Family-Friendly Travel in Zürich
Zürich ticks all the family-travel boxes when it comes to order, cleanliness, and safety. It features efficient, reliable transport systems and ubiquitous amenities such as baby-changing facilities and parks with play areas.
Many hotels offer dedicated family or interconnecting rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. In guesthouses and self-catering accommodations, it’s usually no problem to squeeze in a cot or an extra bed.
However, it’s important to note that Zürich can be expensive. A smart money-saving tip is to invest in a Zürich Card, which can be obtained from tourist offices. This card is valid for either 24 or 72 hours, covering second-class public transport throughout the city, short cruises on the lake and the Limmat River, as well as free admission to some museums and discounts at others.
Best Things to Do in Zürich with Babies and Toddlers
Seek out parks and playgrounds
With over 150 playgrounds dotted across the city, finding a green space for your toddlers to play is quite easy. A favorite among local parents is the Blatterwiese playground in Zürichhorn, a leafy park on the eastern shore of the Zürichsee. It boasts a large sandpit, multiple slides, and ample swings, along with a splash pool during summer.
In trendy Zürich-West, adjacent to the Im Viadukt food market and shopping area, Josefwiese park provides soccer, pétanque, table tennis, and beach volleyball. This location is also a great spot for people-watching while enjoying a picnic or sunbathing—children will love the playground and the chance to splash around in the water fountains.
Set sail on the Zürichsee
Few experiences are more relaxing than cruising across Lake Zürich. The city’s navigation company operates numerous regular and themed cruises throughout the year, some of which include meals. A delightful option is a cruise to Uffenau Island, located in the upper part of Lake Zurich near Rapperswil-Jona. This island, home to the historic Einsiedeln Monastery and the Church of St. Peter and Paul, is also a nature reserve, featuring stroller-accessible trails. A fun fact for the kids: Uffenau is Switzerland’s largest island.
Best Things to Do in Zürich with Kids and Teens
Marvel at a giant chocolate fountain
Visiting Lindt Home of Chocolate is sure to please any chocolate lover. The highlight of this impressively designed facility is a towering chocolate fountain measuring 9.3 meters (30.5 ft) tall. Guests can delve behind the scenes to learn about chocolate production and even participate in courses to create their own creations. The interactive tour also educates visitors on the historical journey of cocoa from the Atlantic to Europe centuries ago.
Try out your soccer skills
Soccer enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Zürich is home to the official FIFA World Football Museum. The exhibitions cover the game’s history from its origins in the UK to its establishment as a global phenomenon. Hands-on displays, including an eFootball section, allow visitors to test their soccer skills on a giant walk-in pinball field!
Learn about art and geology
Zürich excels at making its museums and galleries engaging for the whole family. At the premier art gallery, Kunsthaus, a free audio guide is offered specifically for children aged 5 to 12 years. Everyone can also enjoy the earthquake simulator at Focus Terra, where interactive displays explain volcano eruptions, the origins of gems, and fossils.
Have a wild night in the zoo
One unique experience is the Nighttime Ramble at Zoo Zürich, where families can stroll through enclosures after sunset. Participants can enjoy meals at the Pantanal restaurant while watching animals from the South American wetlands. Be sure to book ahead, as this popular attraction fills up quickly.
Go for a hike in the hills
Uetliberg is the 869m (2851ft) peak right on Zürich’s doorstep. This destination offers incredible views and trails for hiking, jogging, or mountain biking. The Planetenweg—a 6km (3.7 miles) trail marked by 1:1 billion scale models of the planets—is a perfect family-friendly hike.
An alternate option for a family adventure is the Elefantenbach route, a 7km (4.3 miles) circular hike through a ravine landscape formed 10,000 years ago. The trail is easy to navigate and features a small elephant statue in the middle of the stream.
Planning Tips
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Bicycles can be hired for free through local programs, which have e-bikes, children’s bikes, and trailers available.
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A variety of restaurants serving kid-friendly meals offer healthier vegetarian options, such as the popular chain, tibits.
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If Zürich is your base for further travels, using Swiss Railways provides great value for families. Kids under six travel free, and those aged 6 to 16 can also enjoy free travel with a valid Junior Card.
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Consider exploring resources like Kinder Region for additional family activity ideas in the Zürich area.
