Summer holidays in Austria with children – tips and places of interest

A summer holiday in Austria with children offers the perfect blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. Discover the best tips, regions and activities for a successful family holiday.
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​​​​​​This blog was written by Bjorn Schwarte, co-founder of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu

A summer holiday in Austria with children is the perfect combination of nature, adventure and relaxation. Here you’ll find impressive mountains, crystal-clear lakes and countless child-friendly activities. Whether you want to go hiking, swimming or simply enjoy the great outdoors together: Austria offers everything you need for a successful family holiday.

Why Austria is perfect for a summer holiday with children

Fresh mountain air and plenty of space to play

In Austria, you can enjoy clean mountain air, vast alpine meadows and plenty of space. Children can move about freely here, play by streams and explore nature. No crowds, just peace and freedom – ideal for families looking to escape the daily grind.

Child-friendly facilities and accommodation

Austria is fully geared towards families. You’ll find countless child-friendly holiday homes, apartments and chalets with playgrounds, swimming pools and family rooms. Many regions also offer special children’s programmes, such as adventure trails and supervised activities.

A safe and well-organised holiday destination

What makes Austria particularly appealing is its safety and sense of order. Villages are small-scale, traffic is calm and everything is well organised. This means you can let your children play with peace of mind, whilst you all enjoy a relaxing holiday together.

The best regions in Austria for families

Tyrol – mountains, alpine meadows and adventure

Tyrol is perhaps Austria’s best-known region and perfect for an active summer holiday with children. Here you’ll find impressive mountains, green alpine meadows and countless hiking trails that are also suitable for families. Numerous cable cars take you easily to the top, where adventure parks, playgrounds and themed trails await. Regions such as the Zillertal and the Brixental are highly recommended for families.

Salzburgerland – waterfalls and castles

In Salzburgerland, you can combine nature with culture and adventure. Here you’ll find spectacular waterfalls, such as the famous Krimmler Wasserfälle, as well as castles and fortresses that capture the imagination. Children will be amazed and learn more about the area in a fun way. There are also plenty of family-friendly walking routes and attractions.

Carinthia – swimming in warm lakes

Carinthia is located in the south of Austria and is known for its warm mountain lakes. In summer, this is the perfect place for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or simply relaxing by the water. The climate here is often sunnier and milder than in other regions, making it particularly appealing for families with young children. The combination of mountains and water makes for a wonderfully varied holiday.

Must-do activities with children in Austria

Walking with children (themed and adventure trails)

Hiking in Austria is a real adventure for children. Everywhere you look, you’ll find special themed walks and adventure trails with play equipment, treasure hunts and interactive elements. Think of gnome trails, water adventures and routes with tasks along the way. This keeps it fun and ensures children are actively engaged in nature without even realising it.

Swimming in mountain lakes and swimming pools

On hot summer days, there’s nothing better than cooling off in a clear mountain lake or a modern outdoor swimming pool. Austria has countless swimming spots, often with playgrounds, sunbathing areas and paddling pools. Particularly in regions such as Carinthia, the lakes, such as Klopeiner See, are pleasantly warm and ideal for families.

Read this as well "Summer holiday in Austria: 7 beautiful lakes to discover"

Toboggan runs and adventure parks

Summer tobogganing is a huge hit with children. You glide down at high speed, setting your own pace. There are also plenty of climbing parks, playgrounds and adventure parks in the mountains. Here, children can climb, scramble and push their limits in a safe environment.

Animal parks and alpine meadows

Children love seeing animals up close. In Austria, you can visit charming animal parks or come across cows, goats and marmots on the alpine meadows whilst out for a walk. This makes the holiday not only fun, but also educational and truly typically Austrian.

Attractions that children love

Waterfalls and gorges

Waterfalls and gorges always make a big impression on children. The roaring water, narrow paths and bridges make for a real adventure. Well-known spots such as the Krimml Waterfalls or impressive gorges offer safe routes where you can get up close to the forces of nature. Exciting and educational at the same time.

Castles and fortresses

Fairy tales come to life in the many castles and fortresses, such as Burg Laudegg in Ladis, that Austria is home to. Children imagine themselves as knights and princesses as they climb towers and explore ancient corridors. Many castles have interactive exhibitions or special children’s programmes, making a visit even more fun.

Mountain lifts and viewpoints

Taking a lift up the mountain is an experience in itself. Once at the top, a panoramic view often awaits, as well as playgrounds, walking trails and restaurants. For children, it feels like an adventure, whilst you can enjoy the mountains without too much effort.

Practical tips for your summer holiday

Best time to visit for families

The summer holiday season in Austria generally runs from June to September. July and August are particularly popular with families due to the school holidays and the stable weather. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet and lower prices, June and September are also excellent months: pleasant weather, fewer crowds and still plenty to do.

What to take with you to the mountains

The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so good preparation is essential. Make sure you have sturdy walking boots, layers of clothing, a raincoat and sun protection. A rucksack with water, snacks and perhaps a small first-aid kit is also no luxury, especially if you’re travelling with children.

Driving and distances

Austria is easily accessible by car and the roads are well maintained. Travel times vary depending on your starting point, with many mountain regions reachable within a few hours. Don’t forget to buy a vignette for Austrian motorways and try to avoid peak travel days. There are plenty of rest stops along the way, making it easy to travel with children.

Also read "Travelling to Austria by car: vignette, winter tyres & travel tips"

Child-friendly accommodation in Austria

Holiday homes and chalets

Chalet Alpinn Wellness - Sankt Margarethen im Lungau

A holiday home or chalet in Austria is ideal if you’re travelling with children. You’ll have plenty of space, privacy and often a garden or terrace where children can play. You’ll also have your own kitchen, which is handy for families. Many chalets are situated in the heart of nature or close to walking routes and activities.

Apartments in the mountains

Apartments are a popular choice for families who want to combine flexibility with comfort. You’re often close to villages, mountain lifts and amenities, whilst still having the freedom of your own accommodation. Many apartment complexes offer extra facilities such as playgrounds or swimming pools.

Advantages of a central location

If you choose accommodation in a central location, you’ll get the most out of your holiday. You’ll be closer to attractions, activities and restaurants, meaning you’ll have to travel less. This is particularly handy with children: short distances mean less hassle and more time to enjoy yourself.

When are you going on a summer holiday to Austria?

A summer holiday in Austria with children is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Whether you opt for active days in the mountains, relaxing moments by a lake or fun outings with the whole family: the possibilities are endless.

The great thing is that Austria has something to offer every type of family in the summer. From adventurous hikes to child-friendly attractions and from peaceful nature to charming villages.

So… when are you heading to Austria for your next family holiday?