Things to do with kids in Vienna

Boasting wonderful scenery and amazing outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy, Vienna is a great place for children on holiday. From walks to bike rides and hikes, there is plenty to see and do in Vienna that will keep active children entertained for hours on end.

Visitors can take a walk through the breathtaking Vienna Woods, or pack a picnic and head out for the day to the Wiener Prater, where the kids will have ample space to run around and let off some steam in the amusement park with its famous Ferris wheel. When the novelty wears off, they can head to the Planetarium, which is also located here.

Kids will love watching the world famous Lipizzaner stallions as they 'fly' through the air. But parents should note that the Lipizzaner shows must be booked long in advance, and often the training sessions, which are open to the public, are the best option for seeing the incredible horses.

When the weather is cold and wet, it's worth exploring BOGI Park, Austria's largest indoor playground. Children will be beside themselves with the choices here and the opportunity to meet other kids. And if the children aren't scared of clowns, the Circus and Clown Museum is also an option. Minopolis, a mini children's city where kids can try their hand at various professions, is another great favourite.

Spanish Riding School photo

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is one of the oldest surviving riding schools in the world, where classic dressage is still practised in its purest form. This institute was fou…

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is one of the oldest surviving riding schools in the world, where classic dressage is still practised in its purest form. This institute was founded in 1572 and named for the Lipizzaner horses, which are of Spanish origin. Since the collapse of the Danube Monarchy in 1920, the horses have been bred at the Federal Stud in Styria. The horses perform their tricks in the Winter Riding School, commissioned by Emperor Karl VI. Performances take place between February and June, and September and December. With shows booked up months in advance, the easiest way to see the horses is during training sessions. Situated in the stables is the Lipizzaner Museum, which displays the history of the school.

Website www.srs.at/en/

Haus der Musik photo

Haus der Musik

The House of Music is an interactive discovery museum devoted to music and is located in the former Palace of Archduke Charles. Four floors take visitors past the music and memorab…

Haus der Musik

The House of Music is an interactive discovery museum devoted to music and is located in the former Palace of Archduke Charles. Four floors take visitors past the music and memorabilia of the great composers who lived in Vienna, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert, while also allowing visitors to discover today's top musicians and explore the future of music on computers. Visitors can conduct an orchestra, listen to what an unborn child hears in the womb or paint a musical picture. The museum is critically acclaimed for its innovative design and allowing visitors to experience music using the senses of sight, sound, touch and hearing.

Website www.hdm.at

Wiener Prater photo

Wiener Prater

This large public park is a great place for families to enjoy a day in the sunshine. Visitors can stroll along the Hauptallee, where chestnut trees line the way, or visit the Plane…

Wiener Prater

This large public park is a great place for families to enjoy a day in the sunshine. Visitors can stroll along the Hauptallee, where chestnut trees line the way, or visit the Planetarium and the Prater Museum, both located inside the park. The Wiener Prater also has a small amusement park with a Ferris Wheel, a rollercoaster and a number of other fun rides and diversions, as well as food stalls and games booths. There is plenty of open space here for kids to run around and the cheesy, innocent fun of the amusement park is enjoyable for the whole family. Entrance to the park is free but individual rides must be paid for.

Website www.prater.at