Vienna with Kids: A Fresh & Adventurous Family Getaway Guide

Vienna isn’t just about imperial palaces and grand history—it’s a playground of green parks, interactive museums, and authentic local flavour, especially when travelling with children. On our recent fam trip, organized by the Vienna Tourist Board, we set out to explore Vienna through kids’ eyes. What we found was more than elegant architecture—it’s magic, surprise, and unforgettable family moments. Here’s how you can experience Vienna in a fun, stress-free way too.

Getting There & First Impressions:

Our Barcelona → Vienna trip had more drama than expected. A Vueling strike cancelled flights, forcing us to pick between losing a day or taking a detour: Barcelona → Munich by plane, then Munich → Vienna by train. A long journey for 23 people , but teamwork saved the day—and we learned a few things about travel flexibility.

Tip: Always have a Plan B—check train/alternate routes in the region, especially during peak travel disruption seasons.

On the return, flights were delayed nearly two hours. One lesson stuck: choose travel dates off-peak if possible to avoid delays and crowd stress.

Vienna City Card & Transport Tips (2025/2026 Update)

Vienna transport & city card offerings have changed—here’s the current picture so you can plan smart.

Card / Ticket	Cost (2025)	What it includes
Vienna City Card (24h)	€17 viennacitycard.com	Unlimited public transport + discounts at — museums, restaurants, shops (200+), one child up to 15 travels free with each adult card holder. Vienna City Card
Vienna City Card (48h)	€25 Vienna City Card	Same as above
Vienna City Card (72h)	€29 Vienna City Card	Same as above
Vienna City Card (7 days)	€35 Vienna City Card	Best for longer stays
“Discounts Only” card	€9 (7-day variant)	For those who already have transport tickets or annual passes. Includes museums, concerts, shopping & more. vienna.info

Where We Stayed ? — Boutiquehotel Stadthalle

Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is more than just comfortable—it’s pioneering green. It claims to be the world’s first inner-city hotel with a zero-energy balance. hotelstadthalle.at

• The green courtyard oasis and rooftop lavender were peaceful retreats after busy days.
• Organic breakfast buffet with local produce, served outdoors when weather allows.
• Location is excellent: about an 8-minute walk from Westbahnhof, close to the Mariahilfer Straße shopping street, and well connected via tram and underground.

What really stood out: rooms were spotless, staff friendly, breakfast was something the kids look forward to every morning. For families wanting eco-friendly lodging in Vienna, this hotel is hard to beat.

Family-Friendly Vienna: Top Things to Do with Kids

Vienna is one of Europe’s most family-friendly destinations, offering endless activities that keep children entertained while introducing them to art, history, and culture. The city shines because its attractions are designed to be educational yet playful, interactive yet accessible for all ages. From hands-on children’s museums to imperial palaces turned adventure zones, Vienna with kids is both fun and enriching.

Families will also love Vienna’s stroller-friendly public transport, spacious parks, child-friendly cafés, and widespread discounts for young visitors. Even the city’s most famous landmarks welcome children with open arms, making it a stress-free and memorable destination for families.

Here are our favorite experiences—and must-visit places—you shouldn’t miss on your next family trip to Vienna. All of these were organized in collaboration with the by Vienna Tourist Board.

Schönbrunn Vienna Zoo – The Oldest Zoo in the World:

No family trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn), officially the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752. Originally an imperial menagerie, today it’s one of Europe’s leading zoos, renowned for species conservation, wildlife education, and sustainable practices.

Walking through the zoo is like stepping back in time. Many original 18th-century baroque buildings still stand, providing a unique blend of imperial elegance and lush greenery. Schönbrunn Zoo is more than a zoo—it’s a cultural, historical, and educational experience for the entire family.

Family Highlights:

One of the highlights is the chance to see giant pandas, making Schönbrunn Zoo one of the very few zoos worldwide where these rare animals can be found. Our kids were fascinated—especially since our home zoo in Barcelona doesn’t have pandas!

Practical Information (2025-2026):

• Zoo Tickets: Adults €27, Children (ages 6–18) €15.50, under 6 free. Family tickets available. For best pricing options use Vienna Pass.
• Opening Hours: Open daily, year-round. Hours vary by season (usually 9 AM – 6 PM in summer).
• Location: Inside the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.
• How to Get There: Metro line U4 to Hietzing Station. Trams 10, 58, and bus routes also stop nearby.

Travel Tip: Combine your visit to the zoo with a walk through the stunning Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, making it a full family day out.

Schönbrunn Panorama Train – The Best Way to Explore the Palace Grounds

The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching across 160 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds. Exploring everything on foot can be overwhelming, especially with kids—which is why the Schönbrunn Panorama Train is such a fantastic option.

This family-friendly hop-on hop-off shuttle train connects the palace’s top attractions, including the Gloriette, the Schönbrunn Zoo, and the Palm House. In total, there are 9 stops around the gardens, making it easy to see the highlights without tiring little legs.

Inside the zoo, the Panorama Train runs daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, shuttling between the Emperor’s Breakfast Pavilion, the Elephant House, and the Tirolerhof farmstead. Trains arrive about every 30 minutes, so you’ll never have to wait too long.

Panorama Train Tickets (2025):

• Adults: €12.00
• Children (ages 6–14): €6.40
• Under 6: Free
• Family passes available

Travel Tip: The train is stroller-friendly, and tickets are valid all day—so you can hop on and off as much as you like while exploring Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens.

We especially loved the brief stop at the Gloriette Hill viewpoint—just five minutes, but with sweeping views over the gardens and the city of Vienna, it was absolutely worth it.

Vienna’s Children’s Museums – Where Kids Play Like Royals

If you’re visiting Vienna with kids, don’t miss the city’s two most family-friendly treasures: ZOOM Kindermuseum in the MuseumsQuartier and the Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace. Both are designed to spark curiosity while letting kids learn through play.

At ZOOM Kindermuseum, children become explorers, artists, and scientists all at once. With rotating exhibitions and hands-on workshops, younger visitors can climb, paint, experiment with sound, or dive into interactive worlds made just for them. It’s one of Vienna’s most popular stops for families, especially on rainy days.

Our shuttle train adventure ended at Kindermuseum Schönbrunn, where history comes alive in the most playful way. The moment you walk in, kids step into the shoes of little princes and princesses. They can dress up in royal costumes, sit proudly on a throne, decorate powdered wigs, or even set the table for an imperial banquet. Every room is themed around imperial Vienna, teaching children about daily life in the palace centuries ago—without ever feeling like a classroom.

The hardest part? Convincing our kids to leave.

Children’s Museum Schönbrunn Palace

• Tickets: Adults €12.00, Children (age 3-18) €12.00. Reduced price for disabled visitors: ~€11.00. School or group rates (10+ children) ~€8.00. Schönbrunn Palace
• Combined options: Children’s Museum + Maze: ~€14.50 for adults & children (6-18). kindermuseumschoenbrunn.at
• Combined ticket (Children’s Museum + Maze + Zoo): Adults ~€38.00, Children (6-18) ~€28.00. kindermuseumschoenbrunn.at

Getting there: Schönbrunner Schlossstraße 47. Nearest underground: U4 (Schönbrunn station). Trams also serve the area. vienna.info

ZOOM Children’s Museum (MuseumsQuartier)

• Exhibition & “Ocean” programmes: ~€5.00 / session. vienna.info
• Studio & Animation/Film-studio programmes: ~€7.00 / session. vienna.info
• Some tickets / programmes offer discounts with Vienna City Card. vienna.info
• Address: MuseumsQuartier (Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna)

Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance online—both museums are extremely popular with families, especially on weekends and school holidays.

Schönbrunn Palace & Wiener Riesenrad — Must-Do Vienna Classics (2025)

Schönbrunn Palace is more than just a pretty façade — it’s a living piece of history. This 17th-century Baroque gem has played a central role in Vienna’s imperial legacy and continues to enchant visitors today. Walking around the Schönbrunn Palace grounds alone offers grand façades, sweeping gardens, fountains, and an atmosphere of regal charm.

If you have time, you can combine three top attractions in one day: exploring the Palace interiors, visiting the Children’s Museum & Maze, and stopping by Schönbrunn Zoo. We didn’t manage all three — our schedule took us first to the Palace, then onto lunch at the outside eco-friendly Landtmann’s Jausen Station, which was relaxing and delicious.

After lunch, our next highlight was the Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna’s iconic Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater. It’s perfect for winding down with the family and catching panoramic views of the city.

---

Updated Tickets & Visitor Info (2025)

Attraction	Price & Details
Schönbrunn Palace (“Palace Ticket”)	Adults €34.00, Children (6-18) €24.00. Includes audio guide / printed descriptions. Schönbrunn Palace
Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel)	Adults €14.50, Children (3-14) €6.50. Family tickets (2 adults + children) available. Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

Dinner at Mayer am Pfarrplatz – A Viennese Heuriger Experience

After a full day of family adventures, we wrapped up the evening at Mayer am Pfarrplatz, one of Vienna’s most famous Heuriger (traditional wine taverns). Located in the historic district of Heiligenstadt, this winery has been producing exceptional Viennese wine for over 300 years. Its leafy courtyards, rustic charm, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit.

Highlights of Mayer am Pfarrplatz:

• Home to Beethoven for several months in 1817 while he worked on his Symphony No. 9.
• Family-friendly with play areas for children.
• Known for crisp Viennese white wines and hearty local dishes.
• Live traditional music on many evenings, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.

Exploring Vienna at Leisure – Fiaker Rides & Stephansdom

The next day, with no fixed schedule, we hopped on Tram 49 to its final stop and simply wandered through Vienna’s charming streets. One of the most iconic ways to see the city is by Fiaker, the traditional horse-drawn carriage. Rides usually begin near Stephansplatz or the Hofburg Palace, with tours ranging from quick 20-minute rides through the old town to 60-minute panoramic routes.

• Fiaker prices (2025):
  • 20 minutes: €65
  • 40 minutes: €95
  • 60 minutes: €120
    (Prices per carriage, not per person — fits up to 4 passengers).
• Tip: Book online or at Fiaker stands to secure your preferred time slot, especially in high season.

Our walk led us straight to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), the beating heart of Vienna. This 14th-century Gothic masterpiece is famous for its multicolored tiled roof, stone gargoyles, and the soaring South Tower (136m), which rewards visitors with panoramic city views. Here you can find the entrance tikets.

Stop and Play with Kids in Vienna’s Gardens

Vienna isn’t just palaces and museums — it’s also one of Europe’s greenest capitals, with over 50% of its area made up of parks, gardens, and woodlands. Two of the most family-friendly parks in the Innere Stadt (city center) are the Burggarten and the Volksgarten, both within walking distance of the Hofburg Palace.

• Volksgarten (People’s Garden): Known for its elegant rose garden with more than 3,000 rose bushes, this park is more formal, perfect for a calm stroll or a photo stop. Benches line the flowerbeds, and the view of the Austrian Parliament and Hofburg adds to the charm. Entry is free.
• Burggarten: A more casual park, where families often sit directly on the grass to relax and enjoy picnics. It’s also home to the Mozart Monument, one of the most photographed landmarks in Vienna, and the Palmenhaus (Palm House), a glasshouse with a stylish café and the Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus), where kids can walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

Pro Tip: Both gardens are free to enter and open year-round, but spring and early summer are the most colorful seasons to visit.

Eat Well in Vienna – Family-Friendly Dining

During our stay, breakfasts were a highlight at Boutiquehotel Stadthalle, an eco-friendly hotel that serves an organic buffet with plenty of choices for both adults and kids. Enjoying breakfast in their garden was the perfect way to start our days in Vienna.

For lunch near Schönbrunn Palace, we highly recommend Landtmann’s Jausen Station. This charming outdoor café-restaurant is located right in the gardens of Schönbrunn, in an area once used by imperial children as a playground. Today, it’s one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Vienna, blending delicious food with a playful setting for kids.

Highlights of Landtmann’s Jausen Station:

• Located in the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, surrounded by nearly one hectare of greenery.
• Large play areas where kids can run and explore while parents relax.
• Bio-toilets and an outdoor baby-changing station, making it easy for families with little ones.
• A beautiful labyrinth-style garden behind the restaurant.
• Seasonal menu featuring Viennese classics, light dishes, and refreshing drinks.
• Exceptionally friendly staff with attention to detail.

Sweet Treats in Vienna: Pastries, Gelato & Wafers

Vienna is a paradise for pastry lovers, where centuries-old recipes meet modern delights. From the iconic Sachertorte to crispy wafers and creamy gelato, there’s something sweet for every palate.

Sachertorte – Vienna’s Legendary Chocolate Cake

The Sachertorte is a rich chocolate cake with a secret layer of apricot jam and a glossy chocolate glaze. Created in 1832 by 16-year-old Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich, it became a royal favorite. Today, it’s a must-try at Hotel Sacher and Demel, two of Vienna’s most famous pastry shops.

Fun fact: The two establishments once had a legal battle over the cake’s recipe, known as the “Chocolate Cake War”.

Apple Strudel – A Flaky Austrian Classic

Apple strudel, or Apfelstrudel, is a traditional Viennese dessert made with thin layers of dough filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon. It’s often served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of vanilla sauce. Many cafés in Vienna offer this delightful pastry, making it a perfect treat for families.

Manner Wafers – A Sweet Viennese Tradition

Founded in 1890, Manner is one of Austria’s most beloved confectionery brands. Their Neapolitan wafers, introduced in 1898, are filled with hazelnut cream and wrapped in distinctive pink packaging.

Fun fact: Manner wafers were featured in the TV show Friends, making them a global snack sensation.

Zanoni & Zanoni – Gelato Near St. Stephen’s Cathedral

For a refreshing treat, Zanoni & Zanoni offers authentic Italian gelato just steps from Stephansdom. With a variety of flavors and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great stop for kids and adults alike.

Essential Travel Tips for Families Visiting Vienna

Vienna is a city that blends imperial history with modern convenience, making it an ideal destination for families. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, here are some important tips:

Plan Ahead: Reservations Are Recommended

Austrian culture values punctuality and organization. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance for:

• Restaurants
• Museums
• Local attractions
• Horse-drawn carriage rides (Fiaker)

While spontaneous visits are possible, you may find that attractions are fully booked without a prior reservation. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on Vienna’s top experiences.

Best Times to Visit Vienna

Vienna is a year-round destination, but certain seasons offer unique experiences:

• Spring (April to June): The city comes alive with blooming flowers and outdoor cafés, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and sightseeing.
• Fall (September to November): Parks and vineyards showcase vibrant autumn colors, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
• Winter (Mid-November to December): Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland with festive Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and seasonal concerts vienna.info.

Free Admission for Children

Vienna is exceptionally family-friendly:

• Public Transportation: Children under 6 travel for free on all public transport services. During school holidays, on Sundays, and public holidays, all children under 15 ride for free on Vienna’s public transport services vienna.info.
• Museums: Many state-run museums offer free admission for children and young people under 18. For example, the Natural History Museum provides free entry for visitors under 19 vienna.info.

Navigating Vienna with Strollers

Vienna’s public transportation system is designed with families in mind:

• Accessibility: The subway is almost entirely barrier-free, with elevators and escalators at every station to ensure easy access for families with strollers vienna.info.
• Trams and Buses: Equipped with folding ramps, making it convenient for parents traveling with young children.

Fun Fact: Horse-Drawn Carriages (Fiaker)

No visit to Vienna is complete without a ride in a traditional Fiaker. These horse-drawn carriages have been a part of the city’s charm since the 18th century. They offer a unique way to explore Vienna’s historic streets and are especially popular among families.

---

Final Thoughts

Vienna’s rich history, cultural attractions, and family-friendly amenities make it a fantastic destination for travelers of all ages. While planning ahead is recommended, the city’s welcoming atmosphere ensures that families have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

A special thanks to the Vienna Tourist Board for their assistance in making our visit seamless and enjoyable. We look forward to returning and exploring more of what this beautiful city has to offer.