Summer holidays in Austria: The best family-friendly day trips
The Ultimate Guide to Day Trips with Kids in Austria
Planning your summer holidays in Austria? Discover the best kid-friendly excursions across the country: a petting zoo in Vienna’s Lobau, a panoramic swing in Lower Austria, thrilling summer alpine coasters in Tyrol, and adventures deep underground in the Salzburg Salt Mines.
You know the feeling: when life gets busy and everyone is short on time, the kids are full of ideas and eager for adventure. But the moment it is time to plan a day out, inspiration suddenly disappears. That is why we have summed up the best family adventures across Austria.
Vienna Kids Farm: A petting zoo adventure in the Lobau
Does your city kid struggle to tell a horse from a cow? Time for a day trip to the Lobau in Vienna. Hidden there is a true paradise for young animal lovers. At Vienna Kids Farm, children can feed goats and sheep, explore the herb garden, and learn about animals and plants in a playful way. Around the farm, more adventures await, such as a beaver enclosure or a hollowed-out poplar tree.
Ideal for: Toddlers, families, and a relaxing nature escape within the city
Tip: Bring a change of clothes
Duration: 2–3 hours
Getting there: Easily reached by bus towards the Lobau, or by bike
Price: Free admission, donations are welcome
Alpine Coaster Imst: Full speed on Austria’s longest alpine coaster
If your children would rather race down the mountain than hike it, head to Imst. Stretching more than 3 kilometres, the Alpine Coaster Imst is one of the longest alpine coasters in Austria. Fast-paced turns and unexpected jumps make for an exhilarating ride, even for seasoned thrill-seekers.
Ideal for: Adventurous children and adults
Tip: Arrive early or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues
Duration: 1–2 hours
Getting there: By car to Imst, Tyrol
Price: €12.50 per ride, per person
Family holiday in Carinthia: The most beautiful lakes and family attractions
Looking to cool off? If you have a few days to spare, Carinthia offers the perfect setting for even more family-friendly adventures in Austria. Crystal-clear lakes such as Lake Wörthersee, Lake Millstätter See and Lake Klopeiner See are perfect for swimming and splashing around. Nearby, you will also find Hochosterwitz Castle with its impressive 14 castle gates – a true fairytale fortress, without the Disney-sized crowds at Bavaria’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Ideal for: Family holidays, swimming and several relaxing days
Tip: Arrive early, as the most popular lakes fill up quickly
Duration: Day trip or several days
Getting there: Best reached by car, although many lakes are also accessible by train
Price: Lido admission: €5–10 per person
Mönichkirchen: Family hike with a giant alpine swing in Lower Austria
Swinging high in the mountains? The three-kilometre hiking trail in Mönichkirchen, Lower Austria, is packed with swings, seesaws and interactive play stations, making it the perfect family-friendly day out. The highlight is the giant Alpine swing at an altitude of over 1.300 metres, offering breathtaking mountain views and a playground experience unlike any other.
Ideal for: Families with children and young hiking enthusiasts
Tip: Pack a picnic and plenty of water
Duration: 2–3 hours
Getting there: Around 1,5 hours by car from Vienna
Price: Free access to the hiking trail
Salzwelten Salzburg: An underground salt mine adventure for kids
Not afraid of the dark? At Salzwelten Salzburg, families can dive deep into the fascinating history of Celtic salt mining – making it the perfect rainy-day adventure. From riding the miners’ train into the mountain to crossing an underground salt lake by raft, visitors dressed in authentic miners’ clothing experience the captivating story of 2.600 years of salt mining. Younger children will also love the nearby Celtic Mountain Adventure Park with its reconstructed Celtic village and hands-on activities.
Ideal for: Rainy days, hot summer weather and curious young explorers
Tip: Bring a jacket, as temperatures inside the mine are cool
Duration: Around 2 hours
Getting there: By car or train to Hallein
Price: €35 for adults, €16 for children
The best summer day trips with kids in Austria
Whether you are exploring Vienna, taking a day trip to Lower Austria, or enjoying a family holiday in Carinthia, Tyrol or Salzburg, Austria is full of unforgettable adventures. Pet friendly farm animals, swing high above the mountains, race down alpine coasters or uncover the secrets of ancient salt mines – Austria offers countless kid-friendly day trips for the summer.
So grab the sunscreen, pack your favourite snacks and head off on your next adventure – your next family-friendly destination in Austria is waiting!
