FALL EXCURSIONS WITH KIDS
Fall in Villach - the leaves are falling, the weather is chilly, and many families with children still want to get out and enjoy our beautiful region before the real cold weather sets in. Unfortunately, many of the interesting, educational, and fun excursion destinations that those of us with children know and rely upon – such as the Adventure Monkey Mountain, the Family Playground at Lake Faaker See, or the Familywald at Lake Ossiach – are already heading into their winter break at the beginning of November and will reopen next spring. Others, however, are just about to open for the winter season, like the Villach Christmas Market or the ice rink at the Rathausplatz. So what’s there to do in this shoulder season, to bring kids some fun and interest on these late fall afternoons and weekends? Is anything open?
The short answer is: yes! We here at welcome2villach have done the sorting and calling and searching for you, and have compiled a list of great excursion ideas to help you and your children make the most out of these weeks in late fall!
1. Family Hike Fuchsfaehrte: Though the weather is getting chillier, October and November often have beautiful days that are great for hiking. This easy and super fun walk to Lake Aichwaldsee is appropriate for all ages, and also includes playgrounds. It takes about an hour and is also suitable for strollers.
2. Family Hike Woroun auf der Spur: If your children are already a bit older (8+), this hour and a half circular adventure hike with dragon-themed information stations along the trail is sure to be a hit.
3. Pyramidenkogel: At 100 meters tall, the Pyramidenkogel is the world’s highest wooden observation tower and offers a breathtaking view over Carinthia. For children taller than 1.30 meters – and the young at heart – there’s a special highlight in dry weather: a 120-meter-long spiral slide. Visitors can also look forward to a playground, a restaurant, and, starting November 21st, a charming Advent market.
4. JUMP DOME: Bad weather and energetic kids? Then head to Austria’s largest trampoline park in Klagenfurt! Spanning over 5,000 m², this innovative indoor activity park offers fun and action for all ages – 365 days a year. Advance booking is recommended!
5. Climbing Hall Villach: In addition to the kid-friendly bouldering areas and children’s area with slides, ball pits, and safe climbing areas, this climbing hall also offers climbing classes for children, birthday party packages, and drop-in taster sessions for kids aged 7 and up on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. where you can try it all out.
6. Museum für Volkskultur - The half-hour trip to Spittal an der Drau is totally worth it to check out this interesting and interactive museum where you and your children can learn in a hands-on way about the culture, customs, and geography of Carinthia. Also includes films and multimedia presentations. From November to February the museum is open Mon-Thur 1-4 p.m. (closed on holidays).
7. Terra Mystica - A 68 meter long miner’s slide takes families with children aged 4 and up into the fascinating underground world of mining. Once inside the mountain, visitors can explore the show mines, enjoy impressive multimedia presentations, take a ride on the mining railway, and learn all about the region’s mining history. Guided tours take place every Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
8. Path of the Planets: The newest attraction on the Gerlitzen Alpe invites families on a fascinating journey through our solar system! Along the 2.48-kilometer themed trail on the Kanzelhöhe, visitors can discover exciting facts about the planets through interactive stations and augmented reality (AR). Until November 2nd, the Kanzelbahn cable car takes visitors to the starting point of the tour every weekend and during the autumn holidays, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 12:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternatively, the trail is accessible year-round via the toll road “Gerlitzen Straße” (access via Treffen).
9. Walderlebniswelt Klopeiner See - With more than 80 indoor and outdoor attractions, including playgrounds, slides, slacklines, ziplines, and much much more, this adventure park offers hours of fun for families. Definitely worth the drive! From November - March the park is open Fri-Sun from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on all school vacation days.
10. Stadthalle Villach: During public ice skating sessions, visitors of all ages can enjoy at least two hours a week gliding across the ice and getting into the winter spirit. Exact dates depend on the EC VSV game schedule. Those who prefer a livelier atmosphere shouldn’t miss the popular Ice Disco – held once a month from October through the end of February, where cool beats, colorful lights, and great vibes meet smooth ice.
Several of the day-trip ideas we’ve written about before are also open throughout the fall, so make sure to keep them in mind too! Check out the KärntenTherme Thermal Spa for amazing water fun, KlippKlapp Pony Farm for pony rides and a petting zoo, or the Organic Citrus Garden if you love food and incredibly unique varieties of fruit.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the variety of experiences in the region and beyond makes every autumn day a special adventure for the whole family.