Vienna for Families

Vienna for Families

The world's oldest zoo, Prater amusement park, Giant Ferris Wheel, interactive museums, Schönbrunn Maze, and incredible food — everything for a memorable family holiday

Vienna is a dream destination for families. The Schönbrunn Zoo — the oldest zoo in the world, established in 1752 — is home to giant pandas and over 700 species. The Prater amusement park with its iconic 1897 Giant Ferris Wheel has been thrilling families for over 250 years. Haus des Meeres puts an aquarium inside a WWII flak tower. The Technisches Museum lets kids drive miniature vehicles and witness high-voltage demonstrations. ZOOM Children's Museum offers hands-on workshops designed for ages 0-14. Add in the Schönbrunn Maze, the Butterfly House, and some of Europe's best food (children love Wiener Schnitzel), and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable family adventure. Vienna is also one of the safest cities in the world, with excellent public transport where children under 6 ride free.

Top Kid-Friendly Attractions

Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten)

Must Visit

All ages

The world's oldest zoo, established in 1752 as the imperial menagerie, and consistently voted one of the best zoos in Europe. The highlight is the giant panda family — one of the few in Europe. The Rainforest House immerses you in a tropical environment with free-flying birds and butterflies. The Aquarium and Terrarium House fascinates children. Allow 3-4 hours. Located within the Schönbrunn Palace grounds, combine with the palace gardens and maze. Entry: €24 adults, €15 children 6-18, free for under 6. Open daily year-round.

Prater Amusement Park

Must Visit

All ages

Vienna's beloved amusement park has been entertaining families since 1766. The iconic Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), built in 1897, offers panoramic views over the city (€14.50 adults, €6 children). Beyond the wheel, the park has over 250 attractions including roller coasters, bumper cars, a ghost train, and children's rides. Entry to the park is free — you pay per ride (€2-6 each). The adjacent Prater park is a vast green space with playgrounds and cycling paths. Allow half a day.

Haus des Meeres

Must Visit

Ages 3+

This unique aquarium and terrarium is housed inside a WWII anti-aircraft flak tower — the building itself fascinates older children. Inside, over 10,000 animals across 11 floors include sharks, tropical fish, sea turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, and a tropical greenhouse with free-flying birds. The rooftop terrace offers 360-degree views of Vienna. The interactive touch pools let children handle starfish and sea urchins. Entry: €12.90 adults, €6.90 children 6-15, free for under 6. Allow 2-3 hours.

Technisches Museum

Recommended

Ages 5+

Vienna's interactive science and technology museum is a paradise for curious children. Hands-on exhibits cover everything from mining to space travel, with a dedicated children's area (mini mobil) where kids can drive miniature vehicles. The high-voltage demonstration is spectacular. The music technology section lets children create their own sounds. Entry: €16 adults, free for under 19. Allow 3-4 hours. Located near Schönbrunn — combine the two for a full day.

More Family Activities

ZOOM Children's Museum

Top Pick

Located in the MuseumsQuartier, ZOOM offers hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits designed specifically for children aged 0-14. The ZOOM Ocean zone is for toddlers, the ZOOM Studio offers art workshops, and the ZOOM Animated Film studio lets older children create their own animations. Sessions are time-limited (60-90 minutes) and require booking — reserve online in advance. Entry: €5-7 per child. One of the best children's museums in Europe. Parents participate alongside their children.

Schönbrunn Maze & Labyrinth

Great Option

Within the Schönbrunn Palace grounds, the maze and labyrinth playground area delights children. The 1,715 m² hedge maze challenges families to find the centre, while the labyrinth area has interactive games and climbing structures. A playground with water features is adjacent. Entry is included with a Schönbrunn combination ticket or separately for €6 adults, €3.50 children. Combine with the zoo and palace gardens for a full Schönbrunn day. Open March to November.

Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)

Great Option

Housed in an Art Nouveau greenhouse in the Burggarten (behind the Hofburg), this tropical paradise is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world. Children are mesmerised as butterflies land on their hands and clothing. The warm, humid environment with exotic plants creates a magical atmosphere. Entry: €7.50 adults, €4.50 children. Allow 30-45 minutes. Small but enchanting. Located next to the Hofburg — easy to combine with a city centre visit.

Family-Friendly Dining

Wiener Schnitzel

Figlmüller

Vienna's most famous Schnitzel restaurant serves plate-sized breaded cutlets that amaze children and adults alike. The thin, crispy Schnitzel hangs over the edge of the plate — it is a spectacle. The Bäckerstraße location is the original and most atmospheric. Expect €16-20 per Schnitzel. Reservations essential — book online. The portions are enormous. A quintessential Vienna family dining experience that children never forget.

Food Market

Naschmarkt

Vienna's most famous market stretches over 1.5 km with food stalls, restaurants, and produce vendors from around the world. Families love browsing the diverse offerings — Turkish kebabs, Greek souvlaki, Viennese pastries, fresh fruit, and more. Everyone can choose what they want. Saturday mornings include a flea market that children enjoy exploring. Budget €20-40 for a family of four grazing the stalls. Open Monday to Saturday.

Coffeehouse

Café Landtmann

One of Vienna's grand coffeehouses, Café Landtmann on the Ringstraße is more family-friendly than its reputation suggests. The hot chocolate is legendary, the Apfelstrudel is excellent, and children enjoy the sense of grandeur. The terrace overlooking the Burgtheater is lovely in good weather. Budget €8-15 per person for coffee/chocolate and cake. A wonderful introduction to Viennese coffeehouse culture for the whole family.

Street Food

Würstelstand Sausages

Vienna's iconic sausage stands (Würstelstände) are found on street corners throughout the city and are perfect for a quick, affordable family meal. A Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) or Bratwurst with bread and mustard costs just €3-5. Children love the novelty of eating at a standing counter. Bitzinger at Albertinaplatz (near the Opera) is the most famous, but local stands are equally good and cheaper.

Ice Cream

Eis Greissler & Gelaterias

Vienna has excellent ice cream shops. Eis Greissler in the 1st district makes artisan ice cream from organic Austrian ingredients — children love the creative flavours. Gelaterias around the Schwedenplatz area serve Italian-style gelato (€2-4 per scoop). The perfect afternoon reward after a morning of museum-hopping or zoo-visiting. Open from spring through autumn.

Pancakes

Palatschinken

Palatschinken (Austrian crêpes) are a universal hit with children. Filled with Marillenmarmelade (apricot jam), Nutella, or savoury fillings, they are available at most traditional Viennese restaurants and cafes. Many restaurants serve them as dessert (€6-10). The Prater has stands selling them as street food. A sweet, affordable treat the whole family will enjoy.

Where to Stay with Family

Best for Families

Leopoldstadt (2nd District)

The 2nd district is ideal for families — adjacent to the Prater with its amusement park and vast green spaces. Hotels are more affordable than the 1st district (€80-180/night) with more space. The U1 and U2 metro lines provide quick access to the centre. The Augarten park has playgrounds and the Porcelain Manufactory. Many apartments and family-sized rooms are available. The relaxed atmosphere suits families with children.

Walkable

Innere Stadt (1st District)

Staying in the centre puts you within walking distance of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, coffeehouses, and restaurants. The area is largely pedestrian-friendly and safe for children. Hotels range from €150-400/night but the convenience is unmatched — no metro needed for most city-centre attractions. The Stadtpark has a large playground. Slightly noisier than outer districts but supremely convenient.

Safety Tips for Families

Getting Around Safely

  • Vienna is consistently ranked the safest city in the world — families can relax
  • Children under 6 ride free on all public transport (U-Bahn, trams, buses)
  • The U-Bahn is clean, efficient, and stroller-accessible at most stations
  • The Innere Stadt is largely pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements
  • Cycling paths are excellent — family bike rentals available from CitiBike stations

Health & Comfort

  • Vienna tap water is Alpine spring water — safe, delicious, and free from any fountain
  • Apply sunscreen in summer — temperatures can reach 35°C in July-August
  • Healthcare is world-class — the AKH (General Hospital) has an English-speaking emergency department
  • Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widespread — look for the green cross symbol
  • Most museums and restaurants have baby-changing facilities and high chairs
  • Parks with playgrounds are found in every district — the Stadtpark, Volksgarten, and Prater are excellent

Budget Tips for Families

1

Under 19s enter free at many museums. The Technisches Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Naturhistorisches Museum, and Belvedere all offer free entry for visitors under 19. This saves families hundreds of euros.

2

Eat at Würstelstände. Vienna's sausage stands serve filling meals for just €3-5 per person. A family of four can eat for €12-20 — far cheaper than restaurants and a genuine Viennese experience.

3

Schönbrunn Palace gardens are free. The vast palace gardens, including the Great Parterre, the Neptune Fountain, and the walk up to the Gloriette, are free to enter. A wonderful free activity that fills an entire afternoon.

4

Vienna Card for families. The Vienna Card (€17/24hr, €25/48hr, €29/72hr) covers unlimited public transport plus discounts at over 210 attractions. Combined with free transport for under 6s, it saves families significant money on a multi-day visit.

Vienna for Families - FAQs

Vienna is an outstanding family destination. The city combines world-class attractions with excellent infrastructure for children. Schönbrunn Zoo — the oldest zoo in the world (est. 1752) — delights kids of all ages. The Prater amusement park with its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel offers thrills and fun. Haus des Meeres aquarium is housed in a fascinating WWII flak tower. The Technisches Museum and ZOOM Children's Museum provide hands-on learning. Vienna's public transport is stroller-friendly, parks are abundant, and the city is exceptionally safe. Children under 6 ride free on public transport.
Top kid-friendly activities include Schönbrunn Zoo with its giant pandas and rainforest house (€24 adults, free for under 6), the Prater amusement park with the Giant Ferris Wheel (€14.50) and dozens of rides, Haus des Meeres aquarium in a WWII flak tower (€12.90), Technisches Museum with interactive exhibits (€16), ZOOM Children's Museum with hands-on workshops (€5-7), and the Schönbrunn Maze and Labyrinth. The Butterfly House in the Burggarten and the Natural History Museum's dinosaur collection are also excellent.
Vienna is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. The public transport system is clean, efficient, and safe. Parks are well-maintained with playgrounds throughout the city. The Innere Stadt (1st district) is largely pedestrian-friendly. Tap water is safe to drink — it comes directly from Alpine springs and is excellent. Healthcare is world-class if needed. Vienna is an exceptionally comfortable and safe city for families.
Viennese cuisine is very child-friendly. Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal or chicken cutlet) is universally loved by kids. Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel make wonderful treats. The Naschmarkt has diverse food stalls where everyone can choose what they want. Figlmüller serves plate-sized schnitzels that amaze children (€16-20). Most restaurants have high chairs and are welcoming to families. Budget €30-60 for a family of four at a mid-range restaurant.
May to September offers the best weather for outdoor attractions — Schönbrunn Zoo, the Prater, and palace gardens are all at their best. The Christmas market season (late November to December) is magical for children with twinkling lights, Lebkuchen, and festive activities. July-August can be hot (30-35°C) but the Alte Donau lake area offers free swimming. School holidays bring special children's programmes at many museums. Vienna's indoor attractions make it viable year-round.

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