Animals to marvel at
Animals always do the trick with children. Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and a reliable hit – pandas, elephants and penguins included. If you fancy something wilder and free, the Lainzer Tiergarten is the place: a vast nature reserve on the edge of the city, where wild boar and deer often cross your path. And when the weather doesn’t play along, the Haus des Meeres, with its sharks and tropical aquarium, is a classic (we’ve written about it on the blog, too).
Running, splashing, room to roam
Children need to move, and there’s plenty of space for that in Vienna:
- The Donauinsel becomes one big play-and-swim spot in summer – shallow water, meadows, playgrounds and loads of room for scooters and bikes
- The Wurstelprater tempts with carousels and the giant Ferris wheel. Entry to the grounds is free – you only pay for the rides you actually want to go on.
- The Schwarzenbergpark here in Hernals has a lovely natural playground and, in winter, wonderful sledding meadows – and you barely have to leave the doorstep.
- The Schafbergbad, a little way uphill from us, is a family paradise in summer with one of the longest water slides in Vienna.
And if it rains?
No problem – then it’s indoors instead. At the Technical Museum, you’re allowed to push, crank and try out almost everything, and the hours simply fly by. The ZOOM Children’s Museum in the MuseumsQuartier is made especially for the little ones, with hands-on areas to touch, play and discover. Even a grey day turns into an adventure.
Getting there, stress-free
One practical note to finish: in Vienna, children travel free on public transport up to their 6th birthday, and on Sundays, public holidays and during the Vienna school holidays, children and teenagers up to 15 ride free as well. Which means: on many days only you grown-ups need a ticket – making the family outing that much easier (and cheaper).
We wish you relaxed, happy days in Vienna – and if you’re not sure where to start, just ask us …
