The summer vacations are an exciting time full of adventure and free time for children, while parents are almost constantly wondering how to keep the kids happy. And especially themselves … Here are some tips and ideas to make the summer vacations with children unforgettable, including last-minute ideas for spontaneous activities.
Adventure playgrounds and amusement parks
Austria has numerous adventure playgrounds and amusement parks that make children’s hearts beat faster. For example:
- Familypark Neusiedlersee: Austria’s largest leisure park in St. Margarethen in Burgenland offers numerous attractions, from roller coasters to water playgrounds and petting zoos.
- Fantasiana theme park: In Straßwalchen near Salzburg, families can look forward to a fairytale and adventure park with themed worlds, rides and a dinosaur park.
Nature and outdoor adventures
Austria’s impressive nature invites you to enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as:
- Hiking and mountaineering: Hiking trails such as the Drachenweg in Tyrol or the Baumkronenweg in the Salzkammergut are ideal for family outings. Many routes are child-friendly and offer exciting discoveries.
- National parks: The Hohe Tauern National Park and the Gesäuse National Park offer guided tours and special programs for children, where they can get to know the flora and fauna.
Cultural excursions
Cultural experiences, if well implemented, can also absolutely delight children. Child-friendly exhibitions and guided tours can be found here, among other places:
- Museums: The House of Nature in Salzburg and the Technical Museum in Vienna offer interactive exhibitions that amaze children in a playful way.
- Historical sites: Austria’s castles and palaces, such as Schönbrunn Palace or Kreuzenstein Castle, offer guided tours that are specially tailored to children and bring history to life.
Bathing fun
Summertime is bathing time! Austria offers both natural and artificial bathing opportunities. There is something for everyone:
- Lakes: Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia and Lake Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut are popular destinations for families. Both lakes offer clear waters, numerous lidos and water sports facilities.
- Outdoor pools: The Fürstenfeld outdoor pool offers program highlights such as Punch and Judy shows and children’s dancing all summer long.
- Thermal baths: For bad weather, thermal spas such as the one in Lutzmannsburg, which offers special children’s areas and fun slides, are ideal.
Encounters with animals
Animals fascinate children – and adults – time and time again. Feeding, stroking and marveling are the best things to do here:
- Wildlife parks: Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna and the Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck provide fascinating insights into the animal kingdom.
- Farms: Farm vacations, such as at the Grubhof organic farm in Styria, allow children to experience life in the countryside up close and feed and stroke animals.
Creative workshops and courses
Creativity and movement can be particularly encouraged during the vacations. Kids can get active here:
- Creative workshops: Many museums and cultural institutions offer special workshops for children in summer. At the Kunsthaus Wien, for example, children can take part in painting and craft workshops.
- Sports courses: Tennis camps, swimming lessons or riding lessons are also a great way to keep active during the summer vacations.
Last minute ideas for summer vacations with children
Last-minute ideas are particularly valuable for those who don’t like to plan well in advance. These activities and excursions can also be organized at short notice and spontaneously:
Day trips into nature
- Gorges and ravines: A trip to Austria’s impressive gorges and ravines is an adventure for the whole family. The Liechtensteinklamm gorge in St. Johann im Pongau or the Kitzlochklamm gorge in Taxenbach offer spectacular nature experiences.
- Cycling and picnicking: Austria’s cycle paths are well developed and often suitable for children. Popular routes include the Danube Cycle Path or the Lake Neusiedl Cycle Path. A picnic along the way provides additional fun.
City trips with a children’s program
- Vienna: A visit to Vienna can be combined with a trip to the Prater amusement park or the Haus des Meeres. The city offers numerous child-friendly museums and parks.
- Graz: The city of Graz is ideal for a day trip with children. The Schlossberg with its slide and the fairytale train are special highlights for the little ones.
Adventure farms
A short break on an adventure farm can be booked quickly and offers an authentic and educational experience.
- Farm vacations in Lower Austria: Many farms offer overnight stays and allow children to take part in farm life. Feeding the animals and helping with the harvest are particularly exciting for city children.
- Hof Schmid: In Styria, Hof Schmid offers last-minute deals for families who want to get to know life in the countryside.
Indoor leisure activities
Indoor activities are ideal for rainy days or if you are looking for something independent of weather plans.
- Climbing gyms: Many cities have indoor climbing gyms that also have special areas for children, such as the Boulderbar in Vienna or the Kletterhalle Salzburg.
- Escape rooms: Escape rooms are exciting puzzle games that are now also available in child-friendly versions. There are many providers in Vienna and Graz that allow bookings at short notice.
Festivals and events
Numerous festivals and events take place in summer, which can also be attended at short notice.
- Summer festivals: Many municipalities organize summer festivals with games, music and culinary delights. A spontaneous visit is always worthwhile.
- Open-air cinemas: Open-air cinemas often offer child-friendly movies. A visit to an open-air cinema, such as the Kino unter Sternen in Vienna, can be a special experience.
Creative and educational activities
- Craft workshops: Bookshops and craft stores often offer workshops at short notice that are both creative and educational. There are numerous offers in cities such as Linz or Innsbruck.
- Libraries and readings: Many city libraries organize readings and reading sessions for children. It’s worth taking a look at the local events program.
With so much action and variety, parents and children will make it through the summer!
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