--- type: magazine_content title: "\"Relaxed\" is relative: Visiting the Belvedere with kids" language: en url: "https://www.belvedere.at/en/stories/relaxed-relative-visiting-belvedere-kids" --- # "Relaxed" is relative: Visiting the Belvedere with kids ![Image](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public/2026-05/177_20191003_Belvedere_BabyMuseum_BV1A1722_FINALS_HR.jpg.webp?itok=Mt8KtGvs) These tips will make your museum visit a success **Category:** Tips [Visit](javascript:void(0);) [Family](javascript:void(0);) **Published:** 07.05.2026 **Reading time:** 3 min read In the past, “free time” might have meant sleeping in, heading out on a whim, and just going with the flow. With kids, the standards shift. Spontaneity suddenly requires planning, and “relaxed” can also mean that in the end, no one cried – neither the overstimulated kids nor the exhausted parents. A museum visit is still possible. Just a little different. And often surprisingly good. **Text:** Lisa Ebner-Kollmann **Photos:** Ouriel Morgensztern / Belvedere, Wien **Reality Check** Especially on weekends or during vacations, the question eventually arises: What to do with all this time? Kids want to be kept busy, they’re curious – and within the four walls of your own home, you often start to feel cooped up faster than you’d think. When, by 7:30 a.m., five board games have already been played, seven craft projects started, and several visits to the imaginary restaurant completed, while the question of the TV or tablet comes up every five minutes, it’s clear: a change of scenery is needed. Our recommendations: Pack the essential snacks for the road and head to the Belvedere. ![Eine blonde Frau und ein blonder Mann sitzen am Boden im Ausstellungsraum des Belvedere 21. Der Mann hat ein Kleinkind auf dem Schoß, während ein zweites auf die Gruppe zugeht. — © Ouriel Morgensztern / Belvedere, Wien](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2026-05/078_20220823_Belvedere21_Babies_0B3A5313_FINALS_HR.jpg.webp?itok=9qg_eelC) **Before the visit: a little planning helps** A few things can be sorted out in advance or on the go, and they make all the difference: Tickets with a specific time slot can be conveniently booked online. This way, you can skip the line at the ticket counter and head straight to the entrance. This is especially worthwhile on weekends or around lunchtime to avoid waiting times. It can also be helpful to take a quick look at the program: Especially for contemporary exhibitions – such as those at Belvedere 21 – it’s worth paying attention to notes on specific themes or depictions that may require explanation for children. ![Ein Kleinkind führt bzw. zieht seine Mutter an der Hand durch den Ausstellungsraum des Belvedere 21. Im Hintergrund sind drei Skulpturen zu sehen. — © Ouriel Morgensztern / Belvedere, Wien](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2026-05/040_20220823_Belvedere21_Babies_BV1A6703_FINALS_HR.jpg.webp?itok=l8IzuUWo) **Viewing art – but how?** Children don’t have to “understand” art to enjoy it. They have an incomparable imagination and a great capacity for enthusiasm for the little things. Often, a shared glance and the right questions are enough. Simply ask your children which piece in this room they particularly like and why. Ask what’s happening in this picture or which detail catches their eye. Spin a story together and gather ideas for their next drawing. This naturally sparks conversations. No pressure, no right or wrong. What your children will take away is a fond memory of a shared adventure and a positive association with museums and art. You’ve laid the most important foundation. The rest will follow naturally. **And if things don’t go perfectly? That’s okay, too.** A museum visit with children rarely goes according to plan. And that’s perfectly fine. **On Site: Less Is More** The most important tip is also the simplest: Don’t try to do too much. With its three locations, the Belvedere offers an extensive and varied program. However, visiting all three museums will most likely mean you’ll hear phrases like “Can you please carry me?”, “I’m tired!” or “How much longer?” more than once. That’s hard on the nerves and probably won’t leave you with only positive memories of the day. Instead, start by choosing a specific exhibition wing and let your children’s interests guide you. In between: plan for breaks. The garden or a stop at the café will help keep the visit enjoyable for everyone. While eating and drinking are not permitted in the exhibition space for safety reasons, there are plenty of quiet spots here to recharge your batteries. And sometimes that’s exactly the moment that sticks with you. ![Eine Mutter zeigt ihrem Kind im Kinderwagen etwas im Schlosspark. Im Hintergrund ist das Barockschloss Oberes Belvedere zu sehen. — © Ouriel Morgensztern / Belvedere, Wien](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2026-05/173_20220825_Belvedere_Babies_0B3A5789_FINALS_HR.jpg.webp?itok=2SHz4mDK) **Good to Know** - Jackets and bags can be checked or stored for free in the coat check or lockers. - Strollers can be taken anywhere or parked in the designated stroller parking areas. - Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition halls. However, you’ll find a café at each of the three locations offering a selection of hot and cold dishes as well as cakes. - For younger children, it may be helpful to agree on brief “distance reminders” in advance – artworks and frames are often closer than you think. - Those looking for more activities or guided experiences will find a wide range of options – from guided tours and workshops to games.