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 Germany’s southern border, it offers history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a variety of kid-friendly attractions. Many are surprised by how much there is 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.

Outdoor activities are nearby, and seasonal options 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.

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Is Salzburg, Austria a Good Destination for Kids?

Yes, Salzburg is an excellent destination for families with kids of all ages. The city had more than 8.27 million visitors during the 2024/2025 season. Salzburg offers a mix of free outdoor spaces like Mirabell Gardens, hands-on museums like the Toy Museum and Haus der Natur, iconic Sound of Music locations, the Hellbrunn trick fountains, and the Salzburg Zoo, all within a compact, walkable old town. One full day covers the highlights; two days let you enjoy them properly.

What to Do in Salzburg with Kids

Picture it: Salzburg’s old town winds around a scenic river, with a pretty castle on a hilltop. Gorgeous gardens, delicious food, and a fun vibe, too! 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

Today, some of Salzburg’s main attractions 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 set 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 best known as the setting of the Von Trapp mansion in “The Sound of Music,” where some of the movie’s most iconic scenes were 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!

General admission tickets include self-guided audio tours (in a dozen languages, including English) of the fountains and the palace, plus 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 visiting 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 to use strollers and give kids plenty of room to move. Plus, it’s free to visit and open 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 shows how 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. Entire rooms let your kids climb, build, and explore. I recommend this stop for families with children ages 2 to 10. You could easily play here for 2 or 3 hours.

NOTE: When you enter the building, no street shoes are allowed. Unless you like walking barefoot in public spaces, I suggest bringing socks!

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 the little ones 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 in Salzburg on cold or rainy days 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; instead, you’ll find 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. Highlights include 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!

Salzburg celebrates the music, life, and works of the child prodigy throughout the city, 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:

1. 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.
2. Mozart’s Residence — Located on Makartplatz, this Salzburg museum is in the impressive home Mozart owned after becoming famous. The museum presents the composer’s family life, personal artifacts, and historical documents. It provides insight into Mozart’s career and time in Salzburg.
3. Music & Mozart Walking Tour — Combine historic sites connected to the composer with a variety of Old Town’s main attractions. 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.
4. 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! Between songs, you’ll enjoy a candlelit 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 Salzburg Festival, which 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 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 can’t 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 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 sell 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!). You’ll also find Mozart’s Birthplace Museum here. 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 many 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.

Year-round, this beautiful green space 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). In the summer, 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 in Salzburg with kids, consider hiking 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 2-3 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 city.

14. Take a Boat Trip on the Salzach River

A relaxing, unique way to take in Salzburg’s views is a day cruise along the Salzach River.

It’s a beautiful way to take in the Old Town skyline, 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. 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 1300 feet 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 salt-mining history. 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 a great option. It includes transportation, an informative and friendly guide, and 2.5 hours of free time to explore Hallstatt on your own.

How to Plan 1 or 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids

One day is enough to hit the highlights, and two days let you breathe and actually enjoy them. Here’s a simple way to think about it.

• One day in Salzburg with kids: Start at Mirabell Gardens (free, central, and magical). Walk to Getreidegasse to see Mozart’s Birthplace from the outside and browse the shops. Grab lunch in Altstadt, then head to Hellbrunn Palace for the trick fountains in the afternoon.
• Two days in Salzburg with kids: Use day one for the city center (Mirabell, Getreidegasse, a Mozart site, and a beer garden dinner). Reserve day two for the outlying attractions: Hellbrunn Palace and the Salzburg Zoo are next to each other, so they pair well. Add the Toy Museum if you have younger kids or it’s a rainy afternoon.
• Bonus day: If you have a third day, take a day trip to Hallstatt or the Salt Mines of Hallein. Both are easy drives from the city and well worth it.

Free vs. Paid: What’s Free in Salzburg with Kids

Salzburg can feel pricey, but plenty of things cost nothing. Mirabell Gardens is completely free and open year-round. The Sound of Music filming locations in the old town, including the cemetery at Petersfriedhof and the walk along Getreidegasse, are free to explore. Volksgarten Park is free. The Kapuzinerberg hike is free.

Paid highlights worth the splurge: Hellbrunn Palace trick fountain tours, the Salzburg Zoo, the Toy Museum, and the Natural History Museum (Haus der Natur) are all ticketed but reasonably priced for families. The Sound of Music tour is a paid guided experience, but you can hit most of the same locations on your own for nothing.

Tip: The Salzburg Card covers public transport plus free or discounted entry to most major museums and attractions. If you’re staying more than one day and plan to visit several paid sites, it’s worth doing the math.

Best Salzburg Attractions by Age Group

Not every stop works for every age, so here’s a quick cheat sheet.

• Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5): Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Zoo (especially the petting zoo), Volksgarten Park playground, Hallstatt boat rental.
• Elementary school kids (ages 6-10): Hellbrunn trick fountains, Toy Museum, Haus der Natur (aquarium, reptile zoo, dinosaurs), Getreidegasse shopping, Salt Mines of Hallein (slides!).
• Tweens and teens (ages 11+): Kapuzinerberg hike, Mozart’s Birthplace or Residence, Marionette Theater, Sound of Music tour, Salzburg Festspiele Children’s Opera, Hallstatt Skywalk.
• All ages: Mirabell Gardens, beer garden dinner, Getreidegasse stroll, Salzburg Christmas Markets, boat trip on the Salzach River.

Key Takeaways

• Hellbrunn trick fountains: bring a full change of clothes for everyone.
• Mirabell Gardens: free, open year-round, central in Altstadt.
• Toy Museum: best for ages 2-10; no street shoes allowed.
• Salzburg Zoo is small (1-2 hours) but has lions, rhinos, and a petting zoo.
• Two days cover the city; add Hallstatt or Salt Mines on day three.
• Free highlights: Mirabell Gardens, Petersfriedhof, Kapuzinerberg hike.
• Salzburg Card covers transport and discounts at major paid attractions.

Is Salzburg a good place to visit with kids?

Salzburg is one of Europe’s best family destinations. It combines free attractions (Mirabell Gardens, Volksgarten Park, Sound of Music filming locations) with excellent paid options (Hellbrunn trick fountains, Salzburg Zoo, Toy Museum). The old town is compact and walkable, making it easy to navigate with children of any age.

What should you not miss in Salzburg with kids?

Top must-sees for families in Salzburg include the Hellbrunn trick fountains (bring a change of clothes; everyone gets wet), Mirabell Gardens (free and central), the Toy Museum (ideal for ages 2-10), and the Salzburg Zoo next to Hellbrunn. If you’re visiting in winter, the Christkindlmarkt on Residenzplatz is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets.

Are 2 days enough for Salzburg with kids?

Two days is a comfortable amount of time for Salzburg with kids. Day one works well for the city center: Mirabell Gardens, Getreidegasse, a Mozart site, and a beer garden dinner. Day two pairs Hellbrunn Palace and the Salzburg Zoo, which are right next to each other. A third day opens up day trips to Hallstatt or the Salt Mines of Hallein.

What are free things to do in Salzburg with kids?

Several of Salzburg’s best family attractions are completely free. Mirabell Gardens is open year-round at no cost. The Sound of Music filming locations in the old town, including Petersfriedhof cemetery, are free to visit. Volksgarten Park has a playground and is free. The Kapuzinerberg hike is also free and offers some of the best city views.

What is the Hellbrunn trick fountain tour like for kids?

The Hellbrunn trick fountains are a highlight for kids in Salzburg. Built centuries ago for an Archbishop with a mischievous sense of humor, the fountains are engineered to surprise visitors with unexpected jets of water. General admission includes a self-guided audio tour of the fountains, the palace, and the Folklore Museum. Bring a change of clothes: children will get wet.

What age is the Salzburg Toy Museum best for?

The Salzburg Toy Museum (Spielzeug Museum) is best for children between ages 2 and 10. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, climb, build, and play with vintage toys. Families can easily spend 2-3 hours there. One practical note: no street shoes are allowed inside, so bring socks.

Is the Salzburg Zoo worth visiting with kids?

Yes, the Salzburg Zoo is well worth a visit, especially if you’re already heading to Hellbrunn Palace since they’re right next to each other. It’s a smaller zoo; plan on 1-2 hours, but the natural habitats are beautiful, and the animal roster is impressive for the size: snow leopards, lemurs, alpacas, lions, rhinos, and brown bears. The petting zoo is a big hit with younger kids. For an extra fee, they also offer guided zoo safaris and a seasonal Night Zoo experience. Just be aware that all signage is in German.

Do you need to take a guided Sound of Music tour in Salzburg?

You don’t need a guided tour to enjoy the Sound of Music filming locations; many of the best spots are free and easy to find on your own. Mirabell Gardens, the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace, and Petersfriedhof cemetery are all accessible without a guide.

That said, a guided Sound of Music tour adds context, fun, and a few locations you might otherwise miss. It’s a little cheesy, but in the best possible way. Either way, watch the movie before you go!

What is the Salzburg Festspiele Children’s Opera like for families?

The Salzburg Festspiele is a six-week festival starting in mid-July, and it includes a dedicated Children’s Opera, one of the most unique things to do in Salzburg with kids.

My kids were skeptical going in, especially since the performance was in German. But they genuinely loved it, laughing at all the right moments.

The singing quality is extraordinary, and the performers’ physicality makes the story clear regardless of language. It runs about an hour, which is the perfect length for kids. Buy tickets early because this one sells out.

Is the Marionette Theater good for kids?

The Salzburg Marionette Theater is a wonderful experience for kids and adults alike. Running since 1913, it features beautifully crafted puppets, detailed sets and costumes, and live orchestral performances. Shows like “The Sound of Music” and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” are perennial favorites.

If you want a lower-key supplement, the Marionette Museum at Hohensalzburg Fortress displays many of the same puppets used in performances and is free, though you’ll need to pay admission to access the fortress.

Is the Salt Mines of Hallein worth a day trip from Salzburg with kids?

Absolutely. The salt mines in Hallein are located just south of Salzburg and make for a fantastic half-day or full-day family outing. Everyone suits up in provided coveralls and boards a little train that descends over 1,000 feet into the mines. The tour covers the history of salt’s massive role in Salzburg’s wealth and culture. The biggest kid-pleaser? The slides, originally used by miners to descend between levels quickly, are now one of the tour’s most memorable parts.

Is Hallstatt worth visiting as a day trip from Salzburg with kids?

Yes, Hallstatt is one of the best day trips from Salzburg with kids and is about an hour’s drive or train ride away. The fairytale alpine architecture and lakeside setting are genuinely stunning. Family highlights include the Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views, the Hallstatt Salt Mine (one of the world’s oldest), and boat rentals on Lake Hallstatt. In winter, sledding, skiing, ice-skating, and the village Christmas market make it equally magical.

If you prefer a guided experience, this half-day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg includes transportation, a great guide, and 2.5 hours of free exploration time.

Looking for things to do nearby? Don’t miss things to do in Munich with kids, Prague with kids, and Vienna with kids.