Family Friendly places to visit in Switzerland

The most updated version will be at the end of this thread. Please let me know of any additions/corrections...

Thanks Carmen - excellent list!

I don't have kids, but if I did it would be very useful

Mark

You should read throughouly through the list. They are family friendly places but many on there are fun even without kids:-)

Yeah I think I'll have to check out that Bambino Indoor Fun Park - sounds like a blast

What about that big water park thing on the "other" side of the lake - Alpamare - http://www.alpamare.ch

At only 39 francs per adult and 29 for a child 6-16 for a 4 hour stay, and no family ticket it's got to be a fun day out for the whole family!

No seriously - probably a good thing to add for your list ?

I wish someone would compile a list "What to do on a rainy day in and around Zurich (for young adults)" The list should include more than just "Landesmuseum"

Mark

My kids and husband love that place! I hate it...

It's already on the list under SCHWYZ

I've replaced the first post with an updated list:-)

Carmen

Family Friendly Places to Visit in Switzerland

Updated.... September 23, 2008

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Playgrounds throughout Switzerland

http://www.kids.ch

Ausflug-Tipps für aktive Familien!

http://kids.en-force.ch

Ausflugs Tipps

http://www.ausflugstipps.ch

Ausflugziele

http://www.ausflugsziele.ch

Erlebniswelt

http://erlebniswelt.liliput.ch

Castles in Switzerland

http://www.swisscastles.ch

http://www.burgen.ch

Finder for Family Hiking & Biking Routes

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/page.cfm/93753

35 Children Friendly Museums in Switzerland

http://museumslupe.ch

Sleep in the Straw in Barns throughout Switzerland

http://www.abenteuer-stroh.ch

AARGAU

Rolling Rock Inline Skate Park - Aarau

Climbing Walls & Inline Skating.

http://www.rollingrock.ch

Schweizer Kinder Museum - Children's Museum - Baden

http://www.kindermuseum.ch

Lenzburg Castle - Lenzburg

Children's Museum inside and a playground outside.

http://www.schlosslenzburg.ch

Murimoos Organic Farm - Muri

A playground, small pet farm, horseback rides & little cafe.

http://www.murimoos.ch

Wildegg Castle - Wildegg

Indoor Children's Experiential Room and a play area outside.

http://www.musee-suisse.ch/wildegg

BASEL

Dampfbahn - Mini Steam Engine - Psychiatrichen Universitaetsklinik Basel

Mini Steam Engine rides every second Sunday (middle of April through middle of October).

http://www.dampfbahn-basel.ch

Puppenhausmuseum - Doll House Museum - Basel

http://www.puppenhausmuseum.ch

Tierpark Lange Erlen - Basel

Animal Park

http://www.erlen-verein.ch

Zoo - Basel

http://www.zoobasel.ch

Wiesner's Beeriland - Bottmingen

Berry picking in June & July.

http://www.beeriland.ch

Park "Im Grünen" - Münchenstein

Playground, Mini-Golf, Restaurant...

http://www.seegarten-gruen80.ch

Solarbob - Langenbruck (BL)

A rodelbahn (alpine summer sled run) that uses solar energy for the lift.

http://www.solarbob.ch

BERN

Museum of Communication - Bern

This museum has plenty of hands on activities and interactive exhibits.

For stamp buffs, it houses more than 500,000 stamps from all over the

world – one of the largest collections in Switzerland that is open to the public.

http://www.mfk.ch

Zentrum Paul Klee - Bern

Includes a children's museum.

http://www.zpk.org

Zoo Tierpark Dählhölzli - Bern

http://www.tierpark-bern.ch

Ropetech Adventure and Seilpark - Thunplatz in Bern

Children (from school age allowed) under 14 have to be accompanied by an adult.

http://www.ropetech.ch

Reichenbachfall in Meiringen BE

Very nice family friendly town to visit

http://www.meiringen.ch/tourismus

with the water falls where Sherlock Holmes "died"

http://www.reichenbachfall.ch

Seilpark Gantrisch - Rüschegg Heubach BE

Children under 12 have to be accompanied by an adult.

http://www.seilpark.ch

Zoo, Playground & Restaurant - Studen

http://www.seeteufel.ch

Gurten Park im Grünen - above Bern in Wabern

Lots of open space, play areas, kid's train, and restaurant,

kids sledding in winter as well. Good views on the city and the Alps.

http://www.gurtenpark.ch/gurten

Ballenberg Open Air Museum - Brienz

http://www.ballenberg.ch

Brienz Steam Engine Train Ride

Hour long train ride with stunning views and a restaurant at the top.

The bottom station of the railway is just a stones' throw

from Lake Brienz and its boat rides, pedaloes, mini train etc.

http://www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch

Aare Gorge - near Interlaken

http://www.aareschlucht.ch

St. Beatus-Höhlen - near Interlaken

http://www.beatushoehlen.ch

Sensorium - Walkringen

Hands-on experiences for young and old:-)

http://www.sensorium.ch

Fribourg

Charme(y) Aventures - Charmey

5 adventure trails (parcours) in the woods.

http://www.charmeyaventures.ch

Papiliorama Swiss Tropical Gardens - Kerzers

Butterfly / Nocturnal animal place.

http://www.papiorama.ch

Espace Junior - Fribourg

Indoor play park for kids ages 2-12.

TEMPORARY from November 18, 2006 - end of March 2007.

http://www.espacejunior.com/cest-quoi.htm

Geneva

Beaches in Geneva

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000112

City Parks

The town has some great parks with lots to do for children - such

as "Les Eaux Vives" and "Bois de la Bâtie (Bâtie Woods). They both

have paddling pools in the summer and the latter has a free mini-zoo.

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubri...db3d0ec0c9daf1

Espace Junior - Geneva Palexpo

Indoor play park for kids ages 2-12.

TEMPORARY from November 18, 2006 - end of January 2007.

http://www.espacejunior.com/cest-quoi.htm

Excursions by Minitrain - Geneva

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000030

Natural History Museum - Geneva

Free entrance - The largest museum of natural history of Switzerland.

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000479

Swimming Pools in Geneva

http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000384

Yatouland in Vernier-Geneva

Indoor play place for 0-10 year olds

http://www.lasergame.ch/index2.php?a=7&l=1

Summer Bobsledding & Mini Golf - La-Roche-sur-Foron (France)

http://www.larochesurforon.com/engli...sirs/index.htm

Forestland - Divonne-les-Bannes (France)

Just across the border about 20 km from Geneva: great pool,

mini golf, go-carting and "Forestland".

http://www.forestland.net

GRAUBÜNDEN

Pradaschier Rodelbahn & Seilpark - Churwalden GR

The largest Rodelbahn in the world.

http://www.pradaschier.ch

LUZERN

A Place for Us - Luzern

An indoor play area for kids up to the age of 4 - also has playgroups/courses

http://www.aplace4us.ch

Glacier Garden - Luzern

It has a great room of mirrors to walk through.

http://www.gletschergarten.ch

Swiss Transport Museum - Luzern

http://www.verkehrshaus.ch

Lido in Luzern - across from the Transport Museum

An outdoor swim area on the lake with a big playground.

A mini-golf course is nearby.

http://www.lido-luzern.ch

Rigi Mountain - near Luzern

http://www.rigi.ch

Schongliand Amusement Park - Schongau

http://www.schongiland.ch

Pilatus Mountain - near Luzern

Gondola/cograil, metal toboggan run, large playground

and hiking, caves at the top with Dragon stories.

http://www.pilatus.ch

Pilatus Seilpark - Kriens Luzern

Fun for the whole family, 8 years and older.

http://www.pilatus-seilpark.ch

Glasi Hergiswil - Hergiswil near Luzern

Children watch glass being blown and can blow their own glass ball.

http://www.glasi.ch

SCHAFFHAUSEN

Rheinfalls - near Schaffhausen

The largest waterfall in Europe.

You can take a boat ride and there is a playground.

http://www.rhinefalls.com

SCHWYZ

Natur- und Tierpark Goldau

Children can throw food to the bears (who catch it in their mouths),

pet and feed deer. Great playground and restaurant.

http://www.tierpark.ch

Alpamare - Pfäffikon

Indoor Water Park

http://www.alpamare.ch

Sattel Hochstuckli - Sattel

Summer: Roller park, bouncy trampolines, metal toboggan run, chair lifts...

http://www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch

SOLOTHURN

Storchensiedlung Altreu - Stork Colony - Grenchen

It's on the River Aare and you can visit the info center for free.

There are various restaurants in the area and boat trips are also

possible. Lots of storks are in the trees!

Open from April to the end of September.

http://www.witi-schutzzone.ch

ST. GALLEN

Säntispark - Abtwil bei St. Gallen

Waterpark

http://www.saentispark.ch

Abenteurerland Walter Zoo - Gossau

http://www.walterzoo.ch

Sportbahnen Atzmännig - Goldingen

Summer: Playground, trampolines, metal toboggan run...

http://www.atzmaennig.ch

THURGAU

Connyland - Lipperswil

Outdoor amusement theme park.

http://www.connyland.ch

Pferdehändler - Märstetten

Donkey & Pony rides, horse camps...

http://www.pferdehaendler.ch

TICINO

The 3 medieval castles of Bellinzona

http://bellinzona.arounder.com/test/...tles/java.html

Sledding and beginner skiing 14 km from the center of Lugano

http://www.novaggio.ch/Societ%C3%A0/...bmontelema.htm

Alprose Chocolate Museum in Caslano-Lugano

http://www.alprose.ch

Caslano Minigolf

Great little place with minigolf, trampolines and small cars

http://www.minigolfcaslano.ch

Lido di Caslano

Nice small sandy beach on the lake between Ponte Tresa and Lugano

http://www.lidodicaslano.ch

Lama Trekking - Iseo

http://www.lama-trekking.ch.vu

Lido di Lugano

Great place in the summer months with huge fun paddling pool

http://www.lugano.ch/sport/welcome.c...256A45003C16F9

Play Planet in Pregassona-Lugano

Pizzeria & Indoor playground for 0-12 years

http://www.playplanet.it

Swiss Miniatur in Melide-Lugano

An open-air museum with the most important

Swiss buildings and means of transportation.

http://www.swissminiatur.ch

Tassino Park - Lugano

Great park with lots of space, picnic and play areas.

http://tinyurl.com/bz3ml

Zoo al Maglio - Magliaso

The zoo is situated on the banks of the

Magliasina river and is especially suited

for young children since the animals can be petted and fed.

http://www.zooalmaglio.ch

Monte Tamaro

Take the cable car to the top of the mountain - Lots

of activities for children, summer bob sledding, adventure park and

play ground for the youngest

http://www.montetamaro.ch

Lamatreks - Ponte Capriasca

Lama trekking in the mountains for children and families...

http://www.lamatreks.ch

VALAIS

Chez Gaby - Champoussin

Farm, restaurant, horse back riding & adventure park in the woods.

http://www.pointsud.ch

Labyrinthe Aventur Parc - Evionnaz

http://www.labyrinthes.ch

Happyland New - Granges

Minigolf, game rooms & amusement park rides.

http://www.happylandnew.ch

Aquaparc Water Park - Le Bouveret

http://www.aquaparc.ch

Swiss Vapeur Parc - Le Bouveret

Located near the lake not far from Montreux, close to France.

Great fun for the little ones to ride the trains through miniature towns

http://www.swissvapeur.ch

VAUD

Parc Aventure - Aigle

Outdoor adventure park fun for the whole family, 8 years and older.

http://www.parc-aventure.ch

Espace Junior - Aigle

Indoor play park for kids ages 2-12.

http://www.espacejunior.ch

Park Im Grüene Signal de Bougy - Bougy

Located between Lausanne & Nyon.

Large open air park with mini-golf and playground.

http://www.signaldebougy.ch

Château de Gruyères

http://www.chateau-gruyeres.ch

Espace de Inventions Vallee de la Jeunesse - Lausanne

http://www.espace-des-inventions.ch/info.html

Swiss Museum of Games - La Tour-de-Peilz

Located in a castle on Lake Geneva between Montreux and Aigle.

http://www.museedujeu.com

Zoo La Garenne - Le Vaud

http://www.lagarenne.ch

Tobagganing Park - Leysin

Located in the mountains above Aigle.

http://www.tobogganing.ch/en

Billy's Indoor Playplace - Montreux

Ages 7 months to 7 years accompanied by an adult.

http://www.montreux.ch/billys

Payerneland - Payerne

Go-carting, Mini Golf and Indoor play park.

http://www.payerneland.ch

Château de Chillon - Villeneuve

near Montreux

http://www.chillon.ch

Fun Planet - Villeneuve

Located between Montreux & Aigle, it has

arcades, bowling, go-carts, indoor children's playroom...

http://www.funplanet.ch

ZUG

Kids Meeting Point - Baar

Indoor play place for kids ages 1 1/2 to 12

http://www.kidsmeetingpoint.ch/indexie.html

ZURICH

Grüt Farm - Adliswil

Mövenpick Restaurant with Playground & Small zoo

http://www.moevenpick-gastronomy.com...de/Welcome.htm

Bruno Weber Skulpturenpark - Dietikon

Open from April to the end of Ocotber,

every Saturday and the first Sunday of the month.

http://www.bruno-weber.ch

Starbie Indoor Play Park - Dietikon

http://www.starbie.ch

Trampolino Indoor Play Park - Dietikon

http://www.trampolino.info

Milandia - Greifensee

Migros Indoor Adventure Park

http://www.milandia.ch

Minigolf at Gasthof zum Morgenthal Restaurant - Hirzel

http://www.morgenthal.ch/minigolf/index.html

Wildpark Langenberg - Langnau am Albis

Playgrounds, restaurant, great walking paths to view animals...

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/navp...ture-8734.html

Naturzentrum Sihlwald - just after Langnau am Abis

The outside area is open year round. It has a small play area and nice

walks along the Sihl river. The museum and small café/gift shop are open

from about the middle of March until November.

http://www3.stzh.ch/internet/gsz/hom...urzentrum.html

Park Im Grüene - Rüschlikon

Outdoor playground, miniature train rides, puppet shows,

swimming pool, cafeteria...

http://www.parkimgruene.ch

Jucker Farm - Seegräben

They have a cafe, petting zoo, a store selling fresh produce

and homemade food, and a playground.

http://www.juckerfarmart.ch

Kindercity - Volketswil

Indoor educational activities for kids up to age 12.

http://www.kindercity.ch

Planeta Magic - Wädenswil

Indoor Play Park for kids from 1-12 years

http://www.planetamagic.ch

Minigolf at Restaurant Schönegg - Wädenswil

http://www.schoenegg.ch/schoenegg/01...W261010007.asp

Technorama Science Center in Winterthur

Wonderful hands-on activites for ages 4 and up

http://www.technorama.ch

Urania Observatory - Zurich

http://urania.astronomie.ch

Waldhaus Katzensee - Zurich

The perfect family restaurant with a collection of 1-franc

rides out front, a small train to ride, and a playground - all

within view of an outdoor eating area.

http://www.waldhaus-katzensee.ch

Zoo - Zurich

http://www.zoo.ch

Thank you! We will be visiting Zurich and Bern this summer with our 3-yr-old. I've been there many times, but this will be my first visit to Switzerland, where I've had a lovely host family now 17 years, as a mom!

Can anyone advice how to reach the Katzensee by public transport. I see from sbb search that its near to Affoltern, but still looks a good way away to walk by foot to the place.

Also I read Katzenruti is a picnic spot, but cant find where it actually is. Any information will be helpful . thanks.

http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/internet...katzensee.html

Wow, awesome list

Has anyone been to Connyland? If so, would you reccomend it (for 5 year olds)?

PS- You can strike Mystery Park from the list

PPS- You can add Reichenbach Falls in Meiringen (BE), it's a nice place, especially for Sherlock Holmes fans:

http://www.reichenbachfall.ch/

I've been there twice, its a lovely place for families, there are lots of them coming with little kids... a 5 year old would enjoy the place so much. They have a Dolphin show which is fantastic, and a lovely sea lion show, parrot show. Also an acrobatics show and some easy rides for kiddies. All in all a great day out you can easily spend the day there. I would recommend going on weekends as the crowd(not so much) adds to the atmostphere.

Oh and by the way, if you take the train, the change of train from Winterthur mentioned on sbb is not correct. So when you get off at Winterthur, enquire at the info counter about which train to catch.

A fantastic list! Thanks for putting this together, Carmen.

Here's another one for Basel:

Puppenhausmuseum (Doll house museum), Barfüsserplatz

www.puppenhausmuseum.ch

(actually, my mother-in-law currently gets more out of this than my daughter, but that is sure to change in time)

If you check at your local library, they are likely to have a travel guide that is family-or-kids-friendly for Switzerland. I've seen it in the library of little Cham which has only a population of 5,000.

I've just posted my most updated version together with ones

posted here:-)

This is a fantastic Thread but judging by the number of people who ask about places to go, it is probably far too hard to find.

Being packed with information, but containing little discussion, the words which one might search for are simply not present in the Thread. I've put in two tags - has anyone ideas for more or better ones?

It might also be better in Day Trips instead of Family Matters if some kind Mod is looking for extra work.

In this Introductions thread (!?!) there are a few ideas for thing to do in the

Lausanne area .

THis is a fab list, thank you Carmen

I would also like to suggest a day trip to Baden, which has a beautiful pedestrianised old city, an old wooden bridge and museum. Best of all, between the old bridge and new bridge is a huge playground for kids. A great free day out.

i have found a blog which lists loads of cool things to do with the kids in the summer.....from petting zoos to castles and sleeping in peoples barns

a fab find so wanted to share with all,it has a list of all areas in switzerland so applies to all as i have only been here 3 weeks its good to find things like this

http://radio.javaranch.com/balajidl/...596271863.html

have a fab weekend!

Although this is just over the border from Basel in Lorrach, I can strongly recommend Oki Doki... my 6 year old son adores it there! You can reach it easily from the end of the number 6 tram route in Riehen.

www.okidoki-loerrach.de