The Best Summer Family Days Out

Morning: Take the train from Lienz to Innichen: Grab a (rental) bike and explore the East Tirolean section of the Drau Cycle Path, which is the ideal option for leisure cyclists and families . For pure romance and scenic beauty, Wichtel Park (literally ‘Gnome Park’) in Sillian is hard to beat! The forest park offers a natural playground for family adventure under shady trees.

Lunchtime: Back on two wheels, an hour of effortless and scenic riding brings you to Galitzen Gorge. Take a walk like no other, along a well maintained wooden boardwalk at the very edge of the wild stretches of Galitzen River’s whitewater. Marvel at the relentless power and beauty of nature, and see how the deep and narrow Galitzen Gorge was created. Have lunch at the snack bar at the entrance to the gorge. There, you will find an adventure playground, a one of a kind play area that allows kids to create their own play adventure. The creative formula includes stone, wood and plenty of water.

Afternoon: A few more kilometers on the bicycle and you’ll eventually reach the lovely downtown center of East Tirol’s capital Lienz. From there, a gondola speeds you to your Alpine adventure: Hop on a sled and cruise down an exhilarating, twisting, turning track down to Lienz on the spectacular “Osttirodler” Alpine Coaster. Strongly recommended: Parents can relax and enjoy a coffee at Moosalm while the kids can mix and mingle with small animals in the petting zoo.

Evening: After a day bursting of fun and action, immerse yourself in a touch of Italy at Lienz and enjoy al fresco dining at Goldener Fisch Restaurant.

Morning: If you're looking for fun things to do in Pillersee Valley, make sure you visit the Im Pillersee Family Land in St. Jakob in Haus. This is where kids (and adults) of all ages will find something exhilarating to do. It’s fun for the whole family! Attractions include a roller coaster, the Wild Raft, the Pirate’s Cove and the Crocodile Merry-Go-Round.

Lunchtime: Take the bus to Fieberbrunn, which is only four kilometres out of St. Jakob in Haus, and walk to your next destination for about ten minutes, Großlehen Adventure Park and Inn. Refuel with culinary delicacies at the friendly Gasthof Großlehen Inn, focusing on locally sourced, organic veal and beef specialties.

Afternoon: After lunch, adventure awaits in the trees at the amazing Aerial Forest Park. The playground with miniature golf and petting zoo welcomes tiny tots and offers a rich variety of thrilling activities for families just like yours. You can even try your hand at archery.

Evening: On Tuesdays, the “Fieberbrunn Bummelnacht” Strolling Night presents fun opportunities for the entire family, including fire eaters, acrobats, kids games and Tatzi, the Lucky Dragon.

Pillersee Valley is served by several excellent public transit services, linking the five village resorts of the valley and Gasthof Großlehen. Bus transportation and Pillersee Family Land are free to PillerseetalCard holders.

Morning: Scheffau Gondola whisks you up to the sunny SkiWorld Upland Plateau to KaiserWelt: This amazing on-mountain recreation area for families is made up of activities that allow your child to engage in physical activity and feel a sense of accomplishment. Hidden trails and treehouses will keep kids entertained—there’s so much to do, and so much fun doing all of it! And everywhere you go, there are uninterrupted panoramic views of rugged and lofty Wilder Kaiser Range. Embark on a 45-minute walk along family-friendly Alpine Pasture Trail No. 99 to get to a lovely mountain inn on the shores of Lake Jochstubensee.

Lunchtime: “Kaiserschmarren” or Viennese Schnitzel? Pause for a rest and enjoy a delicious meal with local twist at Jochstube Restaurant’s sunlit outdoor patio that is sheltered from the wind.

Afternoon: On Tuesdays, tiny tots can get aboard a tiny sailing boat and feel the wind on their face as they glide across the glistening waters of Lake Jochstubensee. Stroller accessible Alpine Pasture Trail No. 11 has many easy ups and downs and takes you back to KaiserWelt within a 45-minute walk. Ride the gondola back down to the valley and take the free Kaiserjet Hiker’s Shuttle Bus to get to refreshing Kaiserbad Water Park.

Evening: Kaiserbad Water Park delivers a variety of fun amenities along with its stunning setting, including a natural swimming pond, indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and flumes. Andi t is the perfect spot to grab a bite, enveloped by the picture-postcard scenery of Wilder Kaiser.

Kaiserjet Hiker’s Shuttle Bus services are free to Guest Card and SkiWorld Adventure Hiker’s Pass Holders. Wilder Kaiser Region is readily accessible by public transit services.

Morning: Caressing rabbits and mingling with cheeky monkeys? This outstanding animal adventure tour in Erl and Ebbs allows one of a kind encounters! A one hour walk takes you from Erlberg Car Park to a tussock saddle below Kranzhorn Mountain.

Lunchtime: The Alpine Pasture Inn is great for families. Little ones have lunch at the “kids table” right next to the rabbit pen, enjoying delicacies such as the famous, fluffy shredded pancake named “Kaiserschmarren”.

Afternoon: Back down in the valley head for the Endangered Species Zoo in Ebbs, less than nine kilometers from Erl. Stroll above the habitats filled with exotic and endangered species at this wild animal sanctuary that is home to more than 500 animals. Free roaming and cheeky Barbary apes are among the zoo’s top crowd pleasers—and love to make a grab for culinary delicacies!

Evening: Take a walk across fields and meadows to get to Piccolo Restaurant where you’ll draw your perfect summer day out to a close over pizza specialties, al fresco while enjoying views of goats grazing on the adjacent meadow. On Friday evenings, Ebbs Stud Farm, the Leading Haflinger Stud Farm in Austria, hosts spectacular Haflinger horse shows.

Erl and Ebbs are served by several excellent public transit services; taking a taxi is recommended to get to Erlberg Car Park. Discounts and bus tickets at Euro 1.00 are available to Ferienland Card holders.

Morning: From Alpbach, the gondola speeds you to your alpine summer adventure atop Wiedersbergerhorn mountain. The popular Lauser Land is an outstanding on-mountain play and adventure zone that is packed with fun for kids big and small. Children can spend hours roaming about the playground with water wheels, aerial forest and ball track while parents can relax and take a break amid the stunning mountain scenery. A wonderful 4-kilometre panoramic loop trail circles the peak of Wiedersbergerhorn and takes some two hours to complete.

Lunchtime: Next to the top terminal you will find Gasthof Hornboden inn, serving mouth-watering local delights such as Alpbach cheese soup on its ample sunlit patio. Plus, there is a playground with petting zoo.

Afternoon: Once replete and replenished, ride the gondola back down to the valley and take the bus via Brixlegg to Kramsach. History comes alive at the unique Tirol Farmstead Museum. Fourteen relocated heritage buildings, authentic farmhouses from all parts and valleys of Tirol, have been meticulously preserved and restored for future generations to enjoy, adorn the site, all filled with interesting artefacts recreating a bygone era. Step back in time into days gone by – a time of log homes, sawmills, gristmills, blacksmith shops, threshing floors, and chapels. Stroll through the historic one-room schoolhouse and experience life as it was "back then". Special events, educational programs for little ones and guided tours that recreate and preserve the rural heritage of Tirol are held in the warm summer months.

Evening: Dip in for a unique dining experience right next to the Museum - Rohrerhof is an authentic 16th century sun-bleached timbered farmhouse with balconies bedecked with flowers and cosy parlours, serving delectable farmer's dishes. Beautiful and nearby Lake Reintalersee is a perfect spot to spend the evening – it is known as one of the warmest lakes in Tirol.

Alpbach Valley is served by several excellent public transit services. Regional buses, summer gondola, Farmstead Museum and swimming are free to Alpbachtal Card holders (granted with one night spent here).

Morning: Traveling by the historic steam-powered cars of the Zillertal Train is an exceptional way to see the amazingly beautiful Zillertal Valley and to get to Zell. From the village center, a 1.5-kilometer long riverside trail takes you to the local heritage museum named Ental, a rustic farmhouse surrounded by lush green meadows. Having visited this worthwhile museum, the riverside trail brings you back to Zell where you take the hiker’s shuttle bus to get to the base of Zell Gondola.

Lunchtime: Come grab lunch and unwind with a refreshment at Bistro restaurant, conveniently located at the base of the gondola.

Afternoon: Race down the mountain on the Arena Coaster, a state-of-the-art gravitational hybrid of an alpine slide and a roller coaster. Hop on a yellow sled and enjoy a thrilling journey around and through the forest, on a track built to take full advantage of every peak, dip, vertical drop, and turn the mountain has to offer. The screaming fast run is best rounded out with an exhilarating Bag Jump, a bag of air you can jump into with the safety of a soft cushioned landing. The adventure playground next to the base has plenty of activities available for children of all ages. The hiker’s shuttle bus brings you and your family back to Zell to the Freizeitpark Water Park, featuring family fun for all ages—there are amazing outdoor pools with waterslides, jets and flumes, balancing obstacles and climbing structures.

Evening: The historic coal-fired, narrow gauge steam train brings you back to Jenbach Railroad Station.

Zillertal Valley is served by excellent public transit services from Jenbach (Park & Ride).

Morning: The hardy species of this large five-needled European pine, the Swiss Stone Pine, grows at the upper limits of the forests, yields cembra nuts and a resinous exudate. Its wood, strongly impregnated with resin, decays very slowly and is prized for use in the construction of chalets and furniture. Some of the most beautiful areas of this slow-growing tree are to be found around Innsbruck and Hall-Wattens. As you take the easy way up in the Patscherkofel Gondola, the enjoyable 2.5 hour walk along scenic Zirbenweg Trail starts high and stays high—at an elevation of 2,000 metres. And with the trail's gentle ups and down, most hikers young and old will have no problem making the journey.

Lunchtime: Ride the Glungezer Chair Lift down to “Halsmarter” Restaurant and indulge in a traditional home-style meal while the kids can spend some time roaming about the playground. The next family attraction lies just around the corner: The Kugelwald Adventure World.

Afternoon: Watch Swiss Stone Pine wood balls roll into motion through the world’s largest wooden track at Kugelwald, literally “Ball Forest”: Oversized wood balls wind their way down wide, curving tracks with sharp turns, various obstacles, flip gates, and rotating circle gates. Click-clack the balls drop down! And while your tiny tots are romping about the woods and about this wonderful natural playscape, you can immerse myself in tranquillity and relax and chill in these amazing stone pine surroundings, taking in stunning mountain views...

Evening: Afterwards, the chair lift whisks you down to the valley to Tulfes, where you catch a bus to Hall, a beautiful medieval town that grew important on the riches of salt in the Middle Ages. Take a stroll around Austria’s biggest and most beautiful medieval old town and discover the treasures and treats of small town individuality that make Hall so special. Dine like a knight and nobleman in the medieval age at Ritterkuchl Restaurant. For dessert, do as the locals do and head to adjacent “Eisdiele Kasenbacher” ice-cream parlour.

The Zirbenweg Loop Trail Ticket includes bus and gondola rides; there’s excellent public transit services between Tulfes, Hall and Innsbruck.

Morning: Urban meets outdoors in Tirol’s relaxed capital, where Zaha Hadid’s space-age Hungerburg Funicular speeds you from the centre to the Alpine Zoo. With its distinctive mountainside setting on foot of the rugged Nordkette mountain range and with engaging exhibits and irresistible attractions, the wonders of the wild are yours to explore. Peer into habitats of over 2,000 animals native to the area, including ibexes, brown bears, otters, golden eagles and wolves. You’ll find that most animals are in open areas that simulate their natural environments – it’s the visitors who follow enclosed paths within these habitats. Picnic areas with outdoor seating can be found at various locations around the zoo. Little ones will go wild in the one-of-a-kind, nature-themed playground, which features a bear den.

Lunchtime: Enjoy lunch at adjacent Weiherburg restaurant before riding the funicular offering jaw-dropping views of Innsbruck and its mountain environs.

Afternoon: A wonderful 30-minute walk through stands of old-growth forest takes you to the adventure playground at Gramartboden. Adjacent Gramarthof inn is a kid-friendly place that serves delicious, homemade ice creams.

Evening: Walk back to Hungerburg and ride the “J” bus to get to the heart of Innsbruck. The Alpine town is a living treasure house of history and culture. Architectural gems lurk around every corner of the old town. Stroll around the quaint alleys and streets to take in the atmosphere of this magical town, and you will find a host of exciting historical landmarks, parks and gardens, inviting sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and world-class shopping opportunities. Plus, you won’t have to go far for great food. You’ll find a rich variety of dining options, including everything from authentic Tirolean fare over Mediterranean cuisine to Asian delights.

The Hungerburg funicular departs from the downtown centre of Innsbruck and is easily accessible from the city's railway station. Public transportation around Innsbruck, uphill and downhill rides on the funicular and entrance to the Alpine Zoo are free to Innsbruck Card holders. The walk to Gramartboden is stroller and balance bike accessible.

Morning: The gondola speeds you and your kids to your Alpine summer adventure at Mutterer Alm Mountain! Once you reach the top, a “Magic Water” play area, a forest adventure playground, gold panning and geocaching await and promise amazing family fun in the great outdoors.

Lunchtime: Walk back to the gondola’s top terminal and enjoy some tasty treats at “Erlebnisrestaurant Muttereralm”. For more discerning diners, there is the Nockhof Inn at the mid-mountain terminal of Muttereralm Gondola.

Afternoon: For the daring who like a little thrill every now and then, spectacular—and safe—mountain carts are ready to oblige: Hop on a cart and cruise down an exhilarating, twisting, turning track down to the valley and head on over to Lake Natterersee, a splash-worthy watering hole for families, featuring slides, surf bikes and a water trampoline.

Evening: Four kilometres out from the lake, at scenic Nattererboden, you will find a lovely inn of the same name, which is home to an outstanding animal paradise full of colossal surprises to spark kids' imaginations: Roaming sheep, goats, fallow deer, donkeys, ponies, cows, pigs, and even a wild sow love to get attention and pose for pictures. Foodies will love the large and varied wine list and the delectable dishes. A perfect way to round out a perfect day out!

Muttereralm Gondola and Lake Natterersee are served by excellent public transit services; Nattererboden is situated out of Natters (involving a walk across meadows). Child activity programs and swimming at Lake Natterersee are free to Innsbruck-Sellraintal Guest Card holders; discounted gondola rides are available.

Morning: Get aboard the “Bummelbär” slow train to get to the Miners' World in Tarrenz for a look below the surface into Tirol history. See how the mining equipment worked, spot veins of mining treasures and learn about mining characters. A great water playground completes the mining theme.

Lunchtime: For lunch, refuel with fine fare at rustic “Happis Hütte” snack bar, where a petting zoo awaits.

Afternoon: Afterwards, ride the slow train back to Imst and take the hiker’s shuttle bus to Hoch-Imst: Up there, climb into the toboggan-style cars of the a href="https://www.tyrol.com/a-alpine-coaster-imst-1" target="_blank">Alpine Coaster and get ready for the ride of your life! The elevated track winds you down through forest and through more than 3.5 kilometres of turns, dips and twists to the base of the chair lift at Hoch-Imst.

Evening: The adventurous day is rounded out by a tour of Imst, the Town of Fountains. The medieval small town is a charming place full of cobbled streets, steeped in history and character. If you please, you can join one of two Fountain Walks – a delightful, guided tour from one historic fountain to the next. for our guests. Cap off your day with a fine dinner at historic Gasthof Sonne, in a building that was carefully renovated and now stands proudly as a beautiful restaurant.

Imst and Hoch-Imst chairlift are served by excellent public transit services from Imst-Pitztal railwy station. Public transportation is free to Imst Guest Card holders.

Morning: Acherkogelbahn Gondola speeds you to your alpine adventure at Hochoetz Alpine Pasture Region. This beautiful and scenic mountain recreation area at an elevation of 2,023 meters is an awesome spot for family summer adventure. Capture panoramic mountain views and explore the gorgeous interpretive walk that has its trailhead at the gondola’s top terminal: The Widiversum Adventure Land keeps children entertained, while life-sized figures and signage educate them on ten local animal species. After a 30-minute walk you will reach Balbachalm Alpine Pasture Hut, from where a broad path brings you back to the top terminal.

Lunchtime: Dig into a delicious mountain-inspired stir-fry dish, served with a side of spectacular mountain views at Kühtaile Alm, located within a ten minutes’ walk from Acherkogelbahn Gondola’s top terminal.

Afternoon: Ride the gondola back down to the valley – and decide which attraction comes first: Either the swimming pool or the (complimentary) Kids Park in Oetz. The water park features a 50-metre waterslide, jets and flumes for splashtastic fun. The 5,000 square meter Kids Park playground revels in an outstanding design and an all-natural theme and boasts the top trumps of equipment, including a custom-made wooden climbing structure with bridges and ropes. Kids can climb, swoop, slide, swing, build and play to their heart’s content.

Evening: Enjoy locally inspired cuisine set in a casual and charming café atmosphere at Heiner in the village centre of Oetz. Homemade baked goods, hearty lunches and dinner specials are just a few of the treats that await you. Little ones will have a great time romping about their playground.

Oetz is served by excellent public transit services. Public transportation, gondola rides and swimming pool are free to Ötztal Card holders. Special feature of this summer family day out: Once arrived at the base of Acherkogel Gondola, there’s no more transfers needed (except the gondola rides).

Morning: From Zams, ride the Venet gondola atop “Krahberg” mountain, close to the summit of Venet. Up there you will find the trailhead of “Tobi’s Adventure Trail”, a 90-minute walk down to the gondola’s mid-mountain terminal with interactive activities to keep children entertained, from stacking rock cairns over damming waterways to admiring over-life sized wooden animals.

Lunchtime: Refuel with contemporary regional cuisine, crafted from the finest and freshest local ingredients at “Zammer Schmankerlalm” on-mountain restaurant, situated along Tobi’s Adventure Trail. Kids can spend time roaming about the playground while parents can enjoy delectable dishes and refreshments.

Afternoon: Ride the Venet gondola back down to the valley and take a bus to the neighbouring small town of Landeck. Standing sentinel above town, the 13th-century hilltop Landeck Castle is visible from afar. The castle was erected around 1290 to serve as seat of court and administration. Today, the castle is the landmark of town and serves as a local heritage museum and cultural center, bringing to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Little ones will love the exciting treasure hunt of the castle where knights, witches and herb women are explored and treasure stones are to be found.

Evening: Return to Zams and enjoy dinner at historic Gemse Inn, specialising in contemporary Tirolean cuisine. This family friendly restaurant combines warm service with a unique ambiance and each dish is crafted using the freshest local ingredients.

Zams is served by excellent public transit services. Public transportation is free to TirolWest Card holders.

Morning: Ride the Fiss Schönjoch gondola to its mid-mountain terminal, where the Interpretive Animal Trail has its trailhead. This self-guided route has educational signs along the way that contain factual information about the area’s wildlife and takes you to Frommes Alp on-mountain restaurant within a 90-minute walk.

Lunchtime: Experience kestrels and snowy owls as they take flight on the mountain: Learn all about these spectacular birds and marvel at their agility as they brush right past you and fly right above your head at Frommes Alp raptor domain. Moreover, it offers visitors the chance to see beautiful stags and roe deer up close and personal. Pause for a rest, and refuel with culinary delicacies served at the friendly and rustic mountain inn.

Afternoon: After lunch, take a one-hour walk down to the village of Fiss. There, ride the Möseralm gondola up to find your adventure threshold at the Fiss Summer Fun Park. Test your heart rate on the Skyswing with free fall 12 metres. Zoom down the mountain on the “Fisser Flitzer” alpine coaster. You'll find amusement galore here as well, as the park has an area for younger visitors, including tubing, a petting zoo, electric cars, and a playground with exhilarating climbing structures. What better place to be a kid (and an adult) than in this mountain playground where the opportunities for adventure and fun are endless!

Evening: Speed down to the valley surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery on the “Fisser Flitzer” alpine coaster. Next to the bottom of the cable cars in Fiss you will find Hexenalm restaurant, with a menu that appeals to the entire family in a casual atmosphere.

Gondola rides and Möseralm are free to Super.Summer.Card holders.

Morning: Follow the Smugglers' Trail for a walk with a difference. Trailhead is the base of Iselerbahn chairlift in Oberjoch (Allgäu, Germany). Find out along this four-kilometre trail about the smugglers who once smuggled goods between the Austrian-German border and the revenue men who tried to catch them. An exhilarating experience the whole family will enjoy! Having arrived at the top of Wannenjoch chairlift in Schattwald (Tirol, Austria), gaze at the breathtaking vistas of Tannheimertal Valley. Kids will love “Michl's Land”, a playground with lovingly carved wooden figures.

Lunchtime: Fresh mountain air is sure to give you a healthy appetite –pause for a rest, and eat a hearty meal, masterly crafted by the Schindler family and served with stunning mountain views at Jochstadl mountain restaurant next to the Wannenjoch chairlift's top terminal. Feast on “wedding soup”, homemade salami and herbal spirit. The chef’s fine cheeses have even been awarded a medal at the Cheese Olympics.

Afternoon: Ride the chairlift back down to Schattwald and take the hikers' shuttle bus to the base of Iselerbahn chairlift and to the village of Tannheim. There, get aboard the Alpine Express slow train and ride to the Vilsalpsee lake. This amazing nature reserve is an area of awesome natural beauty. A family-friendly one hour walk circles the lake, taking you to the Vilsalpe hut and Berggaicht waterfall. The Alpine Express brings you back to Tannheim.

Evening: An ample playground is located next to the tourist information office in Tannheim. A selection of nearby restaurants offers appetising fare, with many of them featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients.