Top 7 Family-Friendly Tourist Attractions in Austria

Austria, with its majestic Alps, fairy-tale castles, and charming towns, offers a perfect setting for a memorable family holiday. Whether you’re traveling with young children or teenagers, the country is packed with exciting and educational destinations that the whole family will enjoy. Here are the top 7 family-friendly places to visit in Austria:

1. Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo – Vienna

No trip to Austria is complete without visiting Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial summer residence. While adults enjoy the opulent architecture and gardens, kids will love the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the oldest zoo in the world. Home to pandas, elephants, and polar bears, it’s a hit with children of all ages.

Why it’s great for families:

Animal encounters and playgrounds
Children’s museum inside the palace

2. Prater Amusement Park – Vienna

Located in Vienna, Prater Park offers classic amusement rides including the Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad), giving you panoramic views of the city. It’s a fantastic spot for families looking for both fun and relaxation.

Highlights:

Carousel rides, bumper cars, roller coasters
Nearby green park for picnics and bike rides

3. Haus der Natur – Salzburg

This impressive natural history and science museum is a favorite among families. It features interactive exhibits, a space display, aquarium, and a reptile zoo. Kids can enjoy hands-on learning while exploring the wonders of the natural world.

Fun for kids:

Interactive science center
Dinosaurs, sea life, and outer space exhibits

4. Familypark – St. Margarethen im Burgenland

As Austria’s largest theme park, Familypark is designed with kids in mind. It’s divided into themed areas such as Adventure Island, Fairy Tale Forest, and Farm World, offering fun rides and water play zones for all ages.

Perfect for:

A full day of amusement park fun
Safe attractions for toddlers and thrilling rides for older kids

5. Salzwelten Hallstatt – Hallstatt

Discover Austria’s ancient salt mine in Hallstatt, one of the oldest in the world. Families can take a guided underground tour, ride down wooden slides, and learn about salt mining history. The panoramic views of Lake Hallstatt from the Skywalk are a bonus!

Family perks:

Underground train ride
Exciting wooden slide inside the mine

6. Alpenzoo – Innsbruck

Nestled in the Alps, Alpenzoo is home to more than 150 species native to alpine regions. It’s a unique experience where kids can see bears, wolves, ibexes, and golden eagles up close while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.

Why kids love it:

Focus on native wildlife
Outdoor walking paths and interactive exhibits

7. Zell am See-Kaprun Region

For families who love nature and outdoor activities, this region offers crystal-clear lakes, hiking trails, cable car rides, and even summer snow activities on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. In winter, it transforms into a family-friendly ski resort.

Ideal for:

Swimming, boating, and glacier tours in summer
Skiing, sledding, and snow fun in winter

Final Thoughts

Austria is a dream destination for family travelers. From castles and zoos to mountains and museums, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re seeking adventure, education, or just quality time together. With its safe environment and kid-friendly attractions, Austria makes it easy to create lasting family memories.