Family Outing in Vienna: Discover Schönbrunn Palace with Kids

Today, Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks—but that wasn’t always the case. It originally served as a hunting lodge before becoming the summer residence of the Habsburgs.

When Maria Theresa inherited the palace in 1740, she made it her home during the warmer months. She spent a great deal of time here with her family. Today, you and your children can experience this very way of life up close at the Children’s Museum.

Later, the palace was shaped primarily by Franz Joseph I, who was born here and spent much of his life here. His wife Elisabeth—better known as Sisi—also lived here at times. Together, they made Schönbrunn a symbol of imperial history.

With the end of the monarchy under Charles I in 1918, an era came to a close. After suffering severe damage during World War II, the palace was restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations.

History can quickly seem dry to children—but it doesn't have to be. At the Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace, your children can playfully immerse themselves in everyday life in the 18th century.

Here, you can explore numerous interactive stations with children aged 3 to 12. Instead of just listening, children are allowed to try things out, touch objects, and get hands-on—and that’s exactly what makes the difference.

Permanent Exhibition: Experience Everyday Life in the Imperial Household

In a total of 12 lovingly designed rooms, children learn how children lived during the time of Maria Theresa. Topics such as food, school, clothing, and hygiene are explained in a way that allows children to immediately relate them to their own daily lives.

Especially exciting: Children learn not only how the imperial children lived, but also what life was like for servants and the common people. This creates a realistic picture of that era.

A real highlight is the costume station: Here, you and your children can slip into historical garments and take fun souvenir photos. There are also interactive stations, such as a large puzzle, wigs to try on, and setting an imperial table.

Practical information for your visit to the Children’s Museum

The museum is located on the ground floor of the castle’s west wing and is fully accessible. So if you’re traveling with a stroller or wheelchair, that’s no problem.

We recommend traveling by public transportation, as parking around the castle is limited. You’ll find a few accessible parking spots right by the main gate.

There are also food and beverage options on site, so you can grab a bite to eat whenever you need a break.

Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: €12 (Free for children under 3)

Guided Tours, Events & Children’s Birthday Parties

Depending on the season, additional activities such as craft stations or special interactive tours await you. The mascot “Poldi” is particularly popular and always generates excitement.

If you’d like, you can even celebrate a children’s birthday party here. Various themed packages ensure that your child and their guests have an unforgettable day—including optional catering.

An absolute highlight for children is Schönbrunn Zoo—the oldest zoo in the world. Here, you can marvel at over 6,000 animals across a vast area.

Among the crowd favorites are pandas, elephants, giraffes, and polar bears. It’s best to plan your visit so you can catch a feeding—the sea lions, in particular, are a real spectacle.

Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m.

Admission: €29 for adults, €17 for children (free for children under 6)

Right across from the Palm House, you’ll find the Desert House. Here, you and your children can discover animals and plants from desert and savanna regions.

A special experience is the underground burrows of the naked mole-rats, which you can observe through a sophisticated tunnel system. Reptiles and exotic plants are also sure to amaze you.

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 a.m.

Admission: €9 adults, €7 children

During the warmer months, don’t miss the maze in Schönbrunn Palace Park. Here, your children can solve puzzles, play, and really let off some steam.

In addition to the classic labyrinth, there’s also a viewing platform and a playground—perfect for a relaxing break with plenty of fun.

Season: Late March through early November

Combination tickets: e.g., Children’s Museum + Maze or combo with the Zoo available