Sightseeing VIENNA WITH THE KIDS Behind the façade of Vienna’s imperial opulence, you might wonder if there is any space left for simple down-to-earth family fun in this city. Thankfully opportunities abound for year-round outdoor entertainment, festivals, concerts, street fairs, as well as museums, theatres and other creative activities where both kids and their parents can feel comfortable and welcome. HAUS DES MEERES (AQUA TERRA ZOO) Featuring more than 10,000 animals, Vienna’s Aqua Terra Zoo occupies one of six massive concrete flak gun towers built by the Nazis shortly before the end of WWII. The huge space is divided between terrariums, aquariums and aviaries. Highlights include the feeding of the sharks and piranhas (Mon at 10:30 & Fri at 15:30) as well as other animals (posted online). Thrillseekers may find a trip up the rock climbing wall on the outside of the flak tower a fun jaunt before viewing the weekly shark dive (Thu at 18:00).QF‑3, Fritz-Grünbaumplatz 1, MNeubaugasse, tel. +43 1 587 14 17, www.hausdes-meeres.at. Open 09:00-18:00; Thu 09:00-21:00. Admission €18,90/8,60. TECHNISCHES MUSEUM WIEN (TECHNICAL MUSEUM) Attention technology geeks: this is your playground! You can use all of your senses and imagination to experience the stages of scientific and technological progress from its inception to the latest cutting-edge achievements. Permanent and special exhibits feature the development of heavy industry, energy production, transportation, communication, musical instruments, computers and a lot more. Special programs for children offer interactive learning, holiday games, and even birthday parties with friends. Trams N°52 or 58 from Westbahnhof.QD‑4, Mariahilferstrasse 212, tel. +43 1 89 99 80, www.technischesmuseum.at. Open 09:00-18:00; Sun, Sat 10:00-18:00. Admission €13, children under 19 free. ZOOM KINDERMUSEUM The ZOOM is Austria’s only museum dedicated to children up to 14 years old. The exposition is divided into four areas - main exhibit, ocean, studio and animated film centre - and is designed to make cultural and scientific information as comprehensible to kids as possible. The focus is on games and play, as well as on sensory cognitive process. Kids are encouraged to ask questions and make things of their own. Teenagers can create animated films or even record their own pop songs. An ideal place for families to spend a stimulating afternoon. QG‑3, Museumsplatz 1, MMuseumsquartier, tel. +43 1 524 79 08, info@kindermuseum.at, www. kindermuseum.at. Open 08:00 - 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Exhibition admission free. 38 Vienna In Your Pocket
RIESENRAD The most recognizable attraction of the Wurstelprater is undoubtedly the iconic Riesenrad, or Ferris wheel at the park’s entrance. Erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph, it ranks among the world’s oldest and largest Ferris wheels, reaching a height of 64.75 meters. The Riesenrad gained international fame through the 1949 classic film, The Third Man when one of the cabins was the scene of a pivotal argument between Orson Welles and Joseph Cotton. A visit to Vienna can hardly be complete without a ride on this historic giant and the breathtaking views from the top.QI‑1, Riesenradplatz 1, MPraterstern, tel. +43 1 729 54 30, www.wienerriesenrad.com. Open 09:00-24:00. Tickets €12/5. SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN This magnificent summer palace of the Habsburg royalty truly embodies the opulence of the Baroque era, from its topiary maze and minutely manicured gardens to the ornately detailed interiors. Several tour packages offer access to the highlights of its 1,441 rooms, which have witnessed imperial births and deaths, the signings of treaties, legendary performances, and a veritable who’s who of European history. A visit to Schönbrunn isn’t complete without a walk around the park grounds; the Tiergarten is the oldest continuously running zoo in the world, and while modest in scale, it boasts a comprehensive feeding schedule and well-designed enclosures. If you’re the more intrepid sort, definitely opt for a hike up the hill to the ornamental Gloriette, where you can refuel with Kaffee and a Kipferl, just like Empress Maria Theresa did more than 250 years ago.QD‑4, Schönbrunner Schlossstr. 47, MSchönbrunn, tel. +43 1 811 132 39, www. schoenbrunn.at. Open April-June & Sept-Oct 08:3017:30, July-Aug 08:30-18:30, Nov-Mar 08:30-17:00. Park open dawn till dusk. Admission €14,20/10,50, Sisi Ticket €29,90/18. Park free. SPANISCHE HOFREITSCHULE (SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL) The oldest riding academy in the world, this fixture in Habsburg imperial history has perpetuated the High School of Classical Horsemanship with their famous white Lippizaner horses for more than 430 years. Performances can be pricey and sell out quickly, so attending a morning exercise (daily Tuesday through Saturday, 09:00-12:00) can be a good alternative, although the showier dressage elements are usually left out.QA‑2, Michaelerplatz 1, MHerrengasse, tel. +43 1 533 90 31, www.srs.at. Visitor centre open Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00, Fri when there is a performance 09:00-19:00. Visitor Centre admission free; show tickets €12-116. STEPHANSDOM Even if you’re in European church overload, this is one cathedral you don’t want to skip. This location has functioned as the religious, cultural and geographic centre of Vienna for more than eight centuries, a history which can vienna.inyourpocket.com