A vacation with children is a special time—filled with adventures, experiences, and shared moments that will be remembered for a long time. But what kind of family vacation is best? What does it take for parents to enjoy a little relaxation while children have the time of their lives? In this article, you’ll find helpful tips for your next family trip, discover the beautiful destination of St. Johann in Salzburg, and also have the chance to win an exclusive prize: a stay at the family-friendly Hotel Gut Berg—including tickets to Erlebnis-Geisterberg!
Table of contents:
- Which type of holiday is best for families?
- A relaxing family holiday—is that possible?
- What can you do with children on holiday?
- Dream destination for families: St. Johann in Salzburg
- Our hotel recommendation: a family holiday at Gut Berg
- Win an unforgettable family holiday in St. Johann!
- What to expect
- Conclusion: A family holiday with Heart and guaranteed adventure
Which type of vacation is best for families?
The perfect holiday with children depends largely on your family’s needs. Here’s an overview of four popular options, each offering different benefits:
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Beach vacation
Ideal for families who don’t want to worry about anything on vacation. All-inclusive resorts offer pools, children’s entertainment, and full-board dining—perfect for relaxing days by the sea or hotel pool.
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City breaks
City trips are exciting for adventurous families with older children. With a centrally located holiday apartment, you can explore sights, parks, and museums flexibly.
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Active vacation
In children’s hotels or family-run accommodations in the mountains, children experience nature up close. Activities such as On the Farm experiences, playgrounds, and family-friendly hikes provide plenty of fun—while childcare gives parents a chance to take a breather.
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Camping holiday
Ideal for adventurous families: Camping offers unspoiled nature, plenty of space, and a genuine outdoor experience. Many campsites are family-friendly, with playgrounds, sanitary facilities, and recreational activities. Perfect for a flexible family vacation in the heart of nature.
Whatever you decide: The best family vacation is one where everyone feels comfortable and creates unforgettable memories together.
Family vacation with relaxation—can it be done?
Many parents know this: a family vacation can quickly become a logistical challenge. To make sure there is also some relaxation, it is worth choosing a suitable hotel or holiday home. Family hotels in particular offer relaxing services such as childcare, wellness areas for parents, and a wide variety of dining options. Family hotels often not only offer different mealtimes to meet children’s individual needs, but also provide the perfect ways to care for babies and toddlers, for example with puréed meals or milk stations.
Another tip: Set realistic expectations.
Those who try to do too much can quickly end up stressed during their vacation. It’s better to plan fewer activities and consciously leave time for play, relaxation, and small shared experiences. Alternating between active days and quieter periods also helps everyone, young and old, stay balanced. Parents should feel free to take some time out without a guilty conscience—with a good book on the balcony of the vacation apartment or a coffee with a view of the mountains.
What to do with children on vacation?
Children want to explore, romp around, and marvel at new things. All the better when the holiday destination offers plenty of variety without requiring you to constantly get in the car. Activities such as easy hikes, encounters with animals, creative play stations, or water adventures make a family holiday truly special. Whether splashing around in the lake, playing mini golf, or exploring nature, the important thing is that everyone has fun. And if, in between, everyone simply plays together in the holiday home, that is just as valuable as a day trip.
Dream destination for families: St. Johann in Salzburg
Located just around 60 kilometers from Salzburg, St. Johann in Salzburg is a charming small town nestled amid the majestic Alps. The region combines nature, adventure, and warm hospitality, making it a true insider tip for family holidays in Austria. Whether in summer or winter, St. Johann offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity.
A true highlight is Ghost Mountain in Alpendorf. After an exciting gondola ride to an altitude of 1,750 meters, families can look forward to an imaginative adventure world with more than 40 play and adventure stations. The nature spirits—fire, water, earth, and air—guide children playfully through the mountain world. From the ghost castle and water play areas to the impressive Ghost Tower with its panoramic views, wonder is a constant companion here. Back in the valley, more highlights await, including a creative miniature golf course featuring regional attractions and a tree course for climbing and balancing.
More information: https://www.josalzburg.com/
Our hotel recommendation: Family vacation at Gut Berg
Amid idyllic nature lies the 4*S Hotel Gut Berg – a retreat for families that perfectly combines comfort, nature experiences, and child-friendly amenities. This nature hotel combines an authentic farm experience with the comfort of an upscale hotel. Children can feed the animals, explore colorful flower meadows, and let off steam on the playground. Meanwhile, parents can relax on the sun terrace or in the small but exquisite wellness area.
The hotel offers spacious family rooms, thoughtful details, and cuisine focused on regional ingredients and enjoyment. With half board, you can start the day well fortified and end it comfortably with a 3-course menu—naturally, with child-friendly options too.
Gut Berg is the ideal starting point for day trips in the surrounding area, such as to Geisterberg or Liechtensteinklamm. A short break is also worthwhile—as families feel at home here from the very first moment.
More information: www.gut-berg.com
Win an unforgettable family vacation in St. Johann!
Now it’s getting really exciting: Together with our hotel partner Gut Berg , we’re giving away a dream family vacation for you and your loved ones. Treat yourself and your family to a few unforgettable days in the beautiful Salzburg Alps, surrounded by nature, fun, and genuine family time. The giveaway runs from April 24, 2025, to May 15, 2025, so take this opportunity to enter and secure this special vacation!
You can find all the information and terms and conditions here:
What to expect:
- 4 days / 3 nights at the 4*S Hotel Gut Berg in St. Johann in Salzburg
- For 2 adults and up to 2 children
- Includes half board with breakfast and an evening menu
- Admission for the whole family to Geisterberg in Alpendorf
Experience over 40 adventure stations together, enjoy the views of the Salzburg Alps, and create lasting memories.
Taking part is easy:
Register with your name and email address—and you’ll automatically enter the giveaway! The winners will be notified by email. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you!
Conclusion: Family vacation with Heart and guaranteed adventure
Whether by the sea, in the city, or in the mountains—the most important part of a family vacation is spending time together. With the right destination and a little planning, a vacation with children can be not only exciting but also relaxing. St. Johann in Salzburg offers the perfect mix for young and old with its combination of nature, adventure, and a lovingly run children’s hotel . And who knows—you might just win this dream vacation?
Good luck!