Family Fun in Switzerland: A Summer Adventure

Despite its best efforts at marketing itself as a family destination, Switzerland flies under the radar as a place to take your kids in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer months. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, in many minds the very name Switzerland is synonymous with snow or skiing, and getting your head around visiting the Alps in summer can be difficult. Secondly, the rumors are true: it can be costly to dine out, accommodate yourselves, and keep the family in daily ice cream.

However, if you budget and plan well, a trip to Switzerland in summer can be a truly memorable and special experience for the entire family.

It’s Not All Spend, Spend, Spend

Yes, groceries and meals out are likely more expensive than at home, and unless you camp in a less popular area, accommodation will generally cost more than in neighboring European countries. However, if you look closely and think of your total expenditure rather than just the ticket price, you may find great value.

• Kids (up to 16 no less) receive significant discounts or even go free on many attractions and public transport, including the exceptional mountain railways and cable cars.
• In the land of mountains and lakes, there’s one fantastic way to keep the kids active without spending a penny: hiking. Numerous family-friendly hikes are available, such as the Dwarf Trail in Meiringen-Hasliberg and the Liselotte Trail to Männlichen, both in the Bernese Oberland region.

Embrace the humble cheese and bread packed lunch, familiarize yourself with the budget-friendly supermarket lines, and encourage your kids to shift their snacking mentality. Before you know it, your Swiss experience will be seen as an opportunity rather than a cost.

Something for Everyone

Whether you have toddlers or semi-reluctant teenagers, Swiss attractions ensure that every family member will have a memorable experience. Enjoy breathtaking views that nourish the soul and remind you of the importance of family vacations.

The country boasts numerous playgrounds (often conveniently located at mountainous heights), stroller-friendly paths, and charming trains and funiculars—keeping younger children delighted. For older kids, there’s a plethora of activities to choose from, such as:

• Toboggan runs
• Cycle tours
• Zip wires
• Paragliding
• Via ferrata
• Mountain biking

A great starting point is the First cable car at Grindelwald, offering Alpine hikes, a playground with a view, and the chance to descend via the fun Trotti bike.

A Water Baby’s Paradise

Swimming opportunities are often overlooked as a compelling reason to visit Switzerland, but if your family loves water, there are abundant ways to embrace it. Every major town boasts a decent indoor pool, and many outdoor swimming areas feature baby pools, slides, diving boards, and, of course, stunning mountain views.

If natural swimming options appeal to you, Alpine lakes offer invigorating experiences (just ensure your kids are ready for the chilly temperatures!). For strong swimmers, consider floating down the River Aare in Bern or the Rhine in Basel. Lake Geneva also provides beautiful beaches, swimming complexes, and opportunities for paddleboarding, water slides, and picnicking.

In fact, urban swimming is quite popular, allowing city-focused holidays to include plenty of opportunities to jump in and out of natural water in Zurich, Bern, Geneva, and beyond.

The Museums Are Truly Child-Friendly

For a city-centric vacation, Switzerland boasts numerous attractions that make learning fun for children. For football enthusiasts, the Fifa Museum in Zurich offers plenty of interactive exhibits. If you and your kids enjoy cooking and learning about food, Nestlé’s Alimentarium in Vevey features a children’s academy. For sweet lovers, the Funky Chocolate Club in Interlaken offers exciting chocolate-making workshops. Alternatively, travel back in time at the Swiss Open-Air Museum in Ballenberg, or discover the world of transportation at Lucerne’s Swiss Museum of Transport.

Breathe Deep and Be Eco-Friendly

If your children are accustomed to city living, enjoy the refreshing clean air of Switzerland during the summer. You can feel the pollution dissipate, the Vitamin D enrich you, and the general sense of well-being that accompanies a holiday in the great outdoors.

Visiting Switzerland is not only a chance to rejuvenate yourselves but also an opportunity to travel responsibly. Its extensive and well-integrated public transport system means you can easily explore without needing a rental car. Consider family-friendly resorts such as Bettmeralp and Riederalp, where cars are not allowed, promoting an eco-friendly holiday experience.