Graz with Kids: The Best Activities & Tips for Families
What can you discover on a family holiday in Graz?
Graz offers an ideal combination of child-friendly activities, short distances, and diverse experiences for families. From interactive museums and nature adventures to exciting indoor options, there are plenty of opportunities for a successful family outing.
Planning Graz with Kids: How to Create the Perfect Family Outing
The best activities at a glance depending on time, weather, and age
Graz is an ideal destination for trips with children, as many sights and activities are compact and easy to reach. Whether you only have a few hours or are planning a full day, the city offers numerous options for family activities that can be adapted to weather, age, and interests. From spontaneous ideas like “where to go with kids today” to carefully planned day trips with children, Graz makes family planning simple and stress-free.
Quick overview:
- 1 to 2 hours: Schlossberg with the Clock Tower, Graz fairy tale train and Holzpanther-playground
- Half day: Museum visit combined with parks & gardens, e.g. FRida & freD Children's Museum and Augarten
- Full day: Schlossberg with Clock Tower, Herberstein Garden and playground, adventure tour through Graz’s Old Town, or city tour with the electric shuttle and restaurant visit
- Rainy weather: Joanneumsviertel with CoSA – Center of Science Activities and Natural History Museum, FRida & freD Children's Museum or Schlossberg (with fairytale train, 4D cinema and Schlossberg slide)
- Sunny weather: Schlossberg, Eggenberg Palace, city tour with the cabrio bus, or adventure tour through Graz’s Old Town
The Best Excursions with Kids in Graz
These highlights should not be missed
Anyone looking for the best excursion destinations with children in Graz will find a wide variety of exciting options. The city offers both - classic sights and modern adventure worlds specifically designed for families. Whether you are wondering what to do with children or searching for special highlights, Graz provides many opportunities for exciting and unforgettable experiences for kids.
Top highlights:
- Schlossberg with Clock Tower, Graz fairy tale train, Schlossberg slide & 4D cinema
- FRida & freD Children's Museum or Joanneumsviertel with Natural History Museum and CoSA – Center of Science Activities
- Eggenberg Palace Park with playground and peacocks
- Raft trip on the Mur River
- Adventure tour through Graz’s Old Town (Download .pdf)
Discover Graz with Kids – The Right Experience for Every Age
From relaxed outings with toddlers to exciting activities for older children
Graz with Babies & Toddlers
Relaxed excursions and stroller-friendly experiences
For families with small children, Graz offers many opportunities for relaxed outings with babies and toddlers. Many routes are stroller-friendly and lead through parks or quiet areas of the city. Anyone looking for suitable excursion destinations for toddlers or activities with young children will find many easily accessible places in Graz.
Suitable activities with toddlers:
- Playgrounds in the many parks and gardens, for example in Stadtpark, Rosenhain or Hilmteich
- Eggenberg Palace park with playground and peacocks
- Museums, e.g. FRida & freD Children’s Museum
- Stroller-friendly walks – whether through picturesque parks, along the peaceful banks of the Mur River, or on gentle paths through green landscapes: discover our tour tips for relaxed walks with the little ones.
Graz with Children (Ages 6–12)
Adventure, action, and interactive experiences
For older children, Graz offers many exciting opportunities for active and varied days. Whether movement, play, or creative challenges – the city provides numerous options for activities with children. Families looking for new excursion ideas or action-packed experiences will find suitable offers here for every age.
Popular activities with older children:
- Climbing parks, high ropes courses & trampoline parks – for example, the very popular Graz Climbing Forest at Hilmteich, the City Adventure Center, and the BLOC House Graz bouldering hall
- The 5 most beautiful family hikes – Schöckl, Hilmteich, Lustbühel, Thalersee & more
- Mini golf and disc golf – for example, mini golf at Adventure Minigolf in Center West or Miniaturgolf Geidorf. A freely accessible disc golf course can be found at Graz Rosenhain.
- Museums, e.g. CoSA – Center of Science Activities, Salon Stolz, Natural History Museum, and many more.
Indoor Activities for Kids in Graz
The best Ideas for rainy days or hot weather
Even in bad weather or during the summer midday heat, Graz offers a wide range of indoor activities for children. From interactive museums to exciting indoor experiences, there are plenty of opportunities for family-friendly entertainment indoors. Whether you are specifically looking for an indoor playground in Graz or exciting indoor activities with children, families will find many great options here - even for spontaneous plans when wondering what to do with kids today.
Top indoor activities:
- FRida & freD Children’s Museum – with numerous special themes for children of different age groups
- Joanneumsviertel with the Natural History Museum and CoSA – Center of Science Activities
- Salon Stolz – where music can not only be heard, but experienced in many surprising ways
- Styrian Armoury – the world’s most important historical weapons collection
- Schell Collection – opens the fascinating world of locks and keys
- Graz Museum Schlossberg – the history of Schlossberg and its importance for Graz. TIP: Reach Schlossberg comfortably via the Schlossberg funicular or Schlossberg lift!
- The Slide – Schlossberg slide & The Flight Graz 4D adventure cinema inside Graz’s Schlossberg
- Graz cinemas – year-round current films, adventure, excitement, and fun
- Escape rooms – e.g. CoSA_Escape in the historic show mine at CoSA – Center of Science Activities
- Swimming pools – when the “summer in the city” gets too hot, visit Graz’s Auster with its children’s area
- Botanical Garden
- Folk Life Museum
- The "Haus der Spiele" at Karmeliterhof offers indoor fun and games
Outdoor Activities with Kids in Graz
Experience nature and stay active together
For sunny days, Graz offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities with children. The city combines natural experiences with diverse leisure options and is ideal for active families. Whether you prefer walks, hikes, or playground adventures, Graz provides many family excursion destinations where movement and nature take center stage.
Popular outdoor experiences:
- Lustbühel Castle – The area around Lustbühel Castle offers a playground, animals, and even an observatory, making it a fantastic family destination for combining nature, play, and discovery.
- Eggenberg Palace Park – Families can enjoy a relaxed stroll through the spacious park, perfect for strollers and peaceful walks. Children especially love spotting the colorful peacocks.
- Hilmteich with Climbing Forest – A favorite for active families, combining lakeside relaxation with climbing adventures in the popular rope park.
- Rosenhain with Disc Golf – Ideal for families looking for a fun and sporty outdoor challenge in a green setting.
- Schöckl Mountain – One of Graz’s top family destinations with the “Hexenexpress” summer toboggan run, nature adventure trail, motor skills parkour, and climbing park.
- Rettenbachklamm Hiking Trail – A fascinating nature hike where children can observe wildlife and discover what “crawls and flies” in the natural world.
- Botanical Garden – A wonderful place to experience how nature can also be “captured,” showcasing diverse plants and green worlds in an engaging way.
- Numerous parks and gardens – Graz offers many green spaces perfect for playground visits, picnics, outdoor games, or simply enjoying nature together.
The Most Beautiful Playgrounds in Graz
Where children can play and let off steam
Playgrounds are among the most popular children’s attractions nearby, and Graz offers a large number of them. Whether centrally located or set in peaceful green spaces, a suitable playground in Graz is usually never far away.
Recommendations
- Holzpanther-playground at Schlossberg
- Augarten - playground, skatepark & Augarten Bay
- Stadtpark & Burggarten
- Volksgarten - playground, skatepark, park
- Eggenberg Palace Park
- Hilmteich & Rosenhain
- Playground at Kapistran-Pieller-Platz (Neutorgasse/Franciscan Church)
- Playground at "Am Eisernen Tor"
Free Activities with Kids in Graz
Family experiences without a big budget
Even without a large budget, Graz offers many opportunities for varied excursions with children. Numerous family outing ideas can be enjoyed for free – from playgrounds and parks to nature adventures. This makes Graz an ideal destination for families looking for affordable or free family-friendly excursion options.
Free highlights:
- Explore Schlossberg on foot and enjoy the panoramic view over Graz
- Stroll through Graz’s Old Town and cross the Mur Island
- Admire the Glockenspiel at Glockenspielplatz – it plays daily at 11 am, 3 pm & 6 pm
- Ride through the city center on the Graz Old Town tram
- Marvel at the illuminated Kunsthaus – Graz’s “Friendly Alien” – at night
- Run up and down the double spiral staircase – the artistic twin spiral staircase in Graz Castle
- Visit the Priesterseminar courtyard and see the snowman that never melts
- Enjoy a picnic in Augarten or Stadtpark
- Adventure tour through Graz’s city center – pick up the free children’s city map at the Tourist Information Office (Herrengasse 16)
- STADT.OASE at Kinderfreundehaus (Schlossergasse 4/Tummelplatz) – for kids aged 8 to 13 to spend afternoons or Saturdays; free entry without registration
- Playgrounds throughout the city
- Parks & gardens such as Augarten or Stadtpark
- Stadtparkinfo (Paulustorgasse 19) – interactive exhibition about the animal and plant world of Stadtpark
- Walk through Rettenbachklamm
- Stroll around Hilmteich and enjoy nature
- Explore Rosenhain
- City Library (Maria-Stromberger-Gasse 2): Reading lounge with children’s area and internet access
- Styrian State Library (Kalchberggasse 2): Reading lounge with children’s area and internet access
Family-Friendly Dining in Graz
Enjoyment for Young and Old
After an eventful day, breaks and shared meals are an essential part of the experience. Graz offers many family activities where family-friendly dining also plays an important role. Many restaurants and cafés are well prepared for families and provide a relaxed atmosphere for a successful outing with children.
Recommendations:
- Martin Auer Children's Café at Tummelplatz
- Knirpscafé
- Mangolds Restaurant & Café
- Zur Steirerstub’n
- Main Square food stands (Hauptplatz-Standln)
- Ice cream parlors in Sporgasse
Events & Children’s Programs in Graz
Experiences for the whole family
In addition to classic sights, Graz also regularly offers events for children and diverse programs for families. Anyone wondering where to go with kids today will find many options in Graz’s event calendar – from theater and workshops to seasonal events. The wide range of children’s programs in Graz ensures that there is always something new to discover, even on repeat visits.
Typical offers:
- Next Liberty Graz – theatre for kids and young people in Graz
- Theatre "Knopftheater" in the museum for children "Frida&Fred"
- A major highlight for kids is also the Graz Kasperltheater at Orpheumsgasse 8 – featuring funny scenes from the exciting life of Kasperl and his friends.
- Numerous museums regularly offer workshops, guided tours, and interactive programs – including many especially for children.
Shopping in Graz with Kids
Family-friendly shopping tips, short distances, and relaxed experiences for young and old
- The Spielzeugschachtel in the heart of Graz: A small but charming toy store with a large selection, located at Schmiedgasse 16.
- At Tausendschön (Stubenberggasse 9), you’ll find tasteful toys and children’s room accessories as well as beautiful baby and toddler clothing in muted colors – all lovingly selected in Scandinavian style.
- Mamiladen Graz (Belgiergasse 2) is the go-to shop for pregnant women, moms, and children, offering personalized advice.
- Spielzeugwelt Graz (Gleisdorfergasse 5) offers a wide selection of toys for all ages.
- At Büchersegler (Mariahilferplatz 5), parents and children will discover an extensive range of children’s and young adult books.
- Popolini (Albrechtgasse 9) – a specialty children’s store with breastfeeding and changing facilities as well as a play corner.
- Children’s book department at the very popular local Moser Bookstore (Am Eisernen Tor 1).
Graz in Winter with Kids
Special experiences during the cold season
Even during the colder months, Graz is an attractive destination for outings with children. Especially around Advent season, the city offers many family-friendly experiences that are perfect for a winter holiday with kids. This makes Graz a diverse and exciting destination for family excursions even in winter.
Highlights:
- Advent market at Hauptplatz or the Children’s Advent Market in Kleine Neutorgasse
- The 35-ton ice nativity scene with life-sized nativity figures
- Advent train through the city center
- Graz Winter World with ice skating rink
Graz with Kids
The Best Photo Spots for a Family Holiday in Graz
Top 5 photo spots in Graz for the ultimate souvenir photo – recommended by “Einer schreit immer”:
- Graz Snowman in the courtyard of the Priesterseminar (Bürgergasse 2)
- Kastner & Öhler department store – by the window near the elevator, offering a beautiful view of Graz’s Clock Tower
- Double spiral staircase in Graz Castle
- Haller shop window (Herrengasse 23) – not only during Advent, but one of Graz’s most photographed shop windows
- Graz Cathedral and Mausoleum – the staircase to the mausoleum and its massive portals are not only impressive, but also fantastic photo backdrops
Book your family holiday in Graz now
Frequently Asked Questions About Graz with Kids
Graz offers a wide variety of excursions with children, from indoor activities to nature experiences. Whether spontaneous or carefully planned, the city is an ideal destination for family outing ideas and diverse family time.
Among the top highlights for families in Graz is Schlossberg with its fairytale train, indoor slide (40 seconds of fast-paced sliding fun right through the mountain!), 4D cinema “The Flight Graz”, and the Graz Museum Schlossberg. There are several ways to reach Schlossberg:
- The glass Schlossberg lift – with a fascinating view inside Schlossberg itself. Once at the top, it’s only a one-minute walk to the Clock Tower.
- The Schlossberg funicular – a cable railway that takes visitors up Schlossberg in just a few minutes. From the mountain station, it’s about a 10-minute barrier-free walk to the Clock Tower.
- On foot – You can also reach Schlossberg quickly by walking: either directly via the Schlossberg trail with 260 steps (starting at Schlossbergplatz), or more comfortably from Wickenburggasse or Karmeliterplatz.
The coolest museums in Graz for kids:
- FRida & freD Children’s Museum in Augarten – Augarten is a green oasis in the heart of Graz, located directly on the Mur River and ideal for families. The Augarten Bay with its pebble beach is a popular place to relax and play, with an excellent playground.
- CoSA – Center of Science Activities
- Natural History Museum in Joanneumsviertel
- Botanical Garden
Families looking for relaxation and green spaces will love Eggenberg Palace Park. Children especially enjoy the freely roaming peacocks throughout the park – it’s nearly impossible not to encounter them! With a little luck, one may even display its magnificent feathers. A visit to the playground makes the trip especially perfect for younger children, and on hot summer days, there is plenty of shade. Those interested can also tour the palace interior and step back into history.
A true summer highlight in Graz for the whole family is a raft trip on the Mur River! It offers a completely new perspective on the city – relaxing, slow-paced, and with a touch of adventure. Tours can be booked directly with Flösserei. The raft departs from Puchsteg near Graz City Beach. The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Children of all ages are welcome, and safety is well covered: life jackets are provided for all young passengers.
Hotel tip: JUFA Hotel Graz City – Centrally located near the main train station, this hotel offers family rooms, a play area with climbing castle, bouldering wall, and table football. Ideal for families who want to explore the city.
Among Graz’s most popular playgrounds are: the Holzpanther playground at Schlossberg, the playgrounds in Stadtpark and Burggarten, at Kapistran-Pieller-Platz, in Volksgarten, and in Augarten. Slightly outside the city center, highly recommended destinations include Eggenberg Palace Park, Hilmteich, the Botanical Garden, Rosenhain, and an excursion to Lustbühel Castle with its playground and animals.
Many restaurants and cafés in Graz are family-friendly and offer dedicated children’s menus, play corners, or high chairs. Particularly recommended are: Martin Auer Children’s Café at Tummelplatz, Mangolds Restaurant, Restaurant Zur Steirerstub’n, the Hauptplatz food stands – Styrian-style “fast food” with sausages and more – or Graz’s famous “ice cream mile” in Sporgasse.
Most of Graz’s sights and parks are very easy to reach on foot, including with a stroller. Public transportation is family-friendly, and many bus and tram lines provide space for strollers. Tip: Explore Graz comfortably with the Graz Card for 24, 48, or 72 hours using buses, trains, and trams while enjoying free access to numerous attractions. You also benefit from additional discounts at museums and sights. With each Graz Card, 2 children under 15 enjoy all benefits for free.
A fantastic variety of theater and musical performances for children is offered by Next Liberty Graz and the Knopftheater at Graz’s FRida & freD Children’s Museum.
The 10 best indoor activities for families in Graz during bad weather:
- Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus Graz) – the world’s most significant historical weapons collection
- FRida & freD Children’s Museum
- CoSA – Center of Science Activities
- Graz Museum Schlossberg – discover everything about the history of Graz’s Schlossberg
- Schlossberg Slide | The Slide Graz – the world’s longest indoor slide
- The Flight Graz 4D – the adventure cinema in the Clock Tower Casemate
- Botanical Garden – an architectural gem on the grounds of the University of Graz
- Auster | Sports and Wellness Pool
- Cinema visit – Graz’s cinemas offer year-round fun and excitement
- Shopping in Graz’s city center – special shopping tips for children and families can be found on the children’s city map (available at the Graz Region Tourist Information Office, Herrengasse 16)