13 best things to do with kids in Switzerland
As the school holidays wear on, it can be a challenge to find new and interesting ways to fill the days when the kids are at home. To help the weeks fly by in a blur of fun and excitement, here are 13 excursion ideas in Switzerland that are perfect for kids.
1. See the most powerful waterfall in Europe at Rheinfall
Seeing the power of nature is awe-inspiring, and that is certainly the case for visitors to Rheinfall. Situated on the border of Canton Zurich and Schaffhausen, the Rhine River plummets 23 metres as it makes its way over the falls, making it the most powerful in Europe.
Little visitors to the falls can enjoy seeing the torrent of water from a series of platforms at Schloss Laufen on the southern side of the falls, from afar on the north side, or get up close and personal on one of the many boat tours that run during the summer. The fun doesn’t end at the waterfall either: right next to the falls is Smilestones Minature World, where you can see Switzerland on a smaller scale.
The 250-metre square diorama features 23.000 miniatures, 700 cars and 120 trains running on 1,3 kilometres of small track - fantastic for a game of I-Spy. This, combined with the majesty of the waterfall, makes for a grand day out.
Image credit: Kinek00 / Shutterstock.com
2. Start your kids on the road to becoming scientists at Technorama
Want to bring out your child’s inner Einstein? Take them to the Swiss Science Centre Technorama! Located just outside the centre of Winterthur in Canton Zurich, it’s hard to find a kid who grew up in Switzerland who hasn’t visited Technorama at least once.
The museum is filled to the brim with interactive exhibits, encouraging both the young and the inner child in us all to learn science through play. They also have several talks and shows to really get the little grey cells pumping.
Video: Michael Rippas photography / YouTube
3. Flumserberg and Rodelbahns in Switzerland
Switching gears from science to adrenaline, Flumserberg in Canton St. Gallen is one of the most accessible ski resorts for the residents of Zurich. In addition, during the summer the mountain is host to a number of great hiking paths and, for the kids, the infamous Floomzer toboggan run (Rodelbahn).
The choose-your-own-speed rollercoaster whizzes you two kilometres downhill from the half station at Chrüz to Tannenboden, affording stunning views of the Alps along the way.
Luckily for those based in other parts of the country, there are many fantastic Rodelbahnen to choose from. Some of the most iconic include the three-kilometre Rodelbahn in Churwalden, Arosa-Lenzerheide (the longest Rodelbahn in Switzerland), the one at Glacier 3000 in Les Diablerets (the highest), the Stuckli Run in Mostelberg and the Coaster Bob on Monte Tamaro.
Video: Splash One / YouTube
4. Discover the stunning Castle Chillon
While Switzerland is home to many a stunning castle, nothing else compares to Castle Chillon on the banks of Lake Geneva. Just down the lake from Montreux, the castle was first built by the House of Savoy in the 11th century to help control the Saint Bernard Pass through the mountains.
The castle’s stunning views, architecture and history led it to become a tourist attraction as early as the 18th century, hosting visitors from Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Victor Hugo to Lord Byron - who, inspired by Chillon’s past as a prison, wrote the Prisoner of Chillon in 1816. Today, it is a must-see for prospective writers, princes and princesses.
5. Slalom the holidays away by going skiing in Switzerland
With the exception of Liechtenstein, Switzerland has the highest proportion of people who know how to ski in the world. Every winter, families and individuals head to the mountains to carve some powder and show off their skills.
Skiing is a great skill to learn and an ideal activity for kids - and has the potential to give parents a well-earned day off: most ski resorts offer services where kids can ski and learn to ski together in groups, allowing you to hit the slopes at your own pace or head to the bar for some non-après ski.
6. Take the plunge in a Swiss lake
Alongside swimming pools, an enjoyable activity during the summer is to head to the lake, pitch your towels and take a dip in the emerald blue waters. As the summer gets into full swing, the temperature in Swiss lakes can exceed 25 degrees celsius, making them an ideal way to cool off during major heatwaves.
With many swimming spots on the lake being free to enter, it can also be an affordable way to spend an afternoon.
Image credit: Plam Petrov / Shutterstock.com
7. Visit the Swiss Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus)
Another must-do for any child growing up in Switzerland is the Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus) near Lucerne. The facility features 3.000 cars, planes and trains from the alpine nation and around the world.
Along with the massive exhibits, the museum boasts its own planetarium, giving you an unbridled look at our universe. Also not to be missed is the giant floor map of Switzerland, where visitors can don slippers and explore the alpine nation from above. It is also home to the largest cinema screen in Switzerland, the IMAX.
Video: Verkehrshaus der Schweiz / YouTube
8. Visit a zoo in Switzerland
Come rain or come shine, a fantastic activity for kids young and old is to visit one of the many zoos located across Swiss cities and cantons. These facilities give your young ones a view of wildlife from Switzerland, Europe and around the world.
Want to channel your inner Attenborough? Find out more by checking out our guide to the top zoos in Switzerland.
9. Cycle through the Swiss countryside
Want to speed your way through the countryside with your kids in tow? Switzerland is blessed with cycle routes designed for all abilities. The routes are well maintained and signposted thanks to the system run by Switzerland Mobility, which has covered the map full of walking, cycling and even kayaking routes.
Top tip: if you want a flatter, easier cycle ride, switch your view on the Switzerland Mobility website to the rollerblading / skating routes. These will always be well-paved, and relatively flat.
Image credit: Michael Derrer Fuchs / Shutterstock.com
10. Take the train to the top of the world at Jungfraujoch
From the most fountains per capita and the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world in Zurich to the world’s first revolving cable car in Titlis, why not indulge yourself in another Swiss record breaker by taking a mountain train up to the highest station in Europe on top of Jungfraujoch.
From there, you are given stunning views of the surrounding landscape at the “top of Europe”, 3.454 metres above sea level.
11. Visit Conny-Land: The largest theme park in Switzerland
While not as large as theme parks in Germany, you don’t have to hop across the border for a small dose of rollercoaster: you can visit Conny-Land, the largest theme park in Switzerland! Opened in Lipperswil, Canton Thurgau in 1983, the three-hectare site is filled to the brim with fun activities and rides that focus on young children.
Catch a show at the Sea Lion enclosures, take a ride on the Cobra rollercoaster or enjoy the suspended suspense of the Mammut tree ride. If you have a couple of young kids to satisfy, Conny-Land goes a long way!
12. Take a trip on a Swiss lake
For a more relaxing change of pace, why not take a boat ride on a Swiss lake or river? Especially during the summer, public transport providers put on regular cruises around the major lakes of the country.
The boats are a great way to get around, affording you great comfort as you watch the world sail by. Many also offer meal services, making them a very luxurious dining experience as well.
13. Delight your palette at the Lindt Home of Chocolate
Finally, what would a list about Switzerland look like without chocolate? Swiss chocolate manufacturers are more than happy to welcome your little ones to sample their treats at factory shops dotted across the country.
The most famous chocolate-related activity has to be the Lindt Chocolate Experience in Kilchberg, Canton Zurich. The factory at the side of Lake Zurich takes you on a journey through chocolate’s history in the world and the alpine nation, giving you plenty of chances to sample the treats along the way.
For French-speaking Switzerland, the Maison Callier Museum in Broc, Canton Fribourg, is a bountiful alternative.
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