Phew, the festive chaos is over, but the fun in Vienna is just getting started! This weekend, January 3rd and 4th, we’re heading straight to the glorious, free-for-all Ramba Zamba at the Rathaus – it’s basically a festival for kids jammed into the City Hall. If you need something a bit calmer after all the New Year noise, the KINDERNOPERETTE IN DER KRYPTA looks like a perfect little escape.
Quick Picks
Ramba Zamba
Wiener Rathaus
Massive free play, art, and stage program inside the magnificent City Hall.
KUNST & SPIEL
ZOOM Kindermuseum Wien
The extended 30th-anniversary interactive art exhibition is perfect for hands-on creativity.
KINDEROPERETTE IN DER KRYPTA - DAS TAPFERE SCHNEIDERLEIN
Krypta Der Peterskirche
A short, sweet operetta perfect for shorter attention spans.
Ramba Zamba
This is the big one! WIENXTRA takes over the majestic Rathaus halls with an incredible, free mix of theatre, music, dance, a huge board game/gaming zone, and craft stations. Bring a snack, because you’ll want to stay for hours exploring everything. It’s the perfect way to use up that last bit of holiday energy.
Why we picked it: It's a huge, genuinely free, indoor event happening across both Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of the year.
KUNST & SPIEL
The ZOOM's anniversary exhibition has been extended! Kids get to play with and on art objects, explore caves, and even 'sail' a ship—pure, high-quality hands-on fun. Since it's a limited run until Feb 8th, now's the time to check it out before it's gone.
Why we picked it: This specific interactive exhibition has been extended but is still a limited-time run that rewards creative, older kids.
KINDEROPERETTE IN DER KRYPTA - DAS TAPFERE SCHNEIDERLEIN
A charming, short operetta in the atmospheric crypt of St. Peter's Church—super cute for the little ones who might not last a whole opera. It’s a nice, calm cultural start to the new year.
Why we picked it: It’s a short, dedicated children's performance perfect for introducing toddlers to culture in a unique historical setting.
THE WAR OF THE BUTTONS
A show at the Volksoper that isn't a classic opera—this sounds intriguing for older kids who need a modern story. It runs through June, but getting tickets early for a Jan opening weekend is always smart.
Why we picked it: A contemporary show at a major opera house, potentially more engaging for tweens and teens than traditional fare.
MYTHOS MOZART
Since the holidays are over, sneak in a visit to this immersive Mozart experience where he spent his last year. It’s a fun, modern way for older kids to connect with history without feeling like a stuffy museum trip.
Why we picked it: A chance to visit a historical site focused on a famous figure while the main tourist crowds are a bit thinner post-New Year's.
Wiener Eistraum Opening Weekend (Likely)
The *Wiener Eistraum* often starts around the beginning of the year, so fingers crossed it's open! Skating in front of the Rathaus, surrounded by that incredible architecture, is way better than the usual rinks.
Why we picked it: If it's open, it's *the* iconic early January outdoor activity before the main crowds hit.
New Year's Market at Schönbrunn Palace (Last Chance)
The Christmas Markets morph into New Year's Markets, and Schönbrunn is usually the last one standing until January 6th. Grab some hot punch and look at the palace decorations one last time this season.
Why we picked it: This is a last-chance opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere before all the stalls pack up.
Ramba Zamba
The WIENXTRA fun continues on Sunday! Expect a mixed stage program, an activity area with board games, a crafting station, and a little puppet theatre. It’s so much better than trying to force the kids to be quiet in a normal museum hall.
Why we picked it: It's the same great free event continuing for a second day, perfect for families who missed Saturday.
KINDEROPERETTE IN DER KRYPTA - DAS TAPFERE SCHNEIDERLEIN
Catch the Sunday matinee of 'Das tapfere Schneiderlein' if you missed Saturday. The Crypt setting is wonderfully quirky and feels miles away from the usual theatre scene.
Why we picked it: The Sunday showing of this short children's operetta means no school stress yet—perfect for a leisurely Sunday morning.
KUNST & SPIEL
Hit the ZOOM again on Sunday for their fantastic 'Kunst & Spiel' exhibit if Saturday was too busy. It's a great way to escape the first cold snap and get hands-on with art concepts.
Why we picked it: It's the same highly interactive, limited-run exhibition from Saturday, offering a great rainy-day fallback.
KINO FÜR DIE KLEINSTEN
If your little one is still small, this specific film screening series for 3-6 year olds at Stadtkino is ideal—shorter films in a relaxed environment. Check their schedule for the exact time on Sunday.
Why we picked it: A very specific film screening series tailored *only* for the under-6 crowd, avoiding overwhelming big features.
Wiener Eistraum (Likely)
Lace up for a Sunday skate at the Rathausplatz ice rink. Even if the main trails aren't fully open, the main rink is usually running and is a beautiful spot for family fun.
Why we picked it: It's the best open-air skating venue in the city, offering a truly atmospheric family outing.
New Year's Market at Schönbrunn Palace (Last Chance)
Sunday is your final chance to enjoy the charming crafts and atmosphere at the Schönbrunn New Year's Market before it closes for the year. A lovely, low-key Sunday stroll.
Why we picked it: The final day for the elegant Schönbrunn New Year's Market before it shuts down for the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Vienna this weekend?
The best genuinely free option is the massive Ramba Zamba at the Wiener Rathaus on both Saturday (Jan 3) and Sunday (Jan 4), featuring theatre, games, and crafts. You can also check out the New Year's Market at Schönbrunn Palace (Event IDs 12 & 13) for free entry to the stalls.
Is there anything special for younger kids (under 6)?
Yes, look at KINDEROPERETTE IN DER KRYPTA - DAS TAPFERE SCHNEIDERLEIN (Event IDs 4 & 5) on both days at 11:30 AM, which is a short, age-appropriate operetta. Also, the KINO FÜR DIE KLEINSTEN (Event ID 8) on Sunday at Stadtkino is tailored for 3-6 year olds.
What's a good rainy day indoor activity that isn't a standard museum?
The KUNST & SPIEL interactive exhibition at the ZOOM Kindermuseum Wien (Event IDs 3 & 7) is perfect. It's highly hands-on and specifically designed for kids aged 6-12 to explore creativity.