*Updated February 19,2022
Vienna offers a wide range of activities and attractions for kids during the winter season. Here are some options to keep kids entertained and engaged:
Indoor Play Centers: There are numerous indoor play centers in Vienna where kids can burn off energy and have fun. Places like Kinder- und Familienwelt and KinderPark Wien offer various play areas, slides, trampolines, and climbing structures to keep kids entertained regardless of the weather.
Winter Markets: Vienna’s winter markets are an awesome experience for children. Kids can enjoy the wintry but happy atmosphere, explore the stalls selling toys, crafts, and treats, and even take rides on carousels or Ferris wheels. Some of the popular winter markets in Vienna include the ones at Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, and Belvedere Palace.
Museums and Exhibitions: Vienna has several museums and exhibitions catering to children. The Zoom Children’s Museum, located in the MuseumsQuartier, offers interactive exhibits and workshops designed specifically for kids. The Haus der Musik and the Technisches Museum Wien are also great options to engage children with hands-on experiences and interactive displays.
But the kids favorite would be Ice Skating: Vienna offers several places where you can go ice skating, where they can enjoy gliding on the ice. Many rinks offer skating aids or special sessions for children, making it a fun activity for kids of all ages.
Where to Ice Skate in Vienna
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Wiener Eislaufverein (Vienna Ice Skating Association)
Located in the heart of Vienna, the Wiener Eislaufverein is one of the oldest and most famous ice skating rinks in the city. It features a large outdoor ice skating area and is open from November to March.
Address: Lothringerstraße 22, 1030 (Behind Intercon Hotel opposite train station Stadtpark U4)
Rathausplatz Ice Skating
During the winter months, the Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) is transformed into a large ice skating rink, popularly known as the Wiener Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream). It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with a beautiful backdrop of the Vienna City Hall.
Address : Rathausplatz, 1010 (Train station : Rathaus U2)
Engelmann Ice Rink
Engelmann Ice Rink is another popular ice skating venue in Vienna. It offers both indoor and outdoor ice skating options and is open year-round. It’s located in the 17th district of Vienna.
Address : Syringgasse 6-14, 1170 (Tram station : Stefan-Fadinger-Platz Line 1)
Eisring Süd
Located in the 10th district of Vienna, Eisring Süd is an ice skating rink that offers a variety of skating options. It has both indoor and outdoor areas and is open throughout the year.
Address : Windtenstraße 2, 1100 (Train station : Alser Strasse U6)
Albert-Schultz-Eishalle
This is an indoor ice skating arena situated in the 22nd district of Vienna. It provides a spacious and well-maintained ice rink, suitable for skating enthusiasts of all levels. This is also the home of the Vienna Capitals, Austria’s ice hockey team.
Address : Attemsgasse 1, 122 (Train station : Kagran U1)
Die Eisstadthalle
Hall C of the Wiener Stadthalle is a large ice rink where you can enjoy the ice with friends all year round. It is open on certain hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the summer, too. A refreshing break from the heat that is. There are also courses for beginners and advanced skaters you can avail if you want to learn or enhance your skill.
Address: Vogelweidplatz 14, 1150 (Train station : Burggasse U6)
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Skating Aids
While it would be delightful to have penguins as helpers for learning ice skating, in reality, penguins are not available to assist with the process. However, there are some tools that can aid beginners, especially children, in learning how to ice skate. One popular tool is called a “penguin skate aid” or “skating aid.”
A skating aid is a stable, penguin-shaped device that kids can hold onto while they are learning to skate. Nowadays, there are also seal-shaped ones where kids can also sit on while another pushes. Originally, an aid provides kids with balance and support, helping them build confidence on the ice. Skating aids are usually adjustable in height and can be pushed along the ice, giving children a sense of stability as they practice their skating skills. As children gain more confidence and develop their balance and skating abilities, they should gradually reduce their dependence on the aids and start skating independently.
Ice skating is more enjoyable when you do it with friends for several reasons:
Shared Experience: Ice skating with friends creates a shared experience and strengthens your bond. You can laugh together, support each other, and create lasting memories on the ice. It adds an element of fun and camaraderie to the activity.
Motivation and Encouragement: Skating with friends can be motivating. When you see your friends having fun and improving their skills, it encourages you to push yourself and try new things. They can provide support and encouragement, which can boost your confidence on the ice.
Friendly Game: Ice skating with friends can spark a friendly competition. You might challenge each other to races, see who can perform the best tricks, or create fun games on the ice. Games can add excitement and make the experience more engaging.
Learning and Progressing Together: If you and your friends are at similar skill levels, you can learn and progress together. You can share tips, tricks, and techniques, and even help each other overcome any challenges. It creates a supportive learning environment where everyone can improve their skating abilities.
Socializing and Enjoying the Atmosphere: Ice skating rinks often have a lively atmosphere with music playing and people having a good time. Skating with friends allows you to socialize and enjoy the ambiance together. You can take breaks, chat, and have hot beverages or snacks to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Vienna’s ice skating rink in front of the municipal hall specifically has lots of winter markets where you can enjoy crepes, hot chocolate, Glühwein, and other treats. Most of the time, everyone on the rink have fun with the music and it’s a lovely feeling to be skating with everyone regardless of one’s skating ability.
Overall, ice skating with friends adds an element of companionship, excitement, and shared experiences that enhance the fun and enjoyment of the activity.
Ice skating offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being
Cardiovascular Fitness: Ice skating is a great cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart pumping and increases your overall fitness. Skating helps improve your endurance, strengthens your heart muscles, and enhances your lung capacity.
Muscle Strength and Endurance: Ice skating engages various muscle groups, including the legs, core, and glutes. The constant movement and balance required on the ice help strengthen and tone these muscles. Skating also improves muscle endurance as you continuously propel yourself forward.
Balance and Coordination: Maintaining balance on the slippery ice surface challenges your coordination skills. Regular ice skating helps improve your balance, agility, and overall body control. It also enhances proprioception, which is the awareness of your body’s position in space.
Joint Health and Flexibility: Ice skating is a low-impact exercise that puts less stress on your joints compared to activities like running.
Mental Well-being: Engaging in physical activity, including ice skating, releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Skating can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The enjoyment and sense of accomplishment from learning new skating skills can also boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
Social Interaction: Ice skating provides opportunities for socializing and building connections. Whether you skate with friends, join group lessons, or participate in ice sports, it allows for social interaction and can enhance your social well-being.
Fun and Recreation: Lastly, ice skating is a recreational activity that offers pure enjoyment and fun. It allows you to experience the thrill of gliding on ice, trying new moves, and enjoying the winter atmosphere. It can be a source of entertainment and a way to break away from daily routines.
