
Ahh, Vienna, Austria! This is easily my most favorite city I have ever lived in. With public transportation that just cannot be beat, and much of the inner districts being completely walkable (NOTE: walkable and stroller accessible, but unfortunately not mobility aid friendly), almost everything is within reach. And believe me, I've put that to the test!
Do you have kids in Vienna?
Working with kids in the city over the past decade, I've tested out dozens of kid hang spots and activity centers, and I'm going to give you a compilation of my 10 most favorite. I have at least another 10 I could offer, but you'll just have to subscribe so you can see when the next issue comes out 😉 You can do that right here 👇
You'll have to excuse the quality of the photos--trying to capture a cute toddler moment is like trying to catch a shooting star! Suffice it to say, this kid was having a ball in every single one of these pictures: Enthusiastic consent has been given by child and parents to share these precious moments with you. Without further ado, I give you 10 of my favorite spots in Vienna to hang with your kid!
Dinosaur bones, earth history, shiny rocks, a café--what’s not to love?! There’s something for absolutely everyone here, even if you only go for the architecture. Central Vienna (first district, for those who know) is heavy on the beauty, and the Natural History Museum is no exception. There is so much to see both outside and inside, you can’t possibly do it in one day. Take it from me: don’t try to (at the very least, for the sake of your feet). Grab the yearly membership card and go back as many times as you want. Got 30 minutes to spare and you're somewhere on the Ring? Go see a few dinosaurs. Have an hour between kindergarten pickup and dinner time? Pop in and learn about early humans! It doesn’t have to be an all day affair. Make it work for you.

Located in Millennium City at Handelskai, Ocean Park Wien is where adults can tap into some nostalgia (especially if you're a U.S. American!) and kids can let loose. Ocean Park has a bowling alley, a pool hall, an arcade, and a bar on offer. And as you can see in the pictures below, they even have the kid's bowling helper, too! We sure made good use of it on our visit.
The arcade is great for older kids. I took my 13 year old nephew, and we had a blast racing each other, shooting basketballs, and generally just trying to beat each other at every game. It was pure silly fun! In my opinion, the best way to end an outing like this one, is to head upstairs in the Millennium City shopping center to Five Guys and chow on some burgers and fries, then chase it all down with a milkshake.
Note: If you bowl, there is a drink purchase requirement, and you will need an ID to leave with staff in exchange for the lane/shoes rental.
3. Monki Park
Just a few floors above Ocean Park, you’ll find Monki Park. I have taken many kids here over the years, and it’s never let me down! The pictures below are from the toddler area. It's quite small and almost completely enclosed, so very ideal if you've got an escape artist. But even if your Houdini does escape, never fear! The main exits are completely blocked and your kiddo is safe.
But the real winner here is the GIANT main room. It's a whole magical play area that a kid can literally (figuratively) get lost in. There's a giant slide, climbing frame, soccer area, trampolines, and an obstacle course.... in the air! They're also fully equipped with a cafeteria and seating for large school groups or parties. The food is reasonable priced, but be ready to pay a premium on drinks.
Note: All kids are required to wear socks ONLY ("Patchen/Hausschuhe" style shoes are find for the toddlers). You can buy some on site if you forgot yours!
The membership card to this centrally located aquarium pays for itself - many, many times over. This place is constantly updating their exhibits, so there is always something new to see. But of course, we’re never bored by the sharks! For folks who don't know, the whole structure is an old flak tower! You can go up to the roof and get a great 360° view of beautiful Vienna and the surrounding Austrian hills, then head down a few floors to the café, but don't forget to say hello to the tortoises on your way down!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the playground just outside the Haus des Meeres. It is impressive, especially for being just off Mariahilferstrasse. The convenience really can't be beat!
5. Lemoni.Kids
If you want the convenience of an indoor playground with the feel of a cozy café, this is your new hangout. We absolutely loved the vibe. I would personally recommend this place for kiddos 3 and under, but not so much if your kid is a runner. Lemoni has plenty of play space, but it's more like a play room, rather than a playground. It’s a wonderful spot for slightly calmer play, which also makes it very ideal for kids and parents who are prone to sensory overload. It gets two thumbs up from us!
This natural water park in the middle of Vienna (5 minute walk from U1 station "Donauinsel") is a super fun magical spot. Bring towels, appropriate shoes with grippy soles, and plenty of waterproof sunscreen and you're set for a day full of fun. There is plenty to do for all ages of kiddo, and wading in the water felt amazing for my adult feet, too! Restrooms and ice cream are on site, so your day just got a whole lot easier.
If you’ve got a wild child, the Seversaal Indoor Playground is the place to go. The space is huge with plenty of room for free running, plus not one, but TWO bouncy houses and not one, but (you guessed it) TWO ball pits! Did I mention the giant bouncy slide? They've got several roller toys, giant blocks, a climbing wall, and a jungle gym (climbing frame). I suppose the question is, what don't they have? And I'll tell you, it's not a party room, because they have that, too! They are totally set up for birthday parties.
8. Ikea WestbahnhofÂ
Hear me out! This isn’t for everyone, but I love taking kids here! Specifically during the week, not during a high-traffic time. Not only is there so much to see and experience, but the cafeteria is phenomenal, affordable, and has a toy setup for small kids. And, have you been to the rooftop?! What a view!
I love casually walking around and letting the conversation flow naturally. Just existing together in a different kind of space is nice. It's also the perfect place to practice good shopping behaviors in a space where things are pretty sturdy and unbreakable.Â
Bonus: grab some organizational bits for your kid's room while you're there!
9. Jump Around
Another indoor playground favorite. This one is more centrally located, but with a bit less free running space. However, the trade off is that they have more variety of toys, and more nooks for quiet time. The downstairs is equipped for dance parties, and the upstairs has a great dining area for kids and adults. Also: ball pit!
10. McDonald’s
One of my favorite things about Mickey D’s - no matter what kind of day you’re having, you can count on McD’s to stay the same. You know exactly what to expect, and that kind of reliability can be really comforting on the super tough days. Too hot outside? McD’s is air conditioned. Too cold? McD’s is warm. Been walking all over Vienna too much and need a rest? McD's is there for you. Grab something to drink or a snack, and just chill for a bit. Share a Happy Meal with your little one and have fun playing the game or reading the book together.
Bonus: if your kid is in a terrible mood and being a bit loud and screechy, people aren’t judging you. It’s just a fast food joint, after all.Â
In my experience, there's an opportunity for adventure around every corner. It all depends on your goals for the time you have together with your child. I've had great success by choosing to manage my expectations and just allow the time to be whatever it's going to be. Sometimes it's a winner, sometimes, it's just a really average day. And, that's not a bad thing 😉