Planning a trip is never simple… And planning a trip with kids can be even more challenging! You want to make sure that there are lots of things for the little ones to enjoy. We understand. And our Routeperfect users have spoken. Here are the top 10 family-friendly destinations in Austria to help you plan your trip:
Vienna
Vienna is a super family-friendly city – we could almost write a whole post just about attractions for children in Vienna. Definitely keep Austria’s capital in mind as you plan your trip.
Haus der Musik (House of Music) Sound Museum: Vienna has always been the city of musical innovation, and your children will love this interactive museum. Learn about historical composers, exhibits about the science of sound and acoustics, and your kids can even make their own CD of digital music.
Prater Theme Park: The Wiener Prater is the world’s oldest amusement park. Entry to the park is free, but you will pay per ride. It’s home to the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which is considered a local icon.
Bogi Park: Austria’s largest indoor playground features climbing frames, go karts, trampolines, and more. The facilities are for kids ages 1-12.
Kaiser Kindy Children’s Museum: Your children can become Austrian princes and princess as they don period costumes. This wonderful museum features old fashioned furniture, toys, and your kids will even learn how to properly set a table – a bonus! If you book in advance, you can arrange a guided tour in English.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Zoo): Situated on the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna is home to the world’s oldest zoo. It is home to a nice variety of animals, and still retains some of its 18th century architecture.
Salzburg
Hallein Salt Mine: This mine dates back to the Neolithic Age 7,000 years ago. It helped shape Salzburg as a major trading center. The whole family will enjoy the tour as you put on your white overalls and take a train ride deep into the mines. A special treat waiting for you is a boat ride on an underground lake.
Ice Caves in Werfen: No trip to Salzburg is complete without a day trip to Werfen’s Ice Cave. Take a cable car up to the cave where a guide with a lantern will take you through the cave. Make sure to bundle up, the cave is cold – it is ice, after all.
Innsbruck
Alpine Zoo: This zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, flora and fauna of the Alps, and spectacular views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. It is the world’s only zoo dedicated specifically to creatures of the Alps.
Klagenfurt
Lake Worthersee: With boat tours, tons of water sports, and sunbathing opportunities on the banks of the lake, there is something for the whole family to enjoy at Lake Worthersee.
Reptile Zoo: Austria’s largest reptile zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including 60 species of snake. The zoo has both indoor and outdoor areas with reptiles and fish from all over the world.
Eboard Museum: This interactive museum is home to Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments. The kids will have a blast roaming around the museum and testing out the different instruments.
Graz
‘FRida and freD’ Children’s Museum: Divided into two sections for older and younger kids, this interactive museum features exhibits dedicated to encouraging curiosity and invention. The museum offers workshops and performances, so check the website before you go to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Die Grazer Märchenbahn: Located in underground tunnels that were used as air-raid shelters during World War II, this 35 minute train ride is a trip through a fairy-tale. The tunnels have been transformed into a witch’s lair, a giant’s cave, and even an Arabian city. Parts of the ride are in the dark, so please judge for yourself if your child will be scared.
Bregenz
Seilbahn Schnifisberg (Cable Car): Take the cable car up the mountain to enjoy breathtaking views, excellent hiking paths, and even paragliding. Go for a swim, or check out the fun mini golf course located on the banks of the lake.
Stoffels Säge-Mühle: Pay a visit to this open air museum to learn about the history of milling in the region, including the technological advancements that have been made over the last 2,000 years.
Zell am See
Schmittenhöhe: Known as Austria’s most beautiful panoramic mountain, it offers great hiking in the summer and winter sports in the snow, including ski pistes for all abilities. The Austrian Alps are truly a “must” when you plan your trip.
Lake Zell: Spend a day on the shores of Lake Zell where you can enjoy just about every water sport imaginable. Take a hike on one of the surrounding trails, and then cool off in the lake – it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Linz
Zoo: Situated halfway up the Pöstlingberg, this excellent zoo is home to over 600 animals and offers stunning views of the area.
Grotto Railway (Grottenbahn): Take a ride on the “Dragon Express,” a mini train in the shape of a dragon. The train ride takes you through colorful fairy-tale scenes. Your kids will love to guess which stories the scenes are from.
Kitzbuhel
People of any age and ability can enjoy Kitzbuhel. Ski classes are available for children – they will be in good hands while you hit the slopes, and thanks to the excellent lessons, soon you will be able to ski together. But don’t think this area is only good for winter sports. In the summer you can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking trails, bicycle rental for family cycling, golf links, and swimming. Keep it in mind when you plan your trip, no matter what time of year you choose.
Wildpark Aurach: Tirol’s largest outdoor enclosure is home to over 200 animals including lynx, wild boar, yak, zebu, marmots, wild ducks, pheasants, peacocks, ibex and more.
Kitzbüheler Horn Alpine Garden: Home to over 300 type of plants, experts have called this one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain gardens. They offer guided tours specifically for children every day – check their website for tour times.
Villach
Monkey Mountain: A visit to monkey mountain isn’t like a typical zoo. Rather than standing on the other side of a cage and watching the animals, visitors actually enter the enclosure and interact with 150 Japanese macaques. Expert guides explain what’s going on – the monkeys’ interactions, habits, etc. so you will learn a lot and have a great time monkeying around.
AdlerArena (Eagle Show) Landskron Castle: The aim of this fantastic show is to educate people about birds of prey. All of the birds here were born in captivity (not captured). The show is about 40 minutes long, and the guide will explain the birds’ habits and behavior.
Gerlitzen Alpe: Take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy hiking, go-karting, bungee trampoline, and more.
We hope this list made it a little easier for you to plan your trip for your family in Austria!
