The 10 Best Things To Do In Vienna With Kids / Teenagers

Traveling to Vienna with kids / teenagers is different than traveling to Vienna on an adult trip. Vienna is known for it’s imperial beauty but there is only so much looking at architecture that kids can do. Because of this, we have compiled the best things to do in Vienna with kids / teenagers to make your trip incredible for all ages!

1. Rock Climb a WWII Armory

A little bit of fun, a little bit of history! Located in the Esterházypark, there is an old WWII armory that has been repurposed into a family-fun zone. Inside the armory is the Haus des Meeres, which is an aquarium. On the outside is Kletteranlage Flakturm, a rock climbing course up the armory tower!

We have rock climbed in a lot of places and this is by far one of the coolest spots we have seen. There are a couple of courses available for different ages and/or skill levels. The main rock climbing zone would be better suited for teenagers along with a parent as it is a ropes system. No auto-belays here! There is a kid-zone though that is great for the younger climbers.

We, unfortunately, did not get to climb this day because both of my kids ended up not feeling well. However, we still went just so that we could see it as it is a really cool place.

If you have mixed ages with you, the little ones will enjoy the park that is right at the bottom of the rock climbing wall. You’ll be able to keep an eye on all kids. That is, if you aren’t rock climbing yourself. The park has jungle gyms, a huge sand box, and table tennis.

At the top of the WWII tower, is the 360 degree restaurant with absolutely stunning views! Their lunch menu has some pretty affordable prices too so that is a win also!

If you are Vienna with kids / teenagers, I say this is a must. When will you be able to say that you climbed up a WWII armory again??

2. Bookstores

Old Bookstores

There are old bookstores kind of spread out so when you see one, pop inside to see if they have any books that you may like.

I highly suggest getting the book “Fly Away Home” as it is a true story of a little girl who grew up in Vienna during WWII. We read this as a family and it was so interesting and brought up a lot of great conversation.

A heads up about this book though. There were 2 pages where I had to black out bad language. As a Jesus follower, I just wanted to make sure I told you this info. This book was one that I read out loud to my kids so I was able to catch it and mark it out. I wanted to give you all a fair warning!

The cherry on the top of purchasing a book here is that they will stamp the book with the “Shakespeare & Co.” logo. The logo will also say “Vienna” in it so it can count as a souvenir! 🙂

Thalia Wien Bookstore

For a more modern bookstore, Thalia Wien is the place to go! There are multiple locations around Vienna. There is even one close to the rock climbing place I mentioned above.

However, I suggest visiting the location at: Schottengasse 4, 1010 Wien, Austria because it has a great view of the Votive Church on the 2nd floor. I’ll mention Votive Church a little further down in this post but the view from the bookstore is a great one!

*A note about these bookstores…My husband and son saw witchcraft books in both of these stores. It is almost impossible to find a bookstore that doesn’t have these kinds of books anymore but I wanted to at least make you all aware that there may be some dark books throughout the stores. I was so laser focused in the books that I was looking at that I didn’t even notice them.

3. Schonbrunn Zoo

I typically don’t think of going to a zoo when I am traveling as we have a zoo membership in my home city and I don’t want to spend time doing something that I can do at home.

However, we made an exception with the Schonbrunn Zoo for a couple of reasons and we are SO glad we did!

#1 – Oldest Zoo

First, it is the world’s first zoo! We used to go to the United States’ first zoo all the time when we lived near Philadelphia and loved it. So going to the world’s oldest zoo was something we wanted for our memories as well.

My cousin, who lives in Vienna and teaches at the University of Vienna, said, “It is no surprise to me that it is the world’s first zoo. That is what happens when you have a royal monarch saying they would like to have tigers in their backyard. A zoo is formed in the royal gardens.” I found that statement to be quite hilarious while also being so true lol.

#2 – Pandas!

The second reason why you need to visit the Schonbrunn Zoo when in Vienna with kids / teenagers is because THEY HAVE PANDAS!!!! Can you tell how excited I am about this!?

There are only 20 zoos outside of China that have the black and white pandas and only 3 in the United States (Washington D.C. Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Atlanta Zoo). So it’s not like everyone has access to pandas all of the time.

The Shonbrunn Zoo has the pandas on loan from China and won’t last forever so make sure to go see them while you can!

Since pandas are most active in the morning, it is best to get there right at opening. One thing that I really loved about the Panda exhibit is that it is right at the front of the zoo. This is really helpful so that people don’t have to be searching for the pandas – they are just right there as you walk in. Great planning from Shonbrunn!

#3 – Other Animals and Layouts

As we walked around the zoo, I continuously was amazed at how they designed the exhibits with the viewer in mind.

As an example, for their giraffes, there is an upstairs viewing platform where you can see the giraffes from their point of view. Our zoo has giraffes but they are far away and we definitely don’t have a platform to get a better look.

This was how it was in almost all of the areas too. The chimpanzee exhibit was awesome as it was indoors with a massive window from floor to ceiling so that you could see the chimps flying high on their ropes.

The penguin exhibit also had a platform above the water so that you could see down on the little guys. I was especially grateful for this platform because there was a school group that was crowded at ground level around the penguins.

They also have a skywalk that has great views of Vienna!

So even if you have a zoo membership at your local zoo, I would say that going to the Schonbrunn Zoo when you are in Vienna with your kids / teenagers is still a must do!

Plus, it is in the gardens of the Schonbrunn Palace so you can also walk around the beautiful gardens after you are finished with the zoo. Make a whole day of it and do the gardens, have lunch at the beautiful yellow house cafe, and do a tour of the palace.

Lots to do on these royal grounds. Don’t miss out on it!

4. Indoor Mini-Golf

If you are needing a break from walking the Ringstrasse and/or it is just too hot or cold outside and you need an indoor activity, Balls & Clubs Mini Golf would be a good option.

Just keeping it real here, I’ve seen and played at way better indoor mini-golf courses; however, this one is conveniently located within the Ringstrasse. Maybe just keep it in your back pocket should your kids be over looking at architecture and need some sports action lol.

5. Experience a Vienna Church

I absolutely love going to church services in other countries and hearing people worship in other languages. It reminds me of the scripture:

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and with palm branches in their hands…” — Revelation 7:9

So with that, here are a couple of suggestions on how to experience the above here on Earth when in Vienna with kids / teenagers.

Hillsong Vienna

Europe has no lack of Catholic churches, but to this Protestant writer, I love when I find churches like Hillsong Vienna. In the words of someone I met while attending a Hillsong Vienna service, “Hillsong Vienna tries to be a Spirit-led, worship-filled place”. And that is exactly what you will get there.

Listen, I know that there has been controversies over Hillsong but don’t let that stop you from trying Hillsong Vienna, as none of those controversies were about the Vienna location. What you will find here are people who are trying to break into a culture where Catholicism is the the only thing people know and they want to show a different side of following Jesus. No, they won’t have the massive, beautiful buildings, but they literally have the love and heart that some of those big, gorgeous places lack.

And going back to worshiping in other languages, if you are Protestant, you should recognize some of the songs they are singing so you can sing along no matter if they are singing in English or German.

A lot of times they will sing in both or at least have the words on the screen in both languages. For the sermons, check their website if they will have English services offered or English translation headsets. My friends and I used the English headsets in France and it worked out perfectly.

Votive Church Light of Creation Show

So this isn’t a church service per say, but it tells the Gospel in one of the most unique ways that I have ever seen!

Votive Church has a light show inside the church every evening where a light show and paired music tell the story of creation all the way to final judgement. Talk about powerful!

It is one of those experiences that you can feel in your bones as it is happening. The show isn’t just like a laser light show though. It also has pictures, like sharks swimming across the ceiling on the day that the sea creatures were made.

The experience is only a half an hour so even if you have littles, it wouldn’t be something that is long and drawn out for them. In fact, I would say that it would capture even the littlest child’s attention.

My daughter, who is 11, and I went into deep theology discussion after and she even pointed out things in the show that I didn’t catch. All I can say is that it is a must do when you go to Vienna. Regardless if you are in Vienna with kids / teenagers, on a solo trip, or adult trip – add this show to your itinerary!

*Side note – It does cost to go to the Light of Creation show. I wish it didn’t, but it does. In my view, anything that spreads the Gospel should be free to the public with tithing helping support the project. (Would Jesus flip tables to know it was a charged event? Maybe.) But I don’t want the fee to stop you from going as I think it will be one of those things that you remember for a long time. It can also bring great Gospel dialogue to your family.

6. Go Swimming

You can always jump in the Danube as it is safe and highly rated, but I have a few other options for you too. 🙂

Amalienbad

Amalienbad was built in 1923 and was a crown achievement of “Red Vienna”. It started out as a bath house for the local people as Vienna wanted it’s citizens to be more hygienic.

Today it is now a beautiful swimming spot that houses an indoor pool, saunas, and even effervescent bath experiences. Because it is ran by the city, prices are super cheap to get in, making it a perfect place to go when visiting Vienna with kids / teenagers!

Don’t think this is like your local community center pool though. It is known as one of Vienna’s most beautiful indoor pools because of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements. I promise that you haven’t ever been to a community center pool like this before!

Therme Wien

We, unfortunately, did not get to go to Therme Wien but it is on our list for the next time we go to Vienna!

This resort is great or families and even has a “Family Day Pass”. I am still waiting for permission to use their photos but until then, check out their website here.

From indoor and outdoor pools, to saunas, to waterslides, to spa treatments, Therme Wien has something for everyone in the family!

7. Walking Gelatos / Ice Cream

The first time I was ever in Vienna, I noticed how everyone had an ice cream cone. From small kids to men in business suites, once the afternoon hit, it was like everyone I saw had an ice cream in their hand lol.

My theory was correct and validated later when speaking to my family who lives in Vienna. My cousin told me that it is very much a Vienna way of life to have “walking ice cream / gelato”. So much so that there are signs on the stores saying that you can’t bring your gelato inside haha!

So make sure to grab a gelato / ice cream with your kids as you walk around Vienna. The one I suggest the most comes from Eissalon Tuchlauben. The flavor that I recommend the most is their strawberry. I normally don’t order strawberry (my “go-to” flavors are normally coffee flavored, mint chocolate chip, or chocolate peanut butter) but trust me on this – their strawberry gelato is incredible!

So get a 2 scoop – one that you would normally get and then a strawberry scoop too. You can thank me later. 😉

8. Watch Desserts be made at Demel

Demel is incredibly famous and if you walk up to the restaurant you may shy away from going inside due to the long line of people. However, if you walk past all of those people and head to the back of the bakery, you will find an open area that is less crowded where the Demel bakers are preparing the most delicious baked goods right there for you to watch.

My kids absolutely loved watching them and we stayed way longer than I expected. After you are finished watching, you can head back outside and order from their to-go window. This is a perfect option so that you don’t have to wait in line for a table.

*Pro note – this is a great bathroom break too. There are bathrooms both on the 1st and 2nd floors and free to the public.

9. Go Ga-Ga at Gerstner

Why do I say “Go Ga-Ga”, you ask? It’s because this place is so incredibly beautiful with many things that will have your kids happy.

If you were to just walk past it on the street, you would think that it is just a beautiful little dessert shop.

However, Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker (say that 3 times fast haha) has 3 floors. Take your time and enjoy each floor until you get to the dining room on level 3.

I have had breakfast at Gerstner many times and it was the number one restaurant that I wanted to take my kids to when we brought them to Vienna. The prices are reasonable considering what kind of place this is and where it is located. (It is right across the street from the Vienna Opera House).

Besides dining there, I have a couple more suggestions for you and your kids:

Do the Selfie Wall

On the 2nd floor you can contribute to their “selfie wall”. It’s a cute and fun thing to do. If you dine at the restaurant, you’ll get a free print-out of your photo.

Eat an Award Winning Apple Strudel

Not only is Gerstner one of the most beautiful restaurants in all of Vienna, it is also known to have the best Apfelstrudel (aka apple strudel).

To be honest, in my head I thought, “I’ve had apple strudel before. Surely, this can’t be that different.” But it was a thing to do so we ordered one with our breakfast (yes, dessert with breakfast haha!)

Oh boy was I completely wrong! This was the most delicious apple strudel that I have ever had!

The crust was so incredibly soft, the apples just the perfect sweetness, and the whole thing just melted in your mouth. I can’t talk too much about it or I’ll start my belly rumbling for another! Make sure to get it with the vanilla ice cream. We split one amongst the 4 of us but if we were to do it again, we would order 2.

Take an apple strudel class at Gerstner

Because their apple strudel is so famous, you can actually take a cooking class to learn how to make it. This is something that I wish that my daughter and I had done. We will put it on our list for our next time in Vienna.

I did a macaroon cooking class in Paris with my girlfriends and it was so much fun. (See here for my Paris posts.) I am sure the apple strudel cooking class in Vienna is a great experience too!

Grab a Freebie To Go

When you dine with Gerstner, you will get a coupon for a free small item at their first floor sweet shop. My husband used this to get a coffee to-go. It’s a nice little extra that you don’t get many other places so we will take this small extra! 🙂

*Side note – I wouldn’t let your kids go to the bathroom by themselves here as the bathroom is a shared bathroom. This means that there are several stall doors but the hand washing is all shared sinks. So you could have the opposite sex right next to you when you come out of the bathroom.

10. Prater

I put Prater at the bottom only because I feared that if I put it at the top, everyone reading would think this list is the exact same as other blogger’s list. I hope that by now, you see that I have given you suggestions that you won’t find on other travel pages.

With that being said, Prater is pretty great and a “must-do” when you are in Vienna with your kids / teenagers. We actually spend my daughter’s 11th birthday there and she had such a great time!

You’ve probably already read that Prater is home to the world’s first Ferris wheel, but it is also home to the world’s tallest swings!

This was such a highlight for my daughter and I to do. I wish I could have taken my phone up but they saw it and told me I wasn’t allowed to have it on the swings. You all have no idea how much regret I have of not getting her incredibly joyous laughter on video. Makes me SO sad that I am not able to play that over and over again.

Another bummer is that I didn’t get to personally capture the views for you all as they are stunning! With the tower at 312 feet, you can see all of Vienna. Thanks to Stadt Wien, I was able share their one photo below with you to show some of the views.

Each ride at Prater is individually priced and some rides are cash only so know this before going. We gave my daughter a budget and she picked the rides she wanted. She is a thrill seeker so she went for the big ones lol. Here are a couple of pictures for you to get an idea of the park.

Food at Prater

There are several beer gardens / restaurants around the park. We landed on Prater Alm. Their food was SO good!

They have big portions so that is great for the budget too. My daughter and I split a burger and you can see in the picture a little bit further down how big my son’s burger was too. Plus, they have super cute menus lol.

We were there on a Wednesday night, which just so happened to have a magician walking around to the tables performing tricks. He was SO good and said that he is there every Wednesday night. So if you are in Prater on a Wednesday, this could be a little nice bonus for your family. 🙂

Prater Alm also had super nice bathrooms that are noteworthy. Not all amusement park bathrooms are nice so when you find one, it is worth talking about haha.

*Pro Tip: If you have smaller kids, you may want to check out the smaller amusement park called Böhmischer Prater.

The Wrap Up

Even though Vienna is most known for it’s imperial architecture, coffee houses, and a lot of history museums, it also has a lot to offer a family with kids and/or teenagers also. Our family highly recommends your family putting Vienna on your family travel bucket lists!

Thanks for reading…now go live that Free Life, my friends!