11 Fun Things to Do in Graz with Friends and Family

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Looking for fun things to do in Graz beyond the usual tourist spots? You’re in the right spot! After living here for 13 years, I’ve collected a list of my favourite things to do in the city that are perfect for fun days with friends or family.

From sliding down the longest indoor slide in the world to trying your luck at an escape room, Graz has plenty of unique activities that make it easy to have a good time.

Whether you’re in the mood for a thrill, a laugh, or something totally different, these ideas will give you a new way to enjoy this city I still love visiting.

Table of Contents

1. Slide Down the Longest Indoor Slide in the World

A steep, twisting metal slide illuminated with blue and purple lights, stretching down inside the Schlossberg tunnel in Graz, Austria. The dramatic view upward emphasizes the slide's towering structure and industrial design against the rough stone walls of the cavern. — The Schlossberg Rutsche

Ready for a thrill? Inside Graz’s Schlossberg, you can take a wild ride down the Schlossberg Rutsche, the longest indoor slide in the world! Starting from a height of 64 meters, this slide sends you spiraling down 170 meters at speeds up to 25 km/h.

It’s a blast, but be warned, between the twists and the length, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart!

Since you’re already there, be sure to visit the Schlossberg and the famous Clock Tower for some of the best views of Graz.

2. Go to a Concert Inside a Mountain

An illuminated tunnel entrance with rock walls leading to the "Dom im Berg" in Graz, Austria. The pathway is lined with metal grating, and the tunnel is lit with warm, inviting lights, guiding visitors deeper into the cave-like structure. — Entrance to the event venue inside the mountain

For a concert experience like no other, head to Dom im Berg, an incredible event venue carved into the heart of the Schlossberg mountain. With its cool underground setting, Dom im Berg hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

Events aren’t held daily, so be sure to check the official website for the latest lineup, just look under “Dom im Berg” in the Locations section to see what’s coming up.

If you catch a show here, it’s definitely one of those Graz experiences you won’t forget!

3. Play Scientist at the Interactive Museum

A museum exhibit featuring a smiling woman in a white lab coat interacting with a medical mannequin in a hospital bed. The background displays a large graphic of a DNA strand and scientific information, giving the scene a futuristic and educational atmosphere. — I played doctor in the museum

When I first walked into CoSa, the Center of Science Activities, I thought it’s mostly for kids. But I was surprised to find some cool exhibits that let adults dive into the role of a scientist, too.

One exhibit had me wearing a lab coat, diagnosing “patients” in hospital beds. I listened to their symptoms, checked heart rates, and analyzed fake blood samples to find out what was wrong. It was a unique and fun experience!

If you’re into museums, check out my post about museums in Graz. I cover the iconic Kunsthaus Graz and Schloss Eggenberg, along with hidden gems like the Lock and Key Museum.

4. Do a Summer Toboggan Run on a Mountain

A first-person perspective from a rider on an alpine coaster, racing down a winding metal track through a lush green forest. The motion blur on the surrounding trees and blue sky creates a sense of speed and exhilaration.

For an adventure in the fresh air just outside Graz, head to Schöckl mountain, a popular half-day trip for locals. You can reach Schöckl by public bus from Jakominiplatz, then either hike up or take the funicular to the top.

Once there, you’ll find beautiful views, fresh mountain air, and, in the summer, a thrilling toboggan run! This seasonal ride lets you zoom down the mountain with plenty of twists and turns. And you can control your own speed.

At the top, there’s also a restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Schöckl is a great spot to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty around Graz!

5. Swim or Kayak in the River

This image shows a bright and sunny day in a park, with lush green grass and people lounging and enjoying the outdoors. In the foreground, vibrant red autumn leaves contrast with the clear blue sky, while further in the background, a river and footbridge can be seen, along with a few people walking or sitting by the water. The mood is peaceful and relaxed, capturing the essence of a pleasant day in the park. A watermark in the bottom-left corner reads "© Austrian Veganderlust." — My favourite park in Graz, Augarten

My favourite park in Graz is Augarten Park. While I usually go there to relax in the sun with a good book, plenty of people go swimming in the refreshing Mur River, even in winter!

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can also rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along the river for a bit of adventure.

6. Do a Scavenger Hunt Through the City

For a fun and unique way to explore Graz, try one of the app-based scavenger hunts that guide you around the city! Everything you need is right on your phone, so you just follow the prompts, head to different locations, and solve riddles along the way.

I did one with friends, and even though I was living in Graz at the time, we ended up discovering some hidden spots we’d never seen before. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Graz with friends.

7. Try to Exit the Room

If you’re up for a challenge, Graz has several “exit the room” escape games with different themes and difficulties. Most offer games in both German and English.

It’s a fun way to test your teamwork and problem-solving skills as you race against the clock to crack codes, solve puzzles, and make your way out.

Escape rooms are a great group activity, and with multiple options around the city, you can keep coming back to try new scenarios!

8. Climb High in the Trees

People participating in a high ropes course among tall trees with autumn foliage in shades of yellow and orange. One person is zip-lining across the forest canopy, while others wait on wooden platforms attached to tree trunks, all wearing safety harnesses and helmets. — Fun for everyone who’s not afraid of heights!

The Kletterwald at Hilmteich is a fantastic spot to climb high among the trees. This Hochseilgarten (high ropes course) offers various obstacles and zip lines that take you through the forest canopy.

I’ll admit, I haven’t tried it myself since I’m not great with heights, but for those who are braver than me, it looks like a lot of fun!

9. Go to a Silent Disco

For a fun night out, check out a silent disco in Graz! They’re held every other month inside the PPC club. You get a pair of headphones and can switch between different music channels, so you’re dancing to your own beat alongside everyone else.

In the summer, silent discos sometimes pop up in the park, which is a whole new experience, dancing outdoors under the stars. It’s one of the fun things to do in Graz at night and makes for a great time with friends.

10. Build Your Own Meal

At a Bausatzlokal, a popular restaurant chain in Graz (especially among students), you get to be the chef by building your own dish. Each location offers a slightly different menu, like waffles, burgers, and pizza everywhere!

You can keep it classic with pizza toppings or go wild with creative options, even gummi bears are available if you’re up for it. It’s a casual spot that’s perfect for a laid-back meal with friends.

I usually go for a pizza without cheese to keep it vegan. And if you’re interested in more vegan spots, check out my guide to vegan Graz for my favourite vegan spots.

11. Have Some Ducks Coffee

A wooden display shelf filled with colorful rubber ducks dressed in various themes, like snowmen and Santa Claus, accompanied by a glass jar labeled "Glücks-Enten" with candies. A lush green plant adds a cozy touch to the setup. — They have cute decoration in the cafe

If you’re in the mood for great coffee head to Ducks Coffeeshop. Known for its playful duck-themed decor, this café has quickly become one of the most popular coffee spots in Graz.

Drinking a coffee out of a cute duck cup just makes it better somehow. They also have some delicious sandwiches. It’s cozy, a bit offbeat, and perfect for a relaxed coffee break with friends, or on your own to soak in the unique vibe.

Final Thoughts: Fun Things to Do in Graz

Graz is full of surprises, from outdoor adventures to quirky indoor experiences that make every visit unforgettable. This city has no shortage of unique activities that are perfect for making memories with friends and family.

If you’re looking for even more alternative ideas, be sure to check out my post on unusual things to do in Graz. It’s packed with hidden gems and unexpected experiences you won’t want to miss!