17 Best Things to Do in Salzburg with Kids
Salzburg, Austria is one of my family’s favorite cities to visit in Europe! Located in the Austrian Alps near the southern border of Germany, it offers history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a variety of kid-friendly attractions. Many are surprised by the amount of things to do in Salzburg with kids.
Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” You can spend your days exploring castles, visiting the Salzburg Zoo, playing in beautiful gardens, touring museums, and more.
There are outdoor activities to enjoy nearby, and seasonal activities like Christmas markets in winter or boat rides in summer are a big draw for families. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Salzburg with kids.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
What to Do in Salzburg with Kids
Just picture it: Salzburg’s old town winds around a scenic river with a pretty castle on a hilltop. There are gorgeous gardens, delicious food, and a fun vibe to boot! This beautiful city certainly offers plenty for families to enjoy. It’s a must-visit destination on any road trip through Austria and Switzerland.
1. Take a Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg with Kids
These days, some of the main attractions in Salzburg are the many film locations from the 1965 movie, “The Sound of Music.“
Whether or not you choose to do a fun (albeit a little cheesy) Sound of Music tour, the musical is a must-watch before going to Salzburg. Watching movies that take place in your upcoming travel destinations is a great way to get the kids excited for the trip!
If your kids are too young for the film, consider exposing them to the soundtrack and maybe even a children’s book version of the Von Trapp family’s famous story.
Even if you don’t take a guided tour, you and your children can still easily enjoy many of the movie’s settings and filming locations on your own! There’s the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace, and St. Peter’s cemetery (Petersfriedhof).
They’re all free to enjoy and lovely in their own right.
WANT TO BOOK A SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR? CLICK HERE!
2. Enjoy the Trick Fountains of Schloss Hellbrunn
Hellbrunn Palace is most famous as the setting of the Von Trapp mansion in “The Sound of Music,” where some of the movie’s most iconic scenes are filmed. It’s worth a visit in its own right, and it’s one of my favorite places for families in all of Europe!
I visited when I was 14 and was so excited to take my children here. They loved it even more than I had.
The trick fountains here are amazing feats of engineering and SO MUCH FUN. They were built for an Archbishop with a wickedly delightful sense of humor, and most are hundreds of years old. Just be sure your kids dress appropriately and bring a change of clothes for everyone because they will get wet!
If you buy general admission tickets, they include self-guided audio tours (in a dozen different languages including English) of the fountains and the palace, as well as admission to the Folklore Museum.
After you laugh your way through the tour, you can stroll, picnic, and play on the vast grounds surrounding the palace. There’s a terrific playground here. The aforementioned Sound of Music gazebo is here as well.
3. Explore Mirabell Gardens
If you prefer to stay more central, consider a visit to the 17th-century Mirabell Palace, located in the heart of Salzburg’s old town (Altstadt). Both the palace and gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is popular for its Mozart concerts, but the gardens are really where you want to go if you’re in Salzburg with kids.
The gardens are filled with colorful flowers, fountains, and statues, and they’re tons of fun to explore. Children can run around the Pegasus Fountain and see the Dwarf Garden. Fans of “The Sound of Music” will recognize several locations from the scene where Maria and the kids sang “Do-Re-Mi!”
The wide pathways and open spaces make it easy for strollers and provide plenty of room for kids to move their bodies. Plus, it’s free to visit and open all year round. It’s a beautiful, fun spot for the whole family to enjoy.
4. Visit the Toy Museum (Spielzeug Museum)
The Toy Museum is a must-visit when you’re looking for things to do in Salzburg with kids, and it isn’t your typical museum! It combines history, education, and fun for the whole family. Kids will love the play spaces and interactive exhibits, and parents will enjoy the nostalgia.
The museum is housed in a historic building and features an extensive collection of toys from different eras, including dolls, model trains, and games. Opened almost 40 years ago, it was established to preserve and showcase toys from around the world.
The museum demonstrates the way cultural and historical changes have influenced toys. Odds are you will see something you played with as a child! But the Toy Museum is so much more than antiques behind glass.
Children can explore interactive exhibits and play with vintage toys. There are entire rooms where your kids can climb, build, and explore. I recommend this stop for families with children between 2 and 10 years old. You could easily play here for 2 or 3 hours.
A note: When you enter the building, no street shoes are allowed. Unless you like walking barefoot in public spaces, I suggest bringing socks to wear here!
5. Visit the Salzburg Zoo
Next to Hellbrunn is the beautiful Salzburg Zoo. If you’re looking to get away from the hum of the city, this is the place! It’s a small zoo framed by the Austrian Alps. It’s great for younger kids or simply a shorter visit. Think 1-2 hours.
You will find natural habitats (no cages here!) and see snow leopards, lemurs, alpacas, and more. It’s nice that despite being a smaller zoo, they have majestic animals in residence like lions, rhinos, and brown bears!
For an extra fee, you can choose from a few different guided tours, including a zoo safari or a seasonal Night Zoo experience. There are also animal encounters and a wonderful petting zoo where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to cuddle with your favorite small animals.
When you get hungry, there’s a decent cafe that sells plates and snacks. Nearby is a playground and sandpit where littles can let loose. Just be prepared- this is a local zoo and all the signage is in German.
6. Explore the Museum of Natural History
If you’re looking for something to do on cold or rainy days in Salzburg with kids, keep the Haus der Natur in your back pocket. The city’s natural history museum is just the right size for a half-day visit.
It’s a solid science and natural history museum for families looking for something to do. The museum features a diverse range of eye-catching items. There isn’t much of an order, but rather a little something for everyone as you go! You will learn about space, minerals, dinosaurs, human biology, and more.
Kids can explore hands-on activities led by museum staff. A few highlights of the Haus der Natur are the reptile zoo, the aquarium, and the fun dinosaur exhibit. The museum also has a good restaurant and cafe.
7. Discover Mozart’s Hometown
Salzburg is deeply connected to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart because it is his birthplace and where he spent much of his early life. Born in 1756, Mozart’s legacy is woven into the city’s very cultural fabric!
The music, life, and works of the child prodigy are celebrated throughout Salzburg, making it a prime destination for classical music enthusiasts and history lovers. While kids might initially groan at how boring the idea of a Mozart-themed attraction could be, you’d be surprised how interesting these are:
- Mozart’s Birthplace — Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse is a house museum showcasing his childhood home. On a tour, you’ll see the composer’s original instruments, portraits, and personal items. It’s an essential stop if you want to learn about Mozart’s early life and musical beginnings.
- Mozart’s Residence — Located on Makartplatz, this Salzburg museum is inside the impressive home that Mozart owned after coming to fame. The museum presents the composer’s family life, personal artifacts, and historical documents. It provides insight into Mozart’s career and time in Salzburg.
- Music & Mozart Walking Tour — Combine historic sites connected to the composer with a variety of the main attractions in Old Town. You will enjoy a 2- to 3-hour walking tour through Altstadt learning about Mozart’s early life and his far-reaching influence. This tour includes a coffee stop along the way.
- Mozart Dinner Theater — If you have older kids who appreciate classical music, this dinner might be for you. Spend the evening at St. Peter Cathedral watching performances of classical musicians and opera singers dressed in period attire like you’ve traveled back to the 1700s! In between songs, you’ll enjoy a candle-lit 3-course meal of traditional dishes.
8. See a Children’s Opera in Salzburg with Kids
I know, I know… opera with kids? But stay with me. Salzburg’s rich musical history and modern-day celebrations make it a wonderful place to enhance your children’s (and your own) appreciation for this art form.
Salzburg hosts several world-renowned music festivals. The main feature is the six-week-long Salzburg Festival that starts in mid-July. It includes a Children’s Opera, but get your tickets early!
My children were a bit skeptical, especially because the performance was in German. But they truly loved it and even laughed at the appropriate parts! The superior quality of the singing and the physicality of the acting made it a magical experience for all of us. It was a big plus that it lasted only an hour.
Seeing the Salzburg locals in their finery was almost just as fun! Men and boys sported lederhosen and the women and girls looked beautiful in their dirndls.
9. Visit the Marionette Theater
If you aren’t able to attend the official Children’s Opera, the Salzburg Marionette Theater is another lovely experience. Since 1913, this theater has delighted audiences with its beautifully crafted marionettes. For kids who probably have never seen traditional puppet theater, it’s a magical experience! However, this show isn’t just for kids.
The Salzburg Marionette Theater is famous for shows like “The Sound of Music” and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” You will be blown away by the detailed sets and costumes. Each performance features a live orchestra and singers making it truly special for all ages.
For something a bit more casual, there’s also the Marionette Museum at Hohensalzburg Fortress. Here, you can check out a fantastic collection of marionettes. It’s a great supplement to the marionette theater because you’ll see the same puppets used in some of the theater’s most popular shows!
Keep in mind that this is a very small theater (you can get through it in less than 20 minutes). While it’s free, you’ll need to first gain admission to the fortress to visit the Marionette Museum.
Note: While Hohensalzburg Fortress provides a fabulous vantage point over the city that’s worth the 20-minute climb or quick funicular ride, I don’t think it’s a crime to skip this particular activity – especially if you have others on your itinerary!
10. Relax at a Beer Garden
You might be saying, “WAIT, I thought this was the Best FAMILY Things To Do in Salzburg!” Yes, but in Austria, beer gardens ARE for the whole family! The food is great, the vibes are relaxed and friendly, and locals mix easily with tourists.
We loved the 400-year-old Augustiner Bräu Mülln. It’s an inexpensive, local beer hall. This is the traditional way to end the day in Salzburg: over some delicious schnitzel, pretzels, brats, and beer (for the grownups). Prost!
11. Shop Along Getreidegasse
When traveling, shopping days are ideal for something a bit more casual. No rules, no schedule. Shopping streets like Getreidagasse in Altstadt are perfect for this.
This is one of Salzburg’s oldest streets, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. It was originally known for its role as a trade route and has evolved over the centuries into the busy, historic shopping district it is today.
Getreidegasse is famous for its charming blend of old-world charm and modern boutiques. Lined with beautifully preserved medieval buildings, each one houses different shops, from high-end fashion stores to local boutiques. Stores are selling Austrian clothing, handmade crafts, high-end labels, and (of course) Mozart-themed souvenirs.
As you walk, look up! A unique touch to Getreidegasse is the medieval-style wrought-iron guild signs hanging above each shop (even McDonald’s!). This is also where you’ll find Mozart’s Birthplace Museum. At the end of the street, the 14th-century St. Blasius Catholic Church adds even more historic charm.
12. Play at Volksgarten Park
Salzburg doesn’t have a ton of playgrounds, and sometimes you just need to let the kids loose. When that time comes, take them to Volksgarten Park, just south of Altstadt along the Salzach River.
Throughout the year, this is an absolutely beautiful green space that attracts both locals and visitors. You might see people jogging along the defined paths, having picnics on the grass, playing volleyball, or enjoying the playground at the north end of the park.
In the winter, it’s lovely covered in snow. And Volksgarten Park is the annual location of Salzburg’s Winterfest, an outstanding circus production (if you like Cirque du Soleil, you’ll like this). During the summer months, the park hosts live music performances and food trucks, as well as the European Street Food Festival.
13. Hike Up Kapuzinerberg
If it’s a nice day and you’re looking for more outdoor activities to do in Salzburg with kids, consider a hike to the top of Kapuzinerberg. The hike up this steep hill is considered challenging, so be ready for a workout!
If you’re a family of avid hikers, you could do the entire 3.6-mile loop at Kapuzinerberg. It takes about 2 to 3 hours.
The path to the top is paved and lined with benches. Kapuzinerberg is covered in a lush forest and features ruins, an old monastery, and some of the best views of Salzburg, the Salzach River, and the Alps. It’s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy nature in the middle of the city.
14. Take a Boat Trip on the Salzach River
A relaxing and unique way to take in the views of Salzburg is by taking a day cruise along the Salzach River.
It’s a beautiful way to take in the skyline of Old Town, the southern ridge of the Alps, and wave at passers-by from a pedestrian bridge or two. The entire trip takes about 45 minutes and includes narration by your guide, as well as refreshments.
15. Visit the Christmas Markets in Salzburg with Kids
Now, if you’re traveling in Austria (or really Europe in general) during the holiday season, how can you not plan to visit a Christmas market? Salzburg has quite a few, but the most famous one is the Christkindlmarkt on Residenzplatz Square, near the Salzburg Cathedral.
Aside from being an absolutely beautiful, entertaining, and diverse market, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is also thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. Today, this traditional market kicks off festivities near the end of November and runs through New Year’s Day.
It features beautifully decorated market stalls offering crafts, ornaments, and delicious Austrian treats. Make sure to check the market’s events calendar for special programs throughout the season. Families can also enjoy ice skating at Mozartplatz, just a short walk away.
16. The Salt Mines of Hallein
Just south of Salzburg (which means “Salt City”), the salt mines in Hallein are a great stop for families. Everyone dons provided coveralls and boards a little train to descend over 1000 feet down into the mines.
Not surprisingly, salt has played an enormous role in Salzburg’s history, and the tour illuminates much of the intrigue that comes with money and power over the years. The kids will love the slides, originally used by the miners to get down quickly to the levels below.
17. Take a Day Trip to Hallstatt
A great day trip from Salzburg with kids is a visit to Hallstatt. Located about an hour’s drive or train ride from Salzburg, it’s renowned for its lakeside views and fairytale-esque alpine architecture.
Start with a stroll through Hallstatt’s cobbled streets, popping in and out of shops and cafes. A must-see here is the Hallstatt Skywalk, where you’ll take in panoramic views of the village and the lake below.
You can visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest, to learn about the history of salt mining. Or you can rent a boat and go out on Lake Hallstatt to see the stunning mountain lake and village from a different perspective.
In the winter, it’s a popular destination for sledding, skiing, and ice-skating, as well as the village’s magical Christmas market.
If you prefer a guided experience, this half-day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg is excellent. It includes transportation, an informative and friendly guide, and 2.5 hours of free time to explore Hallstatt on your own.
Looking for things to do nearby? Don’t miss things to do in Munich with kids, Prague with kids, and Vienna with kids.
About the author: Julia Slatcher is a professional travel planner at Inspire World Travel. She has traveled extensively her whole life and loves sharing that passion with her husband and two sons. Julia loves nothing more than inspiring others to explore new places.
About the editor: This post was updated by Elizabeth Ramos. She’s a former preschool teacher in Brooklyn, New York who now spends her time writing about early childhood education, travel with kids, and mom life in general. You will usually find her exploring NYC with her partner and daughter or hiking upstate.