Visiting Schönbrunn with Kids: The Palace, Palace Gardens, and Family Highlights

Schönbrunn Palace has a rich and eventful history: from a hunting lodge to the Habsburgs’ summer residence, and today one of Vienna’s most important attractions. In 1740, Maria Theresa inherited the palace and made it her summer residence, where she spent many years with her family. Today, the Children’s Museum offers a glimpse into life at that time.
After her death, the palace was used sparingly for a time. In 1830, Franz Joseph I was born here, and he spent nearly his entire life at Schönbrunn. Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi, also frequently stayed here.
In 1918, Emperor Charles I signed his abdication from the throne at Schönbrunn. This marked the end of the monarchy in Austria. After sustaining war damage during World War II, the palace was restored and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

For children, the history of Schönbrunn Palace is often hard to grasp. Dates and the names of various emperors and empresses are difficult to remember. To give children a playful yet educational introduction to the history of Schönbrunn Palace, the Children’s Museum was opened. Here, children ages 3–12 can experience life and daily routines at the court in the 18th century through many interactive stations.

Permanent Exhibition

The permanent exhibition explores the lives of children during the reign of Maria Theresa in the 18th century. Across 12 rooms, everyday themes are presented, showing how people lived in the past. The themes are based on the everyday lives of children, so that even younger children can connect the past to their own lives and ask themselves, “How was that done back then?”

There are 12 rooms to explore, centered on topics such as food, hygiene, education, toys, servants, and fashion. At numerous interactive and informational stations, children learn and experience how these aspects of life were handled in those days, without electricity, running water, or telephones. However, the exhibition doesn’t just showcase the privileged lives of the imperial children—even though that is the focus—but also explores how the common people and the servants dealt with various issues. This gives children insights into different realities of life, allowing them to compare these with one another and with their own lives, and learn so much in the process.

A highlight of the museum is the extensive costume station where children and adults alike can find and try on clothing in the style of the 18th-century imperial family. Fun souvenir photos are guaranteed here! There is also a large garden puzzle, wigs for trying out various imperial hairstyles, and a large table where visitors can experience how the table was set in the imperial residence all invite you to join in the fun.

Visitor Services

The Children’s Museum is located on the ground floor of the palace’s west wing and is fully accessible. An accompanying person may enter the exhibition free of charge with a blind or wheelchair-bound visitor if an accompanying person is noted on the visitor’s pass. Assistance dogs are permitted in the Children’s Museum. All other dogs are prohibited from entering the palace grounds and the palace.

We recommend planning your trip using Vienna’s public transportation, as parking spaces in the vicinity of the palace are limited. Three parking spaces are available at the main gate for people with disabilities.

Food and beverage options are available in the courtyard in front of the palace as well as in the palace grounds.

Children’s Museum hours: daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Price: €12 (free for children under 3)

Guided Tours & Events

On special occasions, the Children’s Museum’s program is enhanced with seasonal activities, interactive tours, and craft stations. The museum’s mascot, “Poldi,” the little castle ghost, is often there as well. Some seasonal activities require an additional fee.

Themed tours, which take place on select dates and are included in the museum admission price, offer even more insights into life at court. Please note the recommended age for children, which may differ slightly from the museum’s general age recommendation.

You can also celebrate birthdays at the Children’s Museum! There are several themes to choose from for two different age groups. The state rooms or the castle park can also be explored in a playful way as part of a birthday party. Book a cake or snack to perfectly round out the celebration. Binding date requests are made via an online form on the website.

The numerous animals at Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world, are sure to make children’s eyes light up. The zoo has been located in the Schönbrunn Palace Park for over 270 years and has been open to visitors for nearly 250 years.

Spanning 17 hectares, visitors can marvel at over 6,000 animals representing approximately 500 species. Highlights include giant pandas, koalas, African elephants, giraffes, rhinos, polar bears, and several species of big cats. Throughout the day, visitors can watch feeding sessions or training sessions for various animal species. The feeding of the maned seals is particularly popular, though it can get quite wet. 

Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM; closing times vary by season between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM

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

Also located on the grounds of the Palace Park, across from the Palm House, is the Desert House. Operated in partnership by the Zoo and the Federal Gardens, the facility showcases the flora and fauna of sandy deserts, steppes, and savanna landscapes. Children and adults alike can learn interesting facts about survival in these extreme habitats. Among the Desert House’s special attractions is the over 50-meter-long tunnel system of the naked mole-rats, where visitors can observe these shy animals in their natural underground habitat. Snakes, turtles, and giant cacti also delight visitors.

Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM; closing times vary by season between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Price: €9 for adults, €7 for children (free for children 6 and under)

During the summer months, Schönbrunn Palace Park offers another family highlight. The maze and labyrinth, featuring a viewing platform, puzzles, and a playground, invite visitors to linger, reflect, and play. The aim is to relax through playful, slow-paced yet fun activities.

Hours: From March 27, 2026, to November 2, 2026, daily from 9:00 AM; closing times vary by season between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM

Price:

• Combined ticket: Children’s Museum + Maze: €16 per person (ages 6 and up)
• Combined ticket: Children’s Museum + Zoo + Maze: €39 for adults, €29 for children – Tickets do not have to be used on the same day but can be redeemed within one year.