Hi I was wondering if anyone has visited the Zurich airport observation deck recently? I was reading on a mums and tots blog that its good spot to take children, it has mini planes/helicopters to investigate and a trampoline, the the post was from 2006 so im not sure if its the same anymore, anyone been?
My son loved it. You go through a security area and take a bus through the airport innards.
The mini-helicopter and plane have been replaced by wooden planes on springs and I didn't see any trampolines (in 2009).
There'll be a new all singing and dancing one opening on 1st Dec.
I think I may wait until then, My little boy is obsessed by all things in the sky and id rather wait so everything is done.
Thanks for the tips
The entrance area is now in a cabin just to the south of Terminal 2.
http://www.zurich-airport.com/deskto...spx/tabid-211/
Best time to visit is around lunchtime. Noon to about 14:00 when most of the long range Asian and N. America bound departures take off from runway 16 (during the week) and pass directly in front of the Midfield observation deck. The Singapore A.380 departs just after midday every day of the week.
The old observation deck (in 2008) was fantastic for kids, with cafeĢ, model shop, go-karts, trampolines, real helicopter, aeroplane slide (not real!) plus the usual playground equipment.
The current one is great for plane spotters but not as good for kids. We had a very surreal experience when we (me and my 4 year old) went in 2010, expecting to go straight out onto the deck to play, and found ourselves in a bus packed with middle-aged men with beards and clipboards, driving through the centre of the airport.
Looking forward to the new one in December.
I've been to the new one frequently. However, I find the opening hours a little restrictive on weekends...but nevertheless, it is great fun to watch each and everytime.
We've been to the new one twice with our kids and they loved it. You have to buy tickets (5 CHF/adult, little kids free, and free if you have a boarding pass) and then go through security (kind of a hassle). Then there is a nice deck for watching planes take off and land, and an airport-themed playground. Our kids watched a couple planes and then (surprise, surprise) spent most of the time on the playground. It's a nice thing to do before picking people up at the airport.
I was there last summer with my boys, they really enjoyed it and there is a small cafe inside the area if you want some refreshments. I can't recall the helicopter but there was a miniature plane where they can sit inside. I think there were also some slides. And of course a great viewing deck.
The bus takes you onto the airfield and you get to watch the planes going by right in front of you. I can thoroughly recommend it.