Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and world-class music. Vienna with Kids Concert Venues for Families is written with the firm conviction that exploring Vienna with kids does not mean you must forego enjoying the city’s cultural scene. Vienna also offers many entertainment options for children. From enchanting concerts to captivating theater performances, Vienna has a diverse array of venues tailored to cater to the interests of young audiences.
We started exploring child-friendly concert and theater venues across Vienna when our daughter was about 3. After 3 years of gathering experience across the city, we deliver in this article a curated list of the best concert and theater venues for kids in Vienna, making it easier for parents and families to plan memorable outings. While we tried to be objective, this article reflects our personal experience. In all instances when we attended a concert or a theater play in Vienna with kids, we have done so as regular paying customers. None of the experiences described below were sponsored.
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Check out additional resources for your family visit to Vienna:
Where to stay in Vienna – our complete guide
Vienna with Kids Concert Venues for Families – General Information and Tips
Attending a concert or a theater play with kids in Vienna can be a pleasurable and unforgettable experience only if planned ahead. We strongly advise against purchasing last-minute tickets from street vendors; the tickets are overpriced and might not be appropriate for a younger audience. We recommend going directly to the website of the venue and purchasing tickets there. You will also find other useful information such as the age recommendations for attending the performance and the language of the performance. While most performances are in German, some might have English subtitles available or be held entirely in English.
Ticket sales start at a minimum of 2 months in advance and usually during the months of July and August concert and theater venues are closed for the summer break.
If you feel tempted to try out some random concert or theater performance that is available just because you should, please don’t. There is a reason why the city’s top concert and theater venues put on a children’s program – and that is that regular performances are not suitable for kids. Starting with topic and duration, and going on to strict behavior rules during the concert, performances not labeled as child-friendly are better skipped altogether. You might even find yourself in the awkward position in which you are asked to leave the premises, so better not waste your time and money.
The dress code at most concert and theater venues is relatively casual, especially when children are in the audience. While beachwear like shorts and flip-flops will be frowned upon, casual daily outfits (jeans, t-shirts, shirts, pullovers, etc) are acceptable.
While most performances have at least one intermission and the option to purchase snacks and drinks on-site, it is always a good idea to make sure your little ones are not hungry to begin with. Intervals are not all that long and between queuing for the bathroom and queuing for snacks, you might find yourself in the impossibility to attend to all of your child’s needs.
Whenever we attend a concert or a theater play with our daughter, we make sure she knows the plot of the story and the characters beforehand. Usually, we purchase the book on which the story is based a month or at least 2 weeks in advance, which gives us the opportunity to read it several times before the concert and the play. This allows our daughter to focus on what’s happening on stage, without the additional stress of trying to make sense of the story.
Vienna with Kids Concert Venues for Families We Already Tried
Volksoper Wien
The Volksoper Wien is one of Vienna’s most important opera houses, specializing in operettas, musicals, and classical operas. This versatile venue also offers a special series of performances for children, known as “Kinderoper.” These productions are skillfully adapted to engage and entertain young theatergoers. There is always an age recommendation for the performance, but in addition we would recommend checking the concert duration. For our daughter who is 6 years old, we would not attend anything longer than 1-1.5 hours.
Most of the performances are in German, but some have English subtitles which can be followed by school-age children.
In addition to the Kinderoper, Volksoper Wien hosts various family events and matinee performances suitable for children of all ages. The combination of entertaining shows and the majestic yet cozy ambiance of this opera house ensures an enriching cultural experience for the whole family.
Insider’s tip: After the concert, head to the nearby Spielplatz im Liechtensteinpark, where your kids can blow off steam after having been amazingly well-behaved during the concert. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a day of open doors at the Liechtenstein castle and get a peek inside.
Schönbrunn Marionetten Theater
The Schönbrunn Marionette Theater, nestled within the enchanting Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, is a hidden gem in the world of puppetry and live entertainment. This historic theater, with its origins dating back to the 18th century, combines artistry and tradition to deliver captivating performances for audiences of all ages. The marionette shows encompass a diverse repertoire, often featuring classics like “The Magic Flute” by Mozart and “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky.
The remarkable craftsmanship of the marionettes, along with intricate sets and costumes, brings these beloved stories to life in a unique and engaging way. A small museum dedicated to the art of marionette building is also found on the premises. Kids are given an introduction at the beginning of the show and are allowed to peek behind the scenes at the end.
Visiting this charming theater allows guests to not only experience the magic of puppetry but also soak in the rich cultural heritage of Vienna. The intimate setting and attention to detail in each production make the Schönbrunn Marionette Theater a captivating and memorable experience for families and art enthusiasts alike.
While most shows are in German, knowing the storyline beforehand might enable little visitors to follow the plot of classics such as “The Magic Flute” nonetheless.
Insider’s tip: Do not aim to make a Schonbrunn day out of it and cram visiting the palace premises on the same day as your booked performance takes place. There’s loads to do on site (zoo, children’s museum, park, labyrinth) and young visitors will be exhausted and at their patience’s end well before the performance starts.
Theater Museum
The Theater Museum is a captivating venue celebrating the rich history of performingarts in Vienna. It showcases an extensive collection of costumes, set designs, and memorabilia, offering visitors a fascinating journey through centuries of theatrical excellence and innovation. The venue itself, the magnificent Lobkowitz Palace, served as a hub for intellectual and artistic gatherings, hosting luminaries like Beethoven, whose works premiered within its opulent walls. The museum regularly hosts concerts, plays, or activities for children, many of which take place in the Eroica Hall, dedicated to Beethoven’s Third Symphony which premiered here in 1804.
While the hall itself is small and can feel cramped at times, the quality of the performances is good and it allows children to experience the performance close-up.
Insider’s tip: The Theater Museum is located right in the heart of Vienna’s old center, thus a performance here could be incorporated into your sightseeing tour, allowing you and your family a break from all the walking. It helps that the concerts or theater performances usually take place in the early afternoon.
Wiener Musikverein
The Wiener Musikverein, an iconic symbol of Vienna’s musical heritage, stands as a testament to timeless elegance and acoustic perfection. Since its inauguration in 1870, this architectural marvel has been hailed as one of the world’s premier concert halls, renowned for its exquisite Golden Hall with its legendary acoustics. Home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s celebrated New Year’s Concert, the Musikverein hosts an illustrious array of performances, from classical symphonies to chamber music recitals. Its rich history and unparalleled sound have made it a revered destination for music lovers worldwide, perpetuating Vienna’s legacy as a beacon of musical excellence.
Young music afficionados are not forgotten and there is a varied and regular schedule of performances designed for children (children’s concerts) here. One can even purchase subscriptions and attend a series of performances at fixed intervals (like once a month). The advantage is that these performances are age-specific.
In our experience, the concerts for young children can be either excellent or mediocre at best, depending on the day. There were shows our daughter enjoyed tremendously, there were also shows where we left mid-through. A downside of these children’s concerts is that they take place in a hall in the basement and you don’t get the opportunity to explore the venue itself while on the premises.
Personally, I am looking forward to the time when I can take my daughter to a concert in the Golden Hall instead. However, as she grows, we will probably give the age-appropriate program for older children a second chance.
Insider’s tip: The park across the street in front of the Karlskirche is an amazing venue for spending time outdoors after the concert. There are playgrounds and usually an ice cream vendor as well.
Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
The Vienna State Opera House is an iconic venue famous for its remarkable opera and ballet productions. While it may seem like a sophisticated destination, it’s also an excellent choice for families.
Our daughter and I are fresh from seeing her first performance of the Barber of Seville there and I was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and quality of the performance, music, and costumes. I would have expected nothing less from such an iconic venue.
Small screens in front of each seat allow visitors to follow the lyrics in either German or English (similar like for regular opera performances), therefore school children could follow the plot in English regardless of the language of the performance.
The opera house hosts special matinee performances, known as “Kinderoper,” specifically designed for young theatergoers. These kid-friendly shows feature shorter runtimes and imaginative productions that introduce children to the magic of opera and ballet in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Some of them have the children explore the opera house as part of the performance itself. During the intermission, families can explore the venue, which is a magnificent architectural wonder in itself.
Be sure to book well in advance. The child-friendly performances do not take place very often and are thus very popular.
Insider’s tip: Turn this in a classical Vienna day by pairing it with a coffee and cake experience. Nearby Cafe Mozart, Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker in Palais Todesco, or our personal favorite K.u.K. Café-Konditorei L. Heiner are all amazing options for this and you can generally find a table without prior reservation.
Vienna with Kids: Concert Venues for Families that We Have Yet to Try
Haus der Musik
The Haus der Musik in Vienna is a dynamic fusion of museum and interactive experience, captivating visitors with its innovative approach to music education. Within its walls, children concerts serve as a vibrant platform for young audiences to explore the wonders of music in a playful and engaging manner. Through interactive performances tailored to their age and interests, children are introduced to various musical genres, instruments, and composers, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the art form. These concerts not only entertain but also inspire creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the universal language of music, enriching the cultural landscape for generations to come.
If you decide to attend a concert here, do reserve plenty of time to visit the interactive museum (open daily until 10 PM!) as well. We have not attended a concert there yet, but our daughter enjoys the museum tremendously.
Dschungel
Through its dynamic programming and commitment to artistic excellence, Dschungel Vienna creates unforgettable experiences that spark curiosity, foster learning, and ignite a lifelong passion for music and performance in children. Check out their varied and interesting repertoire if you’re looking for a unique experience!
Wiener Konzerhaus
The Wiener Konzerthaus, nestled in the heart of Vienna, stands as a bastion of musical excellence and cultural heritage. This architectural gem, inaugurated in 1913, embodies the city’s rich musical tradition, hosting renowned orchestras, virtuosos, and ensembles from around the globe. Its elegant halls, including the grand Großer Saal and t
Vienna with Kids Concert Venues for Families – the Beautiful Wiener Konzerthaus
The intimate Mozart Saal provides a sublime setting for symphonies, chamber music, recitals, and beyond. Beyond its storied past, the Konzerthaus remains a vibrant hub of artistic innovation, embracing a diverse range of genres and performers, ensuring that Vienna’s musical legacy continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
Part of this innovative spirit, the Wiener Konzerthaus schedules regular concertinos for kids, as well as guided tours for families and sing-along events. We are regular visitors of the nearby ice-skating rink, so we should definitely combine the two activities next season!