Best Things to Do in Switzerland With Kids: Bucket List Family Adventures
Switzerland is one of the most family-friendly travel destinations in the world, and it’s a place where kids can be just as entertained as adults. It is a common misconception that Switzerland is all mountains and hard hikes, and while there is lots of both of those - it is sooo much more! There are lakes like Lake Lugano for swimming and Lake Lucerne that is built around lots of shopping and dining. Then of course you can go to the mountain towns of Grindelwald, Wengen or Murren for hikes, walks and other kid friendly activities. There’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Switzerland with kids.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the most insane bucket list experiences to do with kids in Switzerland — from thrilling mountain railways and scenic cable car rides to gentle nature walks and interactive attractions perfect for all ages. Whether you’re planning your first family trip or looking to add new adventures to your itinerary, you’ll find inspiring ideas, practical tips, and age-friendly recommendations designed to make your Swiss vacation truly magical.
1. Glacier Gorge Canyon Walk & Spider Web Net
You walk along this rushing river and halfway through it you come upon the coolest “spiderweb” net you can walk over the river on.
You can walk along the metal walkway that is suspended over the rushing glacier river. Then run onto the large thrilling spider-web tension net that is strung across the gorge. It’s a short easy walk that is perfect for kids and adults with lots of nature sights and fun for a fantastic family-friendly adventure. MAKE SURE TO BRING A WARM JACKET. It was way colder than I expected and it was the middle of summer.
👉🏻 Min age: None, but I held my toddler to go on the net as the spaces were large and his legs could have slipped through the net. This was about an 1-1.5 hours.
You don’t need to book ahead of time, but to get opening times and more information see below!
➡️ Glacier Gorge Canyon Walk Grindelwald
2. Alpine Herdsman “Cow” Playground at Maennlichen
This cow playground at the top of Maennlichen. They have so many different play areas and things to do for kids. We even got to pet a cow on the walk to the playground
The highest and most amazing magical play spot high in the Swiss Alps that kids absolutely adore. It is built around a giant cow structure that kids can climb inside, explore, and slide out of. There is lots of other play equipment like swings, trampolines, and seesaws set against breathtaking mountain views.
⭐️ Read our full review on visiting the best playgrounds in Switzerland.
This playground is iconic for a reason. Take cable car up from Wengen, do the royal walk first. then let the kids play at the playground. You will see cows wondering around the hillside pastures (and we even got to pet them). There is an awesome mountain restaurant to grab snacks or lunch. Then do the Lieosette children’s trail.
👉🏻 Min age: none but 3+ will enjoy it most! We spend most of our day doing this.
You don’t need tickets or to pay to visit the playground but would will need to pay to get to the top of Maennlichen. You can take the cable car directly from Wengen or the gondola from Grindelwald Terminal.
➡️ Alpine Herdsman Playground
3. Flyline at Grindelwald Pfingstegg
Take the cable car above Grindelwald for a summer toboggan run, a calm Fly-Line ride, scenic hikes, fresh mountain air, and stunning views of the Alps and the Grindelwald valley. Then enjoy a thrilling summer toboggan run and a treetop Fly-Line ride that glide you through the forest. There’s also a playground and picnic area, easy hiking trails, and great spots to relax with a meal or grill with panoramic valley views — making Pfingstegg a lively and memorable stop on any family day in the Swiss Alps.
👉🏻 Min age: None. There really is something for kids of all ages. We spent about 4 hours here,
You do not need to book ahead of time. You purchase tickets when you get off the cable car at the top of the mountain. (This is for all activities up here)
➡️ More information on Pfingstegg activities
4. Swimming at Lido San Domenico
You can take a boat from Lugano and get off in Gandria. We then had lunch there at a cliffside restaurant and walked the Olive Tree Path along gorgeous Lake Lugano. This took us to the Lido at San Domenico. They had a snack bar, diving board, and a platform you can swim out to.
👉🏻 Min age: None. This would be tough with a baby because the walk is not stroller friendly but you could skip the walk and go straight there on the boat. Also, It’s not as toddler friendly because the water is pretty deep and there is not a shallow area. My toddler came in the water with a lifejacket for a little but mostly played on land.
You do need to book a time slot ahead of time but we did it the day before without problems and it was peak season (August)
➡️ More Information on Lido San Domenico
5. Rigi Bahn Scenic Old Fashioned Cog Wheel Train Ride
The Vitznau-Rigi Kulm Cogwheel Railway is a must-do Swiss mountain experience that climbs from Lake Lucerne up to the summit of Mount Rigi.
The ride itself is part of the attraction, offering a slow scenic ride with panoramic views of lakes, Alpine peaks, and charming landscapes as you ascend in nostalgic carriages, and it’s an easy way for families to access summit viewpoints, hiking trails, and alpine panoramas without a strenuous climb. You can get the most dramatic, amazing views of Lake Lucerne - without the hike!
👉🏻 Min age: None. It’s a historic train
You don’t need to book ahead but you can
➡️ More information on Mount Rigi
6. Paraglide over Lauterbrunnen
Start in Murren, you do a small hike to the top of the mountain with your gear. Then you take off over the mountains with your instructor connected to you guiding you. You pass over the amazing waterfalls over the course of a 20 minute ride down to the valley floor. We went with Airtimeand had the best experience!
👉🏻Min age: “5” but it actually goes by weight also. In my opinion, 8 would be the youngest I would let my kid do it.
➡️ Book this adventure
7. Grindelwald Glacier Crazy Canyon Swing
Free fall from 90 meters above the gorge waters
Free Fall from a 90 meter platform, that swings out between the narrow gorge walls reaching speeds of 120km. You will see stunning views of the Lütschine river and Alpine peaks all around.
This is well-organized, unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers.
👉🏻 Min age: 14 with parental signature required and max weight of 265 pounds. We did not do this but watched some other people and my 10 year old is begging to as soon as he is old enough
➡️ Book this adventure
8. Hike Mt Rigi Panaroma Trail & Cliff Walk
The top of Mount Rigi
Stunning Views and perfect for all ages and abilities as you can customize which route you take, and there are lots of playgrounds, restaurants, and facilities along the way.
This is filled with stunning views, playgrounds, cowbells, & restaurants along the way. There is cogwheel, train and cable car options to get you to the top . And ton of routes to choose from depending on your kids, ages & abilities. We loved the 8.2 KM Rigi Panorama path & cliff walk.
👉🏻Min Age: All ages could do it but check what
You don’t need tickets to do this, but need to get to the top of Mount Rigi. If you get off the boat at Weggis, it is a 15 minute uphill walk to the cable car. If you get off the boat at Vitznau, the station for the cog-wheel railway is straight in front of you! We took the railway and it was beautiful views and took you right to the top of the mountain where they have restaurants.
➡️ Mount Rigi Information
Tour options:
➡️ From Lucerne: Day trip to Mount Rigi
➡️ Mount Rigi Day Pass
9. Mount St. Salvatore Funicular & Hike!
Hiking to the top of Monte San Salvatore
This was on our way to the church at the way top with panoramic views
Mount St. Salvatore Funicular & Hike! In the Ticino (Italian) region in the South of Switzerland, you’ll find this incredible mountain excursion on Lake Lugano. Once you take the ride to the top, there is a restaurant, playground and other facilities plus the most amazing panoramic views!
The easiest way to get the most beautiful views of Lake Lugano. Take the funicular up and at the top, enjoy refreshments at a restaurant and playground for kids. Then hike down, we did the route to Melide. But you can also do Morcote - the most beautiful village in Switzerland. Then, return by boat or bus back to Lugano.
👉🏻Min Age: My 7 & 10 year olds did great and i saw many others with toddlers in backpacks. It took 2.5 hours of downhill hiking for us (so take that into account).
Don’t need to book tickets to do the hike but need to pay to take the funicular get to the top of the mountain.
➡️ Mount San Salvatore Funicular
Where to stay while visiting Switzerland?
We recommend staying in 2-3 base areas and doing day trips from there. Depending on how much time you have and the ages of your kids can also be a factor of where you should go/stay. You can download our Detailed 10-day Switzerland itinerary. We break down our favorite areas to stay in and why. We personally like to see the bigger cities but not usually stay in them because of prices and space.
1. Wengen/Grindelwald
🛌 Stay: Wengen Apartments or Hotel Regina (Smaller group). (If you are dead-set on staying in Grindelwald instead because you have a car, check out Hotel Spinne Grindelwald or Chalet "Luftschloss (Rental sleeps 8)
2. Lucerne/Vitznau
🛌 Stay: Lucerne - Hotel des Balances (splurge) or Hotel Alexander (In Weggis) or Campus Hotel Hertenstein (both more budget friendly)
3. Lugano
🛌 Stay: Lugano - Lido Seegarden (more of a splurge but on the lake) or Novotel Lugano Paradiso (budget friendly)
FAQ
Q: What are the best months to visit Switzerland with kids?
A: Switzerland is great year-round — summer for outdoor adventures, hiking, and lakes; winter for snowy fun like skiing and sledding. Peak season is summer (June–August), but shoulder seasons can mean fewer crowds and lower prices.
Q: What’s the best way to organize our itinerary with kids?
A: Base your trip around a few hubs like Lucerne, Interlaken, or Zurich and take day trips from there. This reduces packing/unpacking stress and keeps travel days lighter for kids.
Read our post on where we love to stay in Switzerland.
Q: Can we do these activities on a budget?
A: Yes! Switzerland can be expensive, but many outdoor experiences like hiking, playgrounds, or scenic walks are free or low cost. Using public transport passes and planning picnics can also save money. We recommend getting the Swiss travel pass or half fare pass.
Download our full Switzerland Itinerary - with all of our Switzerland tips, places to stay and what kind of travel passes to get.
Q: Do kids need advance reservations for bucket list experiences?
A: Not always — many outdoor activities like scenic walks or playgrounds don’t require booking. However, some rides, tours, or special experiences (like summer toboggan runs or guided tours) may need reservations, so check in advance. You don’t need to book funicular or cable cars rides ahead of time but we usually like to take the first ride of the day and get there early.
