Super cool family experiences in the Zillertal
If family adventures had a favorite place, it would almost certainly be the Zillertal. Here, alpine wilderness meets relaxed family vibes so effortlessly that parents can truly unwind while kids enjoy every moment. Stunning landscapes, safe trails, real mountain experiences, action and relaxation all in the perfect mix.
Picture this: racing down into the valley on a mountain scooter, hiking along panoramic trails, splashing into the thermal baths on a rainy day, or feeding alpacas with the peaks as your backdrop. No two days are ever the same, because the Zillertal delivers new stories for the family memory jar every single morning.
We’ve discovered five places that show exactly why the Zillertal with kids is the perfect spot for summer – for families who crave genuine experiences and a holiday that lingers long after it’s over.
Gerlosstein: alpaca moments & nature cinema
The alpine paradise of Gerlosstein is a place where nature experiences and animal encounters go hand in hand. Right at the mountain station, fluffy alpacas, goats and rabbits are waiting to win children’s hearts. The family-friendly loop trail passes by play and climbing stations that keep things exciting and opens up to views that feel like a nature cinema.
A favorite for many kids are the giant wooden play structures along the path. Meanwhile, parents can soak in the valley panorama or take a break at a rustic hut serving homemade specialties.
Valley station Gerlossteinbahn, Hainzenberg 561, 6278 Hainzenberg | www.zillertalarena.com
Penken Action Mountain: everything kids love on a single peak
Here, everything comes with a little extra. More views. More thrills. More possibilities. The Penken Action Mountain truly lives up to its name. Taking the gondola up from Mayrhofen brings you straight into a giant adventure playground in the best sense. The FunSportStation Penken features via ferrata climbs, an e-trail course, a motor skills trail, and a spacious playground. And then there are the legendary mountain scooters, perfect for an exhilarating ride back down into the valley.
All of it is framed by a mountain backdrop so stunning you won’t know where to look first. A hit for parents who love action just as much as for kids who want to let off steam. And afterwards, it’s well worth wandering through Mayrhofen, grabbing an ice cream, and soaking up the charm of its little streets.
Valley station address: Penkenbahn, Hauptstraße 472, 6290 Mayrhofen | www.mountopolis.at
Königsleiten: hiking the Jodel Trail in the Zillertal with kids
At over 2,000 meters, you’ll find a playground with a marble run and breathtaking summit views – and right next to it, the famous Jodel Trail. Sound stations, interactive boards and little stories turn this hike into a multi-sensory adventure for the whole family.
Along the way, you’ll meet cows, pass rustic alpine huts, and stop in for steaming Kaiserschmarrn served on wooden plates. The walk back down to the valley becomes a mix of laughter, storytelling, and maybe even a little yodeling.
Valley station address: Dorfbahn Königsleiten, Königsleiten 81, 5742 Wald im Pinzgau | www.zillertalarena.com
Ahorn: playground meets panorama
The Ahorn mountain is a true family favorite with gondola rides, a playground paradise and endless panoramic views. The Ahornbahn takes you comfortably up to around 2,000 meters, straight into an outdoor adventure. From the mountain station, the stroller-friendly GenießerRundWeg begins, leading past scenic viewpoints and down to the Ahornsee and Bachl, where water play and cool refreshment await. Rafting on the pond, spinning water wheels or simply dipping your feet in the clear water – playtime deluxe right in the middle of the mountains. You can find more about it on The Urban Kids in the feature about Ahorn mountain. Read more here.
Valley station address: Ahornbahn Talstation, Ahornstraße 853, 6290 Mayrhofen | www.mountopolis.at
Zillertal Activcard
The Zillertal Activcard is the key to a flexible and varied family holiday. It includes cable car rides up and down the mountains, entry to swimming pools, and the use of public transport throughout the valley. Especially handy for families planning several outings, the card quickly pays for itself after just a few rides. It saves time and makes spontaneous decisions easy.
Almhof Family Resort & SPA: where the whole family feels at home
At the Almhof, kids have one clear plan: try everything. From the pool to the playroom, from the climbing wall to the indoor adventure playground, a quick stop at the petting zoo and then back to the water again. There isn’t a single boring corner here – and the best part is that parents can either join in or simply lean back and relax.
What makes the Almhof truly special is the host family. They’re not hidden away in the background but always present, approachable, and putting their heart into every part of the resort. You can feel that this isn’t just a hotel being run, but a passion project for families.
Our tip: spend the last day of your holiday right at the Almhof. While the kids enjoy every activity one more time, parents can savor a coffee with a view of the valley – along with the wonderful feeling of ending the holiday in exactly the right place.
Almhof Family Resort & SPA, Gerlos 120, 6281 Gerlos | www.familyresort.at
We were invited by Zillertal Tourism to create social media content on site. This article is unpaid and based solely on our own experiences and impressions.
