10 Reasons Vienna is One of the Best Cities to Raise a Family

Raising children in a new country can feel overwhelming, but if you’ve landed in Vienna, you’re already one step ahead. With its excellent infrastructure, strong social support, and focus on well-being, Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities—and it’s especially kind to families.

Whether you’re a new parent, navigating school systems, or looking for weekend adventures with your kids, here are 10 reasons Vienna is a wonderful place to raise a family.

1. Plentiful Green Spaces

Vienna is home to over 1,000 parks, big and small. From sprawling spaces like Prater and Augarten to your local Spielplatz around the corner, kids have endless opportunities to play, explore, and connect with nature.

2. Safe, Walkable, and Family-Oriented

Vienna is one of Europe’s safest cities. Streets are clean, neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, and public transport is not only reliable—but also stroller-accessible. Even young kids can begin to navigate the city with confidence.

3. Excellent Public Childcare and Schools

Public Kindergärten and schools are affordable, accessible, and of high quality. Many institutions offer bilingual options, inclusion programs, and a gentle, play-based introduction to learning. Childcare is often subsidized, making it easier for parents to return to work.

4. Free Public Transport for Kids

Children under 15 ride Vienna’s public transportation system for free on Sundays, public holidays, and during school vacations. There are also special monthly or annual cards for students that make commuting affordable for families.

5. High-Quality Healthcare

Austria’s public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage for children and parents alike. Regular pediatric checkups (Mutter-Kind-Pass) are part of preventive care, and emergency services are responsive and well-equipped.

6. Generous Parental Benefits

Austria offers paid maternity and paternity leave, child allowance (Familienbeihilfe), and even monthly financial support until your child turns 18 (or 24 if they continue studying). These policies ease financial stress during early parenting years.

7. Cultural Events and Kid-Friendly Museums

Vienna’s cultural scene isn’t just for adults. From interactive exhibits at Zoom Kindermuseum to workshops at the KunstHausWien, kids are encouraged to engage with art, history, and science in fun, hands-on ways.

8. Diverse and Inclusive Communities

As an international hub, Vienna is home to families from all over the world. Your child will likely grow up surrounded by diverse cultures, languages, and experiences—something that fosters open-mindedness and global thinking.

9. Libraries and Learning Resources

Vienna’s public libraries (Büchereien Wien) are incredibly family-friendly, offering free or affordable memberships, cozy reading corners, and story times in multiple languages.

10. Supportive Networks for Parents

From city-sponsored parenting courses to international communities like NIWA, you’re not alone. There are playgroups, parent cafés, and online forums to help you build your village—even far from home.

Moving to a new country with kids is no small feat—but Vienna truly makes it easier. With its mix of tradition and modernity, structure and creativity, the city offers a nurturing environment not just for children to grow, but for parents to thrive.

Do you have a favorite family-friendly place or tip for parenting in Vienna? Share it with the NIWA community—we’d love to hear from you!

Want more parenting insights from international moms in Austria?
Read our article on raising bilingual children in Austria for helpful tips.