Vienna with kids in the summer, the Kultursommer is a genuine insider tip for families. It’s a free festival running from early July to early August, with events across the city — theater, circus, music, and dance — including many programs designed specifically for kids.
